Member Spotlight: Bishop Chamberlin
GEAPS’ April/May 2026 issue of the In-Grain newsletter features GEAPS Member Spotlight Bishop Chamberlin. The full issue of In-Grain is available to GEAPS Members. If you aren’t yet a GEAPS Member, we invite you to sign up online.
About Bishop Chamberlin:
Position and Company:
General Manager, The DeLong Co., Inc.
Chapter:
Seaway
Geographic Region/Location:
North Baltimore, OH
Years with company:
3
Years in Industry:
3
How did you first get involved in the grain industry?
I have an agricultural background growing up on a very small family farm raising black angus cattle in rural Ohio. I loved ag but didn’t necessarily plan on a career in the industry. As I transitioned out of active duty in 2023, I simply needed a job. An opportunity with The DeLong Company crossed my path where my skills could be effectively translated. This is an industry built on complex operations, strong teams, and real responsibility. It is also one with a mission that matters because the work we do ultimately feeds and fuels the world.
How has GEAPS contributed to your career growth?
The DeLong Company offered me a membership, which was my first exposure to GEAPS. I then became interested in GEAPS’ credentialling program. At that point, I began to engage with the Chapter by going to my first event – the Holiday Party. My involvement is now growing, and I am happy to contribute more such as being able to host tours/meetings at the Lockbourne location where I started with The DeLong Company. Currently, I am actively taking GEAPS courses. I plan to work through the CGOM courses to earn the credential, hopefully by this harvest.
What is your favorite part about working in the grain industry?
My favorite part is my employer, The DeLong Company. When you love your employer, it’s that much easier to love what you do. I was experienced enough in other parts of agriculture, and I knew I loved the type of people that typically work in the industry, so it was a perfect fit. I also knew I could do the work – manual labor, maintenance, cleaning – so I was able to walk in right off the street. I like to say that the DeLongs value ability more than anything else, after seeing what I could do they trusted me to do my job despite having no prior experience. The DeLong Company is the #1 containerized ag commodity exporter in the United States, a fact I am very proud to state as my friends and I work hard everyday to grow that metric.
Who has had the biggest influence on your career?
Jesse Keith, who is the Manager for The DeLong Company’s Lockbourne location. We were hired into The DeLong Company at the same time, and he taught me absolutely everything I know. He continues to be my friend, mentor, and coach to this day. I was hired at 23 years old with no experience, and then worked my way up to Superintendent, and then to General Manager. Jesse Keith was the reason I was able to advance on this path in just two years. Because of his leadership and encouragement, I have a career goal to strive toward a senior leadership position. Currently, I manage a smaller operation but am eagerly awaiting more opportunities and challenges!
How has your military background contributed to your career in the grain industry?
For many Veterans leaving the service, the challenge is not work ethic, skills, or opportunities. It is simply finding the right industry where those skills translate and are valued appropriately. In the Army, I served as a horizontal construction engineer (heavy equipment operator). I held a few roles that included operating equipment and doing my own maintenance and repairs, as well as Human Resources and Logistics management. The DeLong Company appreciated that, and those skills translated very well into my role in the grain industry. I am also the Founder and Chairman of The DeLong Company’s Military Veterans Resource Group, so advocacy for and support of Veterans holds a special place in my heart. Other than advocacy and education, I am passionate about showing other Veterans, especially those transitioning from service to working, that this is a viable industry with ample opportunities.
