Agropur’s longest tenured employee shares his story

Roger Schroeder wasn’t planning on a long and storied career in cheesemaking. In high school, he had his sights set on the building trades. But good work was hard to come by, so he took a friend’s recommendation and checked in at the local cheese plant.

It turned out to be some pretty good advice. Schroeder showed dedication, and in response, the plant rewarded his efforts. Now with more than 48 years of service behind him, Schroeder’s accomplishments have become a shining example of the many opportunities that the dairy industry has to offer.

Schroeder, a cheese production manager at Agropur’s Le Sueur, Minn. plant, has the distinction of serving as the longest-tenured employee within the U.S. operations. Along the way, he became a textbook illustration to the ideal of working one’s way up the ladder.

“There were a lot of difficult years,” he said. “It wasn’t easy, but I would say it was fulfilling.”

Today, there are few with a better knowledge of cheese production than Schroeder. His career has offered a little bit of everything -- from the heavy lifting of his early days, to the weighty decisions required in leadership. Having worked through an era of big changes in the cheese industry, the veteran employee still finds the work interesting.

“There’s something new all of the time,” he said. “It keeps you going; keeps you thinking.”

Troy Ammann, Agropur’s vice president of cheese sales, said Schroeder is the perfect example of an employee who takes ownership of his work. Ammann said Schroeder adds in ways beyond his expertise. He can lighten the mood during even the most stressful situations with his hearty laugh.

Amman recalled the re-modeling project of Le Sueur’s make room. Schroeder had just been released from the hospital following an injury, but it didn’t stop him from contributing. Unable to climb stairs, Schroeder used a safety cage and had a forklift operator hoist him to the second floor so he could reach his office and the control room.

Few employees are more dedicated.

"He always does what is best for the company and customer, regardless of whether that means extra work for him,” Ammann said. “Whether it be something in the day-to-day operation of the plant or with personnel, he would often say to me, ‘I’m gonna write a book. When he does, I’ll definitely get a copy."    

Today, Schroeder’s know-how guides the production process in Le Sueur. It’s leaps and bounds from the tedious, hands-on labor of his early days. He’d arrive at work and scrub down the equipment by hand. With mentorship and effort, he ultimately reached his current role in 1987.

Schroeder isn’t sure that a story like his would happen among newer generations of employees. Yet he points to the stability of the dairy industry when giving advice. We produce products that are always in demand whether it’s a time of recession – or a global pandemic.

"Dairy is always there,” Schroeder said. “With dedication and hard work – if you’re willing to continue to learn – there are always going to be opportunities."

Schroeder’s career path very much serves as a timeline of modern cheese production.

Automated systems came to replace manual processes, and as with any change, it meant some trade-offs.  Machinery has taken out much of the art associated with cheesemaking, Schroeder said, but it’s made for a safer workplace with lesser employee turnover. With lesser physical strain, many more employees are willing to stay, learn and contribute with an expertise that can only come with experience.

Schroeder has no immediate plans for retirement, though after 48 years, it’s safe to assume it’ll come sooner than later.  Schroeder said he’ll look back at his career as a blend of bright spots and less pleasant circumstances. The relationships – whether co-workers or the many others he’s met in the industry -- have been the greatest reward.

“I’ve worked with some great people, and that’s what I’m going to miss,” he said.

He acknowledged the long hours and commitment necessary for success had been tough at times. His strenuous role of loading box cars with government-purchased cheese became discouraging. The demands of the job occasionally took him away from his family on holidays. It’s a reminder that a successful career also requires support at home.

“My wife has stood behind me the whole time,” he said.

Schroeder’s dedication has earned respect and admiration from others on the Le Sueur team.

Paul Reinitz, milk receiving manager at the plant, has known Schroeder for many years. They grew up a mile apart and went to school together. Schroeder’s success has been the result of several positive qualities, he said. He’s a strong listener, gives good advice and works to find the best solutions to problems.

"I have very much respect for him -- as a person outside of work and as a manager,” Reinitz said. “It goes to show that if you are determined to do a job well, you will succeed and move up."

Plant Manager Mark Spence said Schroeder’s experience has been invaluable, but so too has his old-school work ethic. In bygone times, he’d fire up the boilers to start the workday. He’s done it all through the years.

“Roger’s passion for Le Sueur Cheese greatly lends itself to our success as a preferred supplier in the cheese business,” Spence said.

When Roger’s retirement does finally arrive, he plans to catch up on some of the fishing that’s eluded him over the years. He plans to travel with his wife whether it’s their go-to Palm Springs excursions or to take in a favorite pastime.

“My wife and I enjoy horse racing and we’ve been to several tracks,” he said.

Until then, he’ll continue to relish the challenges and recognize that it’ll be tough to transition away from the hustle and responsibility.

And for those wondering, spending five decades with a focus firmly fixed on cheese production isn’t enough to quash a passion for the finished product.

“I love cheese,” he said. “There are so many varieties. If you get bored with one, you can just move onto another.”

Roger Schroeder, the longest tenured employee with Agropur’s US Operations, has made incredible contributions through 48 years of service. His positive impacts will be seen for many years to come thanks to all he’s taught employees and the positive examples he set. Schroeder’s career and advancement provide a vivid illustration of the exceptional opportunities found within the dairy industry.