At Norfolk Crush, our leadership team stands at the forefront of innovation and sustainable practices in the agricultural sector. With a wealth of experience and a shared commitment to excellence, our leaders drive the company’s vision of contributing to the region’s agricultural heritage while meeting the global demand for protein and oils. Their passion for responsible practices reflects in every aspect of our operations, making Norfolk Crush a beacon of leadership and positive impact in the agricultural industry.
Chad Spohn is excited to start a new venture as the President/CEO of Norfolk Crush. He is tasked with building and leading the Norfolk Crush team as the plant completes construction and begins processing beans late in 2024.
In his previous employment, Chad spent 24+ years with Archer Daniels Midland Co., serving in a variety of roles over 15 years of experience in the soybean crush industry where he has led procurement teams, marketed finished goods as well as guided the commercial activities of multiple soybean crush assets throughout the Midwest.
Most recently he was Vice President – Western Soybean Crush & Grain where he was responsible for ADM’s network of Western soybean crush plants and grain assets. Those responsibilities include people and leadership management, strategic development, risk management, P&L, margin management, raw material procurement, capital projects, and all other commercial-related functions.
Chad received a Bachelor of Science degree in Agribusiness from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and a Master of Business Administration degree from Millikin University.
Chad and his wife Kimberly have four children and live in Lincoln, NE.
Jeff Morris grew up in Fremont, NE and graduated from the University of Nebraska with a Bachelors in Mechanized Systems Management. His first position was with Cargill as an Elevator Manager in Memphis, TN where he received, stored, and loaded four commodities on the Mississippi River. Jeff has also led Cargill facilities in Albion, NE and Ravenna, NE. Jeff has also held leadership and engineering roles at one of Cargill’s largest corn processing facilities in Eddyville, IA.
The second half of Jeff’s career, he has held leadership roles in soybean crush facilities at Bunge and Louis Dreyfus Company. Most recently Jeff managed Louis Dreyfus Company’s crush plant in Claypool, IN that not only processes soybean, but is a fully integrated facility that processes soybean oil into biodiesel, glycerin, and lecithin.
Jeff has found his way back home to Nebraska here at Norfolk Crush. Jeff is married with four boys and looks forward to raising his family in the same rural hardworking culture he grew up in, and making a positive impact in the community.
Michael Rodgers is excited to partner with the leadership team and investors to commission the start-up of Norfolk Crush. His 30 years of experience in energy, food production and agriculture bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to this exciting venture.
Michael received his master’s degree in accounting at the University of Colorado and started his career at Deloitte and Touche, which subsequently led him to a domestic and international oil & gas construction and offshore drilling, including a stint in Venezuela before transitioning into food production. Michael’s food industry experience included time at ConAgra Foods, Wells Enterprises, Colorado Premium Foods, and Greater Omaha Packing. A financial professional with over a decade of experience in the CFO seat, he is looking forward to creating a team and business platform that will position Norfolk Crush as a leader in the soybean crushing industry.
Michael and his wife Shelly, have three children and reside in Elkhorn, Nebraska. Matthew is a freshman at the University of Lincoln, Michael is a junior at Mount Michael Benedictine, and Katherine is in 8th grade at Elkhorn Middle School.
Brandon Bruggeman grew up in Roseland, NE and has been in the grain merchandising industry for over 25 years. Brandon’s first merchandising position started in 1998 for the Hansen Mueller Co. in Omaha, NE trading small grains.
After a few smaller grain start-up companies, he worked as a Sales Manager and eventually the Area Manager for The Andersons in Kearney, NE where he oversaw the day-to-day business for the Nebraska territory. In 2017 he became the Specialty Manager for Gavilon in Omaha, NE and in 2020 went to work for a start-up company before starting his new position with Norfolk Crush LLC.
Brandon has two children, his daughter Molly is a sophomore at the University of Nebraska, Lincoln and his son Ryan is a Senior at Elkhorn North High School in Omaha, NE. He attributes his passion for the Ag industry to his dad, who worked at the local coop across the street from their home in Roseland, NE.
3820 North 1st Street
Norfolk, Nebraska 68701
