She started with an entry-level position 10 years ago and has since moved up the ladder to become an operations supervisor at a grain facility in southwest Nebraska, all while being a mother to her four children.
Robin Mann of Sutherland has always been surrounded by agriculture, but until she took a position at The Andersons in Paxton in 2011, her experiences were slightly removed from production agriculture.
“I knew nothing,” she said. “I started dumping trucks and cleaning tunnels – very simple tasks – and now I’m actually an operations supervisor with The Andersons. It’s been a journey, a learning process.”
Mann said the learning process is one of the greatest parts about her career now, because no two days are the same. In addition, she appreciates feeling like she’s part of a community.
“I enjoy the producers and the community feel that you get at the facility, whether it be harvest time or when we’re shipping grain out,” she said. “It’s always just our little community.”
In addition to having a full-time career, Mann is also a full-time mother. She said the balance can be challenging during busy seasons like harvest, but she reminds herself that she’s setting a good example for her children.
“I enjoy the fact that I’m able to show the kids that you can do both and still find a happy medium.”
Robin Mann
Since Mann has experience in starting a job completely out of her comfort zone, she gave advice to others who might be in that same situation.
“Don’t sell yourself short. You are capable of more than you probably ever give yourself credit for,” she said. “Don’t be afraid to try.”
Robin Mann was nominated by Steven Binegar, who said, “Whatever is needed done, Robin can do it.”
