[vaudine]

Guess this is usual, but I know a story of the unusual. Friend of mine has a brother who went from redneck country to Harvard for an MBA(30 + years ago). He met and married a girl and whose father is one of the Fortune 500. He worked hard and had a lot of success from his hard work, and I am sure the people he met through his in-laws didn't hurt.

The amazing thing is their son. In 3d grade he started a newsletter and sold it to classmates for a nickel. He hustled all his life, and in HS started a lawn service in their upscale neighborhood, which he worked himself. He finally got a huge client list and hired guys to help. Soon, he was scheduling and running a rather large lawn svc--bought modern equipment and was all business.

When he went off to university, he bought his own car, instead of looking for dad or grandpa to get it. Good student, finished and now successful in his own right. Unusual, but true.

vaudine

[Timber Rattler]

Problem is that if a kid tried to do that today, the government would shut him down if he didn't get all the now required expensive permits, licenses, inspections, waivers, and insurance, and file tax and FICA information for his employees.

Just look at the war on kiddie lemonade stands and cookie booths and you'll see what I mean.

[SatinDoll]

I’ve known a few like that, too. They are, however, not as numerous as the rich kids who can’t figure out to make money the old fashioned way - knowing only how to spend money.

[Smokin' Joe]

I think it is hardwired in. I have a 9 year-old who as part of a school fundraiser had to sell a box of candy. He was done in half an hour. The kid could sell iceboxes to Innuit...