Lakeland Student Starts Business

When the average person hears the statement, “be your own boss,” they will tend to brush it off and think that it’s unrealistic for them. However, Jameson Elliott, a junior at Lakeland High School and young entrepreneur, took it to heart and did just that.

Elliott has recently started his own exterior cleaning business, which he plans on working on this summer. The junior named his business Sasquatch Exterior Services. 

Elliott worked last summer as a window washer which gave him the idea to start his own window and gutter cleaning business.

Elliott stated, “Last summer, I worked for a window washing company so I could learn how to do the cleaning myself. I have always known I’ve wanted to be my own boss, and my mom has a business of her own, so it inspired me to make my own.”

Currently, the entrepreneur has obtained his LLC, a limited liability company, and has insurance for his business. His plan forward includes canvassing, advertising, and building his clientele. Hiring employees is also in Elliott’s future; however, he plans on waiting until his business grows. Elliott plans on paying his employees in commission. 

Elliott saw a gap in the window washing business in Rathdrum and decided to fill the void. His bookkeeper estimates 20,000 dollars in sales.

Elliott’s most significant obstacle in his economic venture is his age. Many steps in the business-making process require you to be 18 years or older. The young entrepreneur barely misses this mark and is 17 years of age. 

Elliott relied on his parents to sign and make things like his business’s bank account. He recommends that other entrepreneurs under 18 make sure their parents are willing to help before moving their business forward.

If anyone is interested in the young entrepreneur’s business, they can reach him on his Facebook page, @Sasquatch Exterior.

Starting a business requires obtaining a business license, any permits needed to run the business, registering with the government, and writing any legal documents required. Along with that list, entrepreneurs also need to decide what their business will even be and the process of getting customers.

John Keating, an economics teacher at LHS, believes that getting young people involved in entrepreneurship is a good thing that more young people should get interested in.

Keating stated, “It not only shows other young people that it is possible, but it is also a fun way to make money.”

Keating also recommends that any new business owner takes a class on entrepreneurship at a community college, like NIC. He also believes that having a mentor, one who has built a business themselves, is also a good thing.