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by Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative on Dec 19, 2025 12:09:44 PM
Kwik Trip has been repeatedly named as a “Best Place to Work” both statewide and nationally. In a special episode of Dairy Stream, host Joanna Guza dives into the specifics of employee culture with Kwik Trip’s Public Relations Specialist, Ben Leibl. This episode is a preview of what’s in store at the upcoming 2026 Dairy Strong conference this January. Learn more about Dairy Strong at dairystrong.org.
In the episode, Ben shares why putting people first is a key philosophy at Kwik Trip and how they’ve noticed that celebrating the positives helps create more positives, building a better work culture. He shares details about Kwik Trip’s extensive hiring, training and development process for employees and how it has helped minimize employee turnover. He discusses how being compassionate and supportive of employees is crucial to success and shares how farmers can create these dynamics on their farms.
Ben also discusses the following topics in the episode:
- Kwik Trip’s Praise Program
- Unsolicited guest compliments
- Ongoing education and professional development
- Keys to building a reputation
- Advice to balance performance with fostering a supportive, compassionate environment
- How to start a positive culture
- Future goals for Kwik Trip customer service and employee engagement
Register now for the Dairy Strong conference Jan. 14-15 in Green Bay, Wisconsin.
About the guest
Ben Leibl is a Public Relations Specialist for Kwik Trip Inc., based in La Crosse, WI. In his role at Kwik Trip, he assists coworkers with their ongoing educational needs and directs the Kwik Trip praise program, which last year meant acknowledging over 2600 unsolicited guest compliment letters. Prior to joining Kwik Trip in 2020, Ben was an instructor and principal in Oshkosh, WI and Omaha, NE. He holds degrees from Martin Luther College in New Ulm, MN. Ben sits on the Boards of the Boys and Girls Club in La Crosse, WI and serves as the Chair of St. Paul's Lutheran School Board. Ben and his wife Heidi have 3 children and they live in Holmen, WI.
About Dairy Stream
Dairy Stream focuses on policy, sustainability, market trends, new technology and farmer involvement. This podcast is produced by the Voice of Milk, a collaboration of individual dairy organizations working to improve the future of dairy farm families. Become a sponsor, share an idea or feedback by emailing podcast@dairyforward.com.