For Keith Gundill, Senior Account Manager – Nutrition and Sales for CSBP in Cranbrook, it’s the people, culture and opportunity to be part of something that makes a real impact that has kept him motivated throughout his 35 years with the company. Here, Keith reflects on some of the changes and highlights of his career at CSBP.
“I first started in April 1990 as part of the CSBP Field Research team, conducting fertiliser trials from Geraldton to Esperance,” Keith said.
“Our trials usually consisted of 20 pasture and 40 cropping trials and were aimed at calibrating CSBP’s soil fertility service so that our customers could get the best advice, backed up by science.
“At the time, we were the only company that offered fertiliser advice and the only one in WA that invested in a trials program, so the soil fertility service we provided to customers was a really valuable tool.
“It was a good job in a great team of people who were all passionate about agriculture. Not only did I learn a lot from my colleagues, but we had a lot of fun as well.”
During Keith’s first year with CSBP, there was a large downturn in both the sheep and grain industries and increased competition, which resulted in cutbacks and redundancies throughout the organisation.
“My time at CSBP could have been made very short, but luckily I was able to stay,” he said.
“From there, I took on the Area Manager role at Dalwallinu, looking after the Shires of Dalwallinu, Perenjori, and Carnamah, before taking on the same role in Albany.
“At the time, I was the only employee based down there, so it was a bit overwhelming as it was a big job. However, it was a good change and I still live in Albany to this day!”
Keith went on to become the Southern Regional Agronomist for several years before becoming the Senior Account Manager for Cranbrook – a role he still holds today.
“The role has certainly become much more of a logistical challenge these days, due to the sheer volume of fertiliser required by our customers, all needed within a short timeframe.
“However, it’s really meaningful work, particularly given that fertiliser is probably 40-50% of farmers input costs. I’ve really enjoyed being able to build relationships with our customers over the years and develop my skill set to grow both professionally and personally.
“Being able to work with leading growers and help them make better and more informed fertiliser decisions, which then helps their businesses to grow and prosper, has definitely been one of the most rewarding parts on my career.
“Travelling to the USA in 2000 and getting to visit a potash mine in Texas, grain and fertiliser depots in Kansas where I got to look at their UAN logistics and usage, and visiting phosphate mines and manufacturing in Tampa, Florida, was another real career highlight for me and gave me a better understanding of our own Flexi-N product, which we had just gotten into at that time.”
Outside of work, Keith enjoys spending time with his wife, Carolyn, travelling, gardening, and camping. He notes there is always plenty to do in Albany and loves heading out onto the water, whether that be for ocean swims or catching King George Whiting in his boat.
As for what’s kept Keith at CSBP for 35 years?
“While I have a lot interests outside of work, it’s just a great company to work for and it is a WA company which has no peer.”
