By Mark Squibb / September 22, 2023 Edition
A young man from Petty Harbour-Maddox Cove has found a way to help keep his community clean and tidy while earning a few bucks for himself in the process.
Preston Clarke, 15, has been offering lawn care services for the last several summers through his business Precision Ground Care.
The business started a few summers ago when a lady inquired about who around town could mow her lawn.
Clarke thought he was just the man for the job.
“So, I went down after school one day and helped her out with that, and from that, I thought this was something I could make some money out of,” said Clarke.
And while many might groan at the thought of having to mow their lawn or spread fertilizer, Clarke said he enjoys the work.
“I like having fun with it,” said Clarke, who’s been known to draw his initials with his lawnmower on his family’s lawn before giving it a final go over. “And I like tidiness, so I like helping people out by making their properties look nice.”
Just this fall, Clarke was awarded the Youth Ventures Award for Excellence in Financial Management, an award given to a young person savvy with the way they handle the finances of their business.
Clarke uses different software tools to manage his finances, issue invoices for his customers, and keep track of his income, and added that winning the award came as a surprise.
The St. Kevin’s High School student encouraged others to not hold off on pursuing a business venture they think they might enjoy.
“If you have an idea, try it out; if it doesn’t work out, oh well, find another idea,” said Clarke.
Preston Clarke of Petty Harbour enjoying a moment of free time with his buddy Dexter. The St. Kevin's student has won a Youth Ventures Award for the way he manages the finances of his lawn care business.
