GROUNDBREAKERS: Stories Of Rural Innovation!

This episode introduces Jeff’s long-standing role at MJE and explores how our work in highways, municipal landfills, wastewater facilities, and other infrastructure projects strengthens both the company and the communities we serve. Not every project has cattle in it — but every project carries the MJE standard. This episode broadens the perception of who we are. Yes, we design dairies and feedyar...

Highlight the leadership, financial discipline, and long-term vision behind MJE — while recognizing Heather’s role as President of the Kansas Contractors Association.  This episode positions MJE not only as a 50-year construction company, but as a voice helping shape the future of heavy civil and rural industry in Kansas. Leadership doesn’t start in Topeka — it starts in rural Kansas. This episode...

“Good cattle flow doesn’t happen by accident. It’s designed that way.” This episode is both a masterclass in facility design and a story of evolution — how Larry’s years in feedyard design and his work with dealers across the U.S. have shaped smarter, more efficient systems for ranchers of every size.   Key Message: * Scaling wisdom down — how feedyard design shapes small-system efficiency. * The...

This episode explores how MJE is using its 450+ piece heavy equipment fleet to learn, train, and improve performance on real-world jobsites — with an emphasis on operator development, data-informed decision making, and field-tested changes that drive safety and cost savings. But it’s not just a highlight reel: Ryan opens up about what’s been tough, what we’re still figuring out, and what others in...

On this episode of Groundbreakers: Stories of Rural Innovation, we sit down with Joe Carl, Sales Manager at Western Ranch Supply.     During today's episode, they will discuss how communication, trust and relationships drive innovation - even across hundreds of miles of rural landscape.   In our conversation, Joe will share about: Building the Business:  The Roots of Western Ranch Store Joe's Carl...

On this episode of Groundbreakers: Stories of Rural Innovation, we sit down with Dr. Dave Sjeklocha, DVM, a respected veterinarian, consultant, and President of AABP.  He was recognized as Consultant of the Year by the Academy of Veterinary Consultants and Zoetis.   During today's episode, they will cover everything from animal care and the evolution of the industry to rural mentorship and cattle...

On this episode of Groundbreakers: Stories of Rural Innovation, we sit down with our fearless leader, Aaron Jantz, CEO, to learn more about his journey from a kid answering phones on a party line to leading one of the Midwest’s most trusted agricultural construction companies. Aaron opens up about growing up in the business his father, Max Jantz, built from scratch—recalling summer days spent in a...

Welcome to the Groundbreakers Podcast, where innovation meets agriculture. Hosted by Ethan Cantrell, Groundbreakers brings you captivating stories from the agricultural sector, focusing on the high plains and beyond.  Today Ethan sits down with Lead Estimator for MJE, Jill Wahl.  Ethan and Jill will talk about her background and how she ended up at MJE.  Jill will share with you what a Lead Estima...

Welcome to the Groundbreakers Podcast, where innovation meets agriculture. Hosted by Ethan Cantrell, Groundbreakers brings you captivating stories from the agricultural sector, focusing on the high plains and beyond.  today Ethan sits down with Larry Deges, affectionately known as "Lighning Larry."  Ethan and Larry will take a trip through Larry's upbringing and how he found his way into the rodeo...

Welcome to the Groundbreakers Podcast, where innovation meets agriculture. Hosted by Ethan Cantrell, Groundbreakers brings you captivating stories from the agricultural sector, focusing on the high plains and beyond.  today Ethan sits down with Bradley Burchfield with OKBrand Fencing Products to discuss all your fencing needs.  These two talk about everything from the biggest challenges facing ran...

Welcome to the Groundbreakers Podcast, where innovation meets agriculture. Hosted by Ethan Cantrell, Groundbreakers brings you captivating stories from the agricultural sector, focusing on the high plains and beyond. Joining Ethan today is Dr. Audrey King, an Assistant Professor of Agricultural Communications at Oklahoma State University.  Ethan and Dr. King will start the episode by going back to...

Welcome to the Groundbreakers Podcast, where innovation meets agriculture. Hosted by Ethan Cantrell, Groundbreakers brings you captivating stories from the agricultural sector, focusing on the high plains and beyond. Joining Ethan today is Dr. Tera Barnhardt, a Veterinarian and Social Media Influencer.  Ethan and Dr. Barnhardt will open the podcast by discussing Dr. Barnhardt's background and what...

Welcome to the Groundbreakers Podcast, where innovation meets agriculture. Hosted by Ethan Cantrell, Groundbreakers brings you captivating stories from the agricultural sector, focusing on the high plains and beyond. Joining Ethan today is someone deeply involved in bringing big feed yard projects to life: Justin Hendrickson, the Senior Operations Manager at MJE. During the Show, Justin will discu...