What Makes a Team Willing to Run Through a Wall? Tim Gutwein Tells All
rom Farm Fields to the C-Suite: Tim Gutwein on Growing AgXplore and Leading with Purpose
At the intersection of leadership, innovation, and deep agricultural roots stands Tim Gutwein, CEO of AgXplore, one of the most forward-thinking companies in agricultural plant nutrition today. In our latest conversation, we sit down with Tim to explore the personal and professional journey that led him from small-town beginnings to steering a company that's helping shape the future of ag tech.
From Rural Roots to Revolutionary Results
Founded in 1999, AgXplore started with a simple yet bold mission: to deliver smarter, more effective plant nutrition solutions to farmers. But it wasn’t until Tim joined the team in 2006 as Director of Sales that the company began to scale rapidly. At the time, AgXplore had just five employees and $2 million in annual revenue.
Under Tim’s leadership, that small startup has evolved into a powerhouse. His strategic approach and passion for people helped drive record-breaking growth, turning AgXplore into a national leader in crop health, biologicals, and micronutrient technologies. Learn more about our crop nutrition solutions.
Leadership, Loyalty, and the Power of Culture
Tim shares candid insights into AgXplore’s 2018 founder buyout, a pivotal moment that allowed him to assume the CEO role and further shape the company’s vision. With a leadership style grounded in transparency, drive, and a deep respect for his team, it’s no wonder employees say they’d “run through a wall” for him.
“When you care deeply about your people and your customers, the results take care of themselves,” Tim says. His approach reflects core agricultural values—hard work, trust, and family—which remain central to AgXplore’s culture today.
Facing Challenges, Fueling Innovation
Like many in the agriculture industry, Tim has weathered tough seasons—economic downturns, shifting regulations, and the growing demand for more sustainable farming practices. Yet through it all, he’s remained focused on AgXplore’s mission: empowering growers with tools that increase yield, reduce input waste, and drive profitability.
Explore how AgXplore is tackling sustainability in agriculture.
What’s Next for AgXplore—and for Ag
Looking ahead, Tim is excited about the role biologicals, foliar nutrition, and data-driven agronomy will play in farming’s next era. “We’re not just selling products—we’re helping farmers think differently about how they grow,” he says.
His vision? A future where precision agriculture meets personalized support, ensuring every grower—from the Midwest to the Delta—can farm smarter, not harder.
Rapid-Fire Questions: Field Snacks & Field Surprises
To keep things light, we tossed Tim a few rapid-fire questions. His favorite field snack? Jerky. Weirdest thing he’s seen in a field? “A cow stuck in a tree—don’t ask.”
Why This Episode Is a Must-Listen
Whether you’re a grower, ag professional, or business leader looking for fresh insight, Tim’s story offers the perfect mix of leadership inspiration, ag innovation, and some good old-fashioned fun.
🎧 Listen to the full episode here and subscribe for more conversations with the voices shaping modern agriculture.
