For Shaun Wenrick of Sidney, Ohio, his foray into business began with a passion for landscaping and a desire to earn money. Wenrick knew he had the basic skills and most of the tools needed to start the business. The Anna FFA Chapter member began knocking on doors and building his business from the ground up. He and his brother worked with their dad, who gave them the tools. Meanwhile, he picked up more and more business, cultivating a solid customer base.
Active in his local FFA chapter, Wenrick shared his business plan with his advisors who were excited about the idea. Then they helped him with agribusiness classes. Wenrick lauds those classes (along with writing down everything in his little green book) and the support of his advisors for his success.
“I already had a passion for the landscaping business, but my ag teachers had a positive attitude that gave me the confidence that we could succeed,” Wenrick says. “We created the business on our own and have watched it grow over the years.”
What began as a side job has grown into a business that has earned Wenrick top honors as a 2017 finalist for the American Star in Agribusiness.
For Wenrick, it’s more than just a business. It’s also an opportunity to give back, whether it be volunteering time and services at the local library during a recent expansion, or assisting with clearing hiking trails at his school, Wright State University.
“Giving back is one of my passions,” he says. “There’s just something in my heart that likes giving back and making a difference.”
Wenrick’s advice for becoming successful is simple: Treat people like you’d like to be treated and be courteous of their time. “It’s always a choice to do the right thing,” Wenrick says. “Do the right thing and you will be successful.”
Wenrick is the son of Teresa and Ronald. He is a member of the Anna FFA Chapter, led by advisors Sarah Hellers and Tim Zimpfer.
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