Perhaps the smallest mall business owner in Wheeling, 4-year-old Kaiden Laborec is using his entrepreneurial charms to sell tuna on the sidewalk to anyone who passes by. And who could resist with a business name like Tuna Town? Even one who despises tuna, just like Kaiden and his mother, Tiffany Laborec, is drawn to the brightly painted stand made of cardboard boxes, and topped off with a large fish for a sign that bares the name “Tuna Town†in bold lettering.
On Tuna Town’s opening day of business, Kaiden raked in $42. He sells cans of tuna for 50 cents and beverages for 10 cents a cup. So far he is not sure how he will invest his earnings, maybe buy pizza or maybe open a savings account - a tough decision for most.
Although the small business was dreamed up by Kaiden, his grandmother, Patti Hoskins, helped him make it a reality. She said she believes his inspiration came from boats he saw on the Ohio River while they were taking a walk at the Heritage Port one day. This eventually turned into a conversation about fish and then about tuna fish.
"He's the one who dreamed this one up," Hoskins said. "He's always into something."
Hoskins and her husband, Larry Hoskins, operate their contracting business out of their home on Heiskell Avenue in Woodsdale.
On the weekends when Kaiden comes to visit, he helps his grandma in the office by stamping checks and stapling papers. He even has his own box of "business stuff" that he keeps at the office - perhaps his own business training kit.
"It's hard to say what he'll be. He loves this stuff. He always wants to come up with new businesses," Laborec said.
Before opening Tuna Town, Kaiden has also tried his hand at selling cheeseburgers this past summer. His father, David Hoskins, said he has also sold cookies and other small food items.
Laborec said Kaiden is serious about his newest business. She said he recently asked her if they were going to open up Tuna Town again. "We usually open on Sundays, weather permitting," she said.