River City 6: Dennis Nun
Heartland International, Inc. (www.heartlandinternational.com) has acted as an independent manufacturer’s representative for the Conklin Company, Inc. since 1974. Dennis Nun is the President of Heartland International, Inc.
Tell us a little about your business. – We screen, select, train and support a network of over 600 field managers nationwide for Conklin that generate 20% of the company’s annual sales. Our two major product divisions are AgroVantage™ and Conklin Building Products. AgroVantage™ products make up a reduced-cost/high-yield crop production system for corn, soybeans, wheat and alfalfa. Conklin Building Products consists primarily of 12 commercial roofing systems.
How did you get started in the business? – In 1973, one of Conklin’s first representatives in Nebraska, Ben Welch, showed their products to my father who operated a farming and livestock operation in Fillmore County. He was so impressed by the products that he encouraged me to get involved with the company. So, while completing my master’s degree in Ag Economics at UNL my wife Patty and I began developing a business with Conklin as an independent distributor. That was 42 years ago. We took our initial training and have enjoyed the benefits of having a business that has continued to grow thanks to our staff, customers, and great support from the Conklin Company.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? – Balancing my responsibilities as a husband, father (to six) and business professional. I could easily work 80-100 hours a week, but being a husband and father (and now a grandfather) is more important to me, and my family. Finding a balance has been challenging at times but having the support of an excellent staff and our son, Jordan, taking a lead role in our business has allowed it to continue to grow.
What has been your most important achievement professionally? – I’ve had the opportunity to author four books, three of which are specifically designed to train our Conklin network of independent distributors and managers. In addition, I regularly have the opportunity to participate in the training of new Conklin Wholesale Distributors and Managers. It’s rewarding to see entrepreneurial couples dramatically increase their income and gain the freedom and independence we’ve enjoyed by becoming a part of our organization. I’ve also authored DAD’S CLASS, a book for young dads who are striving, as I have, to invest quality time with their kids.
Tell us a little about your family. – Patty and I were married in 1973 and we have six children–Sarah, Adam, Jordan, Chelsea, Brianna and Lauren–ranging in age from 34 to 23. They’ve scattered around the country with Sarah and Brianna in Chicago, Adam in Phoenix, Jordan working with us here in Lincoln, Chelsea in Huntsville, AL and our daughter Lauren (a recent grad of Creighton University) now in Honduras for a year working at an orphanage there.
What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? – I love to travel, read, study, and teach.
What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? – I’m a member of the International Mensa Society.
What local non-profit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why? – I served on the board of Campus Life for 28 years, on the board of Lincoln Christian School, and I’m currently on the Lincoln Christian Foundation Board, because I believe that sharing eternal truth with the next generation is our greatest responsibility.
If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? – At (402) 430-7727 or www.heartlandinternational.com.
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