Spudman 7: Todd Forbush
Todd Forbush received his master’s degree from Michigan State University (MSU) in agricultural engineering in 1989. While at MSU, he studied the effects of ventilation on the process quality of chip potatoes out of storage under the watchful eyes of the late Burt Cargill and Roger Brook. Following graduation, he continued to apply this work to the commercial potato storage industry at Techmark.
The most enjoyable part of Forbush’s job is working with the producers, who are the backbone of this industry and he really likes solving problems with them. Forbush said his faith in God, his wife Kristen and his three children Tyler (wife Jessica, grandson Evan), Taylor and Morgan give him stability to address the tough questions that are posed each day in the potato industry. Forbush is active at the Williamston Free Methodist Church, and he is an avid outdoorsman.
What are the best words of advice you’ve received?
The late Burt Cargill told me in 1985, “The potato is never going to let you know all the secrets.” He was 100 percent right!
What are your goals for the next 12 months?
My goals are focused on continuing to develop and release solutions that will increase the profit of our customers.
What job or work would you have pursued if you had not become involved in the potato industry?
Either an engineer in the agriculture equipment industry or a pastor.
What do you do to relax?
Spend family time hunting, fishing and watching MSU athletics.
What would you like to be your lasting legacy?
Techmark being renowned for bringing more profit to our customers than the customer invested in gaining our solutions and products.
What are the top three things on your bucket list?
- Live to help teach our grandkids to hunt and fish.
- Have a 50-year anniversary celebration with my wife Kristen of 29 years.
- See a sunset on every major body of water in the world.
What is the one truth you’ve learned about the produce processing industry?
The potato industry employs some of the brightest men and women on the planet. The most important truth I have learned is that if we learn from and with one another daily, together we will unlock some of the secrets the potato has.
