Meet Alex Heilman, Sales Associate at Mercaris
This month Mercaris welcomes Alex Heilman on board. Alex joins us as our Sales Associate. He will be reaching out to a range of organiz ations, from farms to financial firms, about their needs for better market data and onÂline trading as a way to source or sell their grain. Alex joins us from Miller Milling, and will be located at our Minneapolis offices. You can read more about Alex’s background here.
Would you like to know more about Alex and how he can help your organization understand and work smarter in the organic and non ÂGMO sectors? Read on!
What is most exciting to you about the IP supply chain? What is most challenging?
It's really exciting to watch the booming growth of the IP supply chain. This is something we are going to continue to see. Consumers are really starting to drive these markets through ‘clean label’ demands, and as a result, we are seeing more companies digging deeper into the supply chain and reevaluating their sustainability metrics.
The most challenging component is going to be keeping up with demand, whether it's procurement teams struggling to contract acres and set forward contracts, farmers facing the challenge of transitioning acres from conventional to organic, or companies rethinking their infrastructure investments to handle IP crop or ingredients. The way to meet all of these challenges is through proper planning.
How do you work with companies (or farms, or analysts) who are interested in Mercaris?
I like to work with with companies by learning about their operations, and understanding their individual challenges and needs. I truly believe in building trusting relationships. I really enjoy speaking with companies and individuals and hearing about their needs, and developing measurable solutions. I think it’s important to set realistic goals, and work towards obtaining them. I like to help companies map out their strategy, monitor the market, forge partnerships and build their business.
What’s one surprising thing about you?
I once hosted a weekly morning radio show in Minneapolis. Of course it was college radio, but I remember thinking I was pretty cool at the time, even though it was a Saturday morning time slot.
What are your hobbies?
Cheese, traveling, and following the food and design scene. In a former life, I was a professional chef, and still really enjoy actively following food and agricultural news.
What’s your favorite way to spend a weekend?
Going to the farmers market early in the day, and leisurely reading. I also like exploring new restaurants, and taking day trips throughout the Upper Midwest.
If you’d like to see how Mercaris can help solve your procurement, supply chain or market data needs for organic or nonÂ-GMO grains, or just say "hello," feel free to contact Alex by email or give him a call at (312) 423Â-1879.
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