Greg the entrepreneur from a very early age
I began my entrepreneurship the last six weeks of sixth grade at Odom Middle School. It was evident when I did my research. The research that went into the venture was minimal. I did learn that Now n Laters candy was the item to sell. There were a few older kids (eighth graders) selling the candy and I was confident that I could take all of their business by selling the exact same stuff at a lower price. It was not rocket science. It was simple math. I was not afraid of getting robbed or beaten up. I had an older brother (Paul) at school who could protect me when I got in over my head. I enlisted two friends to assist in selling the candy. We were off and running. At one time the bus driver (Mrs. Roberts) made us pick up the candy wrappers on the bus. We decided that we would do that any time she asked. It was the least we could do as we were now making (at least) lunch money each day before we even arrived at school.
At the end of the school year we had collected (after expenses) well over one hundred dollars. To twelve year old kids that was a bunch of money. We had only been ripped off once. The older kids took our candy but not our money. We were back in business the very next day. Looking back on the experience I believe that I learned some valuable lessons.
After this experience in sixth grade I progressed without partners. I found that I worked harder than they did and then had to share my profits equally. I have been a salesman ever since. I sold candy (off and on) on the bus all the way through ninth grade. I stopped then because I stopped riding the bus and got a car and a regular job.
Great story !!!