ARA Honors Industry Leaders Brooke McMullin and Dr. Ulrich (Bob) Trogele at Annual Conference
The Agricultural Retailers Association (ARA) recognized two distinguished leaders in agricultural retail during its annual ARA Conference & Expo in Salt Lake City, UT, where more than 600 industry professionals gathered to celebrate excellence and leadership.
ARA presented the Distinguished Service Award to Brooke McMullin, Executive Vice President at International Raw Materials, honoring his exceptional commitment to the association and the ag retail industry. McMullin recently concluded 10 years on the ARA Board of Directors, including service on the Executive Committee as Secretary Treasurer. He also chaired the ARA Investment Committee for most of his tenure, strengthening the organization’s financial foundation.
“Brooke has been an exemplary leader and steadfast supporter of ARA and our mission,” said ARA President and CEO Daren Coppock. “His strategic insight and passion for advancing ag retail have made a lasting impact on our organization and our members.”
A dedicated advocate for ARA’s policy efforts and consistent supporter of ARAPAC, McMullin has long been recognized for his professionalism, collaborative approach, and visibility within the ag retail community. Peers nominate candidates for the Distinguished Service Award, and selections are made by the ARA Executive Committee.
“I’m honored to receive this recognition from ARA,” McMullin said. “Serving on the ARA board has given me the opportunity to collaborate with the leaders of our industry, understand the challenges our retail customers face, and help address those challenges to the benefit of ARA and our industry.”
In addition to honoring McMullin, ARA presented its highest individual honor — the Jack Eberspacher Lifetime Achievement Award — to Dr. Ulrich (Bob) Trogele, recognizing a career defined by leadership, innovation, and global perspective. Trogele’s decades-long involvement with ARA began during his tenure with FMC and continued through executive leadership roles, including at AMVAC. Even in retirement, he remains engaged with ARA as a member of its Investment Committee while leading ProAgInvest, a venture capital firm focused on agricultural innovation.
“Bob has long exemplified the spirit of collaboration and strategic insight that strengthens our association,” Coppock said. “His broad global perspective and deep understanding of agribusiness have guided ARA through critical moments. Beyond his business acumen, Bob’s mentorship and thoughtful leadership have inspired colleagues across the industry.”
Established in 2001 and renamed in 2010 to honor former ARA President & CEO Jack Eberspacher, the Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes individuals whose careers reflect exceptional dedication to ARA and agricultural retail.
“I worked closely with Jack Eberspacher in the early days of rebuilding ARA, and this award holds deep personal meaning for me,” Trogele said. “I’ve been fortunate to experience success in both business and athletics, but this recognition stands apart. It’s not just an award; it’s a tribute to a shared vision and to the people who helped make ARA what it is today.”
Together, the honors for McMullin and Trogele underscore ARA’s ongoing commitment to recognizing leaders who advance the agricultural retail industry through service, innovation, and strategic leadership.
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