In Billings, local high school students were able to participate in what is known as Market Day, designed to teach children how to operate a small business through hands-on experience and person-to-person interaction.
NonStop Local’s Connor McEvoy stopped by market day to provide all the details.
Junior Zach Nelson had a good year.
“It has been the best year I have ever had.” says Zach, as he does what he loves: making and selling boot racks made from horseshoes.
“I was given these horseshoes because I worked, lived, breathed ranches, worked on ranches, farm work, so that’s what I like.”explains Zach. He welds them together, short or wide, and sells them under the appropriate trade name: “Rustic Racks.” Zach says: “Being able to do this for school is probably one of my favorite parts.“
A favorite part for many, as Spring Market Day in Billings attracted many high school students from across the district.
“It’s not school against school. Everyone is here to try to make money and do their thing.” says James Easton of the Montana Chamber Foundation. He says he looks forward to the event every year.
Easton says “Children have the opportunity to start their own business and see what will happen.” – Learn to present, sell and adapt to the consumer.
“Maybe it’s something they don’t necessarily like, but they know they can sell it.”says Easton. Like a flower made with horseshoes by Nelson, the day before an important holiday.
“Flowers for Mother’s Day: I have blue, yellow, red and white,”Zach describes while showing off his products. “These flowers maybe took me five to 10 minutes, not even, maybe 5 to 7.“
It’s a side job that Zach has gotten quick with while he aims for a completely different career. “I want to get my CDL and become a truck driver.”Zach says. “It’s all me.“