Live Your Journey: 30 Years of Heart and Handiwork With Todd Chesnut

At Redmond, we believe the people behind our products matter just as much as the products themselves. One of those people is Todd Chesnut, though almost no one calls him that. Around here, he’s known simply as “Toad.”

For over 30 years, Toad has been a fixture of the Redmond story. From rebuilding rail systems to serving up homemade cobbler at mine tours, he’s done it all—with heart, humility, and plenty of laughs.

But how did it all begin?

A Two-Week Gig That Turned Into a Lifetime

Todd was born in Salina, Utah, and after crisscrossing the country in his early years—working seismographs, chasing jobs, and falling in love—he eventually settled in nearby Axtell with his wife and family. They bought a beat-up little place his granddad swore would never make a proper home. “I guess that motivated me,” Todd says. “Now we’ve got horses, grandkids, a beautiful home. It’s amazing.”

And that nickname? Toad? It actually started before his Redmond days. Back when Todd was working for another company, there were two guys named Todd on the team. “My buddy thought it’d be funny to write ‘Toad’ on my coveralls,” he says. “Just a joke. But it stuck.” 

In the winter of 1993, with the holidays approaching and money running low, Todd walked into Redmond looking for a little extra work. They gave him a two-week job, and more than 30 years later, he’s still here.

Building, Fixing, Cooking, Connecting

One of Todd’s biggest projects was helping build a rail site to ship salt around the country. He came up with a more efficient plan, led the charge, and had the first railcar loaded within weeks. “It was like playing with a giant train set,” he says with a grin.

But Todd’s contributions go far beyond logistics. Years ago, he started cooking meals for guests and company team events. His cooking was a hit, especially his apple cobbler! Over the years, it’s become part of the Redmond experience for visiting guests and employees alike. 

“I’ve always loved cooking,” he says. “Growing up, I spent a lot of time in the kitchen with my grandmother and cousins. It stuck.”

These days, you’ll still find Todd behind the grill at mine tours and events—serving up cobbler, stories, and the kind of welcome you don’t forget.

More Than a Job

So what’s kept him at Redmond all these years?

“The people,” he says without hesitation. “There’s a mutual respect here. I’ve worked a lot of places, but I’ve never felt appreciated like I do at Redmond. And I try to return that.”

Todd is known for lending a hand before he’s even asked. His coworkers have joked about putting the words “The Helpful Guy” on his tailgate. He doesn’t do it for recognition. He just wants to make someone’s day better.

“If I can make somebody smile—even just for a minute—that’s what it’s about.”

What We Can Learn From Toad

When we asked Todd what advice he’d give someone trying to find their footing in their career, his answer was classic Toad:

“Enjoy the ride. You work for a big chunk of your life, so make it fun. That part’s up to you. You can take the best day and make it miserable, or the hardest job and make it fun. It’s your choice.”

He often remembers what his grandfather told him: “On your headstone, there’ll be the day you were born and the day you die, with a dash in the middle. It’s what you do with that dash that matters.”

Todd took those words to heart and has tried to make the most of every moment in between. His dash has been full—of hard work, big ideas, good food, and the kind of everyday generosity that doesn’t always make headlines but leaves a lasting mark on everyone who encounters it.

A Character in More Ways Than One

So when we needed someone to embody helpfulness, heart, and good old-fashioned wisdom in our Re-Lyte Kids coloring book, Toad was the obvious choice. He may joke about being a “character,” but around here he’s more than that. He’s a living example of what makes Redmond…Redmond.

Todd’s Famous Cobbler Recipe

Anyone lucky enough to taste Todd’s cobbler knows it’s more than dessert—it’s a Redmond tradition. Now, you can bring a bit of that magic home.

Ingredients:

• 3 cans pie filling (your choice of flavor)

• Ground cinnamon and nutmeg (to taste)

• 2 boxes yellow cake mix

• 1 can Fresca (or other citrus-flavored soda)

• 2 sticks butter, cut into teaspoon-sized pieces

• Chocolate toffee chips (optional)

• Mini marshmallows (optional)

Instructions:

1. Line a 14-inch Dutch oven with parchment paper or a foil liner, and spread the 3 cans of pie filling evenly across the bottom.

2. Sprinkle cinnamon and nutmeg over the top of the pie filling to taste.

3. In a boawl, mix 1 box of yellow cake mix with 1 can of citrus-flavored soda until just combined. Pour this wet mixture evenly over the fruit.

4. Sprinkle the second box of cake mix dry over the top of the wet layer.

5. Distribute the pieces of butter evenly over the dry cake mix.

6. Arrange 25 charcoal briquettes in a ring around the base of the Dutch oven and 3 in the center. Place the same arrangement on the lid.

7. Cook for 90 minutes.

8. In the last 15 minutes of cooking, sprinkle chocolate toffee chips and mini marshmallows on top (optional but highly encouraged).

9. Remove from heat, let cool slightly, and enjoy!