have made for the betterment of their current operation .
While Hassard Elevator has changed ten-fold from the one Harvey Benson helped build in 1918 , today ’ s generation realizes more change is certain to come with those that follow in their footsteps .
Danny says communication is key to the business ’ ability to adapt to the changes taking place in today ’ s ag world . “ We might sit down and talk for hours about things that are going on and about what we might need to do differently ,” he says .
As Harvey Benson ’ s death brought uncertain change for the elevator ’ s future , his followers are confident they have a solid transition plan moving forward .
“ We went to great lengths to protect ( the business ) for the generations to come ,” Donnie explains .
As Danny transitions much of the elevator management to Aaron , Donnie ’ s role of plant manager shifts to Bill Franklin , who joined the team in 2014 . Additionally , Aaron ’ s cousin , Whitney Bichsel , has assumed much of the office responsibilities as a long-time employee , Kathy Dean , cuts back to parttime . Aaron is quick to credit Kathy for her dedication to the elevator business and to its customers .
Whether at the coffee shop in town or church on Sunday , the Benson ’ s prevalence in their community is a testament to the legacy built first by their fore fathers . Working alongside their farmer-friends and customers has been key to creating Hassard Elevator ’ s centennial .
a lesson in hard work Despite the nature of any business , operating for a century is a feat worth celebrating . And , it is one Hassard Elevator doesn ’ t take lightly .
Customer Lowell Schachtsiek of Palmyra has done business with Hassard Elevator since 1965 . His own father and grandfather were patrons even in the late 1930s .
“ They ’ ve always treated us well ,” he says , noting a time he sent a partially frozen load of soybeans to the elevator .
Lowell also recalls how Donald ( Rink ) would unload trucks at the elevator until 10 o ’ clock at night . Rink would then stay until 2 in the morning sifting through grain tickets , only to start the process all over again the next day .
If the combines were rolling , farmers would find the elevator open for business — even on Christmas Eve , Lowell says .
“ This is a work ethic ,” Danny explains . “ Dad instilled that in all of us , and that ’ s a major key .”
The amount of risk involved in farming today is massive , he continues , just from shear input costs .
Monroe City farmer Tim Gottman and his brother have farmed together since the early 1990s .
He notes Aaron came to their farm to explain how risk management could help their operation .
A legacy bound by family , farming , faith and friends .
Today , the Gottmans work with Hassard Elevator as a receiving point in their program . grain-marketing
“ It takes a lot of pressure off of me ,” Tim explains . “ We can work hand-in-hand so there are no worries . When you ’ re sending your landlord a check , you want it to be correct . They ’ ve helped me simplify my grain marketing needs .”
In addition to the added management and peace of mind Tim gets from working with the Bensons , he ’ s beyond grateful for the kindness and support his family received a couple of year ’ s ago after losing his son .
“ They were among the first to show their support ,” Tim says . That won ’ t soon be forgotten . They ’ re the kindest people I ’ ve done business with .”
From hard work to integrity and love of fellow man , it ’ s a bit of “ forceful foresight ” as Rink calls it that has brought the business full circle , all the while building a legacy bound by family , farming , faith and friends .
“ Opportunity ,” Danny echoes . “ And , we serve a great God . Along with work ethic , Mom and Dad taught us that honesty and integrity were paramount . You just treat people like they want to be treated . Fair and honest .”
HEARTBEAT | SUMMER 2018 11