From a very young age, Nick showed great drive and ambition. He worked on the AgroLiquid crop nutrient research farm, now known as the North Central Research Station, beginning when he was six years old. As his family was developing their fertilizer business, Nick was learning to engineer and strategize his workload. Nick’s Grandfather, Douglas Cook, paid by the job, not by the hour, and he only paid if all the jobs were complete. Nick learned quickly how to formulate a strategy to complete all tasks assigned to him. His entrepreneurial spirit was also nurtured, and he began selling pumpkins and sweet corn to neighbors when he was seven, and continued this thriving business for more than ten years.
Growing up on the farm, it was a natural progression for Nick to enter Michigan State University to study Crop and Soil Science. He continued to work for AgroLiquid during college, and intentionally gained experience in all areas of the company – from administration to manufacturing. Nick also obtained his CDL and made deliveries – something he maintains and continues doing to this day.
This episode features an in-depth conversation with Nick Bancroft, CEO of Agro Liquid. Nick shares his valuable insights on intentional leadership, planning, and creating a thriving company culture. With over 20 years of experience in his family-owned business, Nick discusses the importance of being a planner, the power of a good calendar, and prioritizing essential tasks for business success. He also elaborates on the innovative strategies Agro Liquid has implemented to attract and retain top talent in a competitive industry.
In this episode, Nick delves into the challenges and perks of running a family business, especially when siblings are involved. He sheds light on how Agro Liquid maintains its culture through core values and continuous employee engagement. Listeners gain insights into dealing with family dynamics in a professional setting, managing talent, and the significance of using EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System) for effective business management. Whether you're a visionary or an integrator, this episode is packed with actionable advice for you.