Two Kenmorian students are expanding their horizons with a Christmas tree lot on State Route 522 during the holiday season, but there’s more to this Christmas story than meets the eye.
Jacob Kelly, a student of industrial engineering at the University of Washington, and Garrett Kelly, a student at Inglemoor High School, are learning how to operate a business – and the community around them.
While the idea for a tree lot came from a cousin of the Kelly’s, the whole family has put their efforts into the Two Brother’s Tree Lot. From unloading the 250 trees in the rain, creating marketing pamphlets, standing on the side of 522 in a Santa suit, to ensuring that each customer is cared for and leaves happy – the Two Brother’s Tree Lot is all about the holidays.
“One of my favorite aspects [is] probably getting to know a lot of different people from around this area that I didn’t initially know before this,” Jacob said. “…It’s kind of broadening my horizons from people around this area, getting to know more people, and its been pretty beneficial.”
For Jacob, the benefits of the tree lot are not just meeting new people within the community, it’s also saving for a study abroad program to Prague, in the Czech Republic. Garret, still being in high school, doesn’t have plans yet for the money he earns except that most of it is going into the bank.
Aside from learning about the community and gaining funding to better themselves, the Two Brother’s Tree Lot is also donating 10-percent of their profits to the local Northwest Children’s Fund, an organization committed to child welfare in all aspects of life.
“It feels pretty awesome that I’m giving back to other people, especially in my community, it feels nice,” Garrett said.
Garrett is interested in marketing, so he prepared all the business cards and pamphlets, and both of the brothers helped file the business license with the city of Kenmore. Other hurdles are unique to the type of business.
“One of the biggest challenges is making sure that there is two people down here who can lift the trees up,” Garrett said.
Another challenge was unloading the 250 wet, coniferous trees. Though, according to Garrett, they just had to “grind through it.” A fact of business.
“Well, it’s just wonderful its just a great thing to do,” said Dr. Robert R. Kelly, a retired dentist and first generation Kenmorian of the family. “They wanted to do this on their own and their dad’s helping them. We’ve had a little setback with the weather but it’s a great thing.”
While those who purchase from the tree lot can go home with an annual Christmas addition, the boys know that their efforts will be helping build a stronger community that cares about each other.
“It feels good. Obviously I’m giving them money, but more than money they are getting help,” Jacob said. “Whether that’s for toys this holiday season, or just support in food or basic needs. I think it’s a pretty unique way, pretty awesome.”
