Member Spotlight: Tom Rodman
GEAPS’ February/March 2026 issue of the In-Grain newsletter features GEAPS Member Spotlight Tom Rodman. The full issue of In-Grain is available to GEAPS Members. If you aren’t a GEAPS Member, you can sign up online.
About Tom Rodman:
Position and Company:
Plant Manager, TEMCO – Kalama
Chapter:
Columbia River
Geographic Region/Location:
Kalama, WA
Years with company:
28
Years in Industry:
33
How has being a GEAPS member helped you grow personally or professionally?
Being a GEAPS member has greatly strengthened my ability to support our operations by connecting me with a broad network of peers who face the same challenges we do in export‑terminal environments. GEAPS’ education programs—particularly those focused on safety, grain‑handling fundamentals, and operational best practices—directly support the high‑safety‑expectation work we perform every day. The networking component has been equally invaluable; having industry professionals to call when troubleshooting equipment issues, navigating regulatory questions, or exploring process improvements has helped accelerate solutions that ultimately benefit our facilities.
What is your favorite part about working in the grain industry?
My favorite part of working in the grain industry is knowing that what we do at TEMCO directly contributes to feeding the world. Export terminals like ours are a vital link in the global grain supply chain, and GEAPS underscored for me just how essential agriculture and grain‑handling professionals are to keeping that system moving. I also appreciate the strong culture of collaboration and integrity across the industry—teams from different companies share the same commitment to safety, quality, and efficiency, which makes this work both meaningful and rewarding.
What is something interesting or a unique fact about your facility?
TEMCO’s Kalama terminal is positioned within one of the Pacific Northwest’s most strategically important grain export corridors. The Lower Columbia River is the largest wheat‑export gateway in the United States, handling roughly half of all national wheat exports. TEMCO consistently contributes 35% or more of that volume, playing a key role in ensuring U.S. grain reaches global markets efficiently and reliably.
How did you first get involved in the grain industry?
Like many professionals highlighted through GEAPS, my introduction to the grain industry came through a combination of mentorship and opportunity. I first stepped into the field through family friends and spent summers and school breaks working for a small manufacturer that produced conveying equipment. That early exposure eventually opened the door to a role with Cargill in Portland, OR, at one of their export facilities. It was there that my GEAPS involvement began, through the Columbia River Chapter.
Who or what has had the biggest influence on your career?
The greatest influence on my career has been the leadership and operational culture at Cargill, supported by a strong group of peers and mentors along the way. Cargill’s emphasis on safety, reliability, and continuous improvement has set a high professional standard. GEAPS has complemented that experience by connecting me with knowledgeable industry professionals who openly share solutions, innovations, and best practices. The relationships I’ve built through GEAPS have been invaluable and have shaped how I approach challenges and decision‑making throughout my career.
What is an industry-wide trend affecting your company right now?
A major trend affecting our industry today is the shift in global grain‑export dominance. The U.S. is no longer the clear leader—as South American and Black Sea countries expand their production and export capabilities, they are capturing a larger share of the global market. At the same time, the world is experiencing record‑high grain supply for the 2025/26 season, giving buyers more choices and intensifying competition. As a result, exporters like TEMCO are navigating more competitive markets and evolving trade routes.
