Jed Dean is no stranger to a busy schedule.
From an 11-plus-year career at POET Bioprocessing – Fairbank, Iowa, to raising seven kids, operating his family farm, and volunteering for the local fire department, he leads an active life at work, home, and everywhere in between.
“I’m not sure if Jed sleeps,” joked POET – Fairbank General Manager Bryon Wilson.
;void('');)
Dean seems to enjoy the variety, though. In his role as Plant Technician III, he says every day offers something new.
“We may think we know what we’re doing the next day, but by the time we get in that morning, it could be completely different,” Dean said. “I have daily tasks and check-ins, but there are plenty of special projects as well.”
Wilson characterizes Dean as trustworthy, courageous, and humble, adding that he is the type of team member who often arrives early and stays late.
“He’s here early in the morning to help get the plant moving forward safely and compliantly, and if there’s something going on when it’s time for him to punch out, he’s more than willing to stick around to make sure it’s handed off smoothly,” Wilson said.
Promoting teamwork and camaraderie is paramount to Dean, who served in a people leadership role for several years before moving to his current role.
“He’s definitely a self-starter and very motivated to get things done successfully,” said Wilson. “Jed is someone team members come to and ask for help or his thoughts — not just the hourly guys, but leaders, too. He’s someone I know is going to give me honest feedback and not just sugarcoat it.”
;void('');)
Working together for the good of the team and, ultimately, the good of the company is important to Dean.
“We look out for each other as a team, and when we have a big task, we’re able to get it done safely, successfully, and in a timely manner. I love when we have those opportunities to troubleshoot as a team — it’s fun to see how ideas come together,” he said.
Dean also appreciates how open and transparent POET is with its team members.
“If you have a question, all you have to do is ask. Nothing’s hidden, and we’re all on the same team from top to bottom. It really makes you feel more invested,” he said.
Reflecting on more than a decade at the Fairbank facility, Dean says he never imagined a career trajectory like the one he’s had.
“I grew up on a farm and thought that’s all I ever really wanted to do. I started milking cows right out of high school and did that for quite a long while until I met my wife. We started having a family and needed a little supplemental income,” he said. “I started at POET and have never looked back. It’s a wonderful place to work.”
The Deans have seven kids whose ages range from 5 months to 16 years old: Nora (5 months), Katie (7), Jared (10), Ryan (12), Payton (13), Taylor (14), and Sarah (16).
Two years ago, they were able to buy the family farm where Jed grew up, just outside of Clermont, Iowa.
They’re a close-knit family, and with so much to manage, he says the kids take hands-on roles when it comes to the farm, as well as local volunteer work.
“As far as the farming goes, we’re up early, and the kids are heavily involved,” he said. “We all do chores together, and if we have a day off, they’ll even come down to the fire department. The kids are always welcome to help there, whether it’s cleaning or fixing something.”
Dean’s kids are also active in their local 4-H chapter, so he helps out there as well, in addition to the fire department and helping with the ambulance service. Previously, he served on the church council and coached Little League.
;void('');)
As he balances his many responsibilities at work and at home, Dean’s ability to lead by example is a testament to his character. Whether in his job at POET, on the family farm, or in one of the many roles he serves in his community, Dean’s reliability, passion for teamwork, and unwavering work ethic shine through. Sure, his life may be busy, but it’s a life filled with purpose, family, and a deep-rooted connection to his community.
