PARKVILLE, Mo – Teenagers are facing the worst summer job market since World War II. New research shows adults are vying for the jobs they typically scoop up when school lets out.
As the economy creates competition for every job opening, teens may have more luck enterprising their paychecks.
Just ask Jack Spooner. The Parkville 13-year-old runs a business called Yardwork Paradise. His sales pitch?
“We do our stuff efficiently, with good quality, and we offer many services at a very low cost,” he said.
If you live in the neighborhood near the National Golf Club, there is a good chance you have spotted Jack motoring around on his golf cart, drumming up new clients. His summer business offers mowing, edging, mulching, planting and power-washing.
The entrepreneur is starting the summer with four employees on his payroll, who rake in an average of $4 to $5 per hour. As the boss, Jack likes giving his buddies some cash for movies or other entertainment.
“It’s kind of cool seeing them get paid,” he said.
To start the business, Jack saved up money and got help from his parents buying equipment and fuel. His list of customers is growing as his business starts to earn respect around the neighborhood.
“I was a little skeptical at first,” said customer Rob Blackburn. “But it’s pretty amazing. They’re learning big lessons outside the classroom. It will really pay off for them down the line.”
Kate Duffy, an instructor at Metropolitan Community College in Kansas City, also teaches a summer entrepreneurship camp. Duffy said she meets teens all the time who already run businesses or have great ideas. Last year, Jack was one of her students.
“The younger you learn about entrepreneurship, the better off you are,” said Duffy, noting the economic climate is a perfect opportunity for more teens to profit from their talent. “They might not have an opportunity to work at McDonald’s this summer, so they might as well give it a shot.”
Already, Jack has some valuable business lessons under his belt, whether it is reeling in customers, retaining employees, or dealing with unexpected maintenance costs. But the 13-year-old hopes to continue the business through his high school years, giving him a strong sense of job security.
“Just get some money built up and leap from there,” he said. “Stay with your idea. Don’t ditch it because it’s probably a good one.”
