During the summer months it is common practice among teens to get a job. Earning a little extra cash by working at a mall or restaurant can mean a certain kind of freedom for young workers.

What isn’t so common, however, is to see a teenager start his or her own business, but that’s just what 15-year-old Mason Slagel has done.

If out and about around Ironton, one might see Mason peddling along on his red modified bicycle equipped with a cooler full of ice cream.

The entrepreneur said he wanted to start the ice cream cart to get real world experience managing a business and handling inventory.

It is very encouraging to see one of Ironton’s young people preparing for the future. Will the teen sell ice cream as a career? Likely not, but the experience of running his own small company, even for just a few days a week, will give him a newfound sense of responsibility and hopefully an appreciation of all the small business owners right here in Ironton.

If one sees the Cool Spot Ice Cream Tricycle around town, or any of the community’s other children with their lemonade stands, stop and support the young people and give them an encouraging word.

These young people are the future of Ironton’s business community and they can use all the help and support we can give them.