Learn Archives -

Ryan, Processing Manager

When it comes to liquid, dried and pasteurized eggs, Ryan knows just about everything. As a Further Processing Manager at Sparboe’s egg product facility in New Hampton, Ryan oversees operations in the can-off, dryer, tanker bay, pasteurization and ESL (extended shelf life) departments. And while today he manages more than 70 team members, his job at Sparboe started small.

Born and raised in Hawkeye, IA, Ryan discovered Sparboe Companies as a Junior in high school in 1999. “I was looking for a job and I came across Sparboe,” he recalled. “I had no idea what they did, but I applied for a position and was accepted right away.”

Little did Ryan know that his high school job working in the transfer and breaking rooms would soon turn into a full-blown career.

Over time, Ryan moved from the breaking room, to the tanker bay, to the can-off department – a division of the company he helped launch in 2005. With dedication and passion for the job, Ryan has celebrated six promotions in the almost 19 years he’s worked for the company.

“I really enjoy working with people, but I also love getting in there and doing the work as well. The atmosphere is very friendly, and very fast-paced.”

Ryan, Processing Manager

The support and professional development Ryan’s received over time has contributed to his success. Sparboe Companies helped Ryan complete pasteurization school, HACCP classes and SQF training, giving Ryan a wide variety of skills to build on.

“There’s plenty of opportunity to grow with this company if you want to,” Ryan said. “Every day I go into work, there’s something different to learn and do. I work with great people; we’re a real family.”

Chelsea, Production Lead

When Chelsea K. joined Sparboe Companies in 2015, she knew one thing: She was ready to learn everything she could about egg production.

Born and raised in Fort Lupton, CO, it took Chelsea some time to discover what kind of career she wanted. She attended Metro State University after high school and explored a variety of topics, including biology and art. “I wasn’t feeling passionate about what I was learning,” she said.

In 2013, Chelsea decided to return to her home town and attend community college. There, her college advisor introduced her to the many opportunities a career in agriculture could provide. With that, Chelsea began taking general agriculture classes. “Learning about agriculture totally opened my eyes,” Chelsea said. “Everything was new to me, and I loved the information I was learning.”

“At Sparboe, we’re a family. When I need help, someone’s always there to support me, I truly enjoy what I do.”

Chelsea, Production Lead

Her newfound passion for agriculture led her to earn an Associate’s Degree in both agriculture and animal science. Those degrees armed her for her next endeavor, a job with Sparboe Companies.

Chelsea became a production quality control specialist at Sparboe’s Hudson, CO facility in November of 2015. In the beginning, Chelsea had a lot to learn. Working in a layer barn was completely new to her. “The team in Hudson was so amazing,” Chelsea said, thinking back to her first day. “Vince, one of the senior managers, immediately took me under his wing.” Over the last few years, Chelsea has worked in various capacities. Today, she’s the production lead and manages the layer barn team who care for our hens.

Chelsea says the team atmosphere and diversity of the work motivates her to tackle new challenges and keep learning each day. Thanks to Sparboe’s commitment to develop team members, Chelsea just recently finished Egg Quality School and will soon attend a two-day Layer Health Management training course.

“At Sparboe, we’re a family. When I need help, someone’s always there to support me,” Chelsea said. “I truly enjoy what I do.”