Meet the team: Josh O’Brien
Meet the team members who are helping create the best producer-to-consumer outcomes for a more sustainable future. We profile Josh O’Brien, Business Development Lead ADX and Integrations.
When he’s not being a dad to Allison (19) and Caden (14), playing golf, competing in ultraruns, or coaching “extremely competitive” fast-pitch softball in State College, Pennsylvania, Josh is helping clients “connect” their data, so they can make better informed agricultural decisions.
What is your role?
I’m kind of a hybrid. I’m one of those extremely rare technical people who is also an extrovert. I don’t write code anymore, though. Instead, I assist in the technical aspect of our sales process.
What drew you to this business?
I took some twists and turns. I joined the Marine Corps immediately after high school, and after that, got a job as a systems administrator for an ag software company. I ended up being really drawn to agriculture, not just the obvious planting, growing, and harvesting, but the concept of sustainability and the idea that, to succeed in agriculture – particularly in today’s technology environment – you’re always being challenged and always have to be learning. I went back to college and got an ag degree at Penn State and have been lucky enough to work in ag ever since.
What’s the best professional advice you’ve ever received?
Love what you do. If you’re passionate about your work and love what you do, you’re going to do well.
Why is data important to our work and sector?
We’re in this together. Think about it. We’re facing a global food crisis. It shouldn’t be about competition. It shouldn’t be about who you can and can’t work with. It should be about connecting. That’s what we do. We make help clients connect their data. Cooperation is key.
