Sometimes an interview subject comes along who seems a natural fit—someone who has not only held multiple highly visible positions in the industry, but who fights for its causes, and volunteers his time to help others.
The path that led Bushmans’ Inc. CEO Mike Carter into agriculture may have been a bit unusual compared to most, but he has become a well-liked and respected fixture in the industry.
“I did not have an ag background when I was hired to do government affairs for the WPVGA (Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association) in 1998,” he states.
“Before that time, I had worked in the State Senate for 10 years as a policy analyst, including for Senate Majority Leader Mike Ellis, learning about the legislative process and making connections that proved valuable as a lobbyist.”
“It was an incredible experience for a young guy, and it was remarkable how much power was allowed in the hands of someone in their 20’s,” Carter adds. “I made a lot of lifelong friends while working ‘on the hill.’”
