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How Express Employment Professionals Offers Lasting Ag Careers
Before establishing Express Ranches and Express Employment Professionals, both of which are thriving Oklahoma-based businesses, Bob Funk Sr., was an FFA member.
According to Funk, his participation in FFA – a nationwide organization that believes in the future of agriculture and focuses on preparing tomorrow’s leaders – played a big role in his business success. That’s one reason he is passionate about connecting Oklahoma students with the Oklahoma FFA Association, which ranks fourth nationally in number of FFA members with more than 27,000 young people in nearly 360 chapters across the state.
“FFA has wonderful values and teaches members to have a strong work ethic,” said Funk. “There’s no question that FFA helped me get to where I am today, and I think every young person should have the opportunity to be part of this organization.”
In addition, Funk credits his FFA advisor with helping him find success, and he is proud to give back to the organization that gave him so much.
“My FFA advisor helped me acquire college scholarships, making it possible for me to attend Seattle Pacific University, and he was a mentor for me,” said Funk. “I’m excited to pay it forward by giving each Oklahoma FFA Association state officer a $5,000 college scholarship in 2018.”
Holly Blakey, executive director of the Oklahoma FFA Foundation, said it’s generous donors like Funk, along with the advisors, educators and volunteers who support the Oklahoma FFA Association, that help the organization and its members continue to excel.
“The Oklahoma FFA Association allows students of all walks of life, backgrounds and academic aptitudes to participate, and in doing so, their lives are truly changed,” she said. “It gives them purpose and teaches them responsibility and leadership skills. We continue to offer our premier programs thanks to support from donors like Mr. Funk, and we are thankful for everyone who makes it possible for the Oklahoma FFA Association to further its mission.”