Adam Ickes

Adam Ickes grew up on a farm in Page, NE. He attended the University of Nebraska in Lincoln and graduated with a degree in Business Administration in 2005. He took a grain merchandising job with DeBruce Grain in early 2006 where he traded cross country grain until July 2010, when he joined the Nebraska office. He resides in Lincoln where he enjoys spending time with friends and family, golfing, traveling, and helping on the farm.

AJ Jones

AJ Jones, one of Paragon's most experienced brokers has been in the commodity futures business for more than 13 years. AJ's expertise is clearly defined in the agricultural sector as he aggressively helps producers in both livestock and grain hedging. AJ's contacts in the meat packing industry and grain export business have helped him maintain a pulse on the cash market which help him translate this information to the futures markets. AJ also has extensive knowledge in the financial sector where he assists in financial planning and risk management of affluent investors. To schedule a conference with AJ, please contact his email address (lakin@piitrader.com) or phone him directly at 800-292-8236.

Andrew Erker

Andrew grew up in Olathe, KS. He attended Kansas State University where he received a degree in Milling Science and Management. Through his experience in the grain industry, he became interested in the commodity markets and their relationship to the producer. With a desire to help producers be successful, he decided Agricultural Risk Management would be the direct approach. Andrew currently holds his Series 3 (Commodity Brokerage License). To reach Andrew, contact him at 888-452-8751 ext. 207 or via his email at andrew.erker@piitrader.com

Brian Holder

Brian Holder grew up in Silver Lake, Kansas where he still resides with his wife and four children. Brian attended Kansas State University where he studied business management and finance. Brian has over 20 years of experience in business marketing and management. His knowledge of technical trading led him to Paragon where he has incorporated his skills in management and trading to successfully help producers hedge their risk and develop effective marketing strategies.

Clint Hoffman

Clint Hoffman grew up in the Polk, Nebraska area on a family farm and graduated from Polk-Hordville High School in 1997. After high school he went to the University of Nebraska - Lincoln and studied Agricultural Economics. During college Clint took an interest in grain marketing and after graduation he became a professional commodity broker and registered crop insurance agent. He currently resides in Roca, NE with his wife Jody and son Turner and a daughter Cadence. In his spare time he likes to hunt, fish, and watch Nebraska sports.

Clinton Grisier

Clinton started working on the family farm in Yates Center, Kansas at a young age. He grew up learning the ins and outs of a volatile farm economy helping his family manage their row crop acreage, cow-calf herd and stocker operation. Wanting to pursue a career as a commodity broker, Clinton attended Kansas State University and obtained a degree in Agricultural Economics. Clinton’s production agriculture background, as well as the knowledge gained while at KSU, allows him to assist producers in developing sound risk management strategies. Clinton currently holds his Series 3 (Commodity Brokerage License). Mr. Grisier provides advisory services for grain producers, livestock operations, as well as individual investors.

Curtis Haverkamp

Curtis was raised on a grain and livestock farm just outside of Bern, KS. He graduated from Kansas State University with a degree in Agricultural Business. During his time on the farm and at Kansas State he became interested in Agricultural Risk Management. Joining Paragon has allowed him to pursue this as well as keep in touch with his agricultural base. He is currently working to expand Paragon's grain merchandising and advisory services to grain and livestock producers that are looking to hedge their production and manage risk. Curtis currently holds his Series 3 (Commodity Brokerage License). To visit with Curtis, contact him at (888) 452-8751 ext. 221 or via email at curtis.haverkamp@piitrader.com

Doug Simon

Doug Simon was raised in Nebraska, graduating from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with degrees in economics and international affairs. After completing a year at Sydney University (Australia) on a Rotary Fellowship, he taught and did research, graduating with an MS in agricultural economics from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. In 1990 he helped start Nature Farm Foods, a specialty foods manufacturer that sold bakery mixes and housewares to national distributors and retailers. In 1999, Doug started working with agricultural producers to manage risk and merchandise grain. Doug likes to travel and has also lived in Africa and Canada. Doug and his wife, Nicole have three children; Ben, Zach and Madeleine. He likes to play basketball, golf, run, and cook.

Drew Jensen

Drew Jensen was raised on a family farm in southeast Nebraska. He has had a passion for agriculture commodities since a young age and shows in his extensive education & experience in the industry. After graduating from University of Nebraska-Lincoln with majors in agribusiness & finance, Drew entered the grain industry with Bartlett & Company LLC where he held positions as a grain merchandiser, rail logistics coordinator, & rail freight trader. In 2004, he went to work for Applebee's International, Inc. in food procurement & commodity risk management. Drew completed his Masters of Business Administration from University of Kansas in May 2006 before joining the Nebraska office in the fall of 2006. Drew enjoys golfing, cooking, and the outdoors. He and wife Lyndsay, reside in Lincoln.

Elaine Kub

Elaine Kub grew upon a family farm near Ipswich, South Dakota, where she now rents cropland and assists with the livestock operation. Before joining the Nebraska office, she worked as a grain merchandiser for The Scoular Company and a futures market analyst for DTN, where her insight into the ag markets was frequently shared with the industry-specific and national media outlets. Elaine holds a Masters of Buiness Administration from the University of California San Diego and an Industrial Engineering degree from the University of Nebraska. She now lives in Elkhorn, NE and enjoys travel, fishing, making wine, and taking flying lessons.

Ellis Diekhoff

Ellis was born and raised on a family farm in west central Missouri. Ellis is a lifetime farmer and continues to this day to farm full-time.Ellis currently holds his Series 3 commodities brokerage license and is interested in bringing his first-hand experience in farming, and in grain and livestock hedging, to his clients. You can reach Ellis at 888-452-8751 ext 326.

Justin Lovegrove

Justin Lovegrove grew up on a family farm near Grafton, Nebraska. He graduated from Nebraska Wesleyan University with a degree in accounting and finance. After college Justin worked at Kopsa Otte & Associates CPA's in York, Nebraska. In 2003 he along with two other partners founded The Agricultural Risk Consulting Group LLC. With the main office in Lincoln, Nebraska, The Agricultural Risk Consulting Group LLC has since expanded to include Branch Offices in Butte, Clarks, and Elkhorn, Nebraska, and a partnership in Silver Lake, Kansas. Justin continues to own and operate a farm in Fillmore County, Nebraska. Justin and his wife Alecia have two daughters, Olivia and Emily. Justin enjoys traveling, reading, golfing, and spending time with his family.

Kody Wintercheidt

Kody Winterscheidt was raised on a farm in Northeast Kansas, where he grew up surrounded by production agriculture. Kody was always intrigued by the ever changing world of agriculture and its many ups and downs. A desire in the commodity markets and risk management soon developed. His interests in agriculture found him at Kansas State University, where he attained a degree in Agriculture. Kody currently holds his Series 3 (Commodity Brokerage License). His understanding of the agriculture industry and education help give him a personalized, progressive approach to the markets. He is currently working to expand Paragon's grain merchandising abilities as well as, advisory services to individual grain and livestock producers looking to hedge their production and manage risk. To visit with Kody, please contact his email kodyw@piitrader.com or directly at 888-452-8751 ext. 208.

Mark Frank

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Matt Kramer

Growing up on a family farm in Northeast Kansas is how Matt developed his interest in the commodity markets. Matt holds a degree in Agricultural Economics from Kansas State University. Through study and hands-on experience Matt is proficient in developing the hedging strategies that allow producers to maximize their return on their operation while also reducing price risks. Matt is one of Paragon’s most experienced brokers, with a Series 3 (Commodity Brokerage License) and over 10 years of trading experience. If you are a producer looking to manage your risk or a speculator looking for professional investment advice, Matt is here to help you succeed. To visit with Matt, please contact his e-mail (mattk@piitrader.com) or phone him directly at 888-452-8751 ext. 206.

Paul Nolte

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Ryan Broxterman

Ryan Broxterman was raised on a farm in Northeast Kansas. Growing up on the farm Ryan developed his interest in the futures markets. Wanting to pursue a career as a commodity broker he obtained a degree from Kansas State University in the field of Agricultural Economics. As a student at Kansas State Ryan gained extensive knowledge of the futures markets and different hedging strategies. Along with the education Ryan received from Kansas State University he has 5 years of personal experience trading the markets. Whether you are a speculator looking to invest in the market or a hedger looking to manage your risk, Ryan can help you achieve your goals.

Sarah Downing

Sarah grew up on a farm outside of Warrensburg, Missouri acting the part as her father’s “only son” . She attended the University of Missouri and received a degree in Agriculture Economics, with an emphasis in policy. After originating grain for terminal elevators, she realized being on the farmer’s side of the business is where her heart is. While Sarah currently heads up Paragon’s cash grain program, she enjoys working with grain and livestock producers as an advisor, whether it is forming a risk management plan, hedging, or discussing basis. She holds her Series 3 (Commodity Brokerage License) and is active in promoting agriculture education for those with non-farming backgrounds. You can reach Sarah at 888.452.8751 ext 219 or sarah.downing@piitrader.com

Scott Ramey

Scott Ramey was raised on his family's farming operation in Northeastern Colorado. With an interest in agriculture and love of business, Scott pursued and obtained a degree in Agricultural Business from Colorado State University in 1991. Upon graduation, Scott began working for Monfort in Greeley Colorado where he was employed as a Quality Control Technician responsible for both ground beef production, and carcass fabrication. After three years in the packing plant Scott advanced to the Boxed Beef Sales Division at Monfort's corporate headquarters where he sold beef to retail chains and wholesale distributors. Scott's experience in the meat packing industry proved to be invaluable as he began work with Producers Livestock Marketing Association of Greeley Colorado. Scott's passion for ag business and experience in the meat industry provided essential components for his success at Producers Livestock where he was responsible for cattle hedging operations. In February 2002 Scott joined Paragon Investments Inc. in Otis, Colorado in a move to bring his family back to Eastern Colorado and be closer raise his children in a "Small town" environment. Scott has always enjoyed working with the farm and ranch population and wanted to continue assisting them with their risk management needs. Scott is the Branch Manager in Otis where he provides fundamental research assistance in the livestock sector as well as directly assists customers in hedging and speculative trading with personal and professional service.

Shane Lechtenberg

Shane Lechtenberg was raised on a family farm in north central Nebraska. Shane graduated from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with a major in Agricultural Economics. Upon graduation, Shane started as a salesperson with Stuart Fertilizer and Grain. In 1997, he joined his family's business where they are engaged in livestock feeding and research, and agricultural sales. In 2001, Shane pursued his interest in the commodity consulting and brokerage industry. Shane has been with the Nebraska office since 2003 and became a partner in 2007. Shane and his wife, Beth, have two daughters, Lanie and Jaylee.

Tyler Hermann

Tyler grew up in Silver Lake, KS where he saw the importance of agriculture and first developed an interest in the commodity markets. That interest grew as he attended Kansas State University, receiving a degree in Agricultural Economics. Tyler currently holds his Series 3 (Commodity Brokerage License). His desire to help producers successfully manage their risk led him to Paragon. He is working hard to expand his knowledge of the ever changing commodity markets as well as expanding Paragon Ag’s advisory services to individual grain and livestock producers looking to manage their risk by using hedging strategies . To visit with Tyler, either email him at tyler.herrmann@piitrader.com or give him a call at 888-452-8751 ext. 220.

Meet the Paragon Management Team