Young Entrepreneurs

Learning the Value of a Dollar and Hard Work

by Brooke Ezzo

Teenage summer jobs are like a rite of passage; car hop at the local Sonic, movie attendant at the theater, or birthday host at the trampoline park. But due to the coronavirus, this summer looked a bit different. With many business closings or limited staff and availability, getting a summer job for many teens in the area was harder than summers past. The shortage in opportunities and the on-going break from school led to a rise in creativity and entrepreneurial spirit. Side businesses seem to be popping up all over social media with kids posting advertisements for their new job ventures.

It is nice to see this age group full of excitement and determination, to see their work ethic, even doing some jobs that most adults don’t like to do. And many are saving their money for future goals.

PAZ MOLNAR Business: Trash can cleaning photo courtesy of Karen Molner

One resident chose to spend her summer days cleaning trash cans in her neighborhood. And, the best part is, she is only 11-years-old.

Paz Molnar and her mother, Karen, came up with the idea last summer but never got it off the ground. With all the time available these past few months, Paz decided it was time to start her business.

“Last summer we cleaned our own trash cans, and my mother pointed out that it would be a good business,” Paz said. “During COVID, there was really nothing to do, so we decided to get started.”

After her mother made a simple post on Facebook, Paz immediately gained the attention of many neighbors. She started work on June 4. Her parents helped her with the initial investment in cleaning supplies, Paz isn’t the only young person with an entrepreneurial spirit. Two high school seniors have made a splash this summer after launching their business, Expressure Power Washing. Best friends, Joel Polley and Collin Carpentier, decided to get ahead of their parent’s quarantine-lazinesscomplaints and start a business for the great learning experience. “The idea for a power washing business stemmed from a mission to help people be happy and safe when they go outside and enjoy themselves,” Joel said. “We pressure wash driveways, sidewalks, patios, and pool decks.” The pair started their business this past May with plans to continue working part-time during the school year. They even have future goals of expanding their services. “Being two young entrepreneurs is great. You learn so much along the way like patience, perseverance, and how to manage money,” Joel said. “It is so cool to meet a variety of people and be able to play a part in their happiness.” but the work and on-going upkeep of the business has been fully left up to Paz.

Averaging eight houses a week, normally cleaning after trash pickup, Paz has stayed very busy this summer.

“I enjoy it, and I make good money doing it,” Paz said. “It’s taught me how much a dollar is. When you don’t work, a dollar is just a dollar. But when you start working, a dollar is everything.”

Paz has continued working hard to save for college. She wants to go to medical school to become a surgeon. Her parents could not be more proud.

“I tell her all the time, ‘you’re 11-years-old, and this is a big accomplishment,’” Karen said. “It’s nice that she is learning this

JOEL POLLEY & COLLIN CARPENTIER Business: Power washing driveways, sidewalks, patios, and pool decks

value. It’s a good feeling.” Joel and Collin believe supporting young business owners helps create better college opportunities and career options for them. It also encourages creative thinking for bigger and better solutions to everyday problems.

“A big lesson we have learned is to not be afraid of setbacks because they are bound to happen,” Joel said. “Some advice we have for teens trying to start their own business is to create a plan and learn from the people who are the best at what you are trying to start.”

There are many other young entrepreneurs in our area making names for themselves, starting businesses from the ground up and learning the value of hard work. Just as much as we promote the community supporting local small businesses, it is important to support and encourage these young minds and their entrepreneurial spirit, as well.

“A dream without a goal is just a wish,” Paz said. “You need to plan it out and take the leap. Just go for it.”

If children are our future, our future looks bright.