Jim Gagnon, Area Sales Manager in Premier’s northern region, retires August 31, 2025 after 35 years of service.
Jim grew up on a small farm in northern Vermont. He attended the University of Vermont to obtain a bachelor’s degree in animal science with a minor in business. While in school, he was active in showing, and he was on the dairy judging team at the national level for FFA, 4-H, and four-year college teams.
Jim wasted no time beginning his career after college. He graduated on a Sunday and began working on Monday. His first position was in sales for Tri-State Breeders (Tri-Start Breeders changed their name to Accelerated Genetics in 1993, and then later underwent mergers to eventually become Premier Select Sires).
“It was sink or swim,” said Jim. “I moved from Vermont to New York and knew nobody, and I didn’t have any ridealongs before jumping into things. It took a few months, but I got into the swing of things.”
Jim’s first day was May 21, 1990, and by the end of that year, he had won a sales competition and earned a trip to the Bahamas. This would be the first of many accolades for Jim. When under the leadership of Accelerated Genetics he also earned trips to England and Germany, and as a Premier employee he has received the Super Achiever award and recognition for his outstanding sales.
“I’ve really appreciated the relationships I’ve formed over the years,” said Jim. “Customers have become like family, and that is the hardest thing to walk away from as I retire.”
Jim says he’s also treasured the simple pleasures of his job, such as early mornings hitting the road with a cup of coffee, enjoying the sunrise.
When asked what he would tell other employees on the Premier team, specifically new hires, Jim said, “The best advice I can give is to be sincere and success will follow. Nobody is perfect and we all make mistakes, but if you’re sincere you will build relationships. Our business is unique—we’re not like a used car salesman; we build relationships over long periods of time and if you’re in it for the long run you will be successful.”
“Jim has always been so committed, consistently prioritizing his customers,” said Eric Lundberg, Regional Sales Manager for Premier Select Sires. “He’s made sure they have access to the best genetics and animal health products, which ensures a better outcome for each operation.”
In retirement, Jim plans to spend more time with family. He and his wife have ambitions of seeing all 50 states. They also look forward to hiking, with plans to hike the Finger Lakes Trail in New York and the Long Trail in Vermont.
Please join us in thanking Jim for all he’s brought to our cooperative, and in wishing him many blessings in retirement!
Jim and his wife on a fishing trip
Jim and his son hiking
A creative shot from a visit to Cancun