One Iowa BioZyme® dealer takes the “lead by example” approach to his marketing. And it is working just fine for him. Bickel Farms, located in Southwest Iowa, near Diagonal, became a BioZyme dealer just five short years ago, after selling another mineral for 30 years.
Brian Bickel explained that he had sold and fed another mineral for three decades, but once it was bought by another company, customer service began to fail. He had heard of BioZyme, and was familiar with the products, as his family used Sure Champ® on its show projects. He did his homework, tried VitaFerm® on his own herd first, and the rest is history.
“I wanted to see how the product worked for us first,” Brian recalls. “I was one of the last to be a believer in chelated minerals, but you do get a true bang for your buck with them. I definitely see the Amaferm advantage at work in our herd. Our cows are in better shape. Their conversion and consumption is better than ever.”
Once Brian was convinced of the benefits of VitaFerm and other BioZyme products, he became a dealer. He relies on word-of-mouth and lets his herd do the primary promotion for him, rather than advertising. Leading by example comes easily.
Following by Example
Brian is currently the second of four generations living on Bickel Farms. One of the primary ways he and his family stay involved in the industry is through the Ringgold County Cattlemen’s Association – an organization his dad, Dale, helped form 50 years ago. Today, the 6th generation of Bickel family, Cauy and Brady are involved in the beef industry. Brian and his wife, Robyn, just welcomed their first grandchild and the seventh generation to the farm.
The Ringgold County Cattlemen’s honored Dale and Marla as its 2024 Cattlemen of the Year. The multi-generation family and BioZyme dealership continues its involvement, donating VitaFerm products to its annual auction and volunteering for various functions throughout the year. Brian hopes that this new grandson will share the same passion for agriculture, the farm, and give back as the generations before him.
Business Basics
When it comes to selling mineral, Brian says, “There’s no better feeling than hearing your customers’ reproduction success stories!”
He recommends getting to know and working with the BioZyme team, and keeping an inventory management system that works best for the individual.
“We are in hole-hog. Sell products from the same company and believe in what you are selling. It’s hard to sell what you don’t have,” he adds.
Brian is a shorter distance from the Saint Joseph headquarters than some, but he does keep a variety of inventory. He compliments the BioZyme team, saying his truck driver has never had to wait to be loaded, and he can count on anyone from his ASM, Troy Goretska, to the nutritionist, Chris Cassady, when he has a question.
Leading by example. Involvement in local organizations. Bridging the generational gap. Those are great ways to show care that comes full circle, and we’re glad to have dealers like Bickel Farms.