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Virginian-Pilot, The (Norfolk, VA)

Virginian-Pilot, The (Norfolk, VA)

June 29, 2003

YOUNGSTERS WORKING TO MAKE THE AMERICAN DREAM A REALITY

Author:
DANIELLE R. ROACH, THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT

Edition: FINAL
Section: CHESAPEAKE CLIPPER
Page: 20
Estimated printed pages: 4

Article Text:
A community youth group is proving that it’s never too soon to chase the American Dream of owning a business.

And it’s entirely LEGIT.

LEGIT is Learning Entrepreneurs Getting it Together. And its members already know how to turn a profit.

They’re turning some heads, as well.

For these young thinkers, and doers, LEGIT provides business stimulus outside of the classroom. They gain the know-how and financial resources to start businesses for themselves, instead of running through a variety of low-wage jobs.

As Churchland resident Devonta Henderson declared during LEGIT’s June 11 graduation ceremony:

“I learned that I can be an entrepreneur at age 10.”

LEGIT is led by Terry R. Kelly, 45, a shipfitter mechanic at Norshipco, who is acting on his own longtime dream of inspiring the entrepreneurial spirit in youngsters.

Kelly’s been holding classes for the children at the Berkley Community Center in Norfolk.

Sitting together in one of many long weekly meetings, 11-year-old Dejion Payne explained to her fellow entrepreneurs the meaning of accounts payable vs. accounts received, of income as opposed to outcome.

Her explanations were the results of hours of research and homework required by each participant. Hard work, but in the long run, they know it will pay off, literally.

While most youngsters her age are trying to spell “entrepreneur,” the members of LEGIT are setting the example for others to follow.

LEGIT lessons focus largely on business theory and real experience, but the major link is teamwork. The teenagers in the program are ultimately taught how to run a business, with honesty and integrity intact.

“I went through an apprenticeship at Norshipco and that’s how I envision this program, an apprenticeship,” said Kelly, who lives in the Charlestown neighborhood of Virginia Beach. “These kids are learning how to make honest money, how to want for more and know how to go about getting just that.”

Kelly grew up mowing lawns and washing cars, usually keeping the profits in a seemingly bottomless pocket.

As for his little apprentices, they have already set up monthly business ventures and savings accounts in which their profits are stored, gaining interest.

And we’re not talking nickel and dime lemonade stands.

One recent business venture for the 9-to-12-year-old group was a doughnut sale - at $5 a dozen. The children spent three weeks racking up orders and practicing their pitch.

Sounds like a lot for a box of doughnuts? You might change your mind when you meet 12-year-old David Smith of Norfolk.

He demonstrated his air of business authority during a practice sale with Kelly, who played the role of the too-busy, not-interested pedestrian quite well. But to no avail.

David introduced himself, offered a handshake, and next thing you know, one more box of doughnuts was checked off the list.

“They really take pride in what they are doing and in the process they are learning skills that help them in school and in life,” Kelly said. “Giving an oral presentation to a classroom full of kids is nothing for them. Most importantly, they are learning that hard work really does pay off.”

With each venture, half of the profits go back LEGIT while the rest is divided among each child to put into savings accounts.

They’re not just aces at sales but they’re just as sharp in math. Each is responsible for keeping track of business results.

According to Kelly, one formula that is memorized early on is C+P R, which stands for “concept plus process equals results.”

The older teens, ages 13 to 18, take that formula one step further. With Kelly’s son, Jaren, 14, at the helm, they have begun and built two businesses - LEGIT Wear and Green by Nature lawn care. They do it all, from taking and filling orders for athletic T-shirts to garnering and satisfying clients.

And in May, Jaren’s efforts as CEO of LEGIT Wear and Green by Nature were recognized at the Black Enterprise Conference in Nashville and in Black Enterprise magazine.

“We really have to compete with athletics to keep kids involved,” Terry Kelly said. “It’s an after-school program and requires a lot of extra time and attention, but realistically, few kids go on to play high school sports, even less go on to the pros. This gives them something they can use to be successful for the rest of their lives.”

It’s much more fun than school despite the homework, said one youngster.

“It’s a lot of studying but it’s more rewarding than school and more fun,” said Dejion Payne of Norfolk. “I feel like I’m learning really neat things.”

At the recent Hampton Roads Youth Leadership Conference at Norfolk State University, Dejion and the other young entrepreneurs were the teachers, allowing other students to experience the same benefits of their knowledge and hard work.

“I’m proud of it because I know how to make money and when I grow up I can do whatever I want,” said 9-year-old Marcus Bryant of Norfolk.

The program is opening more chapters across South Hampton Roads, including the most recent group in Suffolk. Though LEGIT got its start with a small grant from the city of Norfolk, it has become self-sufficient, not to mention producing self-motivated youngsters.

Kelly envisions the day when today’s LEGIT kids become tomorrow’s business leaders.

“The great part about it,” he said, “is the way it helps the entire community.”

Caption:GRAPHIC
LEARN MORE
LEGIT stands for Learning Entrepreneurs Getting It Together. It is
affiliated with the Norfolk-based Children of the Sun
Athletic/Educational Foundation.
Program director Terry Kelly will discuss the program at 4 p.m.
Wednesday at the Indian River Community Center, 2250 Old Greenbrier
Road.
LEGIT is planning entrepreneur camps for children 9-12 and 13-18 on
July 24, July 31 and Aug. 7.
For details, call Terry Kelly at 479-4191 or send e-mail to tklegit1
yahoo.com
gary c. knapp
Terry Kelly, right, a shipfitter mechanic at Norshipco who leads the
LEGIT program, explains the basics of positioning letters on shirts
to Devonta Henderson, 10, of Portsmouth.
danielle r. roach
Jaren Kelly’s work as CEO of LEGIT Wear and Green by Nature lawn
care, earned him recognition last month at the Black Enterprise
Conference in Nashville and in Black Enterprise magazine.
Copyright (c) 2003 The Virginian-Pilot
Record Number: 0306290014

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