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
 Ryan Liebermann |
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:
- A full range of wholesale agricultural inputs
- Drone-applied input services
- Partnership opportunities for local drone operators
“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
 Alex Hokey |
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:
- Batch mixing and logistics during peak spray seasons
- Drone maintenance and deployment
- Customer outreach and service expansion
“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.
For more information about SweetWater Technologies and its services, visit https://sweetwatertechnologies.com.
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.