WHO WE ARE
Easy Automation, Inc. (EAI) is a family-owned and operated international supplier of software, automation technology, and equipment to the feed manufacturing, agronomy, and grain handling industries. Operating under the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS), our team strives to meet the company’s core values of Empathy, Approachability, Integrity, and Perseverance. EAI allows customers to fully integrate their operations with industry-leading controls, software, and equipment solutions. With a mission to help feed the world and a deep commitment to our customers, EAI provides unparalleled service and practical engineering for exceptional solutions.
L E A D E R S H I P
CEO & Owner
Mark Gaalswyk
Mark started Easy Systems in 1986 and his passion for problem solving combined with a farming background brought EAI from basic indicator switches to a fully integrated solution provider spanning multiple industries. His ability to think outside of the box brings EAI its intuitive yet innovative solutions.
Owner & Co-President
Chris Gaalswyk
Chris joined EAI formally in 2014 but has been working at EAI since it was legal for him to do so. Chris has a passion for learning and problem-solving. He has a Bachelor's degree in both Physics and Finance from Bethel University in St. Paul, MN.
Owner & General Manager
Jayden Grupe
Starting at EAI in 2007, Jayden has worked his way up to the position of General Manager. His B.A. in Economics from Hamline University prepared him well for his work. Jayden's organization and people skills are crucial to the work done at EAI. Outside of work, Jayden enjoys hunting, fishing, and spending time with his family.
Chief Technology Officer
Brian Sokoloski
Brian, a Fairmont native, has 10+ years of ag software engineering experience. Previously, he worked and consulted for Fortune 500 technology companies. He is passionate about creating practical, integrated technology for our customers.
Owner & Director of Culture & Philanthropy
Denise Gaalswyk
Denise has a servant-minded leadership style and ensures EAI is aligned with our core values. Denise has been a core pillar of Easy Automation for many years and recently retired into her new position to foster the EAI culture and philanthropy endeavors.
Owner & Co-President
Brady Gaalswyk
Brady served on the board for years before joining full-time in 2019. Prior to joining EAI, Brady was involved in feed ingredient transportation, working with many of our same customers. With a Bachelor's degree in Finance and Accounting from Bethel University, he is passionate about maximizing your dollar for the perfect solution.
Vice President of Manufacturing
Brian Bixby
Brian brings a wealth of knowledge to EAI from other leadership positions he has held in the manufacturing industries. His mechanical skills and problem solving is a great addition to EAI's leadership team. In his free time he likes spending time with his family and restoring vintage snowmobiles.
Vice President of Sales
Sam Pendleton
Sam brings an extensive background in ag retail ranging from insurance, precision ag equipment, product handling, and autonomous controls. He is heavily involved in the ag industry and associations at the state and national levels. Sam enjoys hunting, fishing, and spending time outdoors with his family in his spare time.
S A L E S
Regional Account Manager - East
Ben Etsinger
Ben joins our Easy Automation sales team as the Eastern Agronomy Sales Manager. With a degree from Purdue University in agricultural economics, Ben will draw on his experience previously working in ag technology, work order management software, and within the ag retail/fertilizer industry. Based out of Indiana, Ben raises purebred show pigs, and enjoys helping his nieces and nephews with their 4-H projects.
Regional Account Manager - Midwest
Brett Roe
Brett has been with EAI for over 12 years and has experience working with feed mills to find comprehensive, efficiency-based solutions. He has extensive knowledge of our NexGen Platform and conducts demonstrations of our integrated solution. Brett is a native of Illinois and enjoys spending time with his family and watching the St. Louis Cardinals.
Regional Account Manager - Farm Level
Alex LeDuc
Alex joins our Easy Automation sales team as an additional Regional Account Manager for our Midwest feed mill customers. With a degree from South Dakota State University in Agricultural Studies, Alex will draw on his experience previously working in a commercial feed mill and as partner in his family’s farming operation. Based out of southern Minnesota, Alex enjoys working on the family farm, spending time with family and friends, and going skiing in the mountains of Colorado.
Technical Sales - Agronomy
Mitch Alm
Mitch offers his extensive knowledge of complex liquid and dry agronomy automation systems drawing from his 10+ years of experience as a project manager in this space. He bridges the gap between sales and engineering with knowledge of all things agronomy facilities. Outside of work he enjoys spending time with his family and being outdoors.
Sales Engineer
CJ Cheever
With a Bachelor's degree in Agricultural Systems Technology from Iowa State, CJ is a key part to our sales team. He is involved in some way on most projects that move through EAI and his technical skills are crucial to everything that goes through. Growing up on a farm, he combines his knowledge and passion for agriculture with innovative solutions. In his free time you will find CJ cheering on the Iowa State Cyclones and riding motorcycle or participating in antique tractor pulls.
Sales Engineer
Ben Erdmann
Ben joins the sales team as a sales engineer after seven years at EAI as a controls technician. His experience working on-site with customers installing systems benefits him greatly as a sales engineer with his unique perspective of bringing projects across the finish line. Ben enjoys hanging out with his family, hunting, fishing, and floating on the lake. On the weekends you might also find Ben on stage with an acoustic guitar singing at your local Sioux City, Iowa venue. Rock on!
Regional Account Manager - Central
Zach Jensen
Zach joins our sales team as the Western Agronomy Sales Manager. Born and raised in Nebraska, Zach’s experience working in ag software and technology and liquid agronomy equipment sales will provide a well-rounded perspective on agronomy automation systems. In his free time, Zach enjoys playing golf, watching sports, and hanging out on the lake with his family.
Regional Account Manager - West
Grant Schutz
Grant joins our sales team with over 20 years of experience in agronomy crop consulting, agronomy sales, and farm management. Grant enjoys hunting, fishing, coaching wrestling, and spending time with his family in the mountains.
Technical Sales - Feed
Kory Hagen
Kory has been with EAI since 2005. Before he worked for EAI he managed various feed mills across the country for Cargill. He has a vast amount of knowledge in feed milling as well as other industries. Kory's hard-working character always gets his customer's trust while tailoring their facility to their individual needs. Outside of work Kory enjoys spending time with his family and taking snowmobiling trips in the mountains.
Technical Sales - Software
Brianna Preston
Brianna came to Easy Automation with a background in agriculture software support and started as a software support technician. After seeing her ability to navigate our software solutions and understand our customer's needs, she was selected to be our resident software expert on our sales team. In her free time, you can find Brianna attending her kids' sporting events, spending time on the lake boating or fishing and gardening.
Sales Engineer
Jason Harvey
With an A.A.S. degree in Small Business Management, Jason has a passion for helping our customers thrive. As a Sales Engineer at Easy Automation, he enjoys problem-solving the best solutions for each customer's unique site and setup. "No two customers are the same and I enjoy the challenge of that, and the ability to be able to bring my knowledge in agriculture, and specifically our industries, to our customers." Outside of the office, Jason enjoys riding motorcycle, brewing his own beer, and growing his own food.