A fan blade apparatus for use in a high-volume, low-speed fan wherein the fan blade includes a body portion, a leading edge portion and a trailing portion. The fan blade coupled to an electric motor configured to rotate in an intended direction wherein the leading portion of the fan blade is at the forefront of the rotation of the blade. The leading edge portion of the fan blade includes a series of steps extending along the length of the leading edge. The stepped configuration creates turbulent air flow when the electric motor rotates in the intended direction.