Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Languages
Timeline
Generic

Kyle Willis

Bennington,NE

Summary

Passionate agricultural director with a successful track record in managing a 450+ acre farm. Growing 30+ varieties of apples, 100+ varieties of pumpkins, and several acres of various flowers and other crops. Led diverse teams to implement sustainable agricultural practices, resulting in increased productivity and significant agritourism growth. Expertise in developing educational programs that enhance visitor engagement and promote environmental stewardship.

Overview

1
1
Certification
13
13
years of professional experience

Work History

Director of Agriculture

Vala's Pumpkin Patch & Apple Orchard
Gretna, NE
01.2023 - 08.2025
  • As a key employee, contributed to formulating future plans and objectives for business direction.
  • Developed and implemented sustainable agricultural practices, increasing long-term productivity and environmental stewardship.
  • Implemented targeted pest control measures, improving crop health and quality.
  • Supervised planting, cultivating, and harvesting processes throughout the seasons.
  • Managed daily operations of pumpkin patch and apple orchard activities.
  • Coordinated staff schedules to optimize workforce allocation and enhance operational flow.
  • Trained new employees on operational procedures and safety protocols.
  • Collaborated with local suppliers for quality seeds and materials procurement.
  • Analyzed market trends to identify new opportunities for growth.
  • Developed educational programs for visitors about agricultural practices.

Orchard Manager

Vala's Pumpkin Patch
Gretna, NE
03.2022 - 08.2025
  • Supervised daily orchard operations and maintained crop health standards.
  • Coordinated harvest schedules, ensuring timely collection of pumpkins and produce to meet market demands.
  • Managed pest control programs, overseeing spraying, pruning, and fertilizing to maintain crop health.
  • Implemented pest management strategies to protect crops from infestations.
  • Developed strategies to maximize yield from existing trees while optimizing labor and input costs.
  • Trained seasonal staff on proper harvesting techniques and safety protocols.

Operations Manager`s

Nelson Produce Farm
Waterloo, NE
01.2021 - 03.2022
  • Supervised day-to-day workflow of employees in order to maximize productivity and maintain quality standards.
  • Coordinated staff scheduling and training to optimize operational processes.
  • Managed daily farm operations and coordinated staff activities to enhance workflow.
  • Implemented inventory management systems to track supplies and resources effectively.
  • Trained staff on safety protocols and best practices for farm operations.

Moved on due to better opportunity and offer.

Business Development

Buildertrend
Omaha, Nebraska
12.2019 - 12.2020
  • Engage new and existing customers to discuss needs, showcasing product and service solutions.

Pursued a career in agriculture, aligning passion with professional goals.

Financial Advisor

Northwestern Mutual
Omaha, NE
01.2018 - 11.2019
  • Advised clients on investment strategies and financial planning options.
  • Developed comprehensive financial plans tailored to individual client needs.

Transitioned to remote work, ensuring a consistent income stream.

Ranch Hand

University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Mead, NE
03.2012 - 09.2018
  • Maintained livestock health through regular feeding and wellness checks.
  • Assisted in breeding programs to enhance livestock genetics and quality.

Left role to focus on managing workload effectively.

Assistant Superintendent

The Pines Country Club
Valley , NE
01.2017 - 01.2018
  • Managed daily operations of golf course maintenance and landscaping.

Moved on due to being persuaded into Northwestern Mutual, and always wanted to try my hand at a career like that. (ahem, I was in my 20s)

Assistant Vineyard Manager

James Arthur Vineyards
Raymond, NE
03.2012 - 11.2016
  • Managed vineyard operations, maintaining high grape quality, ideal growth conditions and everything that entails viticulture.

Relocated to Omaha for career advancement opportunities.

Education

Bachelor of Science - University Studies

The University of Texas At Arlington
Arlington, TX
12-2013

High School Diploma -

Wahoo Public Schools
Wahoo, NE
05-2010

Bachelor of Arts - Horticulture

University of Nebraska, Lincoln
Lincoln, NE

Skills

  • Work ethic
  • Team culture development
  • Equipment operation
  • Traditional values with modern world understanding
  • Vendor management
  • Mechanical problem-solving
  • Recruitment expertise
  • Process improvement
  • Safety standards implementation
  • Farm planning
  • Analytical thinking
  • Organizational skills
  • Team building
  • Conflict management skills
  • Agricultural machinery repair
  • Leadership in team initiatives
  • Cross-functional communication
  • Warehouse operational knowledge
  • KPI analysis
  • Risk management
  • Problem solving
  • Workflow optimization
  • Time management
  • Attention to detail

Certification

  • Produce Safety Alliance
  • Pesticide Applicator's License
  • Driver's License

Languages

Spanish
Professional
English
Native/ Bilingual

Timeline

Director of Agriculture

Vala's Pumpkin Patch & Apple Orchard
01.2023 - 08.2025

Orchard Manager

Vala's Pumpkin Patch
03.2022 - 08.2025

Operations Manager`s

Nelson Produce Farm
01.2021 - 03.2022

Business Development

Buildertrend
12.2019 - 12.2020

Financial Advisor

Northwestern Mutual
01.2018 - 11.2019

Assistant Superintendent

The Pines Country Club
01.2017 - 01.2018

Ranch Hand

University of Nebraska-Lincoln
03.2012 - 09.2018

Assistant Vineyard Manager

James Arthur Vineyards
03.2012 - 11.2016

Bachelor of Science - University Studies

The University of Texas At Arlington

High School Diploma -

Wahoo Public Schools

Bachelor of Arts - Horticulture

University of Nebraska, Lincoln
Kyle Willis