This month we are pleased to present Gerald Wheeler for our Spotlight Feature. Gerald and his wife of 42 years reside in The Show-Me State. Gerald has had a long and successful career in the ag industry and is enjoying the ability to continue his involvement in the industry during his retirement years as a valued member of our team. We also would like to recognize and thank Gerald for his years of service as Sergeant Major in the Iowa Army National Guard. Please enjoy reading more about Gerald in this month's Contractor Spotlight.
How did you get involved with DCI?
An agriculture business representative in my area called me and asked if I was interested in a part-time job. He said that a project manager with DCI would give me a call and explain the job and requirements in further detail, and here we are - this is my 4th season working for DCI!
Tell us about your background:
I worked 46.5 years for MFA Incorporated - large ag business cooperative located in Missouri, I managed 2 locations and retired in September 2016. I also spent 26 years in the Iowa Army National Guard, retiring as Sergeant Major.
What is the best thing about being a DCI Contractor?
Getting to work with and for the best people - AG PEOPLE! I also greatly enjoy setting my own work hours and keeping up with new trends in the industry. I love getting to meet other contractors from all over the country and hearing about what they are doing and seeing in the field.
Tell us about your home and family.
My wife Jaquita and I live in Savannah, Missouri. We have been married for 42 years, we have 4 children and 8 grandchildren.
What do you drive while working?
A 2016 Ford Escape
What was your first job?
My first job was working for my parents doing chores, milking cows by hand and all things that go with farm life
What are your hobbies and interests?
I like to hunt upland birds and spend time with my grandchildren. My wife and I started our travel adventures now that we are retired, we have even taken our first trip overseas to Great Britain. I could really get used to traveling overseas!
What do you do the first hour of the morning?
Drink a cup of coffee and watch the weather channel
What is your greatest achievement?
I attended the Sergeants Major Academy in Ft. Bliss, Texas.
What are you ordering for your favorite meal?
It is hard to beat steak and lobster, a side salad with blue cheese dressing and a loaded baked potato!
What are your favorite sports teams and music groups?
The Kansas City Chiefs and Northwest Missouri University Bearcats
What is the happiest memory of your life?
The day I met my wife
Tell us about your favorite pet.
My favorite pet was a German Shorthair Pointer, I named her Bess. Bess was the runt of the litter, she was the best hunting dog I ever had!
What was the first concert you attended?
Canned Heat in Ft. Ord, California
What three people (living or not) would you invite to a dinner party?
I would like to meet my mother's parents as they passed away when she was a little child. I would also invite Colin Powell and Harry Truman.
What historical figure do you admire most?
George Washington
Do you have a guilty pleasure?
I could eat ice cream 365 days a year!
What is something about yourself that most people are NOT aware of?
I am deathly afraid of snakes!
Where in the world are you dying to visit?
Rome, Italy. I love Roman history.
What is the best piece of advice you have ever received?
My Dad always said, "Give 100% in whatever you do".
