Brokers
Luke Schwieterman
Luke Schwieterman, President of Schwieterman, Inc. a commodity brokerage firm in Garden City, Kansas, was born and raised on a farm in Syracuse, Kansas. Luke graduated from St. Mary’s of the Plains College. In 1975, Luke became a commodity broker for Heinold Commodities. In 1988, Luke started Schwieterman, Inc. Since then, it has grown to 8 brokers with branch offices in Wichita, Ashland, Meade, Hutchinson, and the home office in Garden City, Kansas.
Luke is thoroughly enjoying the challenges of business and farming. His favorite saying: “You get all you want out of life by helping others get all they want.”
Evan Backhus
Evan is an experienced grain marketing, commodity broker, and ag professional with a degree from Kansas State University in Animal Science and minor in Business with over 35 years of experience in the industry. As owner/partner of Heritage Grain Consulting and broker with Schwieterman, he ties the complete path of producer marketing. Evan works with producers to develop practical grain marketing strategies designed to improve marketing opportunities and manage price risk. His background includes purchasing and marketing more than 20 million bushels of wheat, milo, and corn annually, along with extensive experience in grain merchandising, logistics, basis trading, commodity brokerage, and producer marketing programs. Evan also brings strong knowledge of livestock markets and the relationship between grain, feed, and livestock economics. His hands-on, market-focused approach gives producers a broader perspective when making marketing and risk-management decisions.
e.backhus@upthelimit.com
Rob Charles
Rob Charles is a life long resident of Southwest Kansas.. He was raised and worked with his family on a livestock and farming operation until he ventured off on his own to start a truck transportation company that he owned and operated for 16 years. He feels his experience in farming and running Ag related businesses has given him an abundance of knowledge in many facets of the Ag industry. In November 2002, Rob was presented with the opportunity to work for Schwieterman, Inc., and he accepted the challenge. He enjoys the fast paced and dynamic environment of commodities, along with meeting customers (old and new), and the new challenges every day presents. Rob currently lives in Dodge City and is a proud first time Grandpa. His angel, Ava Rae Rash was born 01-02-07 and lives in Holton, KS.
Mark Green
Mark Green was raised in Emporia, Kansas and moved to Garden City in 1983. Since then Mark has developed excellent contacts in the cattle industry along with elevators and farming communities. Mark joined Schwieterman, Inc. in 1992 and finds that he enjoys formulating techniques for trading the largest growing part of the futures industry, stock indexes. Most of Mark’s leisure time is spent with his kids Trevor and Shealyn.
Tom Herbers
After graduating with a degree in Animal Science & Industry from Kansas State University, my career emphasis was involved in cattle production and management. My knowledge and experience in production agriculture enabled me to make a smooth transition from cowboy to commodity broker, and agricultural marketing. In the fall of 1989 I became associated with Schwieterman, Inc. as an account executive. After spending time working out of the home office in Garden City, Kansas, the opportunity became available to open a branch office in Scott City, Kansas. In May of 1991 I became the Branch Manager of the Scott City office. I am currently the branch manager in Manhattan, KS.
Tom Rickard
I was born and raised in Fowler, Kansas and have been in and around farming all of my life. I have worked in a local grain elevator, in a large grain terminal, as a grain merchandiser for a cooperative, and have been a broker with Schwieterman, Inc. since 1990. I now live in Plains, Kansas and am active in my church and community, and serve on several boards. My wife Janet and I have five children and three grandchildren. I like small town life and have a great interest in the preservation of Small Town, America. Being involved in farming all of my life has given me an understanding of the needs of the farmer and has helped me to help them with their marketing needs in the community business. When dealing with customers, money management is my first and foremost concern, whether they are producers or speculators. When trying to achieve this money management with my customers I use fundamental and technical information.
Bret Crotts
Bret has been with the Schwieterman organization since May of 2002 and became a licensed broker in May of 2010. He has work experience in the livestock business from cow/calf operations, to cattle feeding, to processing and has been involved with grain farming all his life.
Bret is a graduate of Kansas State University with a degree in Agriculture Economics and a minor in Animal Science.
Rex Crotts
Born and raised in Garden City, Kansas, Rex brings a strong agricultural background, enthusiasm, and a highly motivated approach to his work. He graduated from Kansas State University in May 2026 with a degree in Agricultural Economics. Rex is driven by a desire to build wealth, develop lasting relationships, and help customers achieve their financial and agricultural goals. He takes pride in working hard, continuing to learn, and providing customers with the dedication and service they deserve.
Brady Charles
Brady joined Schwieterman, Inc. in May 2016. He was born and raised in a small agricultural community in Western Kansas and was involved in farming and commodities from a young age. He graduated from Kansas State University in 2006 with majors in Ag Business and Ag Economics. While at K-State he became interested in the fast paced action of the futures industry. He enjoys helping his customers manage their risk and strives for the best results when marketing their products. He looks forward to meeting new customers. And building a relationship of both professional and personal trust.
Mike Simmons
Mike is a seasoned commodities professional with over 25 years of experience in the industry. With a strong background in cash, futures, and OTC markets, Mike has a comprehensive understanding of the commodities sector and its regulatory landscape. He has been an individual member of the Kansas City Board of Trade, Chicago Board of Trade, and the Chicago Mercantile Exchange. He has managed large-scale trading operations across various commodities, particularly focusing on grains and oilseeds. Mike studied Chemistry at the University of Kansas, which adds a unique analytical perspective to his trading strategies. Mike enjoys playing golf and tennis in his free time.
Jackson Lauby
Jackson Lauby was born and raised in Holdrege, Nebraska. He graduated from the University of Nebraska Lincoln with a Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural business in May 2025. He has extensive knowledge in both futures and options, as well as a strong background in farm and feedlot operations. Jackson strives for greatness, and pushes toward both his customers’, and his own goals. As a young minded individual, he brings new and optimistic outlooks to every category of conversation he is involved with.