Texas student starts landscaping firm to pay tuition, wins top 2026 FFA award
Texas student Jose Yepez won the 2026 American Star in Agribusiness award for his successful landscaping company, which he started to fund his college education. The business has grown to employ four people and serves over 100 clients.
Why it matters
This story highlights the intersection of youth entrepreneurship, agricultural education, and economic mobility.
Texas student Jose Yepez won the 2026 American Star in Agribusiness award from the National FFA Organization on Friday. Yepez has been recognised for his landscaping work, which he took on to cover his tuition fees, but his company has since grown to serve more than 100 clients and employ four full-time workers.According to the official release by National FFA Organization, the business has also changed things for his family. Yepez says the money he has earned has helped his mother renovate her home, and his sister attend college. His father has also secured a fulfilling job, while Yepez has managed to pay for his own education. These are the achievements he values most about running his company, Yepez Signature Landscape.Yepez, a member of Greenville FFA in Texas, received the award at the 99th National FFA Convention & Expo in Indianapolis.
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