Q: As a teenager you fought and won a long, tough battle with cancer. How has that experience defined your life and career choices moving forward?
My battle with cancer has absolutely helped mold who I am today. I believe my career choices have been shaped more by my upbringing and agricultural roots, but how I approach each day and each challenge definitely stems from the humbleness, attitude and perspective I carry with me as a result of my cancer journey.
Q: What do you do to encourage others? Who/what serves as a source of encouragement for you?
Through my life experiences, I am keenly aware that everyone you come across is fighting their own personal battles in some form. I believe the attitude, moreover the positive attitude, you bring with you throughout the day does so much for those around you: your co-workers, your friends, your family, etc. People are drawn to and respond to that type of environment; that is the best encourage I can think of. I am very fortunate to have a family that is solid as rock for my foundation of encouragement and support.
Q: How has agriculture shaped your life?
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My answer would be typical of most involved in agricultural in that growing up on the farm I was taught the value of hard work, integrity, family and community. I consider myself very fortunate to have grown up the way I did. Moreover, I believe the people in this industry are very down to earth and authentic.
Q: If you had the opportunity to get a message across to a large group of people, what would your message be?
I do get to share my message via public speaking engagements from time to time, and I always share the same two things: 1) you have no idea what you are capable of until you have to, both mentally and physically, and 2) Your attitude is everything! Also, I like to share some of my perspective but pointing out that by living in a free country, having a roof over your head, food on your plate and your health, that many of the "problems" we all think we have, aren't really PROBLEMS at all!
Q: What makes you smile?
As much as I have gotten to travel, see the world and be involved in the fast-paced world of business, the older I get, the more I enjoy a day working the farm beside my family, sitting by the lake, or simply enjoying time with family and friends.
Eschenbaum was raised on his family's cattle ranch, Wienk Charolais, near Lake Preston, S.D. He graduated from South Dakota State University in 2011 with degrees in entrepreneurial studies and agricultural business. He spent five years with the South Dakota Department of Agriculture, focusing on economic development and international trade, and now works for Rembrandt Foods and manages the construction and eventual operation of a new cage-free laying operation to be built in South Dakota. He remains involved with his family farm and in 2011 founded the Ty Eschenbaum Foundation to support the lives and ambitions of youth cancer survivors and their families. For more information on Eschenbaum and the Ty Eschenbaum Foundation, visit www.tyefoundation.org or www.facebook.com/TyEschenbaumFoundation .
Would you like to be featured in this segment or know of someone who would make an interesting profile? Contact Katie Pinke at kpinke@agweek.com .
