Hillsborough Teen's Yard Work Business Helps To Give Back To Families In Need

HILLSBOROUGH, NJ — An ambitious Hillsborough High School student and entrepreneur, Brandon Bender's business is all about helping his community and giving back.

"I like helping out the community," said Bender to Patch. "I've always been passionate about charity. So I thought helping Steps Together was a good idea to merge my enjoyment of my want to do business, and also helping out the local community."

At 13 years old, Bender started his yard work business for community members.

"My most popular service is weeding, but I also do raking, mulching. I plant small plants, and also do watering," said Bender.

Each year, he has donated 10 percent of his proceeds back to Steps Together. He then got the Hillsborough Rotary to also match his donation each year.

"Brandon epitomizes Steps Together: a community coming together and paying forward their blessings. Steps Together has been impactful because so many in our community find their own way to contribute to our collective goal of ensuring families know they are not alone when faced with a sudden medical crisis. To see the next generation coming forward warms my heart beyond words. I also hear from his customers that Brandon does a great job!" said Courtney Newman, Founder of Steps Together.

Steps Together is a Hillsborough-based 501(c)(3) organization that assists families facing a medical crisis by providing them with greater financial relief and bringing awareness to the conditions that impact them.

Bender begins his business after graduation and continues it throughout the summer. He serves a portion of the Hillsborough area, as he has to be able to bike there.

Primarily, he serves the Woods Road and Amsterdam area.

When he first started the business, Bender's dad, Billy, would handle the customer communications, but now that he is 16, he will handle that himself.

"I'm very proud of him. I think it's wonderful. And I like how he's slowly taking more and more of it on himself," said Billy Bender.

Bender's dad also added that Brandon has been giving back to charity since he was a child.

"I don't even know what age he was, but he had a collection of Pokémon cards, and there was like three big tragedies in a row. So he said, 'Hey, I want to sell my Pokémon cards.' And then he donated that money to the Red Cross," said Billy. "I think it's wonderful. It's a little bit entrepreneurial. It gets him outside. And, it's a great thing."

"I am impressed with his work ethic and his commitment to the customers and the community," said Brandon's mother, Robin.

Bender is already gearing up for the summer season with his sophomore year coming to a close.

"I feel proud of myself, but I'm also thankful to be able to do this," said Bender. "To be able to help Steps Together and the people they're helping who are less fortunate. This is kind of showing my appreciation for what I have in life, and giving a little towards the people who are not as fortunate."

To reach out to Brandon Bender and inquire about his yard work services or to find out if he serves your area, email brandonyardwork@gmail.com.

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