Sales Support Manager, Red River Commodities
Q: Tell us about yourself.
A: My name is Cassie Stockinger. I was raised near the FM area in Glyndon, MN, and later attended North Dakota State University, where I earned a Bachelor of Science in Marketing. I have been with Red River Commodities for over five years and am currently the sales support manager, leading a dedicated team to effectively support our business objectives. One of the most rewarding parts of my job is helping my team grow, both in confidence and in skill.
Outside of work, I love spending time with my friends and family, and you can find me planning a new trip, enjoying coffee, or spending time at the lakes. I recently married my wonderful husband, Riley, and together we have two dogs: Mia, a Golden Retriever, and Luna, an Australian Shepherd.
Q: Who has been the most influential mentor in your life, and why?
A: My most influential mentor is my HR Director at my current workplace, Jess Engel; she demonstrates the importance of active listening and constructive feedback. Her willingness to invest time in coaching me during challenging projects and management lessons has taught me patience and perseverance. Through her example, I learned how to approach setbacks as opportunities for growth and to celebrate small wins along the way. Her mentorship not only shaped my career trajectory but also helped me become more self-aware, empathetic, and understand how my interactions with others affect others. Without her influence, I would not approach challenges with the same optimism and strategic mindset that I do now.
Q: What community issue do you feel deserves more attention?
A: More affordable access to mental health services is a community issue I believe deserves more attention. Mental health affects every aspect of our lives- our relationships, productivity, physical health, and sense of belonging. Yet for many, support remains inaccessible for many due to high costs, long wait times, and limited local resources. There are many helpful resources out there, but too often people delay seeking help or avoid it entirely because therapy or counseling feels like a financial luxury rather than a basic need. Prioritizing affordable mental health care is an investment in prevention, resilience, and overall well-being. When people have timely access to support, communities become healthier, safer, and more connected. Everyone deserves the chance to heal, cope, and thrive, regardless of their income.
Q: What’s a lesson you’ve learned that you wish you had known earlier in your career?
A: One of the most impactful lessons I’ve learned is the importance of approaching situations with curiosity instead of assumptions. People come from diverse backgrounds, each shaped by their own experiences, challenges, and perspectives. These differences influence how we communicate, make decisions, and respond to situations.
By asking thoughtful questions and seeking to understand another person’s point of view, we create space for meaningful connection and understanding. This mindset shift has dramatically improved not only my communication but also my relationships, both professionally and personally. It’s a lesson I wish I had embraced earlier, because curiosity opens doors that assumptions often close.
Q: Why is our local United Way important to you?
A: The United Way is important to me because of its powerful community involvement. Through United Way, I’ve had the opportunity to work alongside people who genuinely care about making a difference and how they connect people, organizations, and resources to meet real needs in the community. I’ve seen firsthand how combined efforts can support families, strengthen education, or help individuals regain stability. Volunteering through United Way has opened my eyes to remind me that even small acts of service can make a lasting difference when they are a part of a larger mission.
Q: What is a hope you have for our community?
A: I hope that people feel connected, not isolated, in our community. It is essential that individuals recognize the significance of looking out for their neighbors. Joined efforts can lead to meaningful change, and we contribute to creating a more welcoming and belonging community for everyone.
Q: Finish this sentence: Lifting families out of poverty is important to me because …
A: Supporting one another strengthens our community and helps us build a foundation where everyone has the chance to thrive. Through collective action, we can live in a community where everyone has access to opportunity, stability, and hope for a brighter future.
