WHO WE ARE
Easy Automation, Inc. (EAI) is a family-owned and operated international supplier of software, automation technology, and equipment to the feed manufacturing, agronomy, and grain handling industries. Operating under the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS), our team strives to meet the company’s core values of Empathy, Approachability, Integrity, and Perseverance. EAI allows customers to fully integrate their operations with industry-leading controls, software, and equipment solutions. With a mission to help feed the world and a deep commitment to our customers, EAI provides unparalleled service and practical engineering for exceptional solutions.
L E A D E R S H I P
MARK GAALSWYK
CEO / OWNER
Mark started Easy Systems in 1986 and his passion for problem solving combined with a farming background brought EAI from basic indicator switches to a fully integrated solution provider spanning multiple industries. His ability to think outside of the box brings EAI its intuitive yet innovative solutions. Mark's primary role in sales allows him to keep in touch with industries' ever-changing needs.
DENISE GAALSWYK
JAYDEN GRUPE
VICE PRESIDENT / OWNER
GENERAL MANAGER
You will find Denise's hands in many different departments at EAI as she keeps everything running smoothly. With her primary focus in HR, she continues to make EAI a great place to work and strengthen its teams. Her project management skills are crucial to the company's success. With her servant-minded leadership style you can find her doing just about any kind of job as she pushes the company forward.
Starting at EAI​ in 2007, Jayden has worked his way up to the position of General Manager. His B.A. in Economics from Hamline University prepared him well for his work. Jayden's organization and people skills are crucial to the work done at EAI. Outside of work, Jayden enjoys hunting, fishing, and spending time with his family.
CHRIS GAALSWYK
CO-PRESIDENT / OWNER
Chris has been operating as EAI's President since 2014 but has been working at EAI since it was legal for him to do so. His experience working in various areas of the company makes him a great leader. Chris has a passion for learning and problem-solving. He has a Bachelor's degree in both Physics and Finance from Bethel University in St. Paul, MN.
BRADY GAALSWYK
BRIAN BIXBY
CO-PRESIDENT / OWNER
VICE PRESIDENT OF MANUFACTURING
Brady has served on EAI's board for years before joining full-time in 2019 as Vice President of Sales and now serving as Co-President. Prior to joining EAI, Brady was involved in feed ingredient transportation, working with many of our same customers across the country. With a Bachelor's degree in Finance and Accounting from Bethel University, he is passionate about maximizing your dollar for the perfect solution.
Brian brings a wealth of knowledge to EAI from other leadership positions he has held. His mechanical skills and problem solving is a great addition to EAI's leadership team. In his free time he likes spending time with his family and restoring vintage snowmobiles.
BRIAN SOKOLOSKI
SAM PENDLETON
CHIEF TECHNOLOGY OFFICER
VICE PRESIDENT OF SALES
Brian, a Fairmont native, has 10+ years of ag software engineering experience. Previously, he worked and consulted for Fortune 500 technology companies. He is passionate about creating practical, integrated technology for our customers.
Sam brings an extensive background in ag retail ranging from insurance, precision ag equipment, product handling, and autonomous controls. He grew up and currently lives in rural Nebraska with his wife, Danielle, and two daughters, Natalie and Madison. He is heavily involved in the ag industry and associations at the state and national levels. Sam enjoys hunting, fishing, and spending time outdoors with his family in his spare time.
S A L E S
KORY HAGEN
REGIONAL SALES MANAGER
Kory has been with EAI since 2005. Before he worked for EAI he managed various feed mills across the country for Cargill. He has a vast amount of knowledge in feed milling as well as other industries. Kory's hard-working character always gets his customer's trust while tailoring their facility to their individual needs. Outside of work Kory enjoys spending time with his family and taking snowmobiling trips in the mountains.
CJ CHEEVER
SALES ENGINEER
With a Bachelor's degree in Agricultural Systems Technology from Iowa State, CJ is a key part to our sales team. He is involved in some way on most projects that move through EAI and his technical skills are crucial to everything that goes through. Growing up on a farm, he combines his knowledge and passion for agriculture with innovative solutions. In his free time you will find CJ cheering on the Iowa State Cyclones and riding motorcycle or participating in antique tractor pulls.
BEN ETSINGER
EASTERN AGRONOMY SALES MANAGER
Ben joins our Easy Automation sales team as the Eastern Agronomy Sales Manager. With a degree from Purdue University in agricultural economics, Ben will draw on his experience previously working in ag technology, work order management software, and within the ag retail/fertilizer industry. Based out of Indiana, Ben raises purebred show pigs, and enjoys helping his nieces and nephews with their 4-H projects.
BRETT ROE
REGIONAL SALES MANAGER
Brett has been with EAI for over 12 years and has experience working with feed mills to find comprehensive, efficiency-based solutions. He has extensive knowledge of our NexGen Platform and conducts demonstrations of our integrated solution. Brett is a native of Illinois and enjoys spending time with his family and watching the St. Louis Cardinals.
ALEX LEDUC
REGIONAL ACCOUNT MANAGER - FEED
Alex joins our Easy Automation sales team as an additional Regional Account Manager for our Midwest feed mill customers. With a degree from South Dakota State University in Agricultural Studies, Alex will draw on his experience previously working in a commercial feed mill and as partner in his family’s farming operation. Based out of southern Minnesota, Alex enjoys working on the family farm, spending time with family and friends, and going skiing in the mountains of Colorado.
JASON HARVEY
SALES ENGINEER
With an A.A.S. degree in Small Business Management, Jason has a passion for helping our customers thrive. As a Sales Engineer at Easy Automation, he enjoys problem-solving the best solutions for each customer's unique site and setup. "No two customers are the same and I enjoy the challenge of that, and the ability to be able to bring my knowledge in agriculture, and specifically our industries, to our customers." Outside of the office, Jason enjoys riding motorcycle, brewing his own beer, and growing his own food.
BEN ERDMANN
SALES ENGINEER
Ben joins the sales team as a sales engineer after seven years at EAI as a controls technician. His experience working on-site with customers installing systems benefits him greatly as a sales engineer with his unique perspective of bringing projects across the finish line. Ben enjoys hanging out with his family, hunting, fishing, and floating on the lake. On the weekends you might also find Ben on stage with an acoustic guitar singing at your local Sioux City, Iowa venue. Rock on!
ZACH JENSEN
WESTERN AGRONOMY SALES MANAGER
Zach joins our sales team as the Western Agronomy Sales Manager. Born and raised in Nebraska, Zach’s experience working in ag software and technology and liquid agronomy equipment sales will provide a well-rounded perspective on agronomy automation systems. In his free time, Zach enjoys playing golf, watching sports, and hanging out on the lake with his family.
BRIANNA PRESTON
SOFTWARE SOLUTION SALES
Brianna came to Easy Automation with a background in agriculture software support and started as a software support technician. After seeing her ability to navigate our software solutions and understand our customer's needs, she was selected to be our resident software expert on our sales team. In her free time, you can find Brianna attending her kids' sporting events, spending time on the lake boating or fishing and gardening.