James Fritts didn’t mince words when he nominated the man who farms his land to be a Master Farmer. “Tom Schwenk is an asset to our community,” Fritts says. “He is a pillar in the activities of soil conservation, and is regarded as an esteemed leader in all his endeavors here in north-central Indiana.”

Fritts’ determination helped bring Tom’s accomplishments to the attention of the judges on the Master Farmer Selection Committee. However, others already knew he possessed the qualities of a Master Farmer.

“Fulton County [Ind.] is expressly a better community thanks to Tom’s intentional leadership activities,” says Evan Gottshalk, president and CEO of First Federal Savings Bank. “Maybe the best evidence of Tom’s influence on others would be his impact in Richland Township. Tom was chairman of the Richland Township Community Association for 10 years, notably during the time that they constructed the Richland Township Community Hall.”

Beyond the township

Jim Straeter watched Tom grow during the 38 years Straeter lived in Rochester, Ind., and operated the New Holland dealership. “Community service has been a Schwenk tradition for decades,” Straeter says. “As an individual, Tom is a very trusted member of our Fulton County community. I have a personal relationship with Tom and know that he will provide honest and considerate opinions on matters that I may ask about. You will not see Tom pushing his personal agendas over the good of the community or organization that may be involved in a matter. Our community is fortunate to have Tom, as well as his family, as active members, making our world a better place to live.”

Cheryl Jennings, Jennings Insurance Agency Inc., adds, “Tom is a one-of-a-kind person. He’s always grateful, humble and a joy to be around. We were honored to help nominate him for the Master Farmer award. He is very deserving.”

Business mind

Jeff Troike, president and CEO of Ceres Solutions Cooperative, expressed his support for Tom. “One of the most valuable proficiencies for a leader is listening and discerning the facts, while still being cognizant of the effect each decision will have on the patrons and their communities,” Troike says. “That leadership skill has been at the very core of Tom’s time on the Ceres Solutions board. Tom has been an integral member of a board that has led through multiple mergers while continuing to grow and become financially stronger.”

Jana K. Vance, superintendent of Rochester Community School Corp., appreciates how Tom approached his role as a school board member. “Tom has been dedicated to an unbiased approach to all decisions,” she says. “He listens for facts, holds true to his beliefs and passion for the students and employees, and votes accordingly. … As a board member who cares and engages as a board member should, Tom [gave] many hours above the two meetings a month to serve in his role.”

Joe McCarter, president of Rochester Telephone Co. Inc., served with Tom on the school board. “I know of no other board member that is more highly respected by educators, the community and other board members, past and present, than Tom Schwenk,” McCarter says. “I feel that with Tom’s level of engagement and service within our community, he would represent the recognition of Master Farmer of Indiana extremely well.”