Being an entrepreneur takes a lot of time. Nonetheless, Ryan MacKay squeezes out some time for his homework.
The tall, blue-eyed, freckle-faced 17-year-old is a junior at Tahanto Regional Middle-High School. He runs his own business selling Christmas trees, holds a full-time job at Davis’ Farmland in the summer, and cares for a menagerie of animals year-round.
Braving freezing temperatures last weekend at his tree stand at Berlin Orchards, the teen explained how he came to be a budding entrepreneur.
The owner, Barry O’Brien, was one of his role models growing up. “He loved telling stories about how he turned his love of animals into a thriving business,” Mr. MacKay said.
Mr. O’Brien has since passed away, but his legacy continues in the young entrepreneur.
“He inspired me and I found myself wanting to be like him as I grew up,” he said.
Right now, though, he is focused on selling his Christmas trees — at least for a few more weeks. He says he is nervous that he won’t sell all 175.
What I Like About This: Selling Christmas trees is a natural starting point for young entrepreneurs. For more information on starting your own Christmas tree lot, I recommend the book Christmas Trees: Growing and Selling Trees, Wreaths, and Greens.
Photo by telegram.com.
danakeith on June 27th, 2008 at 3:43 am
very inspiring! he only shows that age doesn’t matter if you really want to come up with something..
good luck!