Alan Willits

Collaborator
DISC Type : is

Chairman of the Board at Farmer's Business Network, Inc.

Excelsior, Minnesota, United States

Overview

Alan Willits is a global executive with four decades of experience in the food and agriculture industry. He currently serves as Chairman of the Board for Farmers Business Network and S&W Seed Company, following a long career where he retired as Chairman of Cargill Asia Pacific. He earned his degree in Agricultural Economics from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.

Alans passion for agriculture is deeply rooted in his personal life, having grown up on a family farm in Illinois where he drove tractors. This early experience shaped his lifelong career focus. He is married with two children and reportedly enjoys Tex-Mex food.

He grew up on a family farm in Illinois and rose through the ranks to become the Chairman for Cargills entire Asia-Pacific region.

Personality Overview

Example Driven

Consensus Builder

Fair-minded

Win-win scenarios can appeal strongly to them.  They are more likely to go for proven solutions. Unlike D or C types, they are calm as well as friendly and can give the impression of being more receptive than they actually are.

Topics They Care About

AgTech Innovation
As Chairman of Farmer's Business Network, he is directly involved with platforms using technology and data to empower farmers and improve agricultural productivity.
Global Food Supply
His career, including leading Cargill's Asia-Pacific division, has centered on managing the global agricultural supply chain. He has a stated passion for nourishing the world.
Corporate Governance
In his current roles as Chairman of the Board for two companies, he is deeply involved in strategy, oversight, and enhancing shareholder value through multiple committees.

Media Appearances

Alan has no verified media appearances

Work History

9-2023
Chairman of the Board at Farmer's Business Network, Inc.
7-2018
Chairman of the Board at S&W Seed Company Americas
6-2014 - 6-2018
Chairman, Cargill Asia Pacific at Cargill
2-2008 - 8-2014
President, Corn Milling North America at Cargill
President, Specialty Canola Oils at Cargill

Education

1976 - 1980
Agricultural Economics from University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

More Information

Social Presence :

Prographics :

Exp : 17 Location : Excelsior, Minnesota, United States Job Level : N/A Designation : Chairman of the Board at Farmer's Business Network, Inc.
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Insights For Selling To Alan

During A Call Or A Meeting

DO's

  • Use phrases like ‘trust me when’, ‘your team will love’ etc.
  • Use testimonials, case studies to show them why it is a low-risk, high-value decision
  • Take time to make them feel comfortable before getting to the main pitch

DONT's

  • Don’t push them to make decisions very fast, let them take their time
  • Don’t sound very transactional
  • Don’t get into excessive details unless prompted

When Cold Calling

When Writing An Email

While Negotiating & Closing

    The secret to closing fast with Alan is

  • Relationship and rapport play a major role, followed by low risk and the presence of proof points.
  • Will you ever get a clear answer from Alan

  • They are diplomatic when the need arises; they hardly ever say a direct no.

Insights For Deal Planning

    How fast (or slow) will Alan move?

  • They can take their time to reach decisions, even while they stay engaged and friendly.
  • Can Alan take some risk or not?

  • They are unlikely to take many risks.

You And Alan

Personality Compatibility


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