Brad Clemons - October 2019
This month we are pleased to feature Brad Clemons. Brad was involved with DCI as a contractor in our early days and then had a season of years where contract work did not work with his schedule. Recently, Brad has been able to join DCI for project work again and we are so pleased to welcome him back to the team after all of these years. Brad is from the Hoosier state, grew up wanting to be a cowboy and wrangled those dreams by spending his life working in Agriculture. Brad is a Ford-truck-driving family man and is active in his community. Please enjoy reading more about Brad Clemons in this month's spotlight.
How did you get involved with DCI?
My first project with DCI was a calibration project 20 years ago which I followed with a phone project. I was offered many projects afterward, but I was never in a position to participate. I was contacted again this year and I was able to make it work in with my "regular job".
Tell us about your background:
I grew up on a dairy farm, attended diesel mechanics trade school after graduation and have been making a living as a service tech most of my life, with a few detours for short periods of time. I have been employed by Independent Ag Equipment for the last 10 1/2 years working on commercial agriculture application equipment.
What is the best thing about being a DCI Contractor?
I am impressed every day by the commitment and dedication of the DCI staff to help make our jobs easier in the field. The growers I met this year were unbelievably positive in spite of the terrible conditions they faced. It makes me proud to be associated with DCI and the agriculture community.
What would you like to share about your home and family life?
My wife Jan and I have 5 children, Jamie, Melissa, Kristin, Kraig and Kayla. Granddaughters, Jordan 22, Kloey 12 Averie 11, Klara 10, Aisley 9, and grandson Barrett 6 months. Our little piece of paradise is our home on 70 acres in North Central Indiana.
When performing contractor work what are you driving?
I currently drive a 2008 F350 Ford service truck. I am awaiting a new F450 to be delivered any day!
What was your first job?
My first job was working as a mechanic for a local New Holland dealership, back when New Holland was considered a "short line" company.
What do you do during the first hour of the morning?
Try to get awake! Then breakfast, pack lunch and hit the road.
What are your hobbies and interests?
My wife and I enjoy traveling. I enjoy woodworking, hunting, shooting and working outdoors.
What is your greatest achievement?
Having happy, healthy and successful children.
What are you ordering for your favorite meal?
This is a tough call! Probably baked steak with mashed potatoes, mushroom gravy, corn and green beans made by my wife.
Who are your favorite music artists?
Fleetwood Mac and The Eagles
What is the happiest memory of your life?
I have so many! Marrying Jan, the births of children and grandchildren are definitely the top memories.
Tell us about your favorite pet.
We lost our dog Rags a couple of years ago. Rags was well behaved and very predictable, lots of personality. We will never have another dog that will match his personality.
What three people (living or not) would you invite to a dinner party?
Abraham Lincoln, Clint Eastwood and Tom Selleck
What historical figure do you admire most?
Our founding fathers
What was the first concert you attended?
Charlie Daniels Band
Do you have a guilty pleasure?
Butterfinger candy bars
Tell us something about yourself that most people do not know:
When I was growing up, I wanted to be a cowboy!
Where in the world are you dying to visit?
Australia or New Zealand
What is the best piece of advice you ever received?
Don't make a life-changing decision for a temporary problem.
What other accomplishments would you like to share?
I have been a supervisor on the Miami County, Indiana SWCD Board for 12 years and I am the Worship Leader in our church.
