During the 2025 Top Producer Summit, previous Top Producer award winners took a moment to step back and reflect on the past. Looking back, what advice would they give their younger selves? Here’s what they had to say:
“If you’re hesitating, get on the ball. If you’re scrambling and don’t know what you’re doing, get on the ball. If you’re scared, get on the ball. It’s the only way you survive. But don’t focus so much by being on the ball and so focused on building your living that you forget to live your life.” ~Ron Rabou
“Don’t let your farm size or balance sheet determine your value. That’s been tough as a young producer, because we’re always looking for growth, but sometimes we need to reflect and recognize sometimes growth is internal. You should surround yourself with quality people and be genuinely happy for those around you. Try to understand the value of no. If I could look back, I would’ve said no a lot more. I’m still learning how to say no. The other thing my wife also challenges me to do is enjoy the ride. Take the time to celebrate your wins — even though that can sometimes be hard to do as a progressive businessperson.” ~Matt Splitter,
“Don’t let anybody crush your dreams. The first time I headed to Oklahoma with a combine, everyone in my local community said, ‘That will never work.’ I proved them wrong, and we’re still doing it 32 years later. Hang around positive people, and have someone behind you who believes in you. My wife still writes me notes every week that say, ‘I’ll love you unconditionally.’ It makes my job easier because when there’s a bad day, you’ve got somebody behind you.” ~Chad Olsen
“Hold your space. I was an only child of older parents. It was hard to grow up and be seen as grown up. So, it’s important for those of us in a multigenerational business to hold our space.” ~Christine Hamilton
“I think back to when I was in college and had a sign in my dorm that said ‘There’s one world market and everyone has 24 hours in a day. The rest is ability, imagination and ambition.’ I’d tell my younger self thank you for doing all the stuff you did when you were younger, because when you get old you need more sleep and don’t have the energy.” ~Brian Mitchell
