Making a Career

Three technicians from our Stratford location had a similar beginning. Each of them grew up on a farm and had an interest in machinery. Their passion for the agricultural industry was confirmed when they started working part-time at Riesterer & Schnell (R&S) in high school. While working for R&S, all three technicians, attended the John Deere Technician Program at Madison Area Technical College (MATC). Nathan graduated in 2013, Dillon in 2016, and Coy in 2022, and today they are an invaluable part of the Stratford Service team.

Although Nathan grew up on a dairy farm, he didn't have any mechanical background. When he learned about the opportunity with R&S, he "just went for it". Nathan enjoys the variety of equipment he works on daily, and especially enjoys electrical and troubleshooting. Nathan’s advice to other Technicians or those deciding on a career path, "It doesn’t matter how much you know, what matters is your attitude and willingness to learn." From starting in high school, to graduating from MATC in 2013, to today - Nathan has certainly shown his positive attitude and willingness to learn!

Dillon grew up on a farm and was always drawn to the equipment side of farming since he was young and was always running equipment. He started at R&S as a Senior in high school and worked in Parts, Sales, and Service before going off to MATC and graduating in 2016. Dillon had a wonderful college experience, learned a ton, and his secret was finding an instructor who motivated him and got him excited to learn. He enjoys the training opportunities available at R&S and feels there is always room for growth within the company. Dillon feels a sense of accomplishment each day and "understands the importance of keeping the customer up and running and sometimes that means late nights and weekends. But it’s all worth it knowing our customers rely on us".

Coy was raised on a dairy farm with robotic milkers and always had an interest in machinery. By his Junior year in high school, he started a youth apprenticeship with R&S, and his experience confirmed what he already knew. He wanted to pursue a career as an Ag Technician! Coy attended MATC and graduated in 2022. He enjoys the variety of equipment he works on, the grateful customers he serves, and supporting farmers in his local community. With a smile on his face, Coy's advice is to - "always put on a smile, have a good attitude, and try to find the positive!"

R&S helps students achieve their goals to become a Service Technician by helping them attend a Technical College through our Degree Sponsorship Program. If you have an interest in the Degree Sponsorship Program, visit: Service Career Path | Riesterer & Schnell (rands.com) or contact us at [email protected]