Stacie Toppin, Territory Sales Manager —
The Kent name was a “home brand” for Stacie Toppin growing up outside of Ames, Iowa. Her dad raised hogs but also dabbled in cattle, raising beef steers and dairy heifers too. Toppin was active in 4-H and showed hogs, dairy and rabbits – using mostly Kent Show Feeds.
“I always knew the name,” she says. “I recognized it as the brand the winners used.”
After graduating from Iowa State University with an animal science degree (and a minor in microbiology), Toppin moved to New Jersey and started a family there. She worked as a veterinarian technician for 15 years while she raised her kids – along with various pets that were always part of the household. A family friend told her about a sales opening for Blue Seal Feeds in the New Jersey area, and Toppin jumped at the chance.
“It felt like a bit of a connection to back home for me,” she says. “Being raised on a farm was the best. It’s irreplaceable. Getting back into agriculture just felt right to me.”
That was five years ago, and Toppin is now responsible for territory sales in New Jersey, Delaware, Eastern Maryland and Eastern Pennsylvania. A large bulk of her business is equine – particularly thoroughbred race horses – “but goats are very popular out here too.”
With 42 actual stores and 78 Tractor Supply Company accounts, Toppin finds herself on the road most of the time. Having direct, personal contact is the best way to connect with customers and dealers, she says.
“I know my territory really well, and I love going out and seeing farmers and customers all the time,” Toppin says. “I love to hear about their operations and what problems they might be having, so I can help them with solutions.”
That in-person time also allows her to hear real success stories that people are having with Blue Seal products – from aging horses with dental issues whose body scores “completely transformed” under Sentinel LS to the goat farmers who agreed to take some of Toppin’s feed samples and “couldn’t believe” the results they saw in their animals.
“As a sales rep, it’s really important to believe in your products,” Toppin says. “And that’s one of the best things about this company. I stand by our products, I can see the results, and I know they’ll always come through for the customer.”
Stacie lives in Mantua, New Jersey. She enjoys outdoor activities with her two teenagers, as well as hiking, working out, reading and fostering animals for the local shelter.