Jeff Broin

Jeff Broin (born August 25, 1965) is the founder of POET, LLC, a leading producer of biofuels and coproducts. He currently serves as Chairman and CEO.[1]

Jeff Broin
Born (1965-08-25) August 25, 1965
Alma materUniversity of Wisconsin
EmployerPOET
TitleChairman and CEO, POET Board member, Growth Energy

Life and career

Jeff Broin is dedicated to leaving a legacy that promotes health and sustainability for future generations.[2] Throughout his career, he has led the growth of one small biofuel plant to become 28 of the most sophisticated cleantech biorefining plants in the world, now known as POET.[3]

POET currently produces 2 billion gallons of clean-burning biofuels annually, making them the largest global producer of biofuels.[4] Committed to sustainability, Broin's ongoing efforts contribute to cleaner air and reduced greenhouse gas emissions.[5] He is driven to change the world through the power of the sun, soil, and seed.[6]

As a leader in clean technology, Broin plays a crucial role in an industry that brings prosperity, jobs,[7] and cleaner domestic fuel to the U.S.[8] He is a recognized innovator, entrepreneur, and philanthropist, who continually advocates for the biofuels industry and also serves on the board of Growth Energy,[9] the leading biofuel trade association in the country.

Broin holds a longstanding belief that many of the world's problems can be solved through agriculture and innovations in clean technology.[10] This passion, along with research and development in the biofuels industry, unlocks the potential for more renewable resources to protect our planet.[11]

Cellulosic Biofuel

Broin has led POET to be one of the first in the world to commercialize cellulosic biofuel.[12] As part of a joint venture with Netherlands-based DSM, POET pioneered cellulosic biotechnology with one of the first full-scale cellulosic plants in the U.S., Project LIBERTY, in Emmetsburg, Iowa.[13] This plant was capable of transforming agricultural waste into cellulosic biofuels,[14] with a production capacity of 25 million gallons per year. A grand opening was held on September 3, 2014.[15] The plant was closed down in 2020.[16]

The company has operated a pilot cellulosic biofuel plant since 2008 at the site of their first grain ethanol plant in Scotland, SD.[17]

Awards and Recognition
  • 2017 recipient of the George Washington Carver Award for Innovation in Industrial Biotechnology. This award honors and recognizes an individual who has made significant contributions to building a biobased economy by applying industrial biotechnology to create environmentally sustainable products.[18]
  • 2017 inductee into the South Dakota Hall of Fame.[19]
  • 2017 recipient of Honorary Doctorate of Public Service from South Dakota State University.[20]
  • Keynote speaker at the 2018 Biotech Innovation Showcase.[21]
  • Keynote speaker at the 2018 University of South Dakota Distinguished Speaker Series.[22]
  • Global Bioeconomy Leadership Award [23]
  • Fortune "Change the World" List [24]
  • Fast Company's 2019 "World's Most Innovative Companies" [25]
  • 2020 American Biofuels Visionary Award [26]

Health and Wellness Initiatives

Broin is focused on providing a healthy environment for all POET team members, stressing the importance of health and wellness to having a fulfilling life.[27] Increasing access to nutritional, fitness, and spiritual resources is part of POET's larger health program, Energy for Life.[28] As part of this program, Broin leads POET to create 'Energy Centers' that are open to team members at no cost and include a variety of state-of-the-art exercise equipment. In addition to these facilities, POET places an emphasis on fitness and nutrition programs, offering on-site health screenings, yearly blood and biometric screenings, and one-on-one health consultations.[29]

According to Broin, "The fuel we produce at POET plants improves the health of our environment, our economy, and our nation's security. The health of our team members is just as important. As a society, we must do more to renew our body and mind." [30]

Philanthropy

Broin's vision extends beyond business. He formed the POET Foundation to improve the lives of others, especially children, with a focus on agriculture.[31] Supported U.S. projects include Make-A-Wish, LifeLight, Children's Home Society, Global Health Ministries, 4-H, and FFA.[32]

In 2011, he and his family founded the non-profit Seeds of Change with the goal of transforming educational, agricultural, and environmental conditions worldwide.[33] Current projects include Mission Greenfield, which spreads agriculture technology by working with 80,000 farmers in Kenya; Mission Greenhouse, a multi-year project to develop a school for disadvantaged girls in Kenya;[34] Mission Breathe, a project focused in Kenya and Haiti to transition from solid cooking fuels (wood and charcoal) to clean liquid renewable biofuels;[35] and projects such as potable water development, health, and nutrition education in Africa.[36]

In 2019, Broin announced a $2 million gift for construction of the precision agriculture facility at South Dakota State University, citing SDSU's increasing commitment to precision agriculture as an important step toward combatting climate change.[37]

Personal life

Jeff Broin grew up near Kenyon, MN. He holds a degree in Agricultural Business from University of Wisconsin and is husband of over 27 years to his wife, Tammie, and father to three children - Alyssa, Miranda, and Austin.[38]

References
  1. "Jeff Broin resumes role as POET CEO - POET". poet.com. Retrieved 2016-11-16.
  2. "A broader push toward sustainability". Vital by POET. Retrieved 2018-05-03.
  3. Hirtzer, Michael. "POET unseats ADM as top global fuel ethanol maker". U.S. Retrieved 2018-05-03.
  4. Hirtzer, Michael. "POET unseats ADM as top global fuel ethanol maker". U.S. Retrieved 2018-05-03.
  5. "USDA: Corn Ethanol Emissions 43% Lower Than Gasoline". Vital by POET. Retrieved 2018-05-03.
  6. "Living a Legacy". Vital by POET. Retrieved 2018-05-03.
  7. "Who We Are - Growth Energy - Meet the Growth Energy Team". Growth Energy. Retrieved 2018-05-03.
  8. "Ethanol Facts: Setting the Record Straight – Growth Energy". Growth Energy. Retrieved 2018-05-03.
  9. "Jeff Broin - Growth Energy - Meet the Team". Growth Energy. Retrieved 2018-05-03.
  10. "Higher ethanol blends would help Iowa, U.S. growers facing a 'modern-day farm crisis'". Des Moines Register. Retrieved 2018-05-03.
  11. "Ethanol Blends At The Pump | Urban Air Initiative". Urban Air Initiative. Retrieved 2018-05-03.
  12. "Grand Opening for Project LIBERTY: Nation's First Plant to Use Corn Waste as a Feedstock". Energy.gov. Retrieved 2018-05-03.
  13. "About - POET-DSM Advanced Biofuels". About - POET-DSM Advanced Biofuels. Retrieved 2018-05-03.
  14. "Advanced Biofuels | American Coalition for Ethanol". ethanol.org. Retrieved 2018-05-03.
  15. "POET-DSM commemorate historic LIBERTY opening". Spencer Daily Reporter. 2014-09-03. Retrieved 2018-05-03.
  16. "'Project Liberty' cellulosic ethanol plant in Emmetsburg closed". Radio Iowa. 2020-10-21. Retrieved 2020-10-22.
  17. "POET plant produces cellulosic ethanol - POET". poet.com. Retrieved 2018-05-03.
  18. "BIO Congratulates POET Founder Jeff Broin on 2017 George Washington Carver Award". BIOtechNow. 2017-05-25. Retrieved 2018-05-03.
  19. "Jeff Broin - SDHoF". sdexcellence.org. Retrieved 2018-05-03.
  20. "POET CEO Jeff Broin Receives Honorary Doctorate from South Dakota State University". Vital by POET. Retrieved 2018-05-03.
  21. "Partnering For Growth: Biotech Innovation Showcase & Forum | ISU Research Park". www.isupark.org. Retrieved 2018-05-03.
  22. "Strategic partnership helps POET, USD meet needs". SiouxFalls.Business. 2018-04-11. Retrieved 2018-05-03.
  23. "Global Bioeconomy Leadership Award presented to Jeff Broins, CEO of POET – BIOWIRE". Retrieved 2020-09-17.
  24. "Change the World". Fortune. Retrieved 2020-09-17.
  25. "Poet: Most Innovative Company". Fast Company. Retrieved 2020-09-17.
  26. photoCaption, Provided. "POET's Jeff Broin named the American Biofuels Visionary by Growth Energy". www.agrinews-pubs.com. Retrieved 2020-09-17.
  27. "Energy for Life: Meet the Energy for Life Team". Vital by POET. Retrieved 2018-05-03.
  28. [email protected], Jessica Bies. "Biofuel plant also producing Energy for Life". Mankato Free Press. Retrieved 2018-05-03.
  29. "First Look: The Importance of Wellness". Vital by POET. Retrieved 2018-05-03.
  30. "POET opens fitness centers at rural plant locations as part of its ongoing commitment to improving team member health - POET". poet.com. Retrieved 2018-05-03.
  31. "About POET - POET". poet.com. Retrieved 2018-05-03.
  32. "Jeff Broin - SDHoF". sdexcellence.org. Retrieved 2018-05-03.
  33. "Seeds of Change". Vital by POET. Retrieved 2018-05-03.
  34. "Mission Hope | Seeds of Change". seedsofchange.org. Retrieved 2018-05-03.
  35. "Mission Breathe | Seeds of Change". seedsofchange.org. Retrieved 2018-05-03.
  36. "Seeds of Change". seedsofchange.org. Retrieved 2018-05-03.
  37. "POET commits $2 million toward construction of the Raven Precision Agriculture Center".
  38. "Keynote Speaker Biography". ssl1.gmti.com. Retrieved 2016-11-16.

[1] McElroy, Anduin Kirkbride (May 22, 2007) A Poetic Journey Ethanol Producer Magazine [2] Growth Energy Leadership and Board of Directors Retrieved Oct. 7, 2011 [3] Dolan, Kerry A. (Nov. 24, 2008) Mr. Ethanol Fights Back Forbes [4] ACORE Phase II of Renewable Energy in America National Policy Forum Speakers Retrieved Oct. 10, 2011 [5] Winchester, Cody (Sept. 26,2011) Poet hails $105 million loan guarantee Argus Leader [6] POET (Sept. 23, 2011) DOE grants final approval on POET cellulosic ethanol loan guarantee Retrieved Oct. 10, 2011

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