Employee Spotlight: Richard, Farm Account Executive

At Barn2Door, we pride ourselves on delighting Farmers by helping them grow their business selling direct-to-market. We recently sat down with Richard, an individual passionate about serving Farmers and making an impact on the world. In this edition of our Employee Spotlight series, we’ll learn more about Richard’s role as a Farm Account Executive, what it’s like to work at a fast-growth start-up, and what advice he has for people interested in joining our growing team. 

Before joining the team, a family friend and fellow Barn2Door employee shared with Richard how Barn2Door is turning the food system upside down, connecting local Farmers directly with Customers without any middlemen. Inspired by the mission, Richard took a risk by applying for a Sales position, even though he lacked direct experience. Ten months later, Richard is thriving as a Farm Account Executive, and the same family friend is now his manager. 

How have you adjusted to the position?

I have always enjoyed talking with people, and I was interested in being in a role and on a team that was making an impact. That was the tipping factor in my decision to apply to Barn2Door. I can learn anything - that is the beauty of being human - so I chose to apply and was accepted as a Farm Account Executive. I am excited to share that I am still learning every day! Being able to grow at the pace that Barn2Door is expanding with the support of the entire organization has been instrumental in my success. I couldn’t ask for a better team!

What are your favorite and most challenging aspects of your job?

Hands down, my favorite part is meeting with the Farmers. Connecting with them on video calls and learning more about their operation is a sneak peek into who they are, where they want to go, and the priorities for their business. It’s up to me to help them achieve their goals - which is an incredible feeling! It’s so much fun to empower Farmers and see how their business changes after signing up with Barn2Door.

While 70%+ of all our leads are “warm” inbound requests to learn more. As a Farm Account Executive, we still have to make cold-calls - which is a challenging part of this job. They’re hard workers, and I’m sure we can all relate, but getting a call out of the blue can be daunting. But thankfully, Farmers are some of the nicest folks - so it’s not too uncomfortable. 

What makes Barn2Door unique?

The culture and the pace at which we move at Barn2Door is unlike anything I’ve seen. It is exciting how quickly we move, and each role has an impact on the trajectory of Barn2Door. We all work on small teams, and we’re collectively working to achieve the same goal. 

How would you describe the culture at Barn2Door?

The culture is very positive at Barn2Door. In my previous position at a larger company, they had a more outdated culture that embodied that old-school feeling. At Barn2Door, everyone is passionate about what they do. Being surrounded by a group of people that are ignited by our mission to empower Farmers and change the food system is exciting. Even the weekly meetings we have with management are fun! I remember the first all Company “Round Up” and my jaw dropped because it was so different, informative and engaging than my prior experience. 

What is one piece of advice you’d give someone looking to join Barn2Door?

If you’re passionate about helping people and you want to make a positive change - not only on the teams you’re working with but in the world - local farms, food, economy and environment, then Barn2Door is the place. I am confident that our mission, execution and passion will take us there. Barn2Door is blowing up (in a good way), and we’re helping so many people! It’s a wild ride to be a part of, but it’s such a privilege to be able to work here. Come on board if you’re ready to make an impact on the world! 

Join Barn2Door

Come work with Richard! We’re looking for people passionate about the intersection of food, agriculture, and technology. 

See current openings that we’re looking to fill, and listen to The Direct Farm Podcast to learn more about the inspiring people who are changing the world at Barn2Door.