Q&A with Dan

Dan Funke is the Senior Account Executive at QualiTru Sampling Systems. He has the perspective of having grown up on a dairy farm and an extensive dairy industry background. Dan earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Business and an MBA from the University of Iowa – Tippie College of Business. While working at Grande Cheese, Dan learned the importance of helping farmers improve the quality of their milk. He has previously held positions at Zoetis (formerly Pfizer Animal Health) as a Quality Milk Specialist and Senior Territory Business Manager. Dan loves using analytics to solve complex problems and provide customer-focused insight.

What is your favorite quote?
“Your life is made of two dates and a dash. Make the most of the dash.”

How did you end up working at QualiTru?
QualiTru reached out to me via LinkedIn to discuss an opportunity they had available.

What was your favorite subject in school?
Welding and woodworking in high school. Business and economics in college.

What are the top 3 places you have visited?
Lambeau Field in Green Bay WI, Puerto Rico, Mexico.

If you could have a superpower, what would it be?
If I had a superpower I wouldn’t tell anyone about it. Doing good deeds cloaked in anonymity sounds like a good time to me.

Your house is on fire, all loved ones (including pets) are safe. You can safely retrieve 3 items. What do you get?
Probably nothing else. If my loved ones and pets are safe that’s all I need. The rest can be replaced.

What was the last experience that made you a stronger person?
I feel being a parent has made me a stronger person. It is one of the most rewarding– yet challenging – journeys you will ever embark on. Somehow you find the strength to make it all happen. It’s a purpose greater than yourself.

How do you define success?
I define success by the success of those around me. I find joy in using my skills to help others achieve their goals. It’s fun to get to the top of a mountain, but it’s even more rewarding to bring others along for the journey.

What is one sampling solution story that stands out in your mind?
The sampling solution story that comes to mind hasn’t had its ending written yet. Recently, we started working with a customer who was having issues with their finished product. The company reached out to us and asked for help. We worked with their Quality Control team to suggest various locations to install sample ports in their plant. They are now gathering valuable data using our sampling ports. This is something they couldn’t do in the past. It has been extremely rewarding to work through this process with them.

What was your first car?
The first car I was allowed to drive was a 1977 Buick LeSabre – a mint green 4 door. The first car I owned was a 1988 Pontiac Grand Prix – a cherry red 2 door.

What is something you have accomplished that few would guess?
My wife and I were Foster Parents for a few years.

What are your favorite parts of your job?
Working with customers to help them solve problems.

The best advice you have ever received.
It’s never wrong to do the right thing – Mark Twain.