Eric T. Block
Aviston
Summary
Agricultural professional with deep understanding of farm management and crop production. Proven record of enhancing operational efficiency and driving productivity through strategic planning. Valued for collaborative team leadership and ability to adapt to changing agricultural demands, ensuring reliable results and effective resource management.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
Work History
Plant Manager
Gateway FS
03.2020 - Current
- Oversaw daily plant operations, ensuring adherence to safety and quality standards.
- Implemented process improvements that enhanced production efficiency and reduced downtime.
- Developed and maintained production schedules to meet customer demand effectively.
- Led cross-functional teams to identify and resolve operational challenges in real-time.
- Managed inventory controls, payroll and other clerical records and procedures.
- Maintained all facilities and equipment of this location in the state of repair, appearance,
and image as prescribed by management. - Recruited, trained and mentored staff, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and accountability.
- Collaborated with engineering teams on equipment upgrades to optimize performance and reliability.
- Analyzed production metrics to drive data-informed decision-making for resource allocation.
- Managed vendor relationships to ensure timely delivery of materials essential for production continuity.
- Reduced costs by eliminating materials waste and unnecessary labor hours.
- Directed employees and related programs to maximize team productivity and facility output.
- Provided direction and leadership to all levels of employees and managers.
- Monitored and evaluated plant performance to identify areas for improvement and take corrective measures.
- Balanced labor needs with production schedules to optimize workforce utilization while maintaining output targets.
- Oversaw daily operations of 6 acre agricultural services plant which is the largest facility in the organization.
- Collaborated with sales team to align plant capabilities with customer demands, fostering long-term business relationships.
- Identified and resolved process and equipment issues to minimize production downtime.
Assistant Manager/Chemical shed operator
GATEWAY FS INC.
01.2013 - Current
- The primary role I have fulfilled within this position is a near ground-up development of operations of a new chemical shed and warehouse. These duties include direct interaction with customers, sales assistance, quality control and product segregation/integrity, daily routing, mechanical maintenance and safety, and record keeping. I work closely with salesman and location managers to achieve optimal customer satisfaction while blending as much efficiency as possible. I have charged myself with a continual effort to deplete old or inactive inventory as well as reducing excess active inventory to reduce overhead. Other duties have included overseeing personnel, assistance in all other operational needs, agravance training, and ordering and returns.
Seed Warehouse Operator
GATEWAY FS INC.
01.2008 - 01.2013
- As an employee at Gateway FS I have held and learned many different duties and responsibilities. Initially I began in the precision farming department as a GPS mapping and soil sampling tech and then obtained my custom chemical operator license and fulfilled the role of professional custom chemical applicator for two seasons. In November 2010 I assumed the position of Seed Warehouse Operator. My duties include: pre-season seed treatment for intra-company orders, coordinating logistics of inbound/outbound seed movement, mechanically maintain and update equipment and facility, interact with growers, and maintain accurate inventory with zero shrink. Other duties have included truck driving, warehouse bulk fuel inventory, LP delivery, anhydrous deliveries and refilling of wagons, and introductory skills with agravance.
Environmental Systems Technician
THE MASCHHOFF’S INC.
01.2008 - 07.2008
- As an employee of the Maschhoff’s, I was hired to work on their growing grain farm. My duties were centered primarily around manure application at the home farm in Carlyle, IL and also at a number of farms in Illinois and Missouri. In this position, I learned to pump and apply manure by both dragline injection and tank injection. I was trained to use and repair center pivot irrigators. I operated a variety of equipment, including Case Quad Trac tractors with auto steer and GPS technology, semi trucks with flatbed, detach, and tank trailers, and numerous other farm tractors and equipment. I was also assigned the task of learning how to successfully use Farm Works, a computer-based agricultural planning tool for field planting and management. No previous employee was familiar with the technology, so individually I researched the program and used the technology to compile a plan for planting and managing the home farm.
Assistant Superintendent
CONSOLIDATED GRAIN & BARGE CO.
01.2005 - 04.2007
- While employed with CGB I started as an operation management trainee. During this role my work duties included barge loading/decking, rail car traffic, maintenance, binning/blending various grades of grain, grain grading, computer control room, and basic computer skills. After approximately one year of operations management training I was promoted to assistant superintendent at our bulk handling facility in Henderson, KY. Due to this role my responsibilities expanded. I was responsible for crew safety, customer relations, barge and rail logistics, preventative maintenance, shop and supply inventory, product integrity, and general operations. I was involved in performing safety audits, contractor supervision, general facility inspections, and project documentation. Throughout my time with CGB I was invited to prepare and deliver presentations covering the areas of safety and operations.
Student Worker
SOUTHERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY CENTER DEPARTMENT
03.2003 - 10.2004
- Duties included preparation and analysis of research feed, artificial insemination, processing and litter management, inoculations, and shipping to market. I keep a running tally on all feed bins, feed consumption and report feed orders as needed. I keep strict records on all farrowing, breeding, and litter data.
Customer Service
MFA AGRI-SERVICES
06.2003 - 08.2003
- While fulfilling my internship at MFA I was exposed directly to consumers of agricultural products. My duties included grinding, mixing, and bagging feed, and unloading and loading grain trucks. Also, I helped customers with questions about various agricultural products, pesticides/herbicides and feed rations as well as loading their vehicles and making on farm deliveries. I also maintained the business’ property and truck service.
Sales/Management, Applicators Assistant Internship
LAKE LAND FS, GROWMARK INC.
03.2002 - 06.2002
- While employed as a sales/management, Applicators Assistant intern for Growmark Inc. I became familiar with many products used for pest control, fertilizer and livestock. Duties included crop scouting, customer relations, delivery of products, and direct application of products to individual customer property. While employed at FS I obtained a Hazmat endorsement on my class A C.D.L.
Education
Bachelors of Science Degree - General Agricultural – Agricultural Production/Management
SOUTHERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY
Carbondale, Illinois12.2004
Associates of Applied Science - Agricultural Production/Management
LAKE LAND COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Mattoon, Illinois05.2002
High School - undefined
ST. FRANCIS BORGIA REGIONAL PREPARATORY HIGH SCHOOL
01.1999
Skills
- Logistics and inventory coordination
- Project oversight
- Resource allocation management
- Production scheduling
- Workplace safety coordination
- Building operations management
- Optimized crop management strategies
- Agricultural seed development
Timeline
Plant Manager
Gateway FS
03.2020 - Current
Assistant Manager/Chemical shed operator
GATEWAY FS INC.
01.2013 - Current
Seed Warehouse Operator
GATEWAY FS INC.
01.2008 - 01.2013
Environmental Systems Technician
THE MASCHHOFF’S INC.
01.2008 - 07.2008
Assistant Superintendent
CONSOLIDATED GRAIN & BARGE CO.
01.2005 - 04.2007
Customer Service
MFA AGRI-SERVICES
06.2003 - 08.2003
Student Worker
SOUTHERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY CENTER DEPARTMENT
03.2003 - 10.2004
Sales/Management, Applicators Assistant Internship
LAKE LAND FS, GROWMARK INC.
03.2002 - 06.2002
Associates of Applied Science - Agricultural Production/Management
LAKE LAND COMMUNITY COLLEGE
High School - undefined
ST. FRANCIS BORGIA REGIONAL PREPARATORY HIGH SCHOOL
Bachelors of Science Degree - General Agricultural – Agricultural Production/Management
SOUTHERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY
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