A Reflective Conversation with Tim Lease

Written by: Sarah Novak   |   November 13, 2024

Leadership Viewpoints

Having been with the American Feed Industry Association for many years, I have had the honor to work with some of the most interesting and amazing leaders in the animal food industry. While I’m happy for them as they near retirement, I’m also sad to see them go. Here’s an interview with one such titan of the industry, Tim Lease.  

Although Tim will continue in a part-time role, he recently stepped down as president of WL Port-Land Systems, Inc. in Pittsburgh, Pa., where he has been on-staff for more than 30 years (and an AFIA member for 30+ years)! He's served many years on AFIA’s Equipment Manufacturers Committee as well as served a term on the AFIA Board of Directors. Tim truly is someone people respect and trust in the industry. Below is our conversation. 

Q: Can you share how you got started in the animal food industry? What inspired your career path?  

Lease: As I was approaching college graduation, I interviewed for and accepted a feed mill operations position with a major poultry integrator. Other than a degree in biological and agricultural engineering, I admittedly had no related experience. By the circumstance of a limited job market back then, I expanded my search and could not have been more blessed and luckier to start down my career path in the animal food industry. I quickly realized that this was a great industry with great people. 

Q: Reflecting on your 30+ years with WL Port-Land, how has your vision or approach evolved over the decades?    

Lease: Shortly after founding the company in 1990, I realized that your reputation is developed and built on doing or delivering the things you say you will do. That was not always easy. Life is humbling for sure and surrounding yourself with talented, energetic people makes this road not only easier but more enjoyable. I learned to embrace collaboration not only with our own team but also with customers. 

Q: As you are nearing retirement, could you discuss one or two of your proudest achievements?  

Lease: I think maybe two achievements stand out for me. First, I am very proud to have had the opportunity to work my entire career in an industry that does so much good in feeding the world. It is an industry full of dedicated and caring companies and people, and from that, I have developed lasting business and personal friendships.  
 
Second, I am very proud to be part of building a sustainable company that has provided employment and professional development to so many. They quickly became like family, and I am indebted to them for their commitments and contributions through the years. And with now being employee-owned; we have further cemented the company’s long-term commitment to the industry. 

Q: What is the single most important trait you have seen in people who already are or are becoming great leaders?  

Lease: Good question. I would say that they are energetic and have intelligent curiosity. It does not end with the initial question; instead, you have to follow-up and ask “why?” Leaders need to inspire and promote improvement and change. Good leaders will be surrounded by good, talented people, and the probing questions often will elevate the overall group’s performance.  

Q: Having been involved in building so many animal food manufacturing facilities around the world, what do you see as the biggest challenge that our industry will face in the future??  

Lease:?I think containing costs and minimizing our environmental footprint will be our industry’s biggest challenges in the near future. The cost of construction materials, equipment and labor continue to go up, and at times, there are influences beyond our control that drive these costs up. With the deserved charge of being good stewards for our future generations, we need to always challenge ourselves to minimize our construction and operational footprints. 

Q: What would you tell someone considering a career in the animal food industry?  

Lease:?It is an industry with great people with a passion and purpose to do great things for the world. There are so many career opportunities within the animal food industry that almost no matter what you want to pursue, you can find that opportunity in an industry that you can be very proud of. 

Q: What is the first thing you are going to do once you are fully retired??  

Lease: Continue to travel more. I live in a great area, but there is so much to see along with meeting more people.