New team members will drive expansion in drone-based crop services, agronomic sales, and operational efficiency as the company continues to invest in next-gen ag professionals with strong farm roots and hands-on experience.
WYANET, IL (AgPR) April 22, 2025 — SweetWater Technologies, a company committed to supporting the success of growers through drone application and high-performance crop input products, has added two emerging professionals in agricultural technology to its growing team: Ryan Liebermann and Alex Hokey, both graduating in May from Purdue University’s Agricultural Systems Management program.
These homegrown hires bring not only academic excellence but also deep practical experience through former internships with SweetWater Technologies. Their new full-time roles will drive the company’s mission to modernize Midwest agriculture through precision inputs, drone-enabled services, and scalable partnerships.
Meet Ryan Liebermann: Building Relationships, Delivering Innovation
A Terre Haute native, Ryan Liebermann has been named SweetWater Technologies’ Indiana Sales Representative. From growing up working on a local farm to gaining two years of experience through the SweetWater Technologies internship program, Ryan is deeply connected to Indiana’s ag community.
In his role, he’ll cover a majority of the state, helping growers tap into:
“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, understand their needs, and provide efficient, ROI-driven solutions will be key as we continue to grow our presence and services.”
Meet Alex Hokey: Powering the Tech That Keeps Ag Moving
Joining Ryan is Alex Hokey, a native of Cambridge City, Indiana. He is a former operations intern for SweetWater Technologies and joins the team as a full-time Indiana Regional Operations Lead. Alex grew up on his family’s row crop and beef cattle farm before sharpening his ag tech expertise at Purdue and through three consecutive summer internships at SweetWater Technologies—most recently as an operations manager.
In his new role, Alex will oversee:
“Alex’s operational insight and his drive to innovate in the field make him an essential part of our expansion strategy,” Chad Gripp said. “We’re excited to see him lead the charge in keeping our technology running smoothly and our customers well supported.”
Investing in the Future of Agriculture
SweetWater Technologies continues to invest in the next generation of agricultural professionals—those who understand both the power of relationships and the promise of emerging technologies.
“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,” Chad Gripp added.
About SweetWater Technologies Powered by Gripp
As a leader in operational excellence, SweetWater Technologies works with farmers and drone applicators to assist them in optimizing efficiency and maximizing ROI through its performance product portfolio and drone application systems and strategies. By empowering agriculture communities through technological solutions, SweetWater Technologies is committed to improving efficiency and return for farmers by deploying sound agriculture practices.
Coming to you live from Commodity Classic in Houston, we’re back with Chris and the CommonGround podcast. This episode, we welcome Chad Gripp from SweetWater Technologies in Wyanet, IL.
Midday Farm Show 2-29-2024
SweetWater Technologies’ owners, Chad and TeNeille Gripp join Rob on the Shark Farmer Podcast in January of 2024.
Chad and TeNeille Gripp, founders and co-owners of Sweetwater Technologies, discuss their goal is to spray one million acres through their network of drone technicians.
As more farmers are using drones to have crop protection treatments applied on their farm fields, one company is looking to grow their business by seeking new owner-operator partners to expand their services throughout Indiana and much of the Midwest.
We meet Sweetwater Technologies founder Chad Gripp and learn about the company, their innovative use of drones, how they are engaging young agriculturalists, and what are their goals.
As it goes to market, the innovative, partnership-driven, drone application service will serve farmer clients in an Upper Midwest service area stretching from Nebraska to Ohio. Sweetwater will deploy the latest drone spraying technology to increase the accuracy and efficiency of crop inputs for their clients, but the key driving force is to engage young ag-minded professionals as partners in the venture.
“We are offering farmers the ability to save time and money by optimizing drone application of a wide range of crop inputs,” said Gripp. “Drone spraying is an exciting technology that builds on the original use of drones in agriculture for soil analysis, crop evaluation, weed monitoring, and more.”
As it goes to market, the innovative, partnership-driven, drone application service will serve farmer clients in an Upper Midwest service area stretching from Nebraska to Ohio. Sweetwater will deploy the latest drone spraying technology to increase the accuracy and efficiency of crop inputs for their clients, but the key driving force is to engage young ag-minded professionals as partners in the venture.
Chase Gripp, representing Sweetwater Technologies, highlights the company’s initiative to diversify and stand out from the competition. The partnership model is designed to support individuals looking to reconnect with the family farm or start their own business in the agricultural sector. This unique business opportunity offers a strategic path for young professionals in agriculture, enabling them to generate income while contributing to the farming community.
SweetWater Technologies Powered by Gripp has launched a new business partnership opportunity for the next generation of agricultural entrepreneurs. The enterprise, a turn-key, owner-operator drone business, is targeting young agricultural partners carving out their own niche within the farming industry and providing them an active way to contribute to their family’s existing farm operations.
