WHO WE ARE | easyautomationinc
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WHO WE ARE

Practical, innovative, quality products built upon years of expertise and strong conviction to our values. 

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L E A D E R S H I P 

MARK GAALSWYK

CEO / OWNER 

Mark Gaalswyk, Founder of Easy Automation, Inc.

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.  Mark's primary role in sales allows him to keep in touch with industries' ever-changing needs. 

DENISE GAALSWYK
JAYDEN GRUPE

VICE PRESIDENT / OWNER

GENERAL MANAGER

Denise Gaalswyk, Vice President and Owner of Easy Automation, Inc.
Jayden Grupe

You will find Denise's hands in many different departments at EAI as she keeps everything running smoothly.  With her primary focus in HR, she continues to make EAI a great place to work and strengthen its teams.  Her project management skills are crucial to the company's success.  With her servant-minded leadership style you can find her doing just about any kind of job as she pushes the company forward.  

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.   

CHRIS GAALSWYK

CO-PRESIDENT / OWNER

Chris Gaalswyk

Chris has been operating as EAI's President since 2014 but has been working at EAI since it was legal for him to do so. His experience working in various areas of the company makes him a great leader.  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. 

BRADY GAALSWYK

CO-PRESIDENT / OWNER

Brady Gaalswyk

Brady has served on EAI's board for years before joining full-time in 2019 as Vice President of Sales and now serving as Co-President.  Prior to joining EAI, Brady was involved in feed ingredient transportation, working with many of our same customers across the country.  With a Bachelor's degree in Finance and Accounting from Bethel University, he is passionate about maximizing your dollar for the perfect solution. 

ROD OLSON

FINANCIAL CONTROLLER

Rod Olson

Rod began his career at EAI in 2005 as Operations Manager and has added other roles that also suit his strengths. He is a highly professional, long-term employee that is an anchor in EAI's day-to-day operations. His agricultural background gives him a great understanding of our products as well as the values EAI is built on. Outside of EAI Rod farms, travels, and enjoys four wheeling with his family.  

BRIAN BIXBY

VICE PRESIDENT OF MANUFACTURING

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Brian brings a wealth of knowledge to EAI from other leadership positions he has held.  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. 

S A L E S

KORY HAGEN

SENIOR SALES MANAGER

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.

SAM PENDLETON

DIRECTOR OF FERTILIZER SALES

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Sam brings an extensive background in ag retail ranging from insurance, precision ag equipment,  product handling, and autonomous controls. He grew up and currently lives in rural Nebraska with his wife, Danielle, and two daughters, Natalie and Madison. He is heavily involved in the ag industry and associations at both the state and national levels. In his spare time, Sam enjoys hunting, fishing, and spending time outdoors with his family. 

ALEX LEDUC

REGIONAL ACCOUNT MANAGER - FEED

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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.

SCOTT HERRON

REGIONAL SALES MANAGER

Scott Herron

Scott brings over thirty years of experience in the field of feed mill management, design, construction and capital equipment sales.  Along with his experience, comes a passion for helping clients solve complex issues in the design and flow of their facilities.  Before coming to EAI, Scott managed feed mills producing feed for multiple species.  With his wide range of experience, Scott is  the perfect person to help you steer your business in the right direction.  He enjoys spending time with his family and is an avid motorsports fan.

CJ CHEEVER

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. 

BRETT ROE

REGIONAL SALES MANAGER

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Brett is our NexGen Office expert.  With his primary focus on selling for our software division he can specialize in that part of our customer's facility and has a great amount of knowledge. Brett is based out of Illinois and enjoys spending time with his family and watching the St. Louis Cardinals. 

JASON HARVEY

SALES ENGINEER

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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 set up.  "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.  

BEN ETSINGER

EASTERN AGRONOMY SALES MANAGER

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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.

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