HELM Agro is excited to announce a new biologicals sales team, promoting two internal employees and hiring four new regional sales managers. Establishing a boots-on-the-ground sales presence is the next step in a recent partnership with Alltech Crop Science. As of Oct. 1, HELM Agro exclusively markets, sells and distributes Alltech Crop Science’s biological products in the U.S.
Josh Louder is now the marketing manager for biologicals and specialty products for HELM Agro. He previously served as HELM Agro’s southern regional sales manager. Louder has years of experience working for Koch Agronomic Services and Syngenta in sales roles throughout the South and Upper Midwest.
“I’m thrilled to be able to offer growers and retailers leading agronomic tools for maximizing yield and quality potential using our biological solutions,” says Louder. “I’m excited about the deep knowledge and enthusiasm this new biologicals sales team brings to the table to support growers and retailers across the country.”
Leading the biologicals sales team is Patrick Murphy, who has served as HELM Agro’s western sales representative for the last year. He’s been a licensed pest control advisor (PCA) in California for more than 37 years and brings biologicals expertise from his tenure in the industry. Murphy will continue to support southern California and Arizona.
“The partnership with Alltech Crop Science bridges the gap between traditional chemistries and biological inputs,” says Murphy, who first introduced HELM Agro to Alltech Crop Sciences based on his vast experience in the biological segment. “With our new biologicals sales team, we can offer growers strong expertise, localized support and more freedom of choice in their crop protection needs.”
Joining the team are four new regional sales representatives:
Ryan McCoon enjoys working with growers to develop solutions and new product concepts to grow their operations. He has extensive experience in the agronomy business and was the 2020 National Sales Leader in his most recent role with Ferticell. McCoon previously worked for Corteva and Helena Chemical Company. He covers northern California.
Mark Shannon has 20+ years of sales and specialty crop experience in the Northeast. He brings unique expertise in technology adoption and new product development and testing. Shannon previously worked for IPL Macro and Pathway Biologic. He covers New York, Maryland, New Jersey, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont, Maine and his home state, Pennsylvania.
Todd Villars brings more than 17 years of experience in customer service, vegetable farm management and account support. In his previous role at Nichino America, he worked with large vegetable and citrus growers across Florida and the Southeast. Villars covers Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina and his home state, Florida.
Brad Young received his Master of Science degree in agronomy and soils from Auburn University. He brings a strong background in pest control, biotech research and sales and is passionate about bringing growers cutting-edge technology for a successful business. Prior to joining HELM Agro, Young worked for Nichino America and Dow AgroSciences. He covers Oregon, Washington and his home state, Idaho.
“It’s inspiring to see our growing sales team’s passion for biologicals, innovation and customer support,” says David Schumacher, president, HELM Agro. “This team is perfectly poised to help bring these truly unique biological products to market and help growers fully realize their crops’ genetic potential.”
