/ ECS / Mary Ellen Sheets
I loved 4-H! I took sewing, knitting, had chickens, rabbits and a horse. I still have my ribbons. Im sure as a very energetic child, the activities kept me busy.
What began for Mary Ellen Sheets as a way for her two high school-aged sons to earn some spending money is today the fifth largest moving company in the United States with 180 locations in 27 states and in Canada, Ireland and the U.K. As founder of Two Men and a Truck, Sheets is a nationally honored entrepreneur receiving such recognition as the 2005 International Franchise Association Entrepreneur of the Year, the 1999 Working Womens 500 Congress, the Working Womens 1999 Best Employer Regional Finalist, the 1998 Michigan Blue Chip Award, the 1995 Michigan Entrepreneur of the Year Award, the 1994 Top 25 Michigan Business Women of the Year and the 1993 Lansing Chamber of Commerce Small Business Person of the Year. Her success has been chronicled in several books including “Whats Luck Got to Do With It?,” “Start Small-Finish Big” and Glorious Accidents and “Millionaire Women.” Her business is the first and so far the only franchised local moving company in the country. Sheets is a strong believer in community support and has been a volunteer and active benefactor for many organizations, including United Way, Sparrow Hospital, American Cancer Society, the Michigan Freedom Foundation and the Capitol Regional Community Foundation.
4-H has taught me to not be afraid of taking risks.
— Heidi Barrington, St. Joseph County
Become a permanent part of the Michigan 4-H Children's Garden by sponsoring a brick! Bricks can be donated in your name; in honor of a family, friend or club; or in memory of loved ones. Learn more: Sponsor a brick!.
he Michigan Farm Bureau 4-H Excellence in Agriculture Award recognizes 4-H volunteers who exhibit excellence in 4-H youth education and leadership in agriculture-related areas. 2024 4-H Salute to Excellence Award winners pictured include Robert Richards (left) and Jennifer Specht (right). Click on the button below to view all of the 2024 4-H Legacy Award winners!