Bo Thorgren brings relationship building, project collaboration, and a desire to learn to the Chester Inc. team 

When Orville Redenbacher and Charles Bowman established Chester Inc., the vision was to redefine agricultural systems, construction design, and building services. The company measures success not only by growth, recognition, and the services provided, but also through its employees, who want what is best for the customers. Bo Thorgren is one of the newest members of the Chester team and is driven to create an impact in all of the communities that the company serves.

Thorgren graduated from Grand Valley State University (GVSU) in 2024 with his bachelor’s degree in sports management. During his college years, he worked with the West Michigan Whitecaps and the GVSU Athletic Department.

However, it was his most recent work experience that helped prepare him for what he does today with Chester.

“I was with Valpo Parks in a management role overseeing the golf courses and selling corporate sponsorships,” Thorgren said. “That background gave me a skillset in relationship building and sales that has been helpful in what I’m doing now.”

Today, Thorgren serves as a sales engineer for Chester. While he’s only just started, he’s already been integrated into an array of different responsibilities with the team.

“I just started at Chester at the beginning of March, so I’m still getting my feet under me,” Thorgren said. “On a day-to-day basis, I’m out prospecting and networking to connect with the next business that needs a building. I visit sites, meet with architects and project managers, and collaborate on projects from the early stages to make sure we’re putting the right solution together for each client.”

As one of the newest members of the Chester team, Thorgren has been pleased with how the team has welcomed him with open arms and made things a bit easier as he starts to get integrated into his current position.

“I’ve been really impressed by how willing everyone is to help me get up to speed,” Thorgren said. “Our procurement team has been great at walking me through the costs and sourcing different materials. The architects and engineers lay out the property and explain what’s possible and what’s challenging with a given site. Project managers have helped me understand the field work and what’s actually happening on the ground. Everyone I’ve met has been extremely kind with their time. There are a lot of smart, experienced people here.”

With Chester’s mission centered around satisfying customers and serving the community, Thorgren is looking forward to having that same impact in the Region.

“Tony Peuquet has already instilled in me the importance of meeting the customer’s needs and going out of your way to make sure they’re comfortable and satisfied not just on a professional level, but on a personal one, too,” Thorgren said. “Chester has the privilege of turning people’s ideas into reality, whether it’s a small family-owned business building their first space or a larger corporation looking to expand. That’s a big responsibility, and we take it seriously because these projects mean something to the people behind them.”

Thorgren understands that Chester is a fast-paced environment that requires an ability to balance multiple projects, on top of the new work that comes in every day. He’s also been able to learn about the company’s roots.

“It’s been pretty cool to learn about the company’s history, from the connection with Orville Redenbacher, Charles Bowman, and Chester’s Hybrids,” Thorgren said. “It’s pretty awesome to see how the company has evolved over 75+ years while staying true to the values it was built on.”

Thorgren’s favorite part of being with Chester has been meeting new people and business owners all across Northern Indiana who are looking to remodel, expand, or build something that’s new. He’s been encouraged by not just his team but the people who trust Chester enough to choose them for a project they are passionate about. 

Outside of the workplace, Thorgren loves spending most of his free time on the golf course. He also enjoys being around his family, friends, and his dogs: Hoosier and Curt. Other hobbies of Thorgren’s include watching sports and playing cards, with a desire to get more into cooking.

“People in the community should know that Chester is built on relationships,” Thorgren said. “We’re intentional about the work we take on. We want to partner with people we believe in and build something meaningful together, not just chase every project out there. That approach leads to real, lasting partnerships, and you can see it in the clients who come back to us for their second or third build.”

For more information on Chester Inc., you can visit chesterinc.com.