It's never too early to be an entrepreneur.
Just ask Casey Emerson, who at the age of 11 runs two Foothills-based businesses — Alberta Ranch Kid, a lifestyle brand he operates alongside his 15-year-old brother Jack, and Tiny Timber Sales, through which he sells his own firewood.
"If you want to do something, just do it," said Emerson, whose flagship business Alberta Ranch Kid promotes the farm lifestyle for all ages through branded apparel.
The Emerson brothers launched the business at their family ranch southeast of Black Diamond during the pandemic, and have since amassed an extensive following on social media.
The two embody the brand's message that kids of all ages are capable of being a proud and invaluable part of the farm, and Casey has further demonstrated that through Tiny Timber Sales, his solo venture over the last two years.
Through his business, Emerson cuts, dries and splits firewood himself, as well as loading it onto a truck for delivery.
"It's just kind of like a hobby of mine," he said. "I just like doing it, so I thought I might as well sell it."
Emerson is eager to support the community with his hard work, including most recently with a $200 donation to the Turner Valley Legion.
"I take a percentage of my wood sales in November, and I donate it to the Legion," explained Emerson, a student at C. Ian McLaren School in Diamond Valley.
"I thought it would just be nice to give back to the veterans, and because they've sacrificed a lot for us," he continued.
"He's quite the entrepreneur. He does everything," said Paul Barton, president of the Turner Valley Legion.
The funds will go toward supporting veterans in the area through the Poppy Fund, said Barton.
Last year, Emerson made a $100 donation to the Legion, which contributed to the Legion successfully paying off its CERB and becoming debt-free in January.
"The more wood I sell, the better," said Emerson, who is eager to continue increasing his support for the Legion.
Keep up with Emerson and his ventures on the Alberta Ranch Kid Instagram page.
Learn more about the Turner Valley Legion, which was established in 1929, here.