Ryan Tholen Email & Phone Number

Minneapolis, Mn, Us

Balaton, Minnesota, United States

I farm 250 acres of corn and soybeans in southern Minnesota, in a partnership with my father. I'm focused on ag technology, mostly as it relates to machinery. I'm particularly interesting in developing low-cost alternatives to what's on the market today - such as RTK guidance, or tracks for equipment to reduce compaction.I am also focused on conservation, actively working to improve the efficiency of inputs and reduce environmental impact, while improving profitability. I believe in making data-based decisions using testing and evidence. Some of the practices I use include no-till, low-disturbance spring strip still, split N application, and cover crops. Our farm has been water-quality certified with the state of Minnesota.

United States

Wyoming, Minnesota, United States

Transform new technologies into production solutions for Polaris driveline and CVT systemsDevelop and implement new calibration, testing, and validation methods for CVT systemsDevelop platforming strategies for Polaris driveline and CVT systemsDesign driveline and CVT duty cyclesImprove quality and durability

Wyoming, Mn

Design/Development/Testing/Validation of Polaris CVT and Driveline Systems:- Design work with PTC Creo 4: aluminum die-castings, aluminum forgings, blow-molded plastics and rubber, injection-molded plastics, powdered-metal parts, rubber CVT belts- Analysis, Development and Testing: DFMEA, FEA, CFD, chassis dyno, instrumentation and data logging, field testing, data processing- Validation: DVP&R development, 8D problem solving processAdditional engineering process and engineering design standard contributions

Brooklyn Park, Mn

On-site engineer at Caterpillar Paving in Brooklyn Park, MN:Responsible for engineering support of current and past production asphalt screeds and asphalt compactors:o Primary point of contact for engineering-related problems on current production and past productiono Provide direct engineering support for manufacturing lines, as well as global product support requestso Respond quickly and act decisively to solve a wide range of problems in a high-pressure environmento Firsthand experience with problems caused by engineering oversight or lack of proper judgementHold engineering responsibility in cross-functional product improvement projects:o Determine root cause of systemic customer problemso Develop solutions for immediate implementation to current production and fieldPerform engineering design work under CAT procedures and specifications:o FEA in Creo Simulate for comparative analysiso Drawing detailing and GD&T under Caterpillar and ASME standardso Integration with Siemens Teamcenter PLM software and the Caterpillar Production Systemo Learn, interpret and implement Caterpillar engineering standards and specificationso Member of fuel tank design peer team

Minneapolis, Mn / San Francisco, Ca

- Play an active role in the development and implementation of innovative farming systems, with a particular emphasis on both the mechanical aspects of agriculture and conservation-oriented practices- Combine an engineering mindset with business tact and a strong agriculture background to develop mutually beneficial relationships between Fall Line Capital and the general farming community, including tenants, local agencies, contractors, and service providers- Oversee experimental projects with the goal of increasing Fall Line's farm-specific management expertise and integrating innovative, emerging technologies into agriculture in responsible ways- Share responsibility of engineering and execution of land development projects, particularly irrigation and drainage systems- Share responsibility of due diligence research and analysis for investment recommendations on potential acquisitions nationwide- Uncover and develop add-on investment opportunities for existing Fall Line properties through positive interaction with surrounding communities

Cedar Falls, Iowa

- Held the position of Product Engineering Intern for the 7R Tractor Chassis Engineering Team- Responsible for three design projects: Front hitch components Camera observation system Cooling package structural components- Further developed professional project management and teamwork skills- Collaborated with people within John Deere including the 7R Chassis Team, Manufacturing, Software Development, Supply Management, Cost Management, Finite Element Analysis Team, Computational Fluid Dynamics Team, Modeling, and Product Test Team- Worked directly with global suppliers to produce parts that reduce manufacturing complexity, exceed project specifications, and are of reasonable cost- Gained experience with Pro/Engineer, VisView, Windchill, and John Deere-specific engineering systems

Ankeny And Urbandale, Iowa

- Worked as a member of the Advanced Engineering teams for both the Intelligent Solutions Group and the Sprayer Division- Worked on two experimental projects involving sprayer flow control and auto-guidance - Provided a customer perspective to design considerations based on 12,000 acres of chemical application experience with self-propelled sprayers- Spent time in the field doing system testing and development- Traveled to install prototype systems on customer machines in IA, IL, and MN, conducted in-field testing, and analyzed performance- Presented an experimental auto-guidance system to John Deere’s senior management and performed in-field ride demonstrations. Explained customer value from a producer’s point of view, presented and demonstrated technical aspects of the system, and outlined potential value to the company.

Buckingham, Iowa

The Mitchell Farm is one of the most innovative and technologically advanced farms in the world. I had the opportunity to spend a summer working with Wade and Clay Mitchell on projects relating to agriculture and the creative, responsible application of technology. Agronomy, machine control, wireless networks, soil management, and grain handling systems were some of the subject areas I was involved with.http://www.mitchellfarm.com

Tracy, Minnesota

This is the family agribusiness operation where I grew up. It consists of a beef cattle feedlot and cropland producing corn, soybeans, and wheat. We are interested in innovative farming techniques and machinery strategies that improve efficiency and allow for better land stewardship, while maintaining exceptionally high levels of production. I have been involved with the management of this operation, including the following:- Feedlot management including feed production and limited veterinary care- Maintenance, repair, and optimization of a full line of late-model farm equipment- Extensive experience operating large farm equipment- Licensed MN Private Pesticide Applicator- 12,000+ acres experience chemical application with modern sprayer technology- Extensive experience operating, managing, and troubleshooting modern ag technology including RTK auto guidance, mapping, data management, automated section control, and variable rate application systems- Development of metal fabrication and design skills, including welding (MIG, SMAW)- Development of agronomic and crop management skills, including soil conservation and residue management

Bachelor'S Degree, Mechanical Engineering, 3.97 Gpa On 4.0 Scale

Activities and Societies: Cross Country - Team Captain, Indoor/Outdoor Track - Team Captain, Freshman Orientation Group Leader, Ideafest.

Class Valedictorian

Activities and Societies: National FFA Organization: - Tracy Area Chapter Vice President - Ag Mechanics Career Development Team Contest.