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Jack Fleming is the 18-year-old owner of a lawn care business called Yard Boyz. Due to his dedication and vision, the business has steadily grown over the last five years, and in 2018 Jack made $25,000 in profit! Jack’s goals for this summer include staying on top of his administrative work and expanding his business. He is a finalist in the 2019 Spotlight on YouthBiz Stars business competition.
Watch Jack pitch his business on Colorado & Company, and learn more about him and his business below.
Question: Tell me a little bit about you – name, age, how long you’ve been an entrepreneur?
Answer: My name is Jack Fleming and I am a recent high school graduate. I started Yard Boyz 5 years ago.
Q: What motivated or inspired you to start a business?
A:Â I was motivated to start Yard Boyz because I wanted to have money of my own. I enjoyed cutting lawns, and I thought it was a simple way to make a little extra money.
Q: Please share an overview of your business.
A:Â Yard Boyz is a general landscaping service that specializes in weekly lawn mowing. We also do small- to medium-sized landscaping projects in the Centennial area.
Q: Do you have a website or place for people to contact you/buy products?If so, what is it?
A: I currently do not have a website.
Q: Tell us about some of the challenges you face being a young business owner.
A: One of the top challenges about running my business is making sure that I keep all the little details straight with regard to scheduling, payroll, employee scheduling, billing, and equipment.
Q: What’s the best part about having your own business?
A: My favorite part about having my own business is learning what it truly takes to be an adult and have a job. Some of my friend’s experiences cannot compare to the things I have had to do and the responsibilities I have had to manage.
Q: Would you encourage other young people to start a business? Why or why not?
A:Â Of course. I personally believe that almost all students in high school should have businesses if they want one. It teaches them so many valuable skills.
Q: What is your involvement with Young Americans Center for Financial Education?
A:Â I applied to their YourthBiz business competition and have been named a finalist for the past two years. Also, when I was younger, I participated in AmeriTowne as an Accountant at the Utility Center.
Q: I hear that congratulations are in order—you’re a finalist in this year’s Spotlight on YouthBiz Stars business competition! Tell us about this award and how it could help your business improve.
A:Â This award seeks to help small businesses improve from ages 6-21. I am grateful to be named a finalist, and I plan to use the money awarded to help replace some worn out equipment that I have been using.
