Mark Grassel

About Mark Grassel

Experienced team member with a demonstrated history of pragmatic leadership within the agricultural industry. Self-starting, entrepreneurial thinker skilled in diagnosing operational weaknesses, implementing efficiencies, adopting innovative technologies, streamlining processes and building teams. Accomplished in grower and vendor relations, budgeting and financial analysis, project management, human resources and agricultural labor, and property due diligence and acquisition. Proficient in risk management including crop insurance, people and food safety, sustainable and organic production, and data collection and management. Strong organizational, strategic planning and execution abilities. Highly competent in building synergistic relationships with key stakeholders, acquiring property, planning brownfield and greenfield permanent crop developments, procuring resources, and fostering the effectiveness of a growing, vertically integrated agricultural operation. A seasoned professional with a Master of Arts in Agricultural Economics from Washington State University. Volunteer who makes a difference in his community.

Experience

1. Senior Farm Manager

   Agis Capital Llc

   Nov 2021 — Present · Ellensburg, WA, US

   Administration and management of Pacific Northwest permanent crop portfolio of 2,750 acres, mostly planted to apples, cherries, pears, and wine grapes. Accountable for oversight of direct farm contractors, operating and capital budgets, warehouse packing and marketing decisions, risk management, purchasing, project schedules and deadlines, water right development and transfers, and communication to principals and investors. Lead portions of farm tours with potential institutional investors as subject matter expert. Execute strategic and tactical plans. Directly involved in property acquisitions and due diligence.

Education

• Washington Agriculture & Forestry Education Foundation

  Graduate of Class XVI, Natural Resource Industry Leadership

  1993 — 1995

• Washington State University

  Master of Arts, Agricultural Economics

  1985 — 1987

• Oregon State University

  Bachelor of Science - BS, Agribusiness/Agricultural Business Operations

  1981 — 1985

Skills

• Budgeting
• Microsoft Office
• Sales
• Public Speaking
• Sustainable Agriculture
• Agronomy
• Microsoft Excel
• Budgets
• Community Outreach
• Microsoft Word
• Agriculture
• Management
• Strategic Planning
• Horticulture
• Wine
• Vineyard
• Sustainability
• Customer Service
• Farms
• Research