FFA can teach a host of skills members can use throughout their lives. For some, FFA experiences can also serve as a launching pad for entrepreneurship.
Learn how three former members used their skills to grow their own small businesses.
Adeline’s Acre
As a member of Sumner FFA in Washington, Adeline Rang developed a beekeeping business called Adeline’s Acre. She sold honey, and lip balms, soaps and body scrubs made from beeswax.
“When people tasted my honey for the first time, they told me I should sell it because it was just so delicious,” says Rang. “My FFA advisors encouraged me to create a business, and it grew into something bigger than I could have ever imagined.”
To learn more about Adeline’s Acre, visit Facebook.com/AdelinesAcreHoney.
Coy’s Woodshed
After discovering an interest in woodworking, Coy Crull created Coy’s Woodshed, a custom woodworking business.
“Not only did I learn about woodworking, but I also learned a lot about sales, marketing and customer service,” says Crull, an American FFA Degree holder and alumnus of North Clay FFA and Mount Carmel FFA in Illinois. “I also had the opportunity to create 17 cutting boards for the National FFA Organization that were handed out in the Blue Room at the national convention in 2019.”
Crull still accepts custom woodworking orders and can be reached via email at coyswoodshed00@gmail.com.
King’s Custom Lures
Lane King, an alumnus of the Bergman FFA in Arkansas, developed a business making and selling custom lures after working at a tackle shop and uncovering a passion for fishing.
“I really enjoyed making bass jigs and spinner baits, and that evolved into a full-fledged business that taught me how to manage money, grow a customer base and market products,” says King. “Without FFA, I might not have taken the leap to start my business, and that would have been a shame because it did so much for me.”
King still creates customized lures upon request and can be contacted via Facebook.com/LaneKingFishing and through email at lanekingfishing@gmail.com.
