By: NICOLAS FIERRO
Salina Post
Geoprobe Systems was named as the 2025 Kansas Governor "Exporter of the Year," a prestigious award recognizing companies in the state who exemplify a commitment to expanding sales in international markets and showcasing exceptional export performance.
Founded in Salina in 1987, Geoprobe was given statewide recognition by Governor Laura Kelly and the Kansas Department of Commerce (KDOC).
"This is one of my favorite events of the year, presenting the Kansas Exporter of the Year award and I am very proud and pleased to present it to Geoprobe," Kelly said. "It is through the hard work and dedication that Geoprobe has certainly earned this honor."
Co-founders Mel Kejr and Thomas Christy founded the company, manufacturing and introducing the first direct push machines and tooling to the environmental industry. This changed the way soil, groundwater and soil gas samples were collected.
These direct push machines are specialized, vehicle mounted drilling rigs used to drive steel rods and sampling tools into the ground.
By the pioneership by Kejr and Christy, both paved the way to build connections across the globe, as Geoprobe had their first international machine sold to Australia in 1991.
According to Omli, between 10 - 20% of their business every year, exports go out of the country. Moreover, Geoprobe only sells 2 - 4% annually in Kansas, which means roughly 95% of their total goods go outside of the Sunflower state.
"For the Salina area, we are a true generator of revenue and it's a great place to work," said Omli. "We have become a really good, solid professional location for our team to work and it's a cool thing. To me, the last few years I have really become to recognize that and it's like wow, we can make a real difference in central Kansas."
The company consists of key roles such as Machinists, Assembly Technicians, Application trainers, Design engineers, Technical and field support to name a few, while also providing internship and apprenticeship programs.
Kejr said the reason for their start-up was due to a concern of groundwater contamination in the early 1980s. He added the conventional method was to put in monitor wells, which was expensive.
But him and Christy came in with an alternative method that was "small, compact, cheap and efficient."
"We found a spot where we can be creative, lead the industry into new technologies and methodologies, which drove our passion," said Kejr.
Governor's "Exporter of the Year" award
Each year since 1989, KDOC recognizes a Kansas company with the "Exporter of the Year" award.
This year marks the 37th time, a Kansas company has been recognized with the award.
According to the KDOC, the award is selected by a collective effort in conjunction the Kansas International Trade Coordinating Council (KITCC).
Jeff Willis Chair of the KITCC, stated before selecting an awardee, they strive to identify the company that represents "the best of exporting in Kansas."
The process is as so:
- Call for nominations.
- Complete an extensive data sheet (provides info about employment patterns, ownership, export strategy, marketing initiatives and overall performance).
- Review of data sheet by KITCC.
- KITCC members make company visits of firms selected as finalists.
- Finalists are invited to make a 45-minute presentation to the KITCC.
- KITCC selects Governor's "Exporter of the Year" awardee.
"We are looking for companies that are globally competitive, quick to innovate, creative in their approach to new markets and known for commitment to their communities," said Willis. "It is a pretty tall order and yet each year, for more than three decades we have found them from big to small companies. Producers of goods and services from Dodge City, Sabetha, Clay Center, Ark City and now to Salina."
“It was an honor to be chosen as the 2025 Kansas Exporter of the Year. The program shines a light on Kansas companies driving innovation and global growth, and we’re proud to be part of that story," said Omli.
Geoprobe has other service centers in three states that include Florida, Pennsylvania and North Carolina.
For more information about Geoprobe Systems, click here.