Entrepreneur
By Judy Ellen, 19th Jul 2012 | Follow this author
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Posted in WikinutBusinessFreelancing
This article is about my Nephew David who with good old American ingenuity invented a trailer that attaches to his bike big and strong enough to haul 300 pounds of lawn equipment for his lawn care business.
- Lawn Care Business
- The Family Bike
- David's Invention
- David’s “nothing is impossible” attitude
- Family History
- American ingenuity
Lawn Care Business
My nephew David decided that he was not going to let a little thing like not having a vehicle keep him from what he loves best! He started out his lawn care business on a very small scale with just a few neighbors in his immediate area. He then took his business to the next level by making a trailer to attach to his bike.
The Family Bike
David like most of us in our family including my Great Grandpa DeGrande uses his bike for many practical purposes. In fact, my Great Grandpa rode his bike every day to get to and from the grocery store. He lived to a ripe old age of 92 and would have kept going if he would not have been hit by an automobile while riding his bike.
My nephew David not only uses his bike for his lawn care business but he is also using it to get to and from college. He even rode his bike in the bitterest of winter resisting the temptation to ask anyone to drive him. He wanted to experience the pride and art of self reliance! When it comes to David he knows how to “get er done” without anyone’s help!
David not only is willing to do manual labor type of jobs when it is necessary (especially in today’s economy), but, he is also very well versed in computer technology. This is something he learned on his own. Whenever, I or anyone else in the family has a problem with our computers we ask David for help!!
David's Invention
After David’s lawn care business took off, he realized that he needed more than his bike in order to haul equipment to work a larger area. This is when he went to his Dad and asked him if together they could assemble a trailer to haul all his equipment including bins for the grass clippings. At first his Dad thought that this would not be possible!! Not David, he believes in the impossible!!
David talked his Dad into making it work. He was convinced that he could make a trailer big enough not only to haul his equipment but to also haul the grass clippings which would give him a more competitive edge.
However many adjustments had to be made as the original design showed its flaws. The first two axles bent under the load and a stronger steel bar finally worked. The original wheel ball bearings broke and had to be replaced by stronger roller bearings. Several wood braces had to be added at different places on the trailer to prevent sagging under the weight (more than 300 pounds fully loaded). The clamp that hooked the trailer to the bike broke and was replaced by a clamp of the type used by mountain climbers. Most of the kinks are now worked out and David uses his bike and trailer some days for as many as 4 or 5 customers.
David’s “nothing is impossible” attitude
I believe that it is not only genetic disposition towards ”doing the impossible” that brought David to this place, but, one big turning point led him to where he is today! Several years ago David was in a serious automobile accident in which many believed he would not pull through. However, with family praying by his bedside he not only pulled through but he is now working on his degree in college along with his lawn care business, and, is convinced that nothing is impossible.
Family History
Entrepreneurship has its roots in our family history dating back to the early 1900’s when my grandparents first settled in America. After arriving in America my Italian Grandfather started a grocery store that not only supported his family but it also enabled them to retire comfortably by investing in rental property. Even though my kindhearted grandfather gave customers credit, my grandmother’s overseeing capacities kept them from going bankrupt. After my Dad’s father died my grandmother supported herself with their rental property.
My Dad followed suit and started his own auto mechanics garage in the 1940, and, like his Dad he too had a big heart and let customers have credit that they could not pay back. Unfortunately my Dad’s business folded due to the depression.
American ingenuity
America was built of good old American ingenuity. Our ancestors used ingenuity and creativity to fight off hostile Indians, rough terrains, frigid cold, and intense heat to blaze the trail for a better life for us today. After all those years we still need that basic trait to take care of our families and just plain stay alive.
Comments
19th Jul 2012 (#)
Thanks for your very quick moderation!!
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20th Jul 2012 (#)
Your nephew David is indeed inspiring and a role model for others who just complain. Ultimately, we have none else but us alone to fight to stay alive. Thanks Judy for the share - siva
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20th Jul 2012 (#)
That is an inspiring article dear Judy, My hearty Congratulations to you and your nephew on his success in a nice machine which is always needed by one and all! Thanks!
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22nd Jul 2012 (#)
How inventive...what an uplifting post...thanks Judy Ellen!
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23rd Jul 2012 (#)
Brilliant engineering. Thanks Judy.
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24th Jul 2012 (#)
It's nice to see writers using their own pics, great article Judy and BTW I hope you get well soon.
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25th Jul 2012 (#)
What a brilliant grandson you have, I love his drive, it speaks volumes. What a lovely family history, I know you are so proud, as you should be. Loving the photos! You are in my prayers. As always, thank you for sharing.:)
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25th Jul 2012 (#)
Hon, the star is a given, well deserved!:)
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29th Jul 2012 (#)
Wow, Judy, your nephew,David, is such an inspiration and hope and to live your dreams. I know that you are so proud of him! What an uplifting story! Thanks<Judy for sharing!
Have a great day!
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30th Jul 2012 (#)
Thank you Noreen and Denise!! It is so great that you can appreciate someone like my nephew who won't let anything keep him from trying.
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5th Aug 2012 (#)
Very interesting. Thank you dear Judy.
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25th Aug 2012 (#)
Love the old pics that you incorporated in this article! Fun read.
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