I just got an email from a customer in Virginia telling me about his business. Imagine my surprise when I found out he is ten years old!
His name is Parker and he writes:
Dear Mr. Steve Schaible,
About two years ago I had purchased your how to videos. With my dad’s help I wanted to build a cart as a way to pay for college.
Since then we have had to relocate from Florida to Virgina and it is quite cold here too.
I watched and watched the videos while saving all my money, so that I could begin purchasing the parts and we could begin building my hot dog cart.
Something happened along the way as I had recently saved up $500.00 and my dad had purchased the trailer from Harbor Freight. When traveling to 4H one day we noticed a very nice hot dog cart on the side of the road for sale.
Of course we pulled in and took a look at it. We contacted the owner and he quickly befriended me and I bought my first cart.
It is an older American Hot Dog Cart but will do just nice. Chip the owner of the hot dog cart will let me use his commissary to wash dishes when I am out and has even shared his contacts for food with me.
I wanted to say thank you for your plans as I am sure that we will be upgrading the cart during the winter months and hope to open for business soon.
My application as vendor is subject to inspection, but since it was passed before I am confident I will get my licenses.
I do have a website and will be calling my business PeaDawgs.info.
This is the best Christmas yet.
Happy Holidays.
Sincerely,
Parker
Age 10
Owner of PeaDawgs
PS I sent this and my pictures to you with my dad’s permission and help.
******************************
Parker, dude – I am SO PROUD of you!!! (You too Parker’s Dad – what an awesome father!!!)
You know what you want and you’re going after it with a plan and a purpose.
You have the exact qualities that more people in this great country of ours need - a sense of ambition, drive, and self sufficiency.
Your entrepreneurial spirit and strong work ethic will take you places that you can’t even imagine. Your life journey is just beginning and it’s going to be a fantastic one.
Also, you are very lucky to have such a good dad. Tell him so as often as you can – us dads live for that!
As we say in the dog biz…
Sell ‘em all, my man!
-Steve (Mr. Schaible 
)
P.S. Let’s make Parker famous today by clicking the blue Facebook Share button on the left. I want to see at least 40 shares!
Click the pictures for a larger version.
{ 40 comments… read them below or add one }
This is going out to PeaDawgs, Dude! that is totally Awesome!!! I pray blessings over your business. I am proud of you as I know your Dad is too. Go get them and I hope all your dreams continue to come true. If only more kids of America had half the drive you do. Take care and I hope you sling many dogs this coming season. God Bless
Outstanding job. You will have a step up on life. Keep your faith in god and your business mind and you will go far in life. God bless.
Proud of you Parker! Good Luck and have lots of fun! It’s a great business!
Hey Parker,
I hope you make a lot of money and friends in this business. Are you still planning on building another hot dog cart? If you are, then good for you and keep your eye on the goals that you have set for yourself by paying for your own college education. Remember…CASH IS KING! And this is a cash business!
Sincerely,
Tony Sarafian
whatatastydog@yahoo.com
Way to go, Parker….You’re now on my Facebook page….Good Luck….
You go Little Man… This is a great way for you to learn responsibility. And always remember when you are done for the day and you have sold all you, clean up your equipment and get ready for your next adventurer. And always give dad some gas money because with out him your cart would just sit in the yard. Have a good one and have fun.
Way to go Parker! This is just too cool!
That’s RIGHT! Go Parker and the little dude’s Dad as well.
Hello Parker, I must say without a doupt you are the chip off the block, how young you are and wow willing to go out and earn you money so you can go to college. your father must be proud to have you for a son. keep up the good work and sell those dogs, if I was around you I would give you businss just for being out there trying.
good luck and happy dogin
Tony
Way to go Parker! I wish you well and hope to see more pics of the PeaDawg in action. You Rock!
WOW! Parker, I pray that God will continue to have His hand on you! You are an inspiration, as well as being a great son. Dad, you must be bursting with pride!! God bless you both and have a very Merry CHRISTMAS! Happy doggin’!
Parker, you are an inspiration. You are an amazing young man. My grandson is 2 1/2 years old now. I hope he grows up just like you.
If you continue to work hard at your job, do well in school, treat your customers with care & kindness, and always serve a great dog you will go places, my man. Not only will you be able to go to college, but you will be able to take care of yourself and others for many years to come. God bless you and your family and all the best to you in the future.
Parker’s Dad, you are a very blessed man. Take good care of him and keep your eye on him. He is a jewel! You must be very proud.
Parker, you ROCK! Parker’s DAD, YOU ROCK TOO! Congrats, Guys. Selling Hot Dogs is the funnest, bestest thing in the world! I live in Maryland, and I understand COLD! (16 degrees right now.) But those 45 degree days are a-coming! Get ready! Email me and I will tell you all of my secrets! GOD BLESS YOU REAL GOOD!
Hi Parker,
WOW!! I am impressed for sure. You are VERY mature for your age for sure. I do not live anywhere near you or I would buy your dogs. Good luck with your endeavors and I am sure you will be successful!!!
Song
Way to go Parker! Good luck with the business.
You will go far.
Your link is on my FB page. Make sure you set up a Facebook page and I’ll let my followers know when you do.
Way to go Parker!! with your positive attitude and work ethic and the help and support of your father I have no doubt you will be successful. just remember to put some time aside to be a kid. earning money is a great thing. but don’t forget making memories with family and friends is equally rewarding.
Way to go Parker! It’s great to that there are still kids that set goals and go after them. You are lucky to have a father that is teaching you that the world is what you make of it. GOOD JOB DAD! I wish you all the best in your hot dog biz and future goals. Merry Christmas and I know you will have a grat New Year.
Parker,
You are the type of kid this country needs more of! I’m proud of your dad too. I would do ANYTHING to have been able to start a business at your age. The lessons you learn from this business will make you more money in life than almost anything you will ever learn in school.
Great work. Nice cart.
-Joshua Black
Parker, my money is on you. You are going to be one successful business(person).
Right On !! Parker, Go sell some dogs and enjoy the new life it will bring. Go get – em!!!!Merry Christmas.
Now that’s what i’m talking about. U Rock… Dude!!! I wish more kids would consider doing it. Keep doing what you do.
Dad, what can i say that hasn’t already been said… Kudos 2 U!
Happy Holidays!!
This is a present and future American Success Story. Fitting that the cart is, “American”. We typically hear stories of distant immigrants who come here destitute and create huge wealth. This little guy is a home-grown seed in the making. be encouraged and water your soil every day. I believe Parker will inspire some of us older folks to get back out there too!
I’m guessing that apple didn’t fall far from the tree. Way to go Parker, great inspiration. Blessings continued like all of them above this post from all of us to you. Merry Christmas little man. Thanks for posting his story Steve.
Parker, you are the son that every Dad would like to have. I am in East Tennessee just on the Virginia border and it’s cold here too. Start making your contacts for spring festivals, large yard sales, and flea markets. Like everyone else, I think you have a great future a head of you. Well done Parker, well done Dad.
Good for you, Parker. You will face some hurdles, but hard work and perserverance will overcome them all. Best to you!!!
GO PARKER! You are a very blessed young man to have so much drive and ambition. You are blessed to have a father who is willing to help you.
I am so proud of you Parker!
@Dad: Can you even get your shirt buttoned? As a parent, I would be so puffed up with pride!
Awesome Parker!! I have a 11 year old son who helps with our hot dog biz. You a way ahead of all the kids your age. And hats off to your parents for instilling in you the American dream.
What an awesome kid!!
Just plain outstanding story!!!! I hope the very very best for Parker and his family. I completely agree that this is what we need in America kids with dreams and desires. Hope this is just the start of you having fun and making lots of money….
Michael S. Wood
Duggs Doggs
Good!!Good!!
your biggest setback will be not being organized think each day out like it was your first also last but not least give GOD thanks for living
WTG, PARKER! I wish I had that kind of direction in my life at that age! I’d probably have a string of franchises by now…or better yet, maybe early retirement!
I’m very impressed with your goals & ambition.
I think you will do very well & wish you the best of luck. You’re already on your way!! If you offer a good product you will have repeat customers. If you only do it in the warm months as I do, it is still very rewarding. My hats off to you & your dad.
Keep us posted on how it works out.
1st mate Jim.
Parker,
I have no doubt that you will one day be teaching at that college that is in your future…..don’t worry about america folks……the Parkers will keep this country strong now and in the future….
Congrats to you and your family,
Larry S (also in VA)
Greetings,
Thanks to all for your comments and posts. I have create a face book page now and will update and add everyone as my dad permits.
The support is overwhelming and amazing.
Happy Holidays to you and yours.
Parker Maroney
Great job, Parker! Keep up the great work. The hot dog biz is a great way to earn good money in the right location. No matter what, don’t get discouraged if things don’t go perfectly at first. Keep on pushing and finding what works for you.
Congratulations!
Great Job Parker,
I wish more younger people had the” just do it” attitude you have displayed.
When you get a chance, read The book about Vince Lombardi as it will give you some insight on being the best at what you do.
Keep on moving up.
Hey Parker,
Rick from Rick’s Chili (www.RicksHotDogChili.com) just contacted me and he wants to give you a free copy of his famous recipes to help you on your way.
I’ll send them to you today,
-Steve
Congratulations Parker!!! Good Luck!!!
WOW GOOD LUCK LITTLE DUDE THE PERFECT KID
Hi, I was just wondering I seen a hot dog menu that said hot dog chips and soda for 5.50 and 6.50 . Tax included how do you get that? Can you brake that down. the 5.50 and 6.50 ? Here in Tallassee, AL. Sales Tax is 10% Thank You if you would?