Key Takeaways:
- SweetWater Technologies hires two Purdue graduates for full-time roles in sales and operations.
- Ryan Liebermann joins as Indiana Sales Representative to support input services and partnerships.
- Alex Hokey becomes Indiana Regional Operations Lead, managing drone operations and logistics.
- Both hires previously interned at SweetWater and bring strong local and academic experience.
- The move reflects SweetWater’s ongoing investment in precision agriculture and agtech talent.
SweetWater Technologies Expands Team with AgTech Talent
SweetWater Technologies (Profile), known for its focus on precision crop inputs and drone-enabled application services, has announced the hiring of two emerging professionals—Ryan Liebermann and Alex Hokey—both set to graduate from Purdue University’s Agricultural Systems Management program in May 2025. This marks a continued investment by the company in the future of agricultural technology and regional support for Midwest growers.
The new hires, both Indiana natives with internship experience at SweetWater, are expected to strengthen the company’s outreach and operational capabilities as it scales up drone-enabled input services across the state.
Ryan Liebermann to Lead Sales Across Indiana
Supporting Growers with SweetWater Technologies’ Drone Services and Input Solutions
A Terre Haute native, Ryan Liebermann steps into the role of Indiana Sales Representative. With two years of internship experience at SweetWater and a background rooted in local farming, Liebermann will assist growers with a comprehensive range of services, including:
- Wholesale agricultural input sales
- Drone-applied crop treatments
- Partnerships with local drone operators
“Ryan’s mix of field knowledge and drone application experience make him a perfect fit for this role,” said Chad Gripp, CEO of SweetWater Technologies. “His ability to connect with growers and provide efficient, ROI-driven solutions will be key as we continue to grow our presence and services.”
Alex Hokey to Oversee Regional Operations
Managing SweetWater Technologies’ Drone Deployment and Logistics in Peak Seasons
Joining the team as Indiana Regional Operations Lead, Alex Hokey brings a hands-on background in agriculture and extensive experience from three summers interning at SweetWater, including in operations management. A native of Cambridge City, Hokey will manage:
- Logistics and batch mixing during spraying seasons
- Drone maintenance and field deployment
- Customer engagement and technical support
“Alex’s operational insight and his drive to innovate in the field make him an essential part of our expansion strategy,” said Gripp. “We’re excited to see him lead the charge in keeping our technology running smoothly and our customers well supported.”
A Strategic Step Toward AgTech Modernization
Cultivating Local Talent to Advance Midwest Agriculture
The addition of Liebermann and Hokey underscores SweetWater Technologies’ commitment to bridging traditional agricultural knowledge with emerging agtech tools. By recruiting locally and investing in talent with both field and technical expertise, the company aims to modernize agriculture in Indiana and beyond.
“We are building a team with professionals who not only know the land but also how to unlock its full potential using today’s best tools—drones, data, and high-performance inputs,” said Gripp.
