A summer campfire tale sparked an idea for an enterprising Surrey youth that has yielded a thriving business and recognition from the Surrey Board of Trade.
In the summer of 2011 the Reid family was on a camping trip near Sorrento. Tyler Reid’s great-uncle Gordon McCracken pitched the idea of having a campfire; however, there was no wood at the site they were staying at. Tyler’s father, Kevin Reid, said it was a simple request, but it’s now a story he will never forget.
“Gordon said to Tyler, ‘Why don’t you go collect some wood, and we’ll have a fire?’”
Not only did Tyler – now 18 – collect enough wood for a fire, he started his own proverbial firestorm. Tyler has a learning disability that makes it difficult for him to speak and hold a conversation, but collecting, chopping and selling wood was something he could focus his mind on and excel at.
“He just kept collecting them and piling them up,” said Kevin. “For him, it was something he could do, and do well, and it took off.”
Thus was born Tyler’s Firewood Company. The teen has subsequently compiled an impressive resumé. He was named to the Surrey Board of Trade’s 2015 Top 25 Under 25. His firewood company, which collects unused dead wood, then chops and sells it for $12 a bundle, has landed some big clients, including the Hazelmere RV Park and Campground, Victory Memorial Park Funeral Centre, Jacob Brothers Construction, Rona and Echo Power Equipment.
Tyler also donates a portion of his sales to the Semiahmoo House Society, a non-profit organization that helps people with disabilities. Doug Tennant, Semiahmoo’s executive director, said Tyler – who also volunteers at Semiahmoo by sweeping floors and helping set up furniture and equipment for events – is a perfect example of an under-reported portion of Surrey’s youth.
“Also the fact that people with disabilities have a really tough time finding work in the community to begin with,” Tennant said. “So Tyler’s success in creating his own enterprise and generating his own income is not only an inspiration to the community, its youth, but also Semiahmoo House as well.”
Tyler has also set up a Facebook page for his business and, along with his father, auditioned for CBC’s Dragons’ Den. Although they were unsuccessful, Kevin said the experience was once in a lifetime.
“I told him it wasn’t a failure [not] to get on the show; it was a success. It shows him how far he can go when he works hard at something like this.”
With Tyler having also received a SASSY (Service Above Self Surrey Youth) Award, it appears the awards and accolades are just the beginning.
Anita Huberman, the Surrey Board of Trade’s chief executive officer, said Tyler Reid represents what a person can achieve in the face of adversity.
“He defied all odds and has made Tyler’s Firewood Company into a respectable establishment. Being successful is one important element in life, but being philanthropic displays how generous and grateful one is for their success.”
Kevin said he hopes Tyler’s story helps inspire other youth to overcome whatever obstacles they might have in their own lives.
“For him, it’s given him purpose with a capital P. He gets up in the morning with a purpose and a goal. How much firewood can I chop today? How much can I donate today? It gives his mind purpose, and I hope he helps empower others to do the same.”
