Jordan Cottrell: Q2 Bigger Than Us Winner Gives Back to the Community
June 3, 2025
“Bigger Than Us” in Action
This quarter, we’re proud to recognize Jordan Cottrell as our Q2 Gamechanger, receiving the “Bigger Than Us” Core Value award. This recognition celebrates those who understand that we are more than just the work we do, making time for family and community in meaningful ways.
Jordan, a welder in our plumbing area, has been with Bazooka Farmstar for just over a year, but his impact extends far beyond our facility walls. His journey to our company began when his wife toured our facility with a local group and immediately recognized it as a great place to work. Her recommendation led Jordan to check us out, and we’re grateful she did.
A Special Recognition Moment
When Jordan received his award, he wasn’t even in the building – he was attending his daughter’s elementary school graduation, perfectly embodying the “Bigger Than Us” value. His manager captured the recognition moment on video and sent it to him, allowing Jordan to share the exciting news with his family. “I was excited,” Jordan shared, describing how meaningful it was to experience this recognition while surrounded by family.
From Work Clothes to Coach Clothes
What makes Jordan truly special is how seamlessly he transitions from his role at Bazooka Farmstar to his role as a community coach and mentor. His coworkers regularly see him change from work clothes to coach clothes, heading out to make a difference in young athletes’ lives across surrounding communities.
“I have kids always reaching out from all the surrounding communities, not only to assist but also answer questions about baseball as well as to be present in their lives in general,” Jordan explains. “I like the interaction with all the athletes. Life can be tough, and baseball is tough. I have experienced both, and so when they reach out, I like to help them in those tough scenarios.”
Giving Back to Community
Jordan’s commitment to community stems from his own college experience. After playing for Muscatine Community College following high school, an injury derailed his plans to continue at Iowa, leading to a nearly 10-year break from baseball.
“When I went to college, I always said I wanted to go back and help in my own community since I didn’t have that,” Jordan reflects. “So I do that not only in my own town, but surrounding communities, which is very rewarding.”
What Keeps Him Here
Jordan appreciates the flexibility Bazooka Farmstar provides, allowing him to balance his work commitments with his community involvement. “I enjoy the people, along with the flexibility to do the work, then spend time with family and coach on the side,” he says. The company’s support enables him to pursue his passion for helping young athletes while maintaining his professional responsibilities.
Advice for Future Gamechangers
When asked what advice he’d give to someone wanting to earn this recognition, Jordan’s response was simple but profound: “The biggest thing is that you give back to your community as much as you give to your work.”
Supporting a Worthy Cause
As part of his recognition, Jordan selected Sleep in Heavenly Peace – Washington County as his chosen not-for-profit for the $100 donation. This organization builds beds for children in need, ensuring no child sleeps on the floor. “I like what they are about,” Jordan shared. “I want to make sure kids have a bed to sleep in.”
Why Bazooka Farmstar?
Jordan recommends Bazooka Farmstar to others because of the “multiple project opportunities and steady work, along with good people from top to bottom.” Most importantly, he values how the company’s flexibility allows him to give back to areas outside of work that are important to him. “Working hard in the job gives the opportunity to give back in areas outside of work that is important to self.”
Jordan Cottrell exemplifies what it means to be “Bigger Than Us.” His dedication to his work at Bazooka Farmstar provides the foundation that allows him to make a lasting impact in his community, coaching and mentoring young athletes who need guidance both on and off the field. His nominator perfectly captured why Jordan is a true gamechanger: “To take time volunteering after hours, along with keeping his commitment at Bazooka Farmstar during the work week takes a lot, and Jordan does an outstanding job.”
Congratulations, Jordan, on this well-deserved recognition!