When a major snow and ice storm brought the Mid-South to a standstill this week, a group of Lakeland teens decided to turn adversity into action — and in the process, launched an impromptu neighborhood business.
What began as a simple plan for four friends to meet at the Herons Ridge neighborhood park for sledding quickly became something much more productive. Instead of grabbing sleds, Brenner Brown, Ryan Britt, Reynolds Wilson, and Jackson Goss picked up shovels and began clearing driveways on Sunday, charging what they called a “modest amount” for their hard work.
By Tuesday, the crew had already reached Day 3 of their effort, having cleared 15 driveways despite thick layers of stubborn, compacted ice. Their operation even grew, with Cooper Holt joining the team and adding more hands — and more energy — to the project.
All of the boys are active middle school athletes who stay busy throughout the year, making it even more meaningful for parents and neighbors to see them channel their strength and discipline into helping others. Brenner’s mom shared that he woke up genuinely excited to work, learn responsibility, and earn his own money — a valuable real-world lesson…