TOM’S TIMBER

Meet the young entrepreneur heating Toowoomba’s hearts and homes this winter

Tom Pike might be a little kid, but he definitely has a big work ethic. The 10–year–old Pittsworth lad launched his own business and it’s quite ingenious, considering the season.

He sells bags of kindling to shivering households around the region.

“It was my idea,” Tom beamed.

Tom and his father Nathan collect off–cuts from cypress mills in Cecil Plains, so he can chop them down into kindling for his customers.

While the thought of a child swinging an axe might rile some parents, Tom said it was all part and parcel of life on a farm.

“I am really good with the axe; I have been using it since I was five years old,” he said.

No small business would be complete without staff, so Tom roped in his youngers sisters, Brooklyn (5) and Sophie (8), to pack the kindling bags for sale, paying them a fair wage per bag packed.

Just as farm life taught Tom how to use his tools, it has also taught him the value of hard work.

He sold a few bags of kindling last winter but hopes to triple his takings this year.

“I usually have to work for a dollar — you don’t get anything for free.”

Tom’s goal is to sell $120–worth of kindling by the end of winter, with a long–term plan to save the money he earns and buy a car when he’s older.

Tom’s timing could not be better with the Toowoomba region shivering through a period of below–average temperatures.

If you are feeling the chill, buy a bag of Tom’s Timber by phoning 0428 787 462 or going to the Tom’s Timber Facebook page.

Bags sell for $12.50 each or, if you’re looking for a ‘buy in bulk and save’ option, the price is $22 for two bags, or $50 for five.