Stewart Seeds and Specialty Hybrids have selected Jason Spears as their new general manager. Spears will be an instrumental leader of both teams, ensuring standards of deep relationships, superb service and high quality products, while also preserving the integrity and local focus that each brand prides itself on.
Spears was born and raised in Greensburg, Indiana, approximately 10 minutes away from Stewart Seeds headquarters and two hours from Specialty Hybrids. He started working at Stewart Seeds at the age of 13, detasseling corn.
In 1998, he joined the Stewart team full-time as a seed production manager. Throughout his 17 years supporting the brand and learning every aspect of the job from production to sales, Spears established a reputation as a well-respected leader and regional expert.
In this new position, Spears plans to elevate Stewart Seeds business in Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky, utilizing his unique understanding of the local landscape, existing relationships and deep product knowledge to ensure success for the Stewart team and their customers.
This experience will also serve Spears well as general manager for Specialty Hybrids, a brand that spans Indiana and Michigan. Preparing for his new role, Spears has emphasized the importance of getting to know the brand’s number one asset: the people.
“Long-standing relationships are a part of the Specialty Hybrids heritage,” Spears says. “I’d like to strengthen the relationships I already have, and spend time getting to know the brand’s dealers and customers. I know it will take some time, but it’s important that I understand their needs and see how we can better serve them as partners in their businesses.”
Spears is committed to providing Stewart Seeds and Specialty Hybrids customers the service they deserve and bringing them products that are tailored to their area to maximize yield potential. Spears hopes that business growth and increased awareness will be a natural result of these efforts.
“I have the utmost confidence that Spears will excel as general manager of Stewart Seeds and Specialty Hybrids,” says Dennis Schlott, who is retiring as general manager from Specialty Hybrids and Stewart Seeds. “Jason has seen significant business growth in his 17 years working with Stewart. He has a deep understanding of all that is required to lead the businesses and serve customers in order to continue future growth.”
Spears resides in Greensburg, Ind., with his wife, Melanie, and two sons, Brendan and Blake.
