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Nearly a year has passed since Young Americans Center for Financial Education celebrated the top youth-owned businesses in Colorado at the 2019 Spotlight on YouthBiz Stars. Since that time, these remarkable young business owners have accomplished quite a lot!
As the Center prepares for the 2020 award ceremony, which is being held virtually this year, we checked in with each of our three YouthBiz Stars to learn how winning last year transformed their businesses for the better. We’re bringing you these stories in a three-part “Where are they now?” blog series.
Jack Fleming, the 18-year-old owner of Yard Boyz, has worked with mentor Ryan Beiser, Regional President and Head of Corporate Banking at PNC, over the past year. In addition to growing his business, this 2019 Spotlight on YouthBiz Stars winner has also developed a solid plan for the future.
When Yard Boyz won Spotlight on YouthBiz Stars in 2019, owner Jack, then 17, was astounded. A few years ago, he didn’t really consider his “gig” a business—he just mowed a few lawns every week for neighbors and friends. Now, after seeing Yard Boyz grow roughly 400 percent this season, there’s no denying that this isn’t just a business, it’s a successful one.
Jack attributes much of his business success over the last year to working with mentor Ryan Beiser, Regional President and Head of Corporate Banking at PNC Bank. With Beiser’s help, Jack has developed an overall strategy for his business and he has changed direction, now primarily providing landscaping services rather than just weekly lawn service. Additionally, as Jack heads off to college this fall, Beiser helped Jack plan for this transition. For example, Yard Boyz has secured partnerships with local businesses to make sure client’s needs are met. “Mr. Beiser has helped me critically view and understand my company from a wider perspective,” said Jack in a recent interview.
Beiser thoroughly enjoyed his year mentoring Jack, too. “With everything going on in the world, it is humbling and exciting to see the talent of the next generation,” noted Beiser. He added, “Mentoring Jack has provided me with the opportunity to reflect on skills that I want my own kids to learn.” Beiser and his wife have two young children, and financial concepts have worked their way into the family’s daily lives through allowance, chores, bank accounts, and even a lemonade stand.
For Jack, the most important lesson gained over the last year is balance. Managing a rapidly-growing business in the midst of COVID-19 pandemic, switching industries, and finishing up high school has made for a busy year for Jack, to say the least. “My recommendation to this year’s winners would be the following: take time to enjoy the fruits of your hard work, for it will help you stay motivated during future trials,” said Jack.
