Ten Questions with Kelsey Edwards
Kelsey Edwards serves as the Marketing Manager for C & B Operations, a group of nearly 40 John Deere Dealerships with the Field Support Office now located in Sioux Falls. She focuses on marketing strategy, execution and digital communications. Originally a South Dakota girl, she attended the University of Nebraska, spent some time on the east coast and relocated to Sioux Falls after a stint with the University of South Dakota Athletic Department. Kelsey values time with her family, including her husband, Max, and their two dogs, Karen and Willow.
1. How did you choose your profession?
Communication has always been one of my strengths. After achieving some of my career goals, I began to consider my next steps. I enjoyed my marketing classes in college and gained significant experience in this field in my previous role. I reflected on the aspects I loved and where I could make a meaningful impact. Choosing an employer that makes a positive difference in the world was important to me.
2. What is a piece of advice you’ve received that has served you well?
In July, a producer shared a piece of advice that has stuck with me. He said that farmers are essentially hopers and dreamers. They plant a tiny seed in the ground and hope for the right amount of rain, sun and heat. He reminded me that every time you look out at a field, you’re seeing someone’s patch of hope. It’s a valuable perspective shift.
3. Looking back at 2024, what would you say was the highlight of your year?
The highlight of 2024 was saying “I do” in front of our family and friends to start our next chapter as husband and wife. That and taking some time away from my computer screen to soak in something other than blue light.
4. What would you say to someone who’s interested in coming to live and work in Sioux Falls?
Give Sioux Falls a chance, and it will always surprise you! I grew up thinking of Sioux Falls as the “big city”, and it is shockingly tight-knit! We’ve run into neighbors, people from church and extended family at various shops and events. Sioux Falls is really becoming a destination city. There is something for every person and every budget.
5. What is your favorite thing about the Sioux Empire Livestock Show?
Not growing up in ag, it was eye-opening to see how dedicated the kids are to their animals and all the steps that go into actually getting to the shows. There is a work ethic that really shines when these students are showing. I learned so much about the process! Although, when I was asked to tuck a cow’s tail for a photo, it was a bit much for this city gal!
6. What is a skill you’d like to learn and why?
This is probably the colder weather talking, but I would love to learn to quilt. There is something so special about making or receiving a blanket that someone put hours of loving time and effort into, making sure you feel loved and warm. All of the quilting groups I’ve seen are during the workday—if there’s an after-hours quilting group, hit me up!
7. What is one of Sioux Falls’ best-kept secrets?
There are so many great places to go outside! We love the trails at Spencer Park and the dog park at Schulte Subaru!
8. What does your company value most in their Chamber membership?
The Chamber membership embeds our business into a cross-section of industries and has opened conversations. It’s been neat reconnecting with various people at events.
9. What is an opportunity for growth in the agriculture industry today?
Personally, I believe there is major growth coming in the realm of technology adoption. Monitoring machine usage, measuring fuel consumption, looking at the yield maps—there is so much value in technology helping farmers produce in a fiscally responsible and earth-conscious manner.
10. What is your favorite tech tool or app?
Outlook is incredibly powerful when you use features like rules, snooze, delay sends and reactions effectively. It’s much more than just a communication tool. Also, I use ChatGPT daily for tasks like grocery lists, social posts, spreadsheets and even planning our honeymoon!