On a quiet corner of Mount Pleasant Street in Milford, Massachusetts, an 8-year-old boy named Pierson Ross has captured the attention of his community by establishing a unique summer business selling tennis balls. This initiative stems from the surplus of tennis balls collected by his family, particularly from Pierson’s father, Rodney Ross, a local tennis professional. The Ross family garage has accumulated over 2,000 used tennis balls, prompting Pierson to take action rather than letting them go to waste.
Pierson set up a modest stand in his front yard, offering the balls at a price of $0.25 each. While many children opt for traditional lemonade stands, Pierson has carved out a niche for himself. His straightforward pricing structure is appealing, and he is open to negotiating deals for customers looking to buy in bulk. As Pierson notes, he has seen numerous repeat customers, indicating that his entrepreneurial spirit is resonating with the community.
Beyond the financial aspect of his business, Pierson is committed to giving back. He has donated hundreds of tennis balls to local animal shelters across Massachusetts, recognizing that many shelters face budget constraints. As Pierson explains, “Some people in that animal shelter, they can’t buy like tons of tennis balls.” His contributions have reached around four to five different shelters, and he has plans to continue this charitable effort to bring joy to many dogs in need.
This venture not only showcases Pierson’s business acumen but also serves as a platform for important life lessons. He reflects on his experience, stating, “I’m learning how to save my money instead of just spending all of it.” Through this simple yet impactful idea, Pierson is gaining valuable skills that will serve him well in the future.
For those interested in purchasing tennis balls from Pierson, his mother can be contacted via the Instagram account @TennisBallKid. This grassroots effort has not only turned surplus tennis balls into a thriving business but has also fostered a sense of community and philanthropy among local residents.
In a world where entrepreneurial spirit often takes center stage, Pierson Ross exemplifies how creativity and kindness can create meaningful change, one tennis ball at a time.
