Integrity, Caring, Commitment, Growth, and Teamwork – these are the core values of Pipestone. They serve as a road map for all employees in pursuing the company mission of Helping Farmers Today Create the Farms of Tomorrow. The David Neuberger II Core Values Award is an honor bestowed upon individuals who exemplify the Core Values in all facets of their lives. This year, the deserving recipient of this award is Lance Johnson, a dedicated member of the Pipestone family.
Lance Johnson’s journey with Pipestone reflects steady growth, commitment, and a passion for developing people. He joined the company in 2015 at just 19 years old, eager to get his foot in the door and begin building a career — even though he wasn’t sure where that path would lead.
Lance learned about opportunities at Pipestone through family connections with Nicole Paulsen, who helped him get started. His first interview took place right in the warehouse entrance. “They asked if I could start the next day,” he laughs. “That’s how it all began.”
He started on the warehouse floor in the packing and shipping department, where his days were spent preparing and shipping packages for customers. At the time, Pipestone looked much different, with a smaller warehouse team and fewer resources than today. Over the years, Lance has watched the warehouse and its team grow and evolve alongside the company.
Born and raised in Pipestone, Lance graduated from Pipestone High School and later earned his degree in Business Management from Dakota State University while working full time. Balancing classes in the evenings while continuing to build his career at Pipestone strengthened his work ethic and determination. Today, Lance still lives in Pipestone and enjoys spending time with his five-year-old Labrador, Zoey.
As his career progressed, Lance was drawn to leadership by the opportunity to take on new challenges and improve operations. Early on, formal processes and training were limited, creating opportunities to build stronger systems and standards. Another major motivator has been Pipestone’s customers. “They’re some of the best people in the world,” Lance shares. “Building relationships with them and providing a great experience is one of the most rewarding parts of my job.”
Lance finds the greatest fulfillment in developing his team. Over the past year, many new faces have joined the warehouse, and he enjoys helping team members identify their strengths, grow their skills, and prepare for future leadership roles. “My focus has really shifted toward building the next level of leadership and helping others grow,” he says.
Recently, Lance was recognized with the David Neuberger II Core Values Award, honoring an individual who exemplifies Pipestone’s core values — Integrity, Caring, Commitment, Growth, and Teamwork — and whose contributions create a meaningful, lasting impact. Lance credits this recognition to the mentors who helped shape his career, including Hannah Walkes, Kyle Caskey, and Joyce Radke. “They’ve played a huge role in helping me grow and become the leader I am today,” he shares. “Moments like this don’t come around very often, and it was incredibly meaningful.”
His impact is recognized across the organization. Joyce Radke, Vice President of Retail Operations, highlights Lance’s leadership and character: “Lance consistently exemplifies our core values. He builds strong, genuine relationships with employees across the organization and shows authentic care for others every single day. His strong work ethic, selfless attitude, and team-first mindset make him a trusted colleague and an invaluable partner. We are fortunate to have him as part of our team.”
Lance believes leading by example is the best way to reinforce Pipestone’s core values. As a mentor and leader, he knows his actions help shape the team’s culture and prepare others for growth. One sign of success is the growing reputation of the warehouse team — many new hires now reach out directly, asking how they can join the team. “That tells me we’ve built something people want to be part of,” he says.
Reflecting on his journey, Lance feels thankful for the opportunities he’s had and is excited for what lies ahead — not just for himself, but for the team he continues to develop. Lance’s story is a powerful example of how dedication, leadership, and a commitment to people can create lasting impact at Pipestone.
“Lance consistently exemplifies our core values. He builds strong, genuine relationships with employees across the organization and shows authentic care for others every single day. His strong work ethic, selfless attitude, and team-first mindset make him a trusted colleague and an invaluable partner. ”
