Derek Balk

Collaborator
DISC Type : is

Director of Protein, Ingredients and Business Development at POET

Ames, Iowa, United States

Overview

Derek Balk is the Director of Protein, Ingredients and Business Development at POET, where he leads the commercialization of innovative, sustainable proteins. His expertise is in developing alternative ingredients for animal and aquaculture feeds. He holds a Bachelor of Science from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville.

His connection to the agricultural industry is long-standing, with roots in youth leadership organizations. Public records indicate an early involvement with the Future Farmers of America (FFA) organization in Iowa, highlighting a foundational passion for the sector.

He co-authors scientific papers and presents at international conferences on using corn-fermented protein in aquafeeds for species like European sea bass and shrimp.

Personality Overview

Good Listener

Fair-minded

Example Driven

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.  They are more likely to opt for solutions that are proven in the market. Scenarios where both sides can come out as winners appeal to them greatly.

Topics They Care About

Aquafeed Innovation
He is a frequent speaker and published researcher on the use of novel corn-fermented proteins as a sustainable ingredient in diets for shrimp and fish.
Sustainable Ingredients
His work focuses on creating value with sustainable products derived from the grains and fermentation industry to address challenges in animal nutrition.
New Product Commercialization
He has a history of leading market development and product launches for next-generation protein ingredients, including POET's CFP and previously Flint Hills' NexPro.

Media Appearances

2024 Panel Discussion – Derek Balk, POET. Featured in Distillers Grains Council

See Now

House Committee on Agriculture Hearing (includes testimony from Derek Balk, Director of Protein, Ingredients and Business Development, POET). Featured in U.S. House Committee on Agriculture

See Now

Work History

2-2022
Director of Protein, Ingredients and Business Development at POET
6-2021 - 2-2022
Business Development Manager at POET
5-2017 - 6-2021
Commercial Protein Manager at Flint Hills Resources
10-2013 - 5-2017
Senior Merchandiser at Ag Processing Inc
7-2011 - 10-2013
Rail Merchandiser at Ag Processing Inc

Education

2004 - 2006
BS from University of Wisconsin-Platteville
2002 - 2004
Associate of Arts and Sciences (AAS) from Kirkwood Community College

More Information

Social Presence :

Prographics :

Exp : 18 Location : Ames, Iowa, United States Job Level : Mid-senior Designation : Director of Protein, Ingredients and Business Development at POET
URL has been copied!

Insights For Selling To Derek

During A Call Or A Meeting

DO's

  • Show genuine interest in solving their problems
  • When asking them questions, sound relatable and informal
  • Be visibly appreciative of their actions during your interactions

DONT's

  • Don’t give the impression of being unproven or risky
  • 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 Derek is

  • Relationships can sway their decisions, followed by the low risk and the presence of good evidence.
  • Will you ever get a clear answer from Derek

  • They are diplomatic when needed and rarely say no directly.

Insights For Deal Planning

    How fast (or slow) will Derek move?

  • Even if they are engaged and friendly, they can take their time to make decisions.
  • Can Derek take some risk or not?

  • They probably won’t put a lot at risk.

You And Derek

Personality Compatibility


Other POET Employees

Explore more public profiles from related professionals at the same organization.

More Profiles

Discover additional public profiles from our index.

Search more profiles

Looking for someone else? Search here for anyone.

Or visit Humantic AI to know more.