Name: Jon Fisher

Home State: Illinois

Job Title and Employer: Owner/Prairie State Semen, Inc.

What do you do on a typical day at work:
Oversee the daily operation/maintenance and marketing for PSSS.

What is your favorite thing about your job?
I have many friends throughout the country that I have met during my time at PSSS.

Do you get to travel a lot, or mostly spend time in an office? Which do you prefer?
When I was younger I traveled quite a bit.  After my son was born I significantly cut back my work related travel.

How did you get interested in this career?
I showed pigs during my 4-H career.  I wanted to stay involved in agriculture after college but did not want to become involved in production agriculture.

What was your college major, and do you think that degree was crucial in helping you get to the career you are at right now?
Agricultural Economics.

What advice would you have for someone who is searching for a college and trying to choose a degree?
The odds of college kids working in their college major after graduation is very small.  Pick a major that is broad in nature that will apply to various segments of the marketplace.

If you were hiring an employee, what are the top three skills you look for and why?
Most of our employees are younger and are just getting out of college. I look for common sense, proven work ethic, morning person, and hope to hire someone whose college drinking/partying ways are over.

Does someone’s college GPA have a big factor in whether you would hire them? None

If you could have any other dream job besides the one you have now, what would it be? TV analyst for the Chicago Cubs or University of Illinois.

Who is someone you admire professionally and why?
Jim Grimm. The livestock industry is filled with individuals with HUGE egos. Jim Grimm has achieved a great deal of success in this industry and is as level-headed and approachable that you could make a breeder. He goes about his business quietly and professionally.

Have you had any mentors who have helped you in your career? If so, who? Do you think mentors are important?
I had MANY people help me through my 4-H years, as well as the beginning few years of PSSS. These people were invaluable to my success and development. I try to be available to offer advice for younger people who want it from me.

Who’s the person you go to “bounce ideas around with”?
Mike Speaker (Kent Feeds), Jeff Morris & Lyle Dorjahn (Suidae feeds). I’m sure that there are others. These gentlemen work in the industry on a daily basis, know it inside and out, and don’t compete against me for sales…thus I get their honest opinions.

What are your thoughts about young people’s profiles and photos being on facebook/myspace while trying to find a job? 
I would just encourage them to be professional. Don’t post photos/stories that you wouldn’t want your grandma to see/read.

Which of these would you rather be? The judge of the Denver steer show, the breeder of the Grand Champion Steer, the exhibitor of the Grand Champion Steer, or the person who fit the Grand Champion Steer? Why?
None. I’m not a cattle jock. I guess I’d rather be the person who supplied the semen to make the champion at a major stock show.

Did you grow up showing livestock? If so, what? I showed pigs throughout my 4-H career.

Favorite Stock Show: Houston
Why? The facilities are unparalled, the weather is warm in Houston , and it is close to the gulf to enjoy Crawfish that are just coming into season during that time of the year.

You just won a free dinner at the best steakhouse in town and you get to invite 3 other people from the stock shows. Who would you take and why?
Adrian Brown (Lean Value Sires), Troy Robb (Spot Breeder, IL), Ernie Eckert (Ag teacher Tx). All three have been great friends over the years. Most of our conversations don’t cover agriculture, but rather sports, life, or current events. Adrian and Troy both make me laugh with their warped sense of humor…Ernie would do anything for me.