Young Entrepreneur’s Journey to Empower Special Needs Education
In Tulsa, Oklahoma, 10-year-old Keith Boyd is breaking the mold, not just as a child with cerebral palsy, but as an inspiring business leader. Over the summer, Keith operated Keith’s Ice Cold Lemonade Stands, raising an impressive $150,000 through ten consecutive weeks of sales, with all proceeds going to The Little Lighthouse, a Christian school dedicated to children with special needs that he once attended.
Keith’s entrepreneurial spirit has turned him into a local sensation, captivating audiences across the nation through various media outlets.
Aiming for New Heights
Now, Keith is setting his sights even higher with plans to launch his own retail drink brand, Keith’s Ice Cold Beverages. For this venture, he aims to raise approximately $60,000 and has created a fundraising page on Indiegogo.com to kickstart his dream.
At just five years old, Keith received a Tobii device—an advanced technological tool that helps him communicate and navigate the internet using eye movements—a pivotal moment that transformed his ability to express himself. On that day, he captured his parents’ hearts by saying, “I love you.” His mother, Erin Boyd, shared the joy of witnessing his journey to voice, observing his growth and aspirations. Keith’s ambition is clear: he wants to become a CEO, just like he is now.
From a Simple Idea to a Thriving Enterprise
Keith’s journey into entrepreneurship began at the age of eight when he wanted a toy garbage truck priced at $100, far away from Christmas and his birthday. Spurred by his father’s challenge to find ways to earn money, Keith was inspired by a news report on the declining number of lemonade stands, possibly due to stringent health regulations elsewhere in the country. However, that wasn’t the case in Oklahoma.
With enthusiasm, Keith’s father asked, “Do you want to have a lemonade stand?” The answer was a resounding yes, leading to their first stand which earned them $250 in a single day. That initial success allowed Keith not only to buy his desired toy but also to contribute $150 back to the community.
Larry Greeno and Their Partnership
When Arthur Greeno, owner of two Chick-fil-A franchises in Tulsa, learned about Keith’s efforts, he was eager to meet him. Greeno had held a Guinness World Record for the largest cup of lemonade, showcasing his own passion for philanthropy. Upon meeting Keith and seeing his business plan, Greeno proposed a collaboration for a summer initiative involving numerous lemonade stands, planning to set up 100 stands over ten weeks.
Every Wednesday, teams of volunteers, dubbed “Stand Champions,” received 170 gallons of freshly made lemonade, creating a significant community event.
Future Aspirations
If successful in his fundraising endeavor, Keith plans to offer a range of drinks, starting with lemonade packaged in 20-ounce bottles and juice boxes—proving that entering the competitive beverage industry is possible with a solid plan.
Though he acknowledges the challenges ahead, Keith remains optimistic. He draws inspiration from brands like Newman’s Own, which began modestly and found great success. His achievements thus far have already inspired many others to pursue their dreams, emphasizing the motto, “What’s stopping you?”
| Lemonade Stand Projects | Amount Raised | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| First lemonade stand | $250 | Personal savings and donation |
| Second lemonade stand | $400 | Lawn mower purchase and donation |
| Summer series of 10 stands | $150,000 | The Little Lighthouse |
Keith Boyd’s journey demonstrates not only resilience but the profound impact that young entrepreneurs can have in their communities.
