They say one man’s trash is another man’s treasure. The treasure in this case, however, isn’t just monetary. It’s a lifelong lesson in resiliency, communication, and entrepreneurship. I could hardly believe I was talking to a 15-year-old during my conversation with Connor Riska, co-owner of Partner Pickup Junk Removal. Well-spoken, venturesome, and determined to succeed, Connor, along with his 16-year-old cousin, Parker Bach, started their junk removal business a few months ago. Now, this duo is out earning thousands a week and learning laborious lessons in leading a real company. I was reminded that teens should not be underestimated, and that this next generation is ready to do the literal heavy lifting if we would but give them the opportunity.
What was the exact moment or realization that made you say, "I’m not just going to look for a summer job; I’m going to start my own company"?
We were originally doing landscaping, and this lady proposed the idea of junk removal. We got right into it. We didn’t think about it for too long. We built our trailer up and we got straight into getting clients. We had a little 5x8 utility trailer, and we put four-foot walls on it. We’re really close to getting a new trailer though.
Being a young entrepreneur comes with unique challenges, like getting adults to take you seriously. How did you build credibility and win your very first paying customer?
We actually like to advertise that we’re teenagers. People really want to use us because people like to see how you can grow a business at a young age. We also use a software called Jobber currently which is really helpful, and it has a map that shows where our job is and you can invoice off there and send quotes. It’s really nice.
What is the biggest logistical or operational mistake you’ve made so far, and what did it teach you about resilience?
Not having the right equipment. At first, we didn’t have the right tools to cut up trees and fit them in the trailer. If you don’t have the right tools, it comes with losing jobs. Right now, we’re putting a lot of money towards the business.
How do you balance being a reliable business partner with your cousin?
Obviously, we argue because we’re cousins and we’re always around each other and sometimes we disagree, but I don’t know who I’d rather work with but Parker. We communicate really well even when we don’t agree. We come together and find something to fix it. We want to eventually expand and hire. We want to hire our friends so we can spend time together while we’re working.
Entrepreneurship is a crash course in life. What is a skill you’ve developed running this business that you know you’ll use for the rest of your life, regardless of what career you choose?
Communication is a big thing. Learning how to communicate with business owners and other construction businesses. You learn a lot while getting new clients. Learning how to communicate is getting easier.
What encouragement would you give to another teenager who has a business idea but is too afraid or hesitant to take the first step?
Just take the risk. You’ll learn so much from taking that risk. And if you don’t take it, you’ll have regrets. This week we almost made $3,000. I want to be successful, and I want to invest the money for when I’m older. A lot of my friends wanted to start a business and after seeing us succeed, it helped them.
Just take the risk. You’ll learn so much from taking that risk. And if you don’t take it, you’ll have regrets.
Words Connor lives by: "Work while they sleep. Learn while they party. Save while they spend. Live like they dream."
Words Parker lives by: "The harder you work for something, the better it feels when you earn it."
Hours worked: 40 hours per week
Current goals: To make $10,000 in one month over the summer, to hire more employees, and to purchase a larger trailer.
Facebook and Instagram: @Partner.Pickup.Services