Gabe Buchholz
The plan others see for us in our lives isn’t always the same as what you see as your future. Gabe Buchholz, this year’s John Deere Tech outstanding graduate, relied on a “gut feeling” when choosing his future.
Buchholz always enjoyed working with his hands. He originally planned on attending an engineering school but didn’t feel it was the right place for him. After moving in and spending one night at the college on a full-ride scholarship, he “dropped out on a whim and went with my gut. I enrolled at Owens in less than a week and I do not have a single regret,” Buchholz said.
The West Salem native chose Owens because of the John Deere Tech program and a conversation with Heath Weilnau, the program coordinator and instructor. “After talking to Health, I knew this was what I was meant for,” said Buchholz.
While attending Owens, he is still close enough to home that he can help with the family farm but form new friendships and gain new experiences. “Looking back, I am amazed at how much I have learned in my time at Owens. The atmosphere was spectacular and my classmates were so supportive,” he said.
After graduation, Buchholz will continue his career at Polen Implement, a John Deere dealer, in Elyria and continue to learn more about his trade. “I truly enjoy the work and there is no job that can pay enough to beat that. Being happy is invaluable.”
Learn more about John Deere Tech Program >>
Learn more about the School of Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics >>
Published May 2023