Senior Demand Planner Judy Barnett recently retired from Kondex Corporation after 37 years of service. Barnett joined the Company in June 1987 working in the Packaging Department. She was promoted to leading that area before transferring to inventory, bundling (a position that she later helped consolidate into other areas), assembly, and shipping/receiving. The last 26 years of her career have been in office roles, starting with a short time in purchasing, followed by customer service, and in 2018 demand planning. Barnett was promoted to her most recent title of Senior Demand Planner in 2023.
“Demand planning and assembly have been my favorite roles at Kondex,” Barnett commented. “What I most enjoyed about planning is that you’re in the heart of the company, working with all the departments and team leaders to ensure our production flows smoothly and meets our customers’ needs. My history in the plant gave me an advantage in understanding the internal operations and how to react to changing customer forecasts.”
Across her many roles, some of the things that have given her the most pride in her career have been her ability to help coworkers, drive customer satisfaction, and build strong relationships.
“Judy and I started our Kondex careers on the same day. A lot has changed in the last 37 years, but Judy’s dedication to Kondex has remained consistent,” said Engineering Technician Tom Schmitz. “We’ll miss her here at Kondex and wish her the best in her retirement.”
“I have worked with Judy for 30 years. She has a strong understanding of our products and the various levels of manufacturing involved, and she’s taught me a lot over the years,” commented Team Leader Ann Hoff. “I appreciated the time and attention she gave when explaining things, as she would ensure I understood before moving on to the next topic. I enjoyed working with her and will miss having her on the team.”
Judy with Kondex team leaders. (L to R): Ann Hoff, Pat Guercy, Judy Barnett, and Jason Lyngen
“It will be hard to imagine Kondex without Judy after 37+ years. Judy’s dedication, work ethic, and deep expertise have been a backbone of the team for decades. Judy’s ability to tackle challenges with a steady hand and calm demeanor has set an example for all of us,” said Director of Supply Chain Bob Biolo. “Judy has not only contributed greatly to the success of Kondex, but has left a lasting mark on all those lucky enough to have worked alongside her. I congratulate Judy on this milestone and thank her for everything. We are all very excited for her to enjoy the retirement she has earned!”
Judy with her Supply Chain Operations Department team. (L to R): Wen Ding, Brandon Kisting, Amanda Meyer, Andrew Zehren, Judy Barnett, Bob Biolo, and Heather Peters
In her tenure, Barnett has made countless memories. Some of the things that stood out the most were when Kondex achieved partner status with John Deere. She commented, “This was validation that we as a Company were doing the right things to make our customers successful.”
Other notable memories include watching a pie-to-the-face event at the old Kondex building during a team bonding event, as well as the teamwork and competitive nature when working on the sickle assembly line. She and her team could assemble 2,000 to 3,000 total feet of sickles per day, which was before any automation or modern efficiencies were added. She recalled, “We always tried to be faster than one another, while still maintaining high quality. There was a lot of pride in a job well done and the accomplishments made.”
“It’s been a pleasure working with Judy over the years. Her retirement is well deserved. I wish I could download all her knowledge of the Sickles and Sections Department and upload it into my brain,” said Team Leader Pat Guercy. “Congratulations on retiring, Judy. I’m so happy for you! It might be kind of hard to imagine yourself in retirement, but don’t worry, you’ll get the hang of leisure in no time!”
Barnett has a strong work ethic and has exemplified her dedication to Kondex in many ways. One of the most notable was when she went into labor while at work and paused from her assembly duties only during contractions, which had started at 5:15 in the morning. She worked a full shift and went to the hospital later that night. While this certainly wasn’t required of her, she was doing what she felt was right at the time.
“Judy epitomizes what it means to bleed Kondex blue. Her dedication to this organization over her decades of service puts her in a small group of long-tenured associates who have shaped this organization into what it is today,” said Kondex President Keith Johnson. “Judy's incredible product and process knowledge has kept product flowing out the door for longer than I can remember. Her ability to keep it all straight is truly incredible. Judy will be sorely missed, and we all wish her a relaxing and comfortable retirement. She has earned it.”
Kondex President Keith Johnson presents Judy with a retirement check and plaque
Past President Jim Wessing and Judy share stories of the many changes that occurred during Judy's tenure
Barnett enjoys hunting and outdoor activities, and looks forward to spending more time on these and other hobbies. She favors pyrography – the free-hand art of decorating wood with burn marks from a heated tool – and plans to improve her skills in this art during retirement.
“The most rewarding and exciting adventure for me will be to spend my days with my husband David, and with my parents who live with us,” said Barnett. “There are many projects I will focus on with our house, land, and farm. David and I make a great team, so it will be fun – even when we’re working. I want to thank all the Kondex associates for helping me be successful. God bless you all in your future endeavors!”
Judy with her husband David at her retirement celebration, held December 17, 2024