2025 Speakers
Mark Jackson - Keynote Speaker
If someone ever asks you who caught the Touchdown pass that sent the game into Overtime on “The Drive” in the Broncos’ January 11, 1987 AFC Championship Game victory over the Cleveland Browns, you can tell them it was Mark Jackson. If that is the only thing you remember about Mark, I’m sure he’d be okay with that, but there is more to the 5’-9”, 180 lb. one-third of the Denver Broncos Wide Receiver trio known as “The Three Amigos,” than that. The rest of Mark Jackson ’s career with the Broncos would solidify him as a Broncos legend. Undoubtedly the most colorful of the Three Amigos, Mark Jackson possesses a smile that won’t quit and a huge heart to go with it.
Off the football field Mark has since stepped into his role as a loving father to his daughter Tiana and son Kyle. He is a serial entrepreneur having owned many businesses including a restaurant, mortgage company, insurance agency, nutrition and financial education just to name a few. Mark is an experienced CEO with a demonstrated history of working with companies and individuals in the matters of business building and personal finance. He is quick to point out that EVERYBODY is on a TEAM in life… Family, Church, Community, work… He uses sports as a platform to help others improve their personal and professional development making real, sustainable change.
Mark Jackson is also quick to lend his name, reputation, and time to many nonprofits: A Precious Child, Big Brothers, Vitalant (Bonfils)Blood Center, Children’s Hospital (Red Wagon Race/chips for children’s), D.A.R.E., Ronald McDonald House, Exempla Saint Joseph, The Center for African American Health, Muscular Dystrophy Association (Muscle Team), Shaka Franklin, Colorado Prevention Center’s Healthy Heart Program, Sisters of Color, Metro Denver’s Rebuild Together, Denver Street School, Open Door Youth Gang Alternatives, Make a Wish, March of Dimes (Walk America/Mud Volleyball) and Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure just to name a few. Recently, Mark launched his own non-profit: Recruiting Classroom to assist underserved kids play sports. Whether it’s a youngster who can’t afford to join the local community league because of the costs involved, to the high school athlete who needs the education to confidently navigate the recruiting process.
Mark has a Public Relations degree from Purdue University and is an expert in Communication and Personal Development.
Phillip Koontz - Keynote Speaker
Phillip Koontz, former Navy SEAL of over six years, takes his life lessons forged through the trials of SEAL training and currently helps others practically apply them to their personal, professional and family lives.
Over the last ten years Phillip has enjoyed success as a motivational speaker in business, academic, athletic and religious environments. He has spoken in hundreds of events both in-person and virtually where he tailors his inspiring stories and lessons in the SEAL Teams to fit the occasion and audience.
Phillip’s acclaimed book: The Truth Behind My Trident gives a snapshot of a day in the life of a Navy SEAL as he pulls back the curtain, revealing the behind the scenes culture of this elite group. Given our cultural esteem for SEALs, it would be a rare chance to meet Phillip and hear about his powerful experiences. His use of live videos, personal operational gear and powerful stories will instantly capture your interest and will surely be remembered for years to come.
Phillip has his Master’s Degree in Leadership and is a Life and Executive Business Coach. He also holds leadership webinars, mentors Special Forces candidates and volunteers with the Anti-Trafficking Bureau, a nonprofit organization which rescues, restores and protects children trapped in the sexual exploitation industry.
Andrew Fontaine - Spokane Seed Company
Andrew Fontaine - Spokane Seed Company
Andrew Fontaine - Spokane Seed Company
Pea and Lentil Report
Born and raised in the Seattle area, Andrew became a loyal alumnus of Washington State University in 2000, graduating with an Advertising/Marketing degree. As the President / G. M. for Spokane Seed Company, Andrew is responsible for all daily operations as well as all Domestic and International trading for the 117-ye
Pea and Lentil Report
Born and raised in the Seattle area, Andrew became a loyal alumnus of Washington State University in 2000, graduating with an Advertising/Marketing degree. As the President / G. M. for Spokane Seed Company, Andrew is responsible for all daily operations as well as all Domestic and International trading for the 117-year-old company. Spokane Seed Company prides itself on supreme processing that permits them to supply the largest and most recognized food companies in the world.
Andrew is a fourth-generation pulse trader with 24 years’ experience selling Peas, Lentils and Chickpeas. He is a very active member of the US Dry Pea and Lentils Council. Andrew serves on the board of the American Pule Association as well as Domestic Marketing Committee Chairman. In his spare time, he enjoys many outdoor activities and spending time with his wife and three sons.
Samuel Peck - Jack's Bean Company
Andrew Fontaine - Spokane Seed Company
Andrew Fontaine - Spokane Seed Company
International Markets
Raised in Montana, Sam migrated west to San Francisco in 1975 to finish college, starting in the bean industry in the fall of 1980, with Berger and Company. 45 years later, shorter and grumpier maybe, he is still in the industry.
Currently is on the RMBDA board of directors, as well as the alternate to the USDBC for
International Markets
Raised in Montana, Sam migrated west to San Francisco in 1975 to finish college, starting in the bean industry in the fall of 1980, with Berger and Company. 45 years later, shorter and grumpier maybe, he is still in the industry.
Currently is on the RMBDA board of directors, as well as the alternate to the USDBC for RMBDA, and on the board of the Colorado Bean Committee grower group. He is regularly asked to speak on the world situation of dried beans to various grower groups, as well as regional, national bean associations and GPC panels. He has lived in Dubai and Peru during his tenure in the industry, and travels 75,000+ air miles each year evaluating crop conditions, touring foreign processing & packing facilities, attending food shows, and visiting foreign dried bean markets.
After 36 years as an international trader of dried beans, Sam is currently employed by Jack’s Bean Company, a grower/processor group with 3 processing plants in North Dakota and Colorado. He also markets overseas for other cleaning facilities in three other states, as well as trades beans originating in other countries to longtime customers in need of his knowledge and experience in the business.
Landon Cross - Viterra
Andrew Fontaine - Spokane Seed Company
Danny Raulerson - US Dry Bean Council
Canadian Crop Report
Originally from Brandon, Manitoba, Landon graduated from the University of Regina with a bachelor’s in Business Administration, majoring in finance, and obtained certificates in Economics and local government authority.
Landon is in his fourth year at Viterra, with the first two years spent on the oilseeds desk, managi
Canadian Crop Report
Originally from Brandon, Manitoba, Landon graduated from the University of Regina with a bachelor’s in Business Administration, majoring in finance, and obtained certificates in Economics and local government authority.
Landon is in his fourth year at Viterra, with the first two years spent on the oilseeds desk, managing the logistics while trading flax. Landon actively trades special crops including mustard, edible beans, and canary seed.
Danny Raulerson - US Dry Bean Council
Andrew Fontaine - Spokane Seed Company
Danny Raulerson - US Dry Bean Council
Danny Raulerson is the new Executive Director of the US Dry Bean Council. He is a 6th generation Floridian that has roots in US Agriculture dating back to the mid 1700's before the Revolutionary War. He grew up in Southwest Florida working on various agriculture operations ranging from vegetable farms to citrus groves. He also financ
Danny Raulerson is the new Executive Director of the US Dry Bean Council. He is a 6th generation Floridian that has roots in US Agriculture dating back to the mid 1700's before the Revolutionary War. He grew up in Southwest Florida working on various agriculture operations ranging from vegetable farms to citrus groves. He also financed his college career by day-working on cattle ranches in South Florida. He graduated from the University of Florida with two B.S. degrees in Agriculture majoring in Animal Science and Ag Operations Management, both specializing in production management. His professional career began with the Florida Farm Bureau Federation in Ag Policy and Field Services. Since then he has held positions in vegetable seed sales, and advocated for the specialty crop industry for the Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association. Danny also held the position of Bureau Chief of State Farmers Markets with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Prior to joining the USDBC, he was the Executive Director of the Cranberry Marketing Committee, a Federal Marketing Order representing the US cranberry industry. Danny continues to live in Florida and has two children, a son who is active military in the Army, and a daughter who is enlisted in the Florida Air National Guard.
Raul Caballero - US Dry Bean Council
Raul Caballero - US Dry Bean Council
Raul Caballero - US Dry Bean Council
Raul Caballero, a native Mexican majored in business and marketing from Mexico´s Tech University is the CEO of Mercalimentos Consultores, a Mexican trade marketing and communications agency specializing in food and agriculture. With its wife and partner Violeta Picazzo, they have represented the USDCBC for 30 years, serving on all the s
Raul Caballero, a native Mexican majored in business and marketing from Mexico´s Tech University is the CEO of Mercalimentos Consultores, a Mexican trade marketing and communications agency specializing in food and agriculture. With its wife and partner Violeta Picazzo, they have represented the USDCBC for 30 years, serving on all the strategic needs that the US dry bean industry has required to successfully enjoy the largest single market for US dry bean exports. Caballero and Picazzo also represent the USA Dry Pea and Lentil Council, the USA Sunflower Association and Food Export Association Midwest and Northeast.
Jose Barrios - US Dry Bean Council
Raul Caballero - US Dry Bean Council
Raul Caballero - US Dry Bean Council
Jose is the Co-founder of Merkato, an agribusiness company focused on trade development, market research, market access, and brand building for U.S. agricultural products in the Americas. With over 15 years of experience and representing the U.S. Dry Bean Council since 2018, he has led efforts to grow exports of beans, chickpeas, corn, s
Jose is the Co-founder of Merkato, an agribusiness company focused on trade development, market research, market access, and brand building for U.S. agricultural products in the Americas. With over 15 years of experience and representing the U.S. Dry Bean Council since 2018, he has led efforts to grow exports of beans, chickpeas, corn, soy, genetics, and U.S. meats across LATAM countries.
He holds a Master of Science in Sustainable International Agriculture with a specialization in International Agribusiness and Rural Development from the University of Göttingen and the University of Kassel, as part of a double degree program with the University of Talca, Chile.