Erik Lightner

Collaborator
DISC Type : si

Member Board of Directors at National Oilseed Processors Association (NOPA)

Alta, Iowa, United States

Overview

Erik Lightner is the CEO of Platinum Crush, leveraging nearly 30 years of experience in oilseed processing and engineering. A Penn State chemical engineering graduate, he began his career at Archer Daniels Midland and held executive roles at The Haskell Company, specializing in growing businesses in the global agricultural and manufacturing sectors.

Outside of work, Erik is a former Penn State Icers hockey player (1990-94). He and his wife, whom he met through the hockey team, enjoy pursuing new adventures together, which recently led them to relocate to Iowa for his role at Platinum Crush. He values building intentional relationships and a culture of trust.

Interesting fact: Erik has significant international career experience, including working in Singapore in the cocoa industry.

Personality Overview

Consensus Builder

Example Driven

Fair-minded

Win-win scenarios can appeal strongly to them.  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 go for proven solutions.

Topics They Care About

Value-Added Agriculture
As CEO of Platinum Crush, he is focused on propelling value-added agriculture forward in Iowa by maximizing the value of locally grown soybeans for food and fuel.
Team Leadership
He focuses on building teams founded on integrity, trust, and transparency to create a culture of safety, quality, and community within his organization.
Oilseed Processing
Has extensive global experience in soybean crushing, fats and oils refining, and cocoa and chocolate manufacturing from his long career at Archer Daniels Midland (ADM).

Media Appearances

Erik has no verified media appearances

Work History

7-2025
Member Board of Directors at National Oilseed Processors Association (NOPA)
4-2023
President and Chief Executive Officer at Platinum Crush LLC
8-2022 - 5-2023
Vice President - International Construction and Manufacturing at The Haskell Company
1-2017 - 12-2022
Vice President & Division Leader - Consumer Products at The Haskell Company
1-2017 - 12-2022
Vice President & Market Leader - Industrial Manufacturing & Consumer Products at The Haskell Company

Education

1990 - 1994
Bachelor of Science (BS) from Penn State University
1990
High School Diploma from Beaver Area Senior High School
High School Diploma from Beaver Area Senior High School

More Information

Social Presence :

Prographics :

Exp : 30 Location : Alta, Iowa, United States Job Level : Leadership Designation : Member Board of Directors at National Oilseed Processors Association (NOPA)

Interested in

Sports

Penn State Ice Hockey team

URL has been copied!

Insights For Selling To Erik

During A Call Or A Meeting

DO's

  • Use phrases like ‘trust me when’, ‘your team will love’ etc.
  • If possible, involve their colleagues in the sales process
  • When asking them questions, sound relatable and informal

DONT's

  • Don’t push them to make decisions very fast, let them take their time
  • Don’t ask too many questions that sound too dry and objective
  • Don’t sound very transactional

When Cold Calling

When Writing An Email

While Negotiating & Closing

    The secret to closing fast with Erik is

  • Relationships can play a major role, followed by low risk and strong market validation.
  • Will you ever get a clear answer from Erik

  • They are not very direct, and unlikely to say no to your face.

Insights For Deal Planning

    How fast (or slow) will Erik move?

  • They can take their time to make decisions, even if they are constantly involved and friendly.
  • Can Erik take some risk or not?

  • It is unlikely that they will take many risks.

You And Erik

Personality Compatibility


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.