Shaun Tawzer
From Restaurant Owner to Agropur Area Department Manager
You may think that with a tenure of 30 years at Agropur it’s safe to assume that Shaun Tawzer has spent his entire career in the dairy industry. But Shaun’s career path started out much differently.
Shaun knew from a young age that cooking was his passion. After high school, this passion led him to attend Mitchell Technical Institute in South Dakota to pursue a degree in culinary arts.
“Cooking always came easy to me and it’s something I’ve always loved to do,” Shaun explained.
After graduating with his degree, Shaun got a job at a local chain restaurant as a line cook and worked his way up to becoming assistant kitchen manager. Eventually an opportunity to own his own restaurant and bar presented itself and Shaun took it.
“I went into business with my sister, and we owned it together for about five years,” Shaun said. “We worked a lot of long hours, but it was a great experience to be my own boss and I’m glad I took a chance on the opportunity.”
When Shaun decided he was ready to try something new, he applied to be an evaporator operator at Agropur’s Lake Norden plant. Shaun held this position for eight years during which the management team in Lake Norden saw qualities in him that they look for in leaders.
“I always make an effort to help out wherever it’s needed,” Shaun explained. “Whether it’s working extra hours or helping out in different areas of the plant, I go where I’m needed and that work ethic helped move me into a leadership role at Agropur.”
Transition into leadership
Shaun’s first step to becoming a department manager was to take part in a supervisor training where he was able to learn more about all the departments, lab maintenance, receiving bays, lactose and more.
From there, Shaun teamed up with a current area manager to learn more about custom drying, which would help him transition into his current role as a lactose production manager.
“Working hands on with other managers taught me not only how to be a good leader, but also helped build the relationship we have now to help each other out when needed,” Shaun explained.
As a leader, Shaun prioritizes connecting with his team members not only about work, but also on a personal level.
Personal life
Outside of work, Shaun is an outdoorsman. He loves fishing on any of the many lakes and rivers South Dakota has to offer and used to be an avid hunter. His love for the outdoors likely began growing up around a lake and helping out at the resort his family owned.
Shaun has two sons who he enjoys spending time with and attending their events.
“Attending my son’s events is one of my favorite things to do – I'd never miss it. These events are a huge part of their life and something I’ll never get back,” Shaun said.
Though he doesn’t do it professionally anymore, Shaun still enjoys cooking for his family or for special events.
“Working hands on with other managers taught me not only how to be a good leader, but also helped build the relationship we have now to help each other out when needed.”
“I still find joy in cooking as I have for most of my life,” Shaun explains. “This time of year I love to make a big Sunday meal for my sons and regularly do a lot of grilling.”
