More Than Lemonade
Meet Josh, a young River Ranch entrepreneur whose seasonal stand serves up sweet treats, friendship, and a lesson in business savvy—with a side of Sonic ice.
You don’t need a big storefront to learn big lessons. Just ask Josh, a River Ranch neighbor who runs a seasonal lemonade and cookie stand from a folding table in the neighborhood. What began as a simple summer setup has turned into a great way for him to learn about saving, investing, working with friends, and connecting with the people around him. From figuring out what flavors sell best to learning how to handle money, Josh is getting a head start on entrepreneurship, one cup at a time.
What do you sell at your stand, and how did you come up with the idea?
In the summer, I sell lemonade, fruit punch, my own special pink lemonade with Sonic ice, and chocolate chip cookies. In the fall/winter, I sell hot cocoa and cookies.
Do you remember the first day you ever opened your stand? What was that like?
I opened it in the summer of 2024. It was fun, and I couldn’t believe how many people stopped to buy from me.
Do you make and sell everything yourself, or do you have help?
I make everything myself, and I invited one of my best friends, Will Whetsell, to partner with me last year. I also include other friends to join us sometimes as well.
What’s something running your stand has taught you?
It has taught me to save money. I save and invest 10% of all my earnings into the stock market.
What’s the hardest part of having your own business, and what’s the best part?
The hardest part is setting up, especially when it's hot. The best part is meeting customers, and the anticipation of waiting for new customers to stop by.
Do you have a favorite way to spend the money you earn, or are you saving up for something big?
I usually spend money on my hobby, collecting and trading baseball cards.
Have you made any new friends or met anyone interesting through your business?
Yes, I have met several neighbors who have been repeat customers. I have one neighbor that I visit every time I bake cookies because they are her favorite.
If a celebrity stopped by your stand, who would you want it to be?
Steph Curry!!!
What advice would you give to other kids who want to start a stand like yours?
Save part of what you earn, keep enough set aside to invest back into your business, and have fun!
What do you think you’ll remember most about running your stand when you’re older?
I think I will remember getting to hang out with all my friends, meeting new people, and the money I was able to make.