The Founding Five of GEAPS Exchange
Throwback Thanks: GEAPS Exchange Day-One Partners
GEAPS Fab Five Originals
For nearly ten decades, GEAPS Exchange has been the grain industry’s flagship event, bringing together professionals, innovators and industry leaders from around the world. Hosted annually by the Grain Elevator and Processing Society (GEAPS), this event provides a unique opportunity for companies to connect, showcase advancements and share knowledge. GEAPS Exchange has evolved over the years, moving from small, chapter-led gatherings to a premier industry event known for its education sessions, extensive expo, and, of course, the relationships it fosters.
Five companies stand out for their longstanding presence and contributions: Degesch, Gamet, GSI, Rolfes@Boone and Seedburo. These “day one” partners have been supporters and embody the spirit of commitment, innovation, and camaraderie that make GEAPS Exchange the biggest and best show in the industry.
Degesch
For Degesch, a pioneer in fumigation and pest control solutions, GEAPS Exchange is an invaluable platform to connect with customers, industry peers and new opportunities. Ben Harl, a company representative, describes it as “a melting pot for the industry” where Degesch can meet existing clients, explore new products and refine their offerings by learning more about customer needs.
Harl underscores the importance of the educational sessions, which allow Degesch to stay informed about the grain industry’s evolving challenges. “We’re industry adjacent, so learning what our customers face day-to-day helps us improve our solutions,” he explains. In 2025, Degesch plans to showcase their new cylinderized phosphine fumigant, designed to eliminate pests efficiently and safely.
Beyond the booth, Degesch values the event’s unique blend of work and camaraderie. “It’s not just about business; it’s about fostering relationships,” says Harl, noting that informal events often strengthen bonds with customers and colleagues alike. With their prominent booth location at the Kansas City Convention Center entrance, Degesch continues to be a cornerstone of GEAPS Exchange, exemplifying a commitment to innovation, safety and collaboration.
Gamet
Gamet Manufacturing has been a steadfast participant of Exchange since 1987, playing a vital role in shaping the event’s history. Known for their grain sampling and quality control solutions. Mark Wellson, a longtime Gamet representative, reflects on the early days: “Back then, it was a formal suit-and-tie affair. Today, the relaxed environment breaks down barriers, making it easier for clients to approach us.”
This evolution aligns with Gamet’s customer-focused approach. At Exchange, they emphasize building relationships and gaining insights into the industry rather than simply showcasing products. Their minimalist booth setup is intentional, fostering meaningful conversations rather than overwhelming attendees with equipment. “We use videos to showcase our products and focus on understanding our customers’ needs and goals,” they explain.
Gamet values Exchange not just as a place to meet clients but as a critical networking hub. “Your customers aren’t just end users—they’re the construction and engineering firms that help drive projects,” Wellson advises. With this in mind, Gamet encourages exhibitors to bring sufficient staff to walk the floor, ensuring they can make valuable connections beyond their booth.
As one of the original exhibitors, Gamet’s enduring presence symbolizes the importance of community within the grain industry. Their participation underscores Exchange’s role as more than a trade show—it’s a space for collaboration, innovation and lasting relationships.
GSI
For GSI, a leader in grain storage and handling solutions, GEAPS Exchange represents more than a trade show—it’s the primary venue for launching products and connecting with customers. Roger Price, GSI’s North America director of sales, speaks passionately about the role Exchange plays in GSI’s business strategy: “It’s the premier venue to showcase products, either new products or enhanced features on existing products. Our whole team benefits from the educational sessions, making it a great opportunity to train new hires and introduce them to the industry.”
Over the years, GSI has used Exchange as a launchpad for major products, from the EVO 2X Bins and BinRite Grain Identifier to advanced temperature and moisture monitoring tools like GrainVue. GSI’s consistent participation, reinforced by the presence of its commercial sales team, product managers and marketing staff, reflects a deep commitment to the grain industry. Price recounts a particularly memorable experience when he led a “Behavioral Safety” presentation in Minneapolis 12 years ago—a session that resonated powerfully due to the impact of recent tragic accidents in the industry. Through its products and advocacy, GSI continues to make a lasting impression at each GEAPS Exchange.
Rolfes@Boone
Rolfes@Boone, specializing in grain aeration, temperature monitoring, and hazard monitoring solutions, regards GEAPS Exchange as its cornerstone event. “Exchange is really our biggest show of the year,” says Ryan Moorman, whose team consistently makes the most of the opportunity to connect with customers and share their latest offerings. Exchange is not only a place for Rolfes@Boone to showcase its products, but it also fosters invaluable relationship-building—a foundational element of their success.
Some of the company’s standout moments at Exchange include the dedicated presence of team members like Greg Abbot, who has attended since 1994, and Chris McMillan, who has missed only one event over the past 26 years. Their presence has been marked by achievements such as Kevin Miles’ Corbett Award win in 2001, which honored his dedication to GEAPS and the industry as a whole. Moorman reflects on this, noting how Miles’ passion continues to inspire their team’s commitment to GEAPS. When advising newcomers to Exchange, Moorman emphasizes the value of planning: “Set meetings or dinners with customers beforehand. The schedule can get busy, and a bit of planning goes a long way.”
Seedburo
Seedburo Equipment Company has long understood that success in the grain industry is about more than just keeping pace; it’s about staying ahead. Founded over a century ago, Seedburo’s dedication to GEAPS and Exchange has been a testament to this forward-thinking approach. Tom Runyun, former owner and longtime GEAPS leader, echoes the sentiment that Exchange is vital not only for maintaining visibility but also for remaining competitive in the market. “Going to Exchange is crucial,” Runyun notes. “It keeps you ahead of the game.”
Runyun’s involvement in the industry has extended beyond his role at Seedburo, as he actively participated in GEAPS leadership roles, helping shape Exchange as it evolved. Seedburo’s commitment to the educational sessions and innovation stations at Exchange is part of its dedication to continuous learning and adapting to new technologies. For Seedburo, Exchange isn’t just about showcasing products or learning new practices; it’s an essential space for networking and connecting directly with others in the industry, including friends, colleagues and even competitors. Seedburo views this opportunity for in-person engagement as invaluable to building insights and staying informed about broader industry trends. In this way, Exchange is not just an event but a strategic opportunity to reinforce their industry leadership and foster meaningful connections across the sector.
Preparing for What’s Next
GEAPS Exchange continues to be where connections happen and ideas take shape, keeping your company prepared for what’s next while staying grounded in the relationships that matter.
