Helena teen hones entrepreneurial skills over summer

Jackie Copenhaver is learning a little something about the entrepreneurial spirit.

The 15-year-old sophomore at Helena High just finished up a season running the family’s summer business – the Paradise Paddles shack at Spring Meadow – before returning to school.

The business was purchased by the Copenhaver family about 2 1/2 years ago and was meant as a way to save for college and keep the energetic redhead, who enjoys running cross-country during the school year, busy during the summer months.

Copenhaver was in her first year as the main employee and learned quickly how to deal with customers even younger, and sometimes much older, than herself.

"You learn how to deal with all different types of people and each group," she said. "There were a lot of kids that were wanting to get the Popsicles, then the older people come in and want to rent a boat."

By JEFF WINDMUELLER Helena Independent Record

Full Story: http://missoulian.com/business/local/article_b53ccdf6-d681-11e0-83dd-001cc4c002e0.html