LOCAL BUSINESS • Hank’s Homestead

THE OSIDER NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2021

HANK’S HOMESTEAD

WORDS: ELIZABETH SCHWARTZE PHOTOS: ZACH CORDNER

Created by Oside native, Hank Driskill, Hank’s Homestead offers full-service chicken coop cleaning, and homestead care. At just sixteen years old, Hank’s current success is the result of hard work, kindness, knowledge, and an entrepreneurial spirit.

“My family has always had chickens at our house, so I know how much work they require. My mom saw a post on Craig’s List when I was in sixth grade, that someone needed help taking care of their chickens. I got more jobs—I even bought an electric bike to get around,” said Hank, explaining how he got started. What started as a hobby job at thirteen years old to make some extra spending money, became a full-fledged business during the pandemic.

With the COVID-19 quarantine, many families decided to devote their time at home to raising chickens. The newbie homesteaders had lots of questions to get started, and Hank was there to help! And what about when the chicken owners went back to work and school and couldn’t keep up with the daily maintenance? Hank was there to help then, too. Homesteading never ends, because the animals will always need care, and the upkeep can be daunting for new or veteran homesteaders. Therefore, the concept behind his business is simple—yet brilliant.

Holly Della Vedova, owner of Evolve Skin Spa, was one of Hank’s first homestead clients in Oceanside. “Chickens are a lot of work, it’s a breath of fresh air to see such youthful enthusiasm, met with good old-fashioned work ethic in this day and age,” shared Holly.

Sure, Hank started with chickens, but he really can take care of an entire homestead: “I do everything on a homestead!” If families that normally manage their homestead want to go on vacation, it can be stressful to figure out who will handle the daily needs of cleaning, feeding, and watering. No problem. Call Hank! “My specialty is deep cleaning, but I take care of other animals, too, including pigs, and goats,” he explained.

Hank says chickens are very curious. “It makes me happy to have happy hens come running when they see me. They follow me around for treats and love, while I clean, sanitize, and freshen their coop for them.” One interesting fact: Hank brings all the cleaning supplies, but each homesteader must provide their own shovel and rake for their flock to avoid cross-contamination of another flock’s “bird germs.”

As a Junior at Vista Trade Tech, Hank has found his calling. “I’d love to do this long-term and have my own company with employees one day.” His endeavors even caught the attention of nationally syndicated Backyard Poultry magazine with an article in their June 2021 issue.

Even though he’s the owner of a thriving business with his own Toyota Tacoma work truck to show for his hard work, Hank is still in high school, and enjoys his free time. His favorite thing to do in Oceanside is to hang out at the harbor fire pits with friends.

Owner Hank Driskill and friend

Hank's Homestead is on Facebook and Instagram @hanks_homestead, or you can just call/text him at (760) 994-2225.

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