For many people, a job title defines who they are. Titles, promotions, and professional accolades can often overshadow a person’s identity.
But for Lars Hersom, General Manager at POET Bioprocessing – Coon Rapids, a job title represents just a small fraction of who he is. He works to live. His true identity is anchored in something deeper — an unwavering foundation of faith and a fierce dedication to his family and friends
And a little bit of rock ‘n’ roll.
That’s right. Hersom’s also a local rock star. “Or at least I was,” he laughed.
“Lars genuinely cares about his team, his family, and the community around him, and you see that in everything he does,” said Ryan Filloon, POET Regional Vice President. “He’s the kind of leader who doesn’t just show up for the job, he shows up for people.”
By focusing his life on faith and pouring his energy into his loved ones, Hersom proves that a meaningful life isn’t built on a resumé. It’s built on the quiet, lasting legacy of a
good heart.
Although Hersom has spent many hours on the stage with his band in front of hundreds of fans, he has found the most fulfillment and enjoyment in the many other roles he’s served.
Besides being a dedicated husband and father, Hersom has worn many hats in his lifetime: service station owner, laborer at a pork processing plant, and a variety of roles in industrial manufacturing over the past 40 years culminating in his current role as a general manager at POET. An experienced leader in his field, Hersom attributes every role to his dedication, focus, hard work, and grit.
His ability to keep things on a steady rhythm probably hasn’t hurt either.
Ready to rock
With drumsticks in hand and a banjo by his side, Hersom anchored the powerful, steady beat of classic rock anthems as one of the founding members of Phoenix, a staple of the local music scene in the 1980s, booking gigs at legion halls and clubs almost every Friday and Saturday night throughout Northwest Iowa.
“It’s a great feeling playing music and having people enjoy it and cheer you on,” Hersom said. “But it wasn’t anything crazy. It was just fun rock and roll, music that people could dance to, played by a group of guys who shared enthusiasm for music and cared for each other.” Phoenix has also been nominated for induction into the Iowa Rock and Roll Hall of Fame but has not made it…yet.
It was the people — both the audience and his fellow musicians — that made his rock and roll lifestyle so special. After three years, however, a greater purpose called, and Hersom left the band to marry Liz, the love of his life, and start a family. “We’ve been married for 43 years and counting,” he said. Together, they have four sons (Mark, John, Luke, and Seth) and six grandchildren.
“For me, faith comes first. I am proud to be a Christian,” Hersom said. “My family is next, and they are a core part of who I am. Then my friends are very special people in my life. I treasure our relationships and truly look forward to every moment with them.” Hersom also believes in doing his best to lead by example, choosing a good attitude, smiling at others, and being kind. All are attributes that define who he is.
Turning pain into purpose
True fulfillment comes from a personal relationship with Jesus and the bonds he builds with others, Hersom said.
That’s why, in the early 2000s, Hersom self-published “From a Child’s Perspective: Alcoholism,” a raw, honest book that details the realities of growing up in a home where his father was gripped by addiction.
“My father died because of his addiction, and I truly never realized the pain he was in until he passed away,” he said. “It was my intention to share some of the experiences I had while growing up in the home of an alcoholic, through and including my father’s death at only 54 years of age.” Many people have said the book helped them understand life’s bigger picture, Hersom said. This profound understanding of life’s fragile moments is a true example of what drives Hersom’s relentless desire to bring joy, stability, and support to others.
A champion for the community
Hersom’s role at POET allows him to do exactly that. Under his guidance, community outreach isn’t just something to be checked off a list.
When the local Little League baseball field needed a boost, for instance, Hersom secured a brand-new scoreboard, ensuring young athletes had a quality place to play and make memories.
“I am always a big proponent of finding things that offer our team members experiences built around them and their families,” he said.
He’s also a fixture at local events. Every year, POET sponsors the Whiterock Ultra, a challenging 50K and 50-mile trail race at Coon Rapids. While it would be easy to just hang corporate banners and walk away, he prefers to be in the thick of it.
“This past year, I attended the 50k race start at Whiterock Ultra and was able to speak to the runners just prior to the race beginning,” he said. “I just love to do things like that.”
Although he is proud of his career and the place that he works, Hersom’s legacy won’t be measured by his corporate title, but by the quiet impact of a generous heart. “I’ve really been truly blessed — at work and in life.”
