Terry Panbecker
IT Manager
[email protected]
515-955-9032

Terry Panbecker is a native of Pocahontas, Iowa where he grew up on a family farming operation. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Ag Systems Technology from Iowa State University. Prior to joining MAPS, Terry worked in Precision Agriculture with Cenex, as a Precision Product Manager with AGCO and in Precision Ag development with John Deere. Additionally, he remains involved with his family farming operation. Terry likes to spend his spare time with his family as well as hunting, fishing or just enjoying the outdoors.

Wade Broom
SOILMAP GIS/Data Specialist
[email protected]
515-570-5907

Wade Broom started with SOILMAP in 2011. His commitment to providing the best possible customer service is enhanced by his experience with Geographic Information Systems and how this technology blends well with the demands of the precision agronomy industry. Originally from the Waterloo/Cedar Falls area, Wade and his family recently relocated to back to that area. He enjoys a wide range of outdoor activities, woodworking and spending time with his wife and three children.

Leanne Shimon
Project Management
[email protected]
515-955-9040

Leanne started in late 2011 as the Program Manager. She captures customer and internal user feedback and integrates this information into requirements to enhance the SOILMAP product line. She also assists with organizing development activities along with keeping the projects on track to ensure that SOILMAP reaches its goals and objectives as we grow. Leanne enjoys boating and spending weekends at the lake.

Patrick Olmstead
SOILMAP Manager
[email protected]
515-955-9004

Patrick Olmstead was raised in Hampton Iowa. Before attending college, Patrick served four years of active duty in the United States Coast Guard and an additional four years as a reserve while attending school. He has been a part of the SOILMAP team since 2008 and, along with his family, now calls Webster City home. Patrick’s free time is spent with his family – often at the lake – and running. He has completed a number of triathlons and marathons.

Laura Thilges
Customer Support
[email protected]
515-955-9016

Laura Thilges joined the MAPS team as Data Processing Support for SOILMAP. She moved back to her hometown of Fort Dodge after living in Phoenix, Arizona for 18 years. Her prior career as a Laboratory Technician together with classes at the University of Phoenix in Information Technology gives her a unique background to share with the SOILMAP team. Laura enjoys gardening, landscaping and spending time with family. She can also be spotted catching a good movie or at local events.

Deven Amin
Software Developer

Deven Amin started with SOILMAP as a consultant in 2006 before taking a full-time position as a DBA and Software Developer in 2010. He has extensive experience in the software development industry, serving as a project manager, programmer, database administrator and a Microsoft/Sun Microsystems trainer. He received his Bachelors and Masters degrees in Management Information Systems from Bellevue University in Nebraska and holds multiple Microsoft/Sun certifications.

John Fransen
Software Developer

John Fransen grew up on a family farm near Buffalo Lake Minnesota. John has had a dual career in the fertilizer and computer industry. John started in the custom application business in the late ’70s and moved into sales and management in both private and cooperative systems. During the long Minnesota winters,  John also worked for an Apple computer store writing blend sheet software for fertilizer dealers and repairing hardware. In the early 90’s John started one of the earliest commercial successful variable rate programs. Unsatisfied with the current systems available, John went to work for Ag-Chem and Soil-Teq to assist dealerships in starting their precision ag programs, whether it was mapping, hardware, or sales related. In 1999 John joined NEW cooperative to help further their already strong precision ag program. Later when MAPS was formed he was able to bring software to a wider audience. He now spends all his work time on software development. John likes to spend his spare time with his family as well as camping, motorcycling, learning new software languages, and home remodeling. He also enjoys serving his community and church in various positions.

Abdus Sakur
Software developer

Abdus Sakur is originally from a small country called Bangladesh. He did his Bachelor in Software Engineering from one of the top universities of Bangladesh. Abdus came to the US to study Masters in Computer Science from the University of Bridgeport, Connecticut. He has worked for several telecommunication industries in Bangladesh as a Software Developer/Analyst. He was working as a Database Developer for Department of State (Location: Bangladesh) before coming to the US for education. Abdus has adequate knowledge and expertise in several programming languages. Abdus likes to do research on new technologies to upgrade old systems. In his spare time, he likes to spend time with his family. He also likes traveling, photography and watching movies with family and friends.

Randy Bartels
Software Developer

Randy Bartels grew up in Lytton, Iowa and now lives in Rockwell City, Iowa. He brings to us 25+ years of development experience. Randy has developed applications on a variety of platforms and in all areas of the ag cooperative business. In his free time, Randy likes to hunt, fish, and also collects coins.