Twenty years ago, Marinus L. moved. He moved a little further than the neighboring city, even further than a day drive away. Marinus moved from Hermanus, a seaside town in South Africa's Western Cape Province to the small town of Estherville, Iowa on a H2A visa. He joined the Seaboard Foods team in Cell 4, based in Guymon, Okla., as an animal caretaker in 2012 and finally moved back to Iowa in 2018 to be closer to family. No matter where he was or what life change was on the horizon, Marinus acknowledges the culture within the company and has explained it to his employees.
"We are a food company, and happy employees are more productive employees," says Marinus. "Speaking for farm operations, we put taking care of animals and people first, so animal welfare and employee wellbeing, safety and training are the top priorities."
Listen to Alex S. share how company culture developed him into the leader he is today and offered a sense of comfort for asking questions.
Emily V., a college student from Tarleton State University joined Seaboard Foods for the winternship in January 2021. She was an outsider and did not have exposure to the company before spending one week in operations, and she had great things to say about culture.
"You all truly do a great job of making everyone feel welcome and free to ask questions and learn. The unity and culture of Seaboard Foods is not something you see every day at such a large company! From every single employee we came across at different facilities, one could tell that they sincerely enjoyed their work and we thank you all for letting us winterns watch and learn from you."
There is also culture in communities. Since coming to Guymon, Okla., 25 years ago, Seaboard Foods impacted the community's traditions by sponsoring community events, supporting local organizations and welcoming new people from around the world to their new home and supplying them with a stable career. Listen to Neptune J., production supervisor, share his initial reaction to Guymon after moving from Miami, Fla., and how a friendly wave from a neighbor was a positive culture shock for him.
When
you are moved to a new home, you bring your hobbies, family traditions and
interests with you. But what happens when your new home can’t adapt to your
preferences? Listen to Emily R., market hog scheduling and optimization manager,
explain her move from the east coast to Guymon, Okla., and how she developed
new hobbies within the welcoming culture of the community. Emily moved to Seaboard Foods' Iowa operations after this video was published.
Seaboard Foods offers more than 1,500 unique positions throughout five states. Whether it's moving closer to family, a career shift or promotion or to experience a new community, Seaboard Foods encourages people to expand their horizon and take an internal position in a different community if it fits the needs of all parties. While sow housing may be different in Colorado or there may be more blizzards in Iowa, the company's culture and community values remain the same throughout.
"Seaboard Foods likes to promote from within and there are opportunities available," says Marinus. "I like to grow my network and meet new friends. I would recommend moving to a new area within Seaboard Foods if it's needed to move up in the company, and it can offer new things to do during free time."
