Vive grows commercial team with seasoned experts

Vive Crop Protection has announced the expansion of its Commercial team with the addition of four experienced industry professionals. The new team members—Art Graves, Northeast Technical Sales Agronomist; Darren Bodine, Midwest Territory Sales Manager; John Rouse, Mid-Atlantic Territory Sales Manager; and Mark Reinert, Southern Plains Territory Sales Manager—are expected to strengthen the company’s capacity to deliver targeted crop protection solutions to growers across the U.S.

Greg Esco, US Sales Lead at Vive, noted that these appointments bring valuable expertise to the team, emphasizing their ability to support growers and distributors effectively. According to Esco, the new hires will help the company improve its Precision Chemistry crop protection offerings and enhance its impact in the field.

The new team members bring a wide range of industry experience:

• Art Graves joins Vive as the Northeast Technical Sales Agronomist, bringing a Master’s degree in Plant Pathology/Phytopathology and agronomic experience from Corteva and T&S Crop Service. In his role, Graves will focus on providing agronomic recommendations, conducting on-farm trials, and delivering technical training to help customers optimize the use of Vive’s crop protection products in the Northeast.
• Darren Bodine, with 27 years of experience in the agriculture sector, takes on the role of Midwest Territory Sales Manager. Previously a Strategic Account Manager at Valent U.S.A., Bodine will oversee Illinois, Wisconsin, Southern Indiana, and Kentucky. His sales experience and industry knowledge are expected to benefit growers and distributors in the Midwest.
• John Rouse, the new Mid-Atlantic Territory Sales Manager, brings over three decades of experience in agricultural sales and is a Certified Crop Advisor (CCA). Having worked with Ag Nutrients, Miller Chemical, and other companies, Rouse will cover North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia, and Eastern Tennessee. His regional expertise will be instrumental in supporting local growers.
• Mark Reinert comes to Vive as Southern Plains Territory Sales Manager with nearly 30 years of experience in agriculture. Previously with Van Diest Supply Company, Reinert will manage Southern Colorado and Kansas. His background in sales and marketing aligns with Vive’s focus on expanding its reach in the Southern Plains.

Dave Rummel, Vice President of Sales and Business Development at Vive, commented that these additions mark an important step in the company’s ongoing efforts to support its customers. Each team member brings skills and knowledge that will enhance Vive’s ability to address growers’ needs and expand its presence in key markets.

By adding these experienced professionals, Vive Crop Protection aims to further its commitment to providing practical crop protection solutions and building strong relationships with growers and distributors across the U.S.