Jeep

Before Jakey’s third birthday he was relentless about one thing: a Jeep.

Grandma and Granddad got him a monster-truck-like Jeep from the flea market.  I bought him a little preschooler remote control Jeep.  He opened them all with feigned enthusiasm.  Honestly.  You could practically hear the “eh” in his little two-year-old brain.  Shortly thereafter we came to the realization that by “Jeep,” Jacob was referring to a child-size, drivable all-terrain vehicle.  I have absolutely no idea where he got this notion, but he got it.

Two years later and he has still not given up on the Jeep dream.

Fortunately in the doubling of his lifespan, we have imparted the concept of working for money in order to purchase that which we desire.  So one morning JJ tells me, “On Tuesdays, I’m going to work at my job.”

“Tuesdays?”

“Yes, on Tuesdays, Daddy is going to make milkshakes for me to sell.”  Did I forget to mention that Jacob thinks his dad makes the best milkshakes in the entire world?

I’m not exactly sure this plan is going to fly… what with James’ existing job.  Though there are some days when I think he could be talked into leaving it all behind for a new career in milkshake manufacturing.

Once Jakey gets an idea, there’s pretty much no talking him out of it.  So, I propose another idea.  Maybe Granddad would be willing to bring over some of his eggs and you could set-up a stand in the front yard?

Somehow I made mention of this and in true Granddad fashion, the plan was in motion three seconds later.  The date was set: October 9.  Less than ten days to prepare and he upped the ante— the addition of homemade lemonade.  And in that time, the chickens pumped out twelve dozen eggs… twelve DOZEN.  Organically grown.  Local.  Grass-fed.  No joke.

As the day approached, I began to wonder if expectations had been set too high.  What if no one showed-up to buy anything on a Wednesday afternoon at 3:00?  What if the boys maintained exactly ten minutes of interest in this entire project?  What if Jake refused to speak to strangers and/or people he’s known his entire life in his unwaveringly predictable manner?  And shouldn’t he have to work to earn money for this Jeep over the course of several weeks?  What will he learn if he goes out and in just a few hours, achieves this goal in one fell swoop?  Maybe it’d be better if we used this as an opportunity to institute the values of raising funds for a cause?  Or to teach the importance of saving?

I implemented a last minute e-mail marketing campaign, posted an old Easter picture on the Facebook and hoped for the best.

And of course with Team Purnell leading this effort, the best it was.

The pricing strategy was simple: a dozen eggs for five bucks.  “Big” glasses of lemonade for a buck.  I believe Granddad finalized the pricing philosophy.  I asked Jake what it should be and he proposed $100 for eggs.  He was also open to selling them in various quantities… as in, “Can I get you three eggs or four?”  It appears they gave out cups of M ‘n M’s as the free gift with purchase.

I heard it started out a little slow.  The boys were shy with the customers, even though James had implemented some sales boot camp role-playing the night before.  Turns out Natesy broke the ice by finally asking Dr. Antsy how many eggs she wanted.  Jake then quickly assumed the role of distribution strategy for each customer.

Two hours later and they’d sold every single egg, most of the lemonade and enjoyed several cups of free gift with purchase.  Plus they’d achieved an impressive $86.26.  I didn’t dig deeper on the math… just go with it.  And a generous ‘thank you’ to our many customers and support staff.

When it was all over Jacob said to Grandma, “Boy, this was just the best day.”