posted on Thursday, December 19, 2019 in Swine Health Services News
AMVC Swine Health Services, a local swine exclusive veterinary practice, recently recognized employees hitting a work anniversary milestone. Among the recipients were Dr. Jeffrey Harker, D.V.M. and Shannon Schimmel who recently celebrated 25 and 30 years of service respectively.
Both Harker and Schimmel credit Dr. Max Rodibaugh for hiring them a few decades ago. Schimmel grew up on a small farm with pigs, cattle and grain and took a job at the farm supply store in town. After hearing of an opening at the veterinary clinic from a local farmer, she started working as an administrative assistant at Swine Health Services at the age of 19. Schimmel has been a friendly face at the practice ever since. Her days are spent ordering and shipping product, keeping accurate inventory records, accounting and serving customers.
Harker grew up on his family’s diversified livestock and grain farrow to finish hog farm in southeast Indiana. Having a passion for veterinary medicine, Harker, pursued his education at Purdue University. Throughout veterinary school, Harker did multiple rotations focused on swine and had the opportunity to interact with many experienced swine veterinarians. In November of his senior year of veterinary school, he received a call from Dr. Rodibaugh, offering him a position at Swine Health Services. Twenty-five years later, Dr. Harker is still in the same office where he first started after veterinary school.
Positive change throughout the decades
When asked what has changed throughout the years since beginning at the clinic, Schimmel and Harker both commented on the difference in technology. Schimmel recalled the days of calling in orders, while today she utilizes online ordering. Harker elaborated on the changes that have significantly impacted the whole swine industry. From faster diagnostics and the introduction of PCR testing to the eradication of Pseudorabies, Actinobacillus pleuropneumonia (APP) and Atrophic Rhinitis. Throughout the years he has seen producers become more conscious of biosecurity protocols from implementing shower in – shower out facilities, washing trucks between loads and using different boots and coveralls between barns.
Clients have become family
Although some things have changed, one thing they both agreed is the best thing about their jobs is the clients.
“I love this job and our clients. I have relationships with several of them. It’s my home away from home,” commented Schimmel, who resides outside of Frankfort with her husband, John.
Harker values the relationships he has built with clients. “Every day is different. No two days are ever the same. I like seeing what the next challenge is day in and day out. I enjoy hearing from clients, going to their farms, seeing pigs and catching up with the people,”
Jeff and his wife, Traci, have four children. In Dr. Harker’s spare time, you can find him helping at the Harker Family Farms and Orchard near Shelbyville, IN and throughout the summer and fall he becomes a fruit and vegetable salesperson.
AMVC is proud to have dedicated employees like Shannon and Jeff who have contributed their time and talents to the practice. AMVC Swine Health Services is located in Frankfort, Indiana and serve a variety of swine clients.
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