Brad Gladbach, senior field auditor, will wrap up his 39-year career with MFA Oil at the end of December. Gladbach started with the cooperative on October 4, 1982, as the bulk plant manager in Mendon, Mo. He worked in Mendon for 16-and-a-half years before transitioning to the role of training agent.
For the next 13 years, Gladbach trained bulk fuel and propane plant personnel at locations throughout MFA Oil’s territory.
“Any time we were bringing in new employees–whether they were new hires or part of an acquisition–I was there to help train them,” Gladbach says.
MFA Oil retiree Larry Fick supervised the company’s training agents, including Gladbach, from 2000 to 2012. He says Gladbach’s reliability and his nurturing approach to training made Gladbach popular among his coworkers.
“People were always glad to see Brad,” Fick says. “They enjoyed working with him.”
The training agents were directly involved in the company’s efforts to digitize its field operations, placing Gladbach at the center of several major MFA Oil transitions. He helped train employees on two different computer systems. Gladbach began visiting field offices in 2000 to train the staff to launch Mobile Code. In 2008, the company rolled out Smart Logic to the drivers and introduced an in-house point-of-sale system. Gladbach tested the software for the handheld devices installed in every drivers’ truck.
“It was a different age,” Gladbach says while reflecting on the jump from written to electronic records. “In those days, we still recorded a lot of our business with No. 2 pencils. Some of our employees had never touched a computer before. Introducing those systems were big milestone events that made our data more accessible for employees. It was very fulfilling to be a part of that process.”
Gladbach’s experience with plant operations, inventory management, and systems training made it easy for him to transition to his next role as a field auditor in 2012. He primarily has worked with plants in the company’s northern districts for routine audits and special requests.
Field operations auditor Tammy Spyers has known and worked with Gladbach for more than 25 years. She looked to Gladbach for mentorship when she joined the auditing team three years ago. Spyers says his support helped her become a better employee and person.
“Brad has the patience of a saint and is an amazing teacher,” Spyers says. “He doesn’t talk much, but when he does, you know to listen. He has guided many MFA Oil employees to success.”
Fellow auditor Troy Clayton says he frequently sought Gladbach’s input and expertise.
“He is incredibly knowledgeable and has helped me immensely,” Clayton says. “I will miss his positivity. Brad spread positivity everywhere he went.”
Tim Findling, plant manager for Kirksville, Mo., and Memphis, Mo., says Gladbach could be counted on to explain the auditing process to field employees and answer any questions.
“Brad was good about sharing his knowledge, offering suggestions, and helping us get better,” Findling says. “He’s done a super job for us, and he always seemed to be in a good mood. He’s a heck of a guy, and we will miss him.”
Chief Financial Officer Jeff Raetz has worked with Gladbach for several years and appreciates his willingness to take on new jobs and do whatever the company has needed.
“Brad has had an outstanding career at MFA Oil,” Raetz says. “He has held three different jobs with the co-op and excelled at each position. His career epitomizes our core values. We wish him a well-deserved long, happy and healthy retirement.”
When asked what he will miss most after leaving the company after 39 years, Gladbach is quick to say it’s his coworkers.
“We have wonderful people throughout our company,” he says.
In retirement, Gladbach looks forward to working on the farm, fishing, and spending time with his wife, Myrna, and his grandkids.