Difference Maker: Pat Coonce
May 15, 2025
Recognizing the Difference Makers Among Us
At Farmers Cooperative, our employees live out our core values every day - often without expecting recognition. Their dedication to our patrons and the communities we serve is something we're proud of. With so many locations and team members, these moments of outstanding service don't always get the spotlight they deserve.
That's why we rolled out our Difference Maker employee recognition program. This initiative gives employees the opportunity to recognize their peers for going above and beyond - those who step up, solve problems, and make a real impact.
Congratulations to Pat Coonce, Service Station Manager in Fairbury, on being nominated as a Difference Maker.
Leading with Safety and Purpose
At a recent tire safety rodeo, Pat Coonce took the lead in teaching safety—bringing both knowledge and heart to the event. He created his own custom banner and centered his message on three core values: Complacency, Care, and Credit.
Pat reminded the team to stay focused—on the condition of their tools, their equipment, and the task at hand. He spoke about the importance of truly caring: for the quality of the work, for one another, and for every customer. And he emphasized giving credit—both to yourself for a job well done, and to your team for their efforts and contributions.
Pat’s message wasn’t just words—it reflected the way he leads every day. Since becoming the Fairbury location manager, Pat has had zero turnover. He works shoulder-to-shoulder with his team, earning their respect through consistent leadership and genuine care.
Pat’s thoughtful approach and commitment to safety show exactly what it means to be a difference maker.
Learn More About Pat:
Name:
Pat Coonce
Work Location:
Fairbury Station
Job Title:
Service Station Manager
Number of Years with Farmers Cooperative:
14 Years
What does a typical day look like?
My days start coming in early to get paperwork done, then a balance of helping the guys in the shop and meeting with customers in person and on sales calls.
What do you enjoy the most about working for Farmers Cooperative?
Meeting and talking with customers is one of the best parts of my job, as well as teaching my crew new or different techniques. I most enjoy seeing them use a trick or skill I have taught them. Staying hands-on affords me the chance to observe as well as teach as we go.
What core value do you identify with the most?
Integrity
Why did you choose that core value?
I chose integrity because I feel that with strong integrity, the rest of the core values fall into place. Pride and integrity, in my opinion, lead to success in all aspects of the core values we need to succeed and be productive. From pride in yourself as well as your team and customers.
What do you like to do in your free time?
Free time for me usually means working in the garage on one of my old projects or spending time on some sort of water with family or friends trying to trick a fish into biting. Being outdoors definitely helps to give me a sense of balance or a reset if you will.
At Farmers Cooperative, our employees live out our core values every day - often without expecting recognition. Their dedication to our patrons and the communities we serve is something we're proud of. With so many locations and team members, these moments of outstanding service don't always get the spotlight they deserve.
That's why we rolled out our Difference Maker employee recognition program. This initiative gives employees the opportunity to recognize their peers for going above and beyond - those who step up, solve problems, and make a real impact.
Congratulations to Pat Coonce, Service Station Manager in Fairbury, on being nominated as a Difference Maker.
Leading with Safety and Purpose
At a recent tire safety rodeo, Pat Coonce took the lead in teaching safety—bringing both knowledge and heart to the event. He created his own custom banner and centered his message on three core values: Complacency, Care, and Credit.
Pat reminded the team to stay focused—on the condition of their tools, their equipment, and the task at hand. He spoke about the importance of truly caring: for the quality of the work, for one another, and for every customer. And he emphasized giving credit—both to yourself for a job well done, and to your team for their efforts and contributions.
Pat’s message wasn’t just words—it reflected the way he leads every day. Since becoming the Fairbury location manager, Pat has had zero turnover. He works shoulder-to-shoulder with his team, earning their respect through consistent leadership and genuine care.
Pat’s thoughtful approach and commitment to safety show exactly what it means to be a difference maker.
Learn More About Pat:
Name:
Pat Coonce
Work Location:
Fairbury Station
Job Title:
Service Station Manager
Number of Years with Farmers Cooperative:
14 Years
What does a typical day look like?
My days start coming in early to get paperwork done, then a balance of helping the guys in the shop and meeting with customers in person and on sales calls.
What do you enjoy the most about working for Farmers Cooperative?
Meeting and talking with customers is one of the best parts of my job, as well as teaching my crew new or different techniques. I most enjoy seeing them use a trick or skill I have taught them. Staying hands-on affords me the chance to observe as well as teach as we go.
What core value do you identify with the most?
Integrity
Why did you choose that core value?
I chose integrity because I feel that with strong integrity, the rest of the core values fall into place. Pride and integrity, in my opinion, lead to success in all aspects of the core values we need to succeed and be productive. From pride in yourself as well as your team and customers.
What do you like to do in your free time?
Free time for me usually means working in the garage on one of my old projects or spending time on some sort of water with family or friends trying to trick a fish into biting. Being outdoors definitely helps to give me a sense of balance or a reset if you will.