Young entrepreneur creates thriving business

When his parents suggested that he start his own lawn-mowing business to raise money for a new scooter, 10-year-old Ashton Ray decided that he was up for the challenge.

"My mom and Eric said, sarcastically, "If you want money, start a lawn business,'GÇ¥ Ashton said, "so I did.GÇ¥

The young entrepreneur, who lives in the Fryelands area of Monroe with his parents, Eric and Jennifer Wetherall, went to work almost immediately. Through his business, Ashton's Tidy Lawn, the self-professed "professional lawnmowerGÇ¥ has mowed nine lawns and earned more than $150. Mowing lawns since he was 8 years old, Ashton uses a self-propelled mulching lawn mower and offers prices that are negotiable.

With his stepfather Eric helping to facilitate transportation, his marketing strategy has included door-to-door advertising, word-of-mouth and referrals.

Initially, Jennifer crafted some business cards for her son so that people interested in hiring him would have his contact information. While the cards served the intended purpose, Ashton decided that business cards should be within the purview of the business owner. He made new ones, incorporating all his own design elements.

"She made the first batch, and then I made my own,GÇ¥ Ashton said.

He then went door-to-door, handing out his cards and introducing himself. He maintains his client database in a day-planner, along with his work schedule and is in the process of creating a spreadsheet to better track his finances. His current goal is to earn $350 by mowing lawns, and he is steadily working to increase his client base.

He's already established several satisfied customers.

"When my husband was laid up after back surgery, Ashton did a great job helping us maintain our lawn,GÇ¥ said Monroe resident Shana Frankovich. "We are thankful to have such a hard worker in our community!GÇ¥

Ashton first became interested in lawn care about two years ago and had his stepfather teach him the basics. Once he mastered the skill, he approached a few neighbors about mowing their lawns and grew his business from there. His business plan sprang out of a larger initiative to improve the overall appearance of the neighborhood.

"He actually wanted to make the neighborhood look nice,GÇ¥ Eric said. -á

In addition to providing transportation, Eric heads up the quality assurance department at Ashton's Tidy Lawn. He stays in the background, allowing Ashton to work independently but gives each job a final inspection to ensure quality and consistency. Both Jennifer and Eric help field phone calls and emails sent to Ashton's business email account.

"It all routes through us, and so far, it's worked out really well,GÇ¥ Eric said.

Ashton gets his entrepreneurial spirit from his mom, who has her own bookkeeping business.

"He is such a little businessman, with a huge heart,GÇ¥ Jennifer said. "I recently started a business and it took off very quickly, and he got inspired. It makes me so happy to know that he actually pays attention to what we do.GÇ¥

Ashton is planning on broadening his scope by offering weeding services and is hopeful that he'll be able to recruit one of his friends to work with him. He has not yet established a firm pricing structure for his services, preferring to give his customers the opportunity to pay him what they feel is fair. He is willing to negotiate a lower price for repeat customers in exchange for being able to provide his services on a more frequent basis.

Ashton hasn't made a decision yet on what he wants to do when he's older, but he's definitely leaning toward being his own boss.

"I'll probably make a job GÇô just like my mom,GÇ¥ he said.

To schedule a price quote, send an email to-áashtonstidylawn@hotmail.com, or call-á425-218-4913.