Truck Driver Spotlight: Chet Manthei
Jan 02, 2023
Growing up on a ranch near Faith, South Dakota, Chet Manthei’s agricultural roots run deep. After 40 years in the construction business, he was excited to jump back into the industry he grew up in by joining Agtegra as a truck driver in 2015.
“My roots have always been in farming,” Manthei said. “Agtegra was a logical fit for me.”
During his 40-year construction career working primarily with gravel and rock, Manthei was a part of several road construction projects, particularly in building roads to access wind tower construction sites. The construction business eventually led Manthei to move to the east side of the river to Wessington Springs in the late 80s, and in 2015, he began working for Agtegra out of the Wolsey location.
Manthei worked with Agtegra before even joining the team, as he helped move gravel and rock during the construction of the Agtegra locations in Highmore, Wolsey and Kennebec.
“Producers typically request Chet to come back in the future, as they love to work with him,” said Toshia Blubaugh, Agtegra Truck Logistics Coordinator. “He arrives early with a smile on his face and stays ‘til the job is done with the same smile. He doesn’t mind where he’s sent and is always willing to go the extra mile to help out, no matter what the need is.”
While customers are drawn to his commitment to quality service, he loves the conversations he gets to have with farmers.
“When I get a chance to pick up grain at a farm and get to talk one-on-one with farmers – that’s one of the most enjoyable parts of my day,” Manthei said.
“My roots have always been in farming,” Manthei said. “Agtegra was a logical fit for me.”
During his 40-year construction career working primarily with gravel and rock, Manthei was a part of several road construction projects, particularly in building roads to access wind tower construction sites. The construction business eventually led Manthei to move to the east side of the river to Wessington Springs in the late 80s, and in 2015, he began working for Agtegra out of the Wolsey location.
Manthei worked with Agtegra before even joining the team, as he helped move gravel and rock during the construction of the Agtegra locations in Highmore, Wolsey and Kennebec.
“Producers typically request Chet to come back in the future, as they love to work with him,” said Toshia Blubaugh, Agtegra Truck Logistics Coordinator. “He arrives early with a smile on his face and stays ‘til the job is done with the same smile. He doesn’t mind where he’s sent and is always willing to go the extra mile to help out, no matter what the need is.”
While customers are drawn to his commitment to quality service, he loves the conversations he gets to have with farmers.
“When I get a chance to pick up grain at a farm and get to talk one-on-one with farmers – that’s one of the most enjoyable parts of my day,” Manthei said.