When JA BizTown launched in 2002, I was contacted to help create The UPS Store storefront. Together with the JA team, we planned the space and discussed what students would do when they were employed there. After seeing the facility and learning more about the simulation, I became invested in the important work happening there. It is amazing that there is a place where students get to role play as business managers and owners while in elementary school. 

Fastforward twenty years, JA USA partnered with The UPS Store's corporate team to raise funds for JA chapters across the country. Now, I get to support JA through my West End and Belmont University stores and talk with customers about their mission. Every year, I get together with the other franchisees at JA to have our area meetings. While at the facility, we get the chance to learn more about JA and see the great work they do. I even joined the board in 2024 to deepen my involvement with the organization.

Growing up in Alabama, my father owned a small, full-service gas station and I would often work there after school. I also worked at a small "mercantile" store on the weekends and during the summer. I didn't realize it at the time, but working behind the counter and pumping gas was my first exposure to entrepreneurship. As I continued in my journey, I was exposed to many other business owners and entrepreneurs so owning my own franchise was a natural fit for my future. Not many kids get the lifelong exposure to business the way I did and I love that JA BizTown introduces kids to fundamental life and business skills.

JA helps fill the gaps between the book skills taught in school and the life skills needed in adulthood. Through JA programs, students learn work ethic, time management, perseverance, money management, resiliency, and people skills while also gaining an understanding of how the economy works. These are all essential skills for any adult, but especially important as an entrepreneur. 

Please consider supporting JA and my page as we raise funds to reach over 36,000 kids throughout Middle Tennessee this year. Thanks for your consideration.