A New Direction

In late 2019, a headhunter’s question changed the course of Budd Bentley’s career: “How do you feel about chickens and eggs?” With a robust background in automotive engineering and technology development, Bentley was poised to explore the unfamiliar landscape of poultry technology as President of PMSI, now known as Prism Controls.

Early Lessons in Leadership

During an enlightening conversation with Brandon Mulnix, Bentley reflects on his childhood passion for problem-solving, which led him to a career focused on innovation. His formative years at Prince Corporation instilled in him an essential principle: everyone starts on the manufacturing line for a reason—“what makes money is when we send product out the door.” This foundational experience would shape his leadership philosophy throughout his career.

Entrepreneurial Spirit

In 2005, Bentley co-founded a mobile app development firm—two years before the introduction of the iPhone—where he learned significant lessons about the timing of innovation and market demand. When he made his move into poultry technology in January 2020, just ahead of the global pandemic, his fresh perspective proved invaluable. He humorously admits, “I didn’t even know what end of the chicken the egg comes out,” yet he swiftly recognized the potential of his new team.

Growth Through Process Implementation

Under Bentley’s direction, Prism Controls expanded its workforce from 28 to 44 employees, developing critical technologies like Reach, Eggsite, and Therm. His mantra became clear: “Embrace the process, and the process will set you free.” By documenting workflows and utilizing the Entrepreneurial Operating System framework, Bentley created a scalable structure without sacrificing quality or customer focus.

Looking Ahead

As Bentley transitions to his next role as President of Big Dutchman USA, he contemplates what makes the agricultural technology sector unique. He appreciates the straightforwardness of farmers, stating, “You don’t have to spend mental energy thinking about what they really mean or what they’re really thinking, because they just tell you.” This clarity allows technology providers to concentrate on genuine problem-solving instead of interpreting ambiguous feedback.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re just entering agricultural technology or are a seasoned veteran, Budd Bentley’s journey is packed with insights into effective leadership, process development, and industry transition. Tune in now to explore how documenting the invisible can catalyze organizational innovation.