Each month, we spotlight an Ohio 4-H alum whose story reflects the lasting impact of the program. This month, we are proud to feature Brad Heimerl, a dedicated Licking County 4-H alum whose experiences shaped his leadership, work ethic, and lifelong commitment to service.
Brad grew up on his family’s farm, where joining 4-H—and the Blue Ribbon 4-H Club—felt like a natural next step when he reached third grade. His older siblings were active members, and his father served on the Hartford Fair Senior Fair Board, making 4-H a familiar and influential part of his childhood. For the next nine years, Brad became a highly involved member, exhibiting steers and hogs at the Hartford Independent Fair.
Even before he was old enough to enroll, Brad remembers attending a Safety Day Camp where an older volunteer taught him how to make fishing lures. Brad recalls carefully placing feathers and beads, tying the line, and then getting the chance to fish with the lure he had made. That early hands-on experience left a lasting impression.
As Brad grew older, he served in nearly every 4-H club officer position. Each role taught him skills that continue to guide him today—from parliamentary procedure to effective communication and teamwork. He learned how clarity builds trust, how communication strengthens relationships, and how leadership is rooted as much in listening as in speaking.
With his father’s involvement on the Senior Fair Board, Brad naturally gravitated toward serving on the Junior Fair Board. He attended the Ohio Fair Managers Association conference each year and spent countless hours helping prepare the fairgrounds. He remembers assisting with the rebuilding of the hog barn, painting fences, and picking up trash to ensure everything was ready for exhibitors. He also helped his dad cook pork chops for the Senior Fair Board as a gesture of appreciation for their support. 
During his time on the Junior Fair Board, members received shirts that read, “You are behind a JFB member.” Brad still remembers the pride that came with wearing that shirt and the reminder of the responsibility and respect that came with the role.
Many of Brad’s most meaningful connections were formed at the fair, including his relationship with Lisa McCutcheon, Licking County 4-H Extension Educator. “From the day I joined 4-H, I looked up to her and her organizational skills,” Brad reflected. Her leadership style and attention to detail continue to influence how he organizes his work today.
One of his most memorable 4-H experiences came during his senior year, when he exhibited a steer that was completely blind in its left eye. Determined to help the animal succeed, Brad spent countless hours learning how to guide him using voice commands and gentle pressure from his elbow. Their hard work paid off when the steer was named reserve grand champion—Brad’s favorite 4-H memory to this day.
Today, Brad serves as the Senior Manager of Pork Procurement at Bob Evans. The skills he developed in 4-H—public speaking, problem solving, teamwork, and understanding diverse perspectives—are central to his work. He credits 4-H with giving him the confidence to present effectively, collaborate with others, and approach challenges with resilience and curiosity.
Brad continues to give back to the 4-H community by serving on the Ohio 4-H Foundation Board, where he supports statewide efforts and stays connected to all areas of the program. He also donates to local and state initiatives, teaches pork quality assurance to Licking County youth, and previously served on the Licking County 4-H Advisory Council.
He encourages today’s 4-H members to embrace challenges and trust in their own potential. “Never underestimate what you are capable of,” Brad said. “Look for opportunities that will benefit you.”