Thursday, April 23, 2009

Joe's Business

My 12 year old son had planned on having a dog services business for his entrepreneur class. After Katie got bit delivering papers and with all the running around I'm doing for my mom, I told Joe that I didn't have time to drive him all over town, so he could take care of other people's pets. Joe was disappointed, but I encouraged him to think of other businesses that he could do without needing constant transportation.

After a brainstorming session with my husband and I, Joe decided that he wanted to make and sell wind chimes. Mike and I helped Joe locate used items from around our house to use in making the chimes. Mike is really excited about the project and has shown Joe how to use a drill press and other power tools. Joe tends to fade into the background when in public or when doing activities with his older siblings. He lacks self confidence, so we are trying to help him step out of his brother's and sister's footsteps.

It's been so exciting to watch Joe grow and learn things that the other children don't know. Yesterday, Joe was able to teach his older brother how to use the table saw. Stephen asked questions and needed help as they were working on cutting wood for a skateboard ramp.

Tuesday, Joe was interviewed by our local paper as one of the 3rd place winners of the Ignite Youth Inventors Competition. He was a little nervous during the interview, but managed to discuss his new business intelligently. As an added bonus, after the interview Joe's teacher purchased one of his wind chimes. She also asked him to bring more to class next week, because she collects wind chimes and his are unique.

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