An Elite Team: More Than the Sum Of Individuals
by Brett MacNeil
Coming out of our 2nd Trimester Strategy and Execution Planning meeting—where we lived, worked, and recreated together as a team—I found myself deeply moved, surrounded by a gritty yet respectful group who over the course of a week of intense meetings remained collaborative and energetic, passionate and motivated. The experience reminded me just how Elite this team is.
The idea of an Elite Team often inspires visions of the military’s special units, or for sports fans, the powerhouse that was Nick Saban’s Crimson Tide football program. And for good reason, these teams and individuals are hallmarked by their top-level skill, intelligence, systems, and execution. We inspire to be just the same, though we focus on solving complex agricultural problems rather than NCAA titles.
What It Truly Means to Be an Elite Advisor
We strive every day to be Elite. I don’t know if we will ever declare this journey achieved but we will continue to learn a lot by studying other elite teams. Here are some key principles we at Scythe and Spade focus on:
Rigorous Selection Onboarding and Continuous Training: Only the most capable make it through to joining our team, and even then they’re constantly honing their skills.
Cohesion & Trust: Deep bonds and mutual respect enable seamless collaboration.
Adaptability & Innovation: They thrive in uncertainty and think creatively under pressure.
Leadership Up, Down & Sideways: Leaders lead by example, with courage and clarity —at all levels of the organization.
Strategic Execution: Success is no accident; it’s the result of careful planning and effective implementation of reliable systems and processes.
Resilience: Mental toughness is as important as physical skill.
Continuous Improvement: Never stop learning, growing, and evolving.
Reputation: The Foundation of Trust
In our line of work, reputation isn’t just important—it’s everything. We often say, “We’re only as good as our last deal or consulting project.” That’s not just a saying; it’s a principle we live by. Reputation is the most valuable asset we have, and investing in it yields the greatest returns.
We will not prioritize short-term gains over long-term relationships, which can erode trust. We strive to be different—conflict-free, independent, and always acting in our clients’ best interests. We see every relationship as a lifelong commitment, not a transaction.
Standards: Serving with Integrity and Expertise
Being an advisor means more than closing deals. It means serving families, boards, and management teams with deep industry knowledge and humility. We know when to lead and when to collaborate, both internally as well as externally, with lawyers, accountants, and lenders—always putting the client’s needs ahead of ours.
We’re not here to make decisions for our clients but to empower them with clarity and confidence. Whether it’s simplifying complex agribusiness issues or offering robust analysis, our goal is to be a catalyst for sound decision-making.
Relationships: Built One Thoughtful Interaction at a Time
Elite Teams, like relationships, aren’t built overnight. They’re nurtured through consistent, meaningful interactions. We aim to be givers—sharing insights, offering support, and adding value to every interaction. That mindset has served us well: we haven’t had a marketing budget in decades. Every client introduction comes through referrals.
Clients want to know we care about what they care about. Many are navigating life-changing decisions, and we’re honored to walk alongside them—not just as advisors, but as trusted partners.
Partnership: A Team That Rows Together
When you work with us, you don’t get just one advisor,you get a team. A true partnership. We bring in the right people for the situation, ensuring an experienced team with diverse expertise. Everyone is aligned, and no one is working in isolation.
We adapt to our clients’ needs, not the other way around. That flexibility is part of what makes our approach so effective.
The Elite Scythe & Spade Team
Time and again it is the incredible collection of individuals at Scythe & Spade, our Elite team, that our client partners are most impressed with. There are not many of us, but together we accomplish far more than what other advisor firms double, or triple, our size are capable of. While all of them are humble, and many work behind the scenes, they all deserve acknowledgement! We invite you to get to know our team by reviewing their profiles on our website, or calling one of our Regional Directors to learn how we can partner in your agricultural endeavors.