Archive for Shirley Kaltenbach

From Dairy Novice to Industry Leader: Shirley Kaltenbach’s Inspirational Career

Learn about Shirley Kaltenbach’s journey from the dairy industry to retirement. How is she transitioning, and what lessons can you learn from her experience?

From her modest origins in Plain City, Ohio, Shirley Kaltenbach started a career that would make her a significant player in the artificial insemination business. As she prepares for retirement, her path shows diligence, commitment, and a relentless love of her industry and the people she works with. A lifelong learner, she has navigated several responsibilities at Select Sires over almost four decades, each adding to her remarkable legacy. 

“I had to work my ass off, but the experiences and the opportunities that I had led to growth and getting me to where I needed to be.” — Shirley Kaltenbach.

Shirley’s journey could have been clearer-cut, from her first roles in business and finance to her ultimate leadership post as Director of Communications. Her narrative, however, is evidence of what is possible with tenacity and a tireless will to develop and learn.

  • Started in the dairy industry in 1974, just two years out of high school.
  • Worked across multiple departments, including finance, Select Embryos, and veterinary.
  • Became Director of Communications and was instrumental in establishing the brand promise of Select Sires.

Shirley leaves a legacy that inspires and directs others who follow in her footsteps. Join us as we explore the highlights of her career, her mentors, the changes she saw in the sector, and her priceless advice for the next leaders. Her leadership and graceful transition into retirement are a testament to her dedication and will be remembered with respect and appreciation.

From Small-Town Roots to Dairy Industry Heights: Shirley’s Early Journey 

Shirley grew up in Ohio’s little yet lovely hamlet of Plain City. She was close to her neighborhood from early on and enjoyed the little joys of small-town living. This close-knit atmosphere significantly shaped her work ethic and ideals.

Shirley’s journey into the dairy industry is a testament to her resilience and adaptability. Just two years after graduating from high school in 1972, she responded to a newspaper advertisement and joined Select Sires in 1974. Starting in the business and finance departments, she quickly found her stride. Her smooth transition from high school to a professional environment resulted from her relentless drive and strong desire to learn and develop in the sector.

From Finance Fundamentals to Industry Leadership: Shirley’s Dynamic Career Path

Working closely with the controller, Shirley started her career with Select Sires in the financial and business division. This early job anchored her in the business’s financial operations principles. Over time, she moved into the embryo division, which expanded her knowledge of the technical dairy sector.

Shirley left Select Sires to work for the National Breeding Company in Illinois, veering off course in her career. She worked with well-known professionals in the business, including Dick Clark at ABS, which gave her excellent knowledge of breeding methods and network with influential breeders.

Shirley returned to Select Sires, this time in the veterinary department, eight years after living in Illinois. Her background in many business fields gave her a flexible skill set that eventually helped her to be promoted to Director of Communications.

The Mentors Who Shaped Shirley’s Distinguished Career 

Shirley’s excellent career is owed to strong mentoring. She was led through many phases of her professional life by three exceptional people: Dick Chichester, Dick Clark, and Dave Thorbahn; each had a lasting impression on her development and successes. Their guidance and support were instrumental in shaping her career and helping her achieve her goals.

Dick Chichester was Shirley’s first mentor at Select Sires and perhaps the most foundational influence on her career. As a key figure within the company, he entrusted Shirley with multiple roles across various departments, which helped her develop a broad understanding of the industry. His confidence in her abilities motivated her to excel, ensuring she never wanted to disappoint him. This mentor-mentee relationship was characterized by mutual respect and an eagerness to learn, laying a solid foundation for Shirley’s future endeavors. 

Dick Clark, at the National Breeding Company, further expanded Shirley’s horizons. During her time in Illinois, Clark introduced her to a network of prominent breeders such as Peter Heffering, Bob Walton, and Doug Maddox. This exposure was invaluable, enlightening her about the broader dairy industry landscape and providing her with lifelong friendships and vital industry insights. Clark’s mentorship was instrumental in deepening her understanding of cattle breeding and industry trends, which were crucial as Shirley navigated her path back to Select Sires. 

Finally, Dave Thorbahn was transformative in Shirley’s later career stages. A visionary leader, Dave saw potential in Shirley that even she hadn’t fully realized. He encouraged her to embrace roles that required complex organizational and communication skills. Dave facilitated Shirley’s attendance at Northwestern University’s executive scholar’s program and certification as a meeting professional to prepare her. This investment in her professional development empowered Shirley, ultimately helping her rise to senior management positions. Dave’s ability to push Shirley beyond her comfort zone was a testament to his mentoring strength, significantly contributing to her ability to thrive and lead within Select Sires. 

Each mentor uniquely contributed to Shirley’s career, providing support and guidance and challenging her to grow and excel in ways she may not have envisioned. Their impact is evident in her enduring success and the respect she commands in the industry.

Shirley’s Insatiable Appetite for Learning: The Key to Her Success

Shirley’s love for her profession was a driving force behind her success. Her constant thirst for knowledge was one of her strongest suits. She never shied away from further education, constantly learning new skills to enhance her contributions. Her meticulous attention to detail ensured that every task was executed perfectly, building her reliability and respect in numerous roles. Her unparalleled organizational skills allowed her to oversee many initiatives efficiently. Most importantly, her passion for her profession propelled her to achieve significant career milestones and inspired everyone around her.

“Throughout her professional career, she has faced challenges and worked to uncover the best solutions. She is a lifelong learner, always reading and asking questions to understand the situation and apply best practices,” comments David Thorbahn, CEO of Select Sires.

Adapting to Transformation: Shirley’s Journey Through Industry Innovations

Shirley’s remarkable career in the dairy industry saw significant changes that profoundly affected her work. The advent of computers was one of the most significant transformations. Shirley vividly recalls the moment her manager asked her to write an email, and she realized she didn’t even own a computer. She had to adapt quickly and learn to navigate a new digital landscape that revolutionized operations from a technological standpoint. Her ability to adapt to these changes and learn new skills was a testament to her resilience and determination.

During Shirley’s career, dairy cattle genetics underwent a revolutionary breakthrough. It offers unmatched information on cows and bulls. Because of its speed and precision in acquisition, data-modified bull proving is quicker and more dependable. This was a significant change from the sluggish, labor-intensive data-collecting methods of years past. The abundance of data accessible enhanced the quality of choice. It hastened the whole proving process, allowing faster, more informed judgments.

Furthermore, the addition of sexed semen and beef on dairy operations presented fresh directions for the dairy business, thereby broadening chances and successful tactics. These developments underlined the need to keep current with technical developments to be competitive and efficient in the sector.

Shirley responded rather well to these developments and used them to improve the capacity and effectiveness of her team. Her capacity to develop with these changes speaks volumes about her dedication to learning and development, which undoubtedly helped her consistently succeed in the field.

Shirley Kaltenbach’s Hallmark Achievements: A Testament to Dedication and Expertise

Among Shirley’s many accomplishments, a few reflect her commitment to and knowledge of the dairy business. One of her most satisfying achievements was planning many sales conferences. For the Federation of Cooperatives salesmen, these conferences provide a vital forum combining inspirational speakers with instructional breakout sessions to excite and equip participants with knowledge and skills for their jobs. Shirley’s thorough preparation and attention to detail guaranteed that these events were memorable and successful for attendees.

Shirley’s contribution to assembling a vibrant communications team from the ground up is another essential feather in her crown. Shirley’s leadership turned a disjointed group into a robust and united team despite uneven branding and lack of cohesiveness. Her efforts resulted in a team culture in which every member was always eager to help one another and in which communication flowed naturally.

Authoring the Select Sires brand promise, Your Success, Our Passion, is yet another gratifying accomplishment for Shirley. Every Federation member has embraced this motto, which captures its fundamental principles. It is a lighthouse of their dedication to customer success, which Shirley helped define most importantly.

Shirley’s career is incredibly motivating because she rose to prominence without a college degree. In a field where academic qualifications are often considered necessary, Shirley’s successes are evidence of her diligence, ongoing education, and outstanding commitment. Her path emphasizes how enthusiasm, a tenacious work ethic, and a never-quenchable curiosity can close the gap left by a lack of formal college education.

Shirley is a lifelong learner, always eager to understand and apply best practices. Her positive and humble attitude has driven her growth while others might plateau. She completed Northwestern University’s Executive Degree in Marketing Communications and a Certified Meeting Planner (CMP) program. Known for her meticulous planning and attention to detail, Shirley elevated the organization’s mission and goals while promoting Select Sires’ products and services. “Her tireless work ethic ensured that every project is completed with excellence, never settling for good enough,” comments Thorhabn.

Shirley’s Mastery in Harmonizing Diverse Teams and Navigating Complex Structures 

Shirley faced several obstacles during her illustrious career, especially juggling many personalities and negotiating the complex dynamics of a federation of member companies. This unusual framework presented different challenges for intelligent communication, collaboration, and leadership.

Shirley had one of the significant challenges organizing across many departments with various goals and personalities. For example, the direct and operations management teams often saw things from different angles and under distinct priorities. Shirley’s skill in harmonizing and comprehending these many viewpoints was vital. Through open contact lines, she ensured that departmental objectives complemented the company’s general purpose.

Shirley not only had to control internal dynamics but also promote federation unity. This included planning getaways necessary for knowledge-sharing, team-building, and sales conferences. These activities were planned to inspire and drive team members to leave with a fresh feeling of unity and purpose, not just to fulfill professional responsibilities. Her efforts were usually appreciated, which suggested how successfully she created a cooperative and inclusive workplace.

Shirley’s capacity to assemble and maintain a top-notch team from what first appeared like mismatched components highlights her leadership abilities even more. Through a retreat with team-building activities and honest communication, she transformed an unorganized group into a cohesive one. Thus resolving problems and establishing a cooperative and respectful culture.

Shirley always pushed herself and her team to aim for excellence. By challenging and showing genuine compassion, she united her team. As a result, Select Sires received praise from the sales team and won national awards for advertising and marketing from professional associations.

Her commitment to enhancing internal communication also led to the creation of thorough branding rules and other organizational instruments guaranteeing uniformity and standardizing procedures. The communications staff flourished under her direction, reflecting her dedication to creating a cooperative and effective workplace.

Shirley’s Seamless Shift: A Gradual Journey into Retirement

Shirley is slowly transitioning into retirement. She started this new phase five years ago by working from home three days a week. Under this adaptable schedule, she has been able to progressively withdraw from her position and still carry out her professional responsibilities. Shirley can easily make the sporadic in-person visits when required, living only two miles from the office. Her gradual change has helped her adjust to retirement, guaranteeing a confident and seamless exit.

This deliberate transition time has benefitted her, allowing her to pass off tasks and lighten her burden gradually. Reflecting her realistic and sensible personality, her systematic approach guarantees continuity for her coworkers and the company.

Thinking about this new era, Shirley is eager to investigate many hobbies. Her main objective, reflecting her lifetime dedication to constant learning and personal development, is to travel and fully experience other cultures.

Shirley also finds great enthusiasm in exploring health and fitness. She intends to create health programs and commit more time to a family venture—a gym started four years ago. The gym has prospered throughout the epidemic and became a gathering place for nearby cops, firemen, and neighbors. Shirley wants to stay active even as she moves away from her long-term professional position by concentrating on the gym and promoting a health-conscious community.

Leslie Maurice: The Pillar of Support in Shirley’s Retirement Transition

Shirley’s most significant legacy is the people she mentored, like Leslie Maurice, the current Director of Communications at Select Sires Inc. Shirley took Leslie under her wing and provided her with opportunities to develop her skills, preparing her to lead and make further improvements. 

Leslie has been a close friend and a vital part of Shirley’s journey, ensuring their work is fulfilling and fun. Their relationship, marked by mutual respect and excellent communication, has dramatically eased Shirley’s transition into retirement. Shirley profoundly values the trust and understanding she shares with Leslie, guaranteeing team stability and continuity. 

“The most valuable lesson Shirley imparted to me is to lead with passion and compassion,” says Leslie. “She inspired me to stand up for what is right, to continuously seek knowledge, to work with an unwavering determination, and always to celebrate the victories.” Leslie adds, “Her greatest impact on Select Sires lies in the people she mentored and shaped during her tenure. She left her mark on this company by developing leaders and making Select Sires one of the premier workplaces.”

A Collaborative Family Effort: The Heartbeat of Shirley’s Community Gym

Shirley’s family has been essential for her community projects, especially with the newly established gym. Jay, her husband, is heavily engaged in running the gym, therefore contributing his efforts to guarantee its seamless operation and the excellent service of its patrons. Leveraging his experience and expertise, Jay greatly enhances the friendly and effective gym surroundings.

Shirley’s son Clay is also significant. Renowned for his commitment and diligence, Clay gives the gym a family touch, strengthening the staff and member bond. His efforts are essential to keeping the gym running daily and ensuring it is welcoming for everyone who enters.

Clay’s uncle, Jerry, has a history of survival training and firefighting. Jerry draws numerous cops and firemen by using his experience to provide specific training courses within the gym. His practical expertise and hands-on attitude make the gym a hub for developing vital skills rather than just a place for physical exercise.

This team effort among families has made the gym a community center. Frequent gym users include police, firefighters, and other municipal officials who benefit from its extensive programs and encouraging surroundings. The gym is a pillar for community fitness, safety education, and general well-being, and it is not just a place to work out.

The Bottom Line

Shirley’s excellent path provides priceless guidance for young people hoping to achieve comparable achievement. She underlines the need for diligence and being open to working beyond hours; coming early and remaining late may make a big difference. One should be passionate about constant learning, not just about a job. Equip yourself with as much knowledge and experience as possible in your fields of interest.

Still, another pillar of success is passion. Be enthusiastic about what you do; if your present path does not inspire that enthusiasm, do not hesitate to investigate other possibilities. Resilience in the face of adversity is also vital. Errors are unavoidable, but you must forgive yourself for development and move on.

Finally, cultivating a “no matter what” mindset will distinguish you. Maintaining discipline and meeting deadlines could result in rather remarkable achievements. Shirley is objective evidence that, with commitment and enthusiasm, you can soar in your chosen profession.

Key Takeaways:

  • Lifelong Learning: Shirley emphasized the importance of continuous education and personal development, even without a formal college degree to start.
  • Mentorship Matters: Key mentors played a pivotal role in guiding Shirley’s career and helping her navigate the complexities of the industry.
  • Adaptability: From transitioning to new roles every few years to adapting to technological advancements like the advent of computers and genomics, Shirley’s flexibility was crucial to her success.
  • Team Building: Shirley’s efforts in creating cohesive, high-performing teams were instrumental in her and the organization’s achievements.
  • Passion and Hard Work: Her passion for the industry and dedication to her work were central to her accomplishments and continued success.
  • Balancing Personal and Professional Goals: As she transitioned into retirement, Shirley focused on achieving a balance between personal aspirations and professional responsibilities.

Summary:

Shirley Kaltenbach’s remarkable career, spanning over three decades in the dairy industry, is a story of dedication, continuous learning, and impactful mentorship. Rising from small-town beginnings in Plain City, Ohio, Shirley’s journey saw her transition from finance to various leadership roles at Select Sires. Her achievements are not just marked by industry innovations like genomics and sexed semen but also by her ability to foster teamwork and manage a dynamic organization. As she gracefully steps into retirement, Shirley leaves behind a legacy of passion and excellence, carried forward by her protégés and colleagues.

Learn more:

The Other Show at World Dairy Expo!

I must admit that I have always loved the big Ag shows.  Taking time away from the farm (but not away from agriculture) has been a family tradition from my early days in a horse training household to the years spent raising our own dairy focused clan.  However, despite the holiday feeling, there is always an underlying goal of trying to get the most out of these trips.  This year The Bullvine is looking forward to World Dairy Expo in Madison, Wisconsin September 30 – October 14. Of course, whenever you’re devising a strategy, it is always better when you have great resources to draw upon.   Connie Eibergen, Marketing Coordinator, Agri-Nutrition Consulting LLC and Shirley Kaltenbach CMP, Director of Communications at Select Sires Inc. have the experience and enthusiasm that gave us valuable input from the exhibitor perspective, as we took a look at the “other” show at Expo.

9 Ways to Win at the “Other” World Dairy Expo Show!

  1. International visitorsBe prepared. Plan ahead.
    “Thousands of dairy farmers and professionals from around the world attend World Dairy Expo every day to discover new technologies and watch or participate in the cattle shows” points out Connie Eibergen referring to both the Dairy Show and the Trade Show. However, even though the trade show also has excitement and entertainment, it isn’t the show ring where you can see everything from a comfortable seat. You’re on foot in six commercial exhibit areas covering nearly one-half million square feet of exhibit space and exhibits from 850 companies from more than 28 countries.  As one of 72,000 annual attendees, navigating your way through this maze can either be a big waste of time or, if you’re prepared, send you home enthused and ready to try something new and improved. Our best advice is to do your first “once around the ring,” while you are at home and checking out (show link). Not every booth will have the perfect answer for your three biggest dairy challenges (Of course, you DO know what they are!). But World Dairy Expo is the best place to get started finding the solutions! That is exactly what exhibitors like Select Sires are eager to prove. “This five-day event showcases the finest in dairy genetics and the newest technologies available to the dairy industry. Select Sires makes sure plenty of experts are on hand to be a resource to dairy producers seeking assistance.”So with your booth layout in hand and already highlighted, check-marked or circled, you are ready to make a well-planned trip through the World Dairy Expo Trade Show.
  2. Pay Close Attention to Who is Strutting Their (New) Stuff!
    The 24/7 nature of dairy farming doesn’t make it easy to keep up with new products or ideas. This roadblock is removed, when you’re live where all the latest and greatest are being showcased at WDE. “Expo is a great place to launch new products,” says Shirley Kaltenbach adding that it is also “great for generating new leads.”   Shirley also feels that the Expo venue is a win-win for exhibitors and attendees and especially valuable for strategic planning. “Expo gives us an opportunity to obtain customer feedback.”  This teamwork approach to industry problem-solving is important to ANC says Connie Eibergen. “ANC is rolling out our brand new “Go Beyond Nutrition” look and initiative.” She explains. “As part of this initiative we are launching an integrated ‘I go beyond for dairy’ campaign at World Dairy Expo.” that will proactively involve participation from current and future customers. Therefore, if you are an attendee start your planning by thinking about your dairy service providers. If you are happy with the product being displayed or even if you have concerns or problems, you will be welcomed by discerning businesses who are always seeking ways to serve their customers better. Shirley further defines this win-win situation: “I think attendees use this tradeshow opportunity to comparison shop.” While she sees “building brand awareness” as a definite plus for businesses such as Select Sires, for clients it is an excellent opportunity to have your voice heard and questions answered.
  3. TradeShow4Be on the offence, not the defence.
    When entering the show ring side of World Dairy Expo, it is always a better strategy to show off the best of your animal, rather than trying to hide the faults.  Non-dairy cattle show observers might think that simply leading an animal around the dairy ring is relatively easy.  Of course, they’re wrong.  Dairy competitors have used every piece of cattle presentation art and science to present their animal so that she represents the best for her age in the breed. Throughout the Trade Show, exhibitors have prepared demonstrations, displays, videos, and trained personnel to present themselves at their best. Shirley Kaltenbach confirms that this is the case for Select Sires. “Exhibiting at Expo allows us to demonstrate why our product and services are superior.” As a customer of these products and services, you not only get to judge their work and have them prove to you why you should go home with their new idea, better solution or even leading edge piece of dairy equipment.  If you feel something is missing from your products or services, make sure that someone at World Dairy Expo is interested enough and committed enough to provide the answer.
  4. Go Home with the Loot
    In the dairy ring, you can’t be guaranteed to win.  But an organized Trade Show strategy could guarantee that you won’t go home empty handed or weighted down with the usual trade show giveaway bags, bells and whistles.  While these tchotchkes may be fun for the kids back home, it’s your job as a trade show attendee to get real value.  Connie Eibergen and the team at Agri-Nutrition Consulting LLC have come up with a great way to inspire meaningful dialogue between their clients and their consultants. She encourages everyone to get involved. “To participate in our “Go Beyond Nutrition” initiative, stop by ANC’s booth (Booth #4403) and tell us how you “go beyond for dairy” in our photo booth.  Each participant will receive a free “I go beyond for dairy” shirt and will be entered to win a $100 ANC gift certificate” ANC will literally focus a camera on farmers who share how they focus on dairying. Together the goal is to “go beyond.” Everybody ends up grinning and winning. It’s that personal contact that Shirley Kaltenbach values. “Expo puts our company and our products face-to-face with customers and prospects” She sees it as a double win for Select Sires. “Expo allows us to present our products and services to a wide audience in a short period of time.”
  5. Presentations7Be Part of a Positive Image for Dairying
    There are too many times these days when the image of agriculture takes a negative hit in the media.  World Dairy Expo is an opportunity to showcase all that is best about the people, animals and industry that means so much to all of us. With so many thousands of people on the show grounds, a positive message can be shared exponentially. Not all issues can be solved in so public a venue, but many exhibitors take WDE Trade Show as a showcase for the care, concern and commitment that farmers bring to their chosen work. Connie Eibergen touches on the bigger picture that Agri-Nutrition has in mind. “We hope this campaign brings awareness to the general public and those that may not be as familiar with today’s farming practices about the many ways farmers care for their animals every day while providing safe and nutritious food for the world.”
  6. Learn from the Best …
    There is always room for improvement in the modern dairy business which is constantly evolving and presenting challenges. World Dairy Expo is a dynamic classroom ready to customize to your needs.  Consultants, marketing contacts and dairy experts can be found manning trade show booths.  This is an outstanding opportunity for attendees to learn directly from individuals you likely would not otherwise meet. Shirley is enthusiastic. “Expo is the perfect place to gather industry information just by walking the show floor.” She feels there is something for everyone. “Expo is a great place to introduce new employees to the industry. It gives them a baseline understanding of the industry and our competitors and allows us to introduce them to key individuals in the industry.” Connie Eibergen sums it up from the exhibitor perspective. “The opportunity to meet and speak with so many different dairy farmers is one that any dairy company just can’t pass up.” It is an opportunity to build valued networks. Shirley Kaltenbach feels that investing in a World Dairy Expo presence “demonstrates to customers that we are committed to a long term business relationship.”
  7. TradeShow68Don’t Follow the Herd
    With so much to see and do, it can be challenging to keep your focus. That’s another reason why advance planning, regarding what you want to get out of World Dairy Expo, is necessary.  In the same way that show ring exhibitors accept that a year of planning and hard work comes down to a few minutes in front of the judge, you want to be sure that you go home with what you came for.  World Dairy Expo planners have put a lot of thought into speakers and presentations.  Companies showcase their businesses and provide farm tour opportunities. While you can’t do everything, you can choose a variety of events that will meet your goals.  Pick what is of interest to you and stay energized and engaged throughout World Dairy Expo. The person next to you may have solved the same issues you’re struggling with. Getting the most out of WDE and not returning home exhausted is all about timing. It takes planning to do it well. What choices should you make? Should you cut off a great conversation at on the trade show floor to attend a dairy session?  Should you take in a sponsored breakfast meeting or listen to a keynote speaker?  The greatest benefits of World Dairy Expo can be both planned and spontaneous. Be open to the possibilities. Don’t feel pressured.  Of course, World Dairy Expo organizers hope that you enjoy the full agenda. However, you must ultimately make sure that your needs are met first.
  8. Take What You’ve Learned Back to the Barn
    For years I faithfully took copious notes and collected brochures and handouts and I still enjoy capturing excellent interviews, observations and quotes for the Bullvine. However after several years where I never even re-read my notations, I now try to boil everything down to an action agenda.   I look for and star (*) those items that can be acted upon. That could include people to follow up with or ideas for improving something at the farm or in the office or at the Bullvine.  Every starred item goes into my “Control Journal” … go ahead laugh, my whole family does (but not where I can hear them!)… With the advantage of a long drive home, these items find their way into follow up scheduling. Before we make that final turn into the farm lane, I can rest assured that it’s been a value-added time “away.”
  9. 2013 World Dairy Expo Supreme ChampionBecome an Expo “Designer Dairy” Winner
    You have probably attended many conventions, annual meetings, conferences and trade shows — big and small – exciting and boring, entertaining and academic.  Not all of them provide content as varied as that of World Dairy Expo or networking opportunities as rich.  For Connie Eibergen and Shirley Kaltenbach “World Dairy Expo is the one dairy event of the year that you just can’t miss.” Hopefully, these nine ideas will inspire you to custom design your 2014 Dairy Expo “Designer Dairy” experience into a big win for you and your dairy operation.

The Bullvine Bottom Line

At the end of any good day, it’s always rewarding when the sum adds up to something greater than the parts. Going over to the “other” side of World Dairy Expo may be the decision that achieves that for you.  We hope to see you in the winners’ circle at World Dairy Expo.

 

 

 

Get original “Bullvine” content sent straight to your email inbox for free.

 

 

 

Send this to a friend