My family owns and operates a vineyard in central Washington on the shores of Lake Chelan.  At the age of 13 I was working in the vineyard, operating tractors, sprayers and commercial mowers.  I learned the value of timeliness, dependability, eye contact and a firm handshake.  I worked side by side with migrant workers who endured extreme heat and cold and never complained.  I learned respect is earned by keeping your word.  I learned the value of a dollar from a hard day of work.

At the age of 16 I borrowed $6,000 to purchase a lawn maintenance business.  I bought a trailer, several mowers,weed eaters, blowers and 14 residential accounts.  I mowed lawns after school till dark, and by my senior year I built the business to 22 residential and commercial accounts, with gross annual revenues of $13,000.  I learned how to send monthly billing, collect delinquent accounts, compute and pay sales taxes, personal taxes, open a checking and savings account: but mostly I learned the importance of consistent dependable customer service.  During my senior year I was awarded the FFA (Future Farmers of America) Agricultural Proficiency Award, which is given to the student who produces the highest yearly income of all Washington state high school students.  After H.S. graduation I sold the business, along with all my control systems, paid off my loan, made a profit and I am proud to say the business is still ongoing.