Kedren Penney

With my own cash, I bought my first car to drive when I was 16. A year later, I used my own money to buy a car, and resold it 3 months later for a considerable profit. Since the first car flip, I have purchased 5 more vehicles and continue working on cars. I have gained experience in management as I decide which mechanic gets to fix each issue, and how long they get to work on the vehicle. I have learned what it is like to bear the burden of the success or failure of the company. Each flip has been make or break, so I have learned how to handle the stress load of such a risky business. I have learned how to fix many aspects of a car, and also learned good-decision making as to when I should let a professional take the job or do it myself. I have also learned how to negotiate both the purchase of the car for a low price, and the sale of a car for a high price. This one self-employment has taught me so much in so many areas.

I performed lawn care for several yards in my neighborhood starting my freshman year of high scool. I mowed, weedeated, edged, trimmed hedges, blew the pathways clear, picked up sticks, mulched leaves, and even powerwashed. I had taken care of my own yard for several years before then, but once I entered high school, I began picking up clients. This job taught me hard work and the value of going the extra mile.

Growing up, I worked every weekend at the family farm. Though I was never paid for this position, my dad and I would inspect property, transport hay, feed cattle, tag calves, mow fields, build fences, repair fences, repair farm equipment, build hay rings, grind stumps, clear trails, protect newborn calves from predatory birds, feed horses, renovate property, cut down trees, and clean the farmhouse.

Harvested fallen oak trees after a tornado struck the family farm. Cut, transported, split, stacked, sold, and stacked (again) firewood to many people around the area. I continued doing this for three years with the help of my dad. This labor-intensive work led to back pain and ripped clothes, but it taught me how to make the best of a bad situation.

Cleaned up trash from construction sites. I did this in the heat for about two months before I bought my first car. This particular job taught me determination and how to see a commitment through.