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Returning to Iowa to purchase part of his family’s farm just north of Story City, and with a background in chemistry, Randy Olson was naturally attracted to the renewable fuels industry. He joined the Iowa Soybean Association in February 2007 to help launch the Iowa Biodiesel Board that July. As the board gets up and running, its executive director has begun looking at ways to promote the industry, including new legislation.

What led to the creation of the Iowa Biodiesel Board?

Several manufacturers of biodiesel in the state asked the Iowa Soybean Association to help get an organization developed that was to focus on the needs of the industry in Iowa. Several partner organizations had worked for the benefit of the Iowa biodiesel industry on behalf of the manufacturers. This was really a way for the manufacturers to lead the effort for the promotion and commercial success of biodiesel going forward.

Now that the board is up and running, what is its first priority?

The first priority was working with our initial board of directors to establish a focus for the organization. Since then, we’ve been working on legislative priorities for this upcoming session and also a membership drive. I’m happy to say that 12 of the 14 active biodiesel plants (in Iowa) have committed to joining the organization so far in the first 60 days. We feel like that’s great momentum and good engagement by the biodiesel industry.

What legislative issues would you like to see addressed this session?

Clearly, we need to maintain the support for biodiesel in the state and also work on enhanced tax credits and enhanced infrastructure to help biodiesel continue its rapid growth throughout the state.

Are you the only employee right now? I’m the guy. I work very closely with my board of directors.

What’s your background?

I grew up in Ankeny and went to Simpson (College). I majored in chemistry and philosophy, so my first jobs out of college were in the chemical industry. I lived in Wisconsin and Chicago for a number of years working in the chemical industry. In 2002, I came back and bought acreage on my family’s century farm in order to keep it in the family and I made a transition into the financial world. I worked as an investment counselor and also as a banker. One of the great things about the position I’m in now is I get to leverage both my investment and financial background with my chemical background.

How would you describe the biodiesel industry now?

The biodiesel industry is growing at a very rapid rate and working through challenges. There are many opportunities ahead as the industry finds its way and there’s no question that biodiesel is a very important renewable fuel and can be used as a full replacement for petroleum with excellent environmental benefits.

So it was really the farm that drew you back to Iowa?

Clearly the farm is what drew me back. If we were to keep that property in the family, it made the most sense for me to come back. I really couldn’t be more thrilled about it. The farm itself is about 250 acres, but I bought the acreage itself, so a 5-acre lot initially, and added to it. We’ve got some really unique 100-year-old barns on the property that are still in very good condition and they do require a lot of work and upkeep, but it’s work I enjoy as a hobby.

Is there a piece of advice you live by?

Attitude is key.

What is your day like now?

Every day is a little different. I’m traveling a lot around the state, working with the industry.