Leadership has always been something that drives McKensie Popinga. When she joined Gooseneck Implement as Marketing Manager in 2022, she saw it as an opportunity to lead, influence, and make a meaningful impact. What began as a marketing role quickly evolved into something more—a chance to connect purpose with people. When the opportunity arose to step into the General Manager position in Velva, she embraced it wholeheartedly, ready to learn the business from a new perspective and continue her growth within Gooseneck.

To McKensie, Genuine Passion means recognizing the sacrifices and dedication of both employees and customers. “I’m deeply grateful to be here and for those who had faith in me to take this step,” she shared. “Our customers commit long hours and make tough decisions during the busiest times of the year, and we’re right there with them. It’s hard to imagine myself anywhere else.”

Genuine Gratitude shows up in Velva every single day—through customers who express thanks for the team’s support, and employees who take pride in being part of an industry that feeds the world. “There’s a deep sense of purpose that comes from knowing what we do directly supports agriculture,” she said. “That connection keeps us grounded and motivated.”

Her proudest accomplishment as GM is the team’s ongoing commitment to building and maintaining trust within the Velva community and beyond. “A lot has changed over the past several years, but through it all, this team has continued to prioritize customer relationships above everything else. Their focus is always on the success of the customer first.”

Something people might be surprised to learn about her? She can name every U.S. president in order—stop into Velva and quiz her sometime! Outside of Gooseneck, McKensie stays involved in her community as a board member and mentor with Companions for Children, where she’s volunteered since 2019.



If she weren’t in the ag equipment world, she imagines she’d still be in marketing—continuing to lead in her own way. But she firmly believes she’s exactly where she’s meant to be. “I never anticipated I’d work in agriculture, but now I can’t imagine anything else. Everything has a way of falling into place where it’s supposed to.”