Fairmont, Minn. - Kahler Automation is pleased to announce Trisha Rentschler and Aaron Burmeister have been selected as recipients of the 2025 Agricultural Retailers Association (ARA) Rising Star Award, sponsored by Atticus.
The ARA Rising Star Award recognizes emerging leaders who demonstrate outstanding initiative, innovation, and commitment to advancing the agricultural retail industry. Recipients are nominated by their employers for exhibiting leadership potential and making meaningful contributions to their organizations and the broader ag retail community.
“Trisha and Aaron represent the next generation of leadership,” said Colt Silvers, vice president of business development at Kahler Automation. “Both have shown exceptional ability to translate complex challenges into strategic opportunities—driving innovation while strengthening collaboration across teams and with our customers. Their recognition as ARA Rising Stars reflects not only their individual accomplishments but also the culture of innovation and excellence that defines our organization.”
Since joining Kahler Automation in 2024, Senior Product Manager Trisha Rentschler has led a major software modernization initiative, integrating multiple legacy platforms into a unified, customer-centered system. Through a transparent and inclusive leadership style, she has successfully balanced the demands of transformation with the need for operational continuity—ensuring that customer needs remain central to every decision. Rentschler’s work has strengthened cross-functional alignment and positioned Kahler Automation’s software solutions for future scalability and impact across the ag retail sector.
Aaron Burmeister, Product Manager of Controls and Instrumentation, who joined the organization in 2021, has been instrumental in defining and executing the company’s product vision for control and instrumentation systems, including the successful launch of FLEXCOMMAND. His strategic approach—grounded in data, collaboration, and market insight—has enabled Kahler to align product innovation with evolving customer and industry needs. Burmeister’s leadership continues to advance the company’s mission of delivering efficient, reliable and forward-thinking automation solutions.
Both honorees will be recognized at the 2025 ARA Conference & Expo in December, where they will join peers from across the country to share insights on innovation, sustainability and the future of agricultural retail.
“We are proud to see Trisha and Aaron recognized on a national stage for their leadership and vision,” said Kahler Automation CEO John Christ. “Their contributions reflect Kahler’s commitment to developing solutions and people that move agriculture forward. This recognition underscores the importance of investing in talent that will shape the future of our industry.”