Alumni Spotlight

Name: Wade Wilbur

Current Title: Owner

Organization: Sod Shop

Majors: B.S. Agricultural Education '02

K-State College of Ag is proud to recognize alumni from all departments who continue to pursue their passion in their respective fields. It is through experience that we continue to grow as individuals and stewards of the industry. Through those experiences, we hope to be a continued resource for the next generation of K-State students to lean on for advice and continue to build our network!

Why did you choose K-State and agricultural education?

I had several family members who went to K-State, and I grew up as a Wildcat, so I knew that it was where I wanted to go. The personal touches set it apart from other universities. On my first visit to the campus, I met with Associate Dean Dr. Larry Erpelding, and it was very personalized. Once I was a student, it didn’t take too long before everyone knew my name, and I knew theirs.

I was really involved in 4-H growing up, and when I went to college, I thought I wanted to be a county Extension agent. I visited Stacey Warner at Umberger Hall as a high school senior, and she recommended that agricultural education would be a good major.

What student organizations were you involved in?

As an Ag Ambassador, I spoke at high schools across Kansas about K-State and the College of Agriculture. I also made a lot of good friendships and connections that I still use. Kansas and the agricultural world are so small, and it’s amazing how interconnected we all are throughout the state. I’m always calling on K-State connections, and they’re calling on me to conduct business.

I was involved in the Agricultural Education Club, collegiate 4-H and FarmHouse Fraternity. I lived there throughout college and am now on the alumni board. I’ve put a lot of time into being involved there, but every single activity just solidifies my network and connections.

I would encourage all students to get involved on campus and to get to know some people in your department, because if you’re going to work in agriculture, those connections are going to help you throughout the rest of your career.

Did you have a favorite professor who impacted your college experience?

Dr. Miles McKee was my “alumni big brother” in FarmHouse Fraternity and a professor of mine. Dr. McKee told me that every time I walked past his office, I was required to stop in and say hello. I followed this tradition throughout my college career and continued to stop by after I graduated.

McKee was a mentor to me. He had so many amazing pieces of knowledge that I listened to very intently and tried to use in my own life. He had a way of making every single person feel special and important. I give a talk to new members each year at FarmHouse Fraternity, and I always try to tell them a little about Dr. McKee.

What does an average week look like for you?

As a small business owner, every day when I get up, I don’t know exactly what I’ll be called to do. I’m kind of a master substitute, filling in if people call in sick and moving people around. We have close to 50 employees between the two locations, but often I find myself still jumping in and filling in wherever is needed. I have a lot of business meetings throughout the week, but I really enjoy hopping in a semitruck to deliver our sod to customers, or getting on a tractor to harvest. That’s probably what my true love is, getting dirty and working.

Talk about your journey with Sod Shop.

After graduating, I taught high school agriculture in Hill City, Kansas. My family’s sod business, owned by my father and uncle, had just expanded to Kansas City, and they were looking to grow the market there. They called and asked if I wanted to help expand the Kansas City branch, and I made the hard decision to move. Fast forward several years, and the business has just been growing. My father and uncle have since retired, and I’m the sole owner now, running both the Lawrence and Wichita locations.

How has your degree helped you throughout your career?

Agricultural education helped me in so many areas of my career. The degree provided me with a well-rounded education, including courses in agronomy, horticulture, economics, mechanics, accounting, public speaking, classroom management and more. I use these skills every day in my business. I’m glad I chose agricultural education because it’s led me down the path to be a successful business owner.

Why is building strong customer relationships important to Sod Shop?

We’re not the only option for sod. There are two farms that supply sod to the Wichita market, and there are 18 farms that supply to the Kansas City market. People have a choice of where they buy sod. Customer service and the relationship that we build with customers help our products stand above the competition. We try to go out of our way to accommodate the customers whenever possible.

What kind of relationship do you have with Sod Shop employees?

We participate in the H-2A U.S. visa program, through which nine to 12 seasonal workers come to the Lawrence farm. I’ve built relationships with those employees, and it’s been a rewarding experience. They’re here for more months than they’re at home with their own families, so they’ve become part of my family.

A year ago, I got to be part of a wedding in Mexico. In Mexican culture, people sponsor different parts of the wedding, and I got to buy the wedding cake. It was a really cool experience to travel down there and be part of the wedding celebration for one of my really valued employees. He’ll be returning for his eighth year this year.