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Sitting in the front of the parking lot of Tecumseh Home Hardware Building Center Store in Tecumseh, Ontario, is a hot dog stand that offers an opportunity for young entrepreneurs to test out the waters of owning a small business. The stand has been a part of the store for several years and has been owned by several young entrepreneurs during that time, says owner Kimberly Seguin. One past stand owner even became an employee of the store after his hard work in the stand gained the attention of Seguin.
Currently, high school student Spencer Armstrong owns the stand, which he named The Doghouse. The Doghouse is open Saturdays and Sundays during the summer and serves hot dogs, sausages, cold drinks and a full condiment bar.
“The stand is a great way we can support our community and young entrepreneurs,” Seguin says. “It’s an excellent opportunity for them to learn and gain real-life skills.”
Armstrong aspires to have a career in accounting and has appreciated the experience he’s gained owning the hot dog stand, learning how to run a business and balance the books.
“I also really love meeting new customers,” Armstrong says. “They are all really nice, and I like being able to make small talk with them.
I’ve learned a lot through my experience.”
Read more Checkout stories about community outreach efforts here, including how Lilian Lumber Company Home Center recently celebrated its 110th anniversary, Burney True Value Hardware‘s customer events throughout the year and Jared’s Ace Hardware‘s bulk seed counter.
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