In the quiet town of Blissfield, there’s a young man who’s not afraid to get his hands dirty – both figuratively and literally. Meet Josh Fruchey, an 18-year-old dynamo who’s making waves in the world of FFA and beyond.

Josh isn’t your average high schooler. For the past three years, he’s been the backbone of the Blissfield FFA Chapter, serving as vice president and playing a pivotal role in reviving the chapter from the ground up. But his leadership skills aren’t the only thing that sets him apart – Josh is also a budding entrepreneur with a knack for business.

His journey began with a variety of Supervised Agricultural Experiences, from raising market steers and pigs for the fair to working on his grandparents’ farm. But it wasn’t until the spring of 2021 that he took the plunge and started his own business – J & G Services.

J & G Services isn’t your average lawncare operation. From cutting trees and clearing brush to demolishing structures and cleaning gutters, Josh does it all. When he arrives at a job site, he’s not just there to work – he’s there to provide top-notch service and develop a plan tailored to his customer’s needs.

“Since joining the Blissfield FFA three years ago, Josh has curated his own path! He has been able to zero-in on areas that interested him such as agriculture, business principles and natural resources,” Blissfield FFA Advisor Samantha Buggia explains. “Josh has a tremendous amount of talent and ambition and through the FFA he was able to find outlets to develop those qualities and start his own business (J & G Services).

If a job requires additional equipment, he’s not shy about renting what he needs to get the job done safely and efficiently. And as his business has grown, so too has his skill set – from time management and customer service to business principles and financial management, Josh is learning the ropes of entrepreneurship one job at a time.

In fact, J & G Services has grown so quickly that Josh had to bring on an employee to help out. But what started as a simple hire quickly turned into a partnership, as Josh realized the value of having a trusted ally by his side.

Amidst all the hustle and bustle of running a successful business, Josh remains grounded in his roots. After high school, he plans to continue working at Salenbien Trucking & Excavating until he’s grown J & G Services enough to support him full-time. It’s a bold plan, but with Josh’s commitment, there’s nothing he can’t do.

As Josh stands among the finalists for the Michigan FFA Star in Agribusiness Award, he’s not just competing for a title – he’s representing a new generation of leaders, innovators and entrepreneurs. Alongside Makaila Cantrell from Ubly and Jonathon Hoard from Tuscola Tech Center, Josh embodies the spirit of excellence and determination that defines FFA.

So let’s raise a cheer for Josh and his fellow finalists. Whether it’s by supporting the Michigan FFA Foundation or simply cheering them on from the sidelines, let’s show these young trailblazers that we believe in them. And let’s not forget – investing in students like Josh isn’t just an investment in their future, it’s an investment in ours. So let’s come together and support the next generation of leaders, ensuring that the flame of ambition continues to burn brightly for years to come.