If you were to ask a group of teenagers what fields they hope to work in, you’ll get many different answers. Some will say they hope to be a doctor, a lawyer, maybe even an influencer. These answers typically change over the years, but for 15-year-old Akiva Mensh, his answer has always been the same: He wants to own a construction business. Mensh describes himself as a fixer, and casually lists off a number of ways he has improved his parents’ home. Since he’s still an MTA sophomore, he has decided to launch Akiva’s Sealcoating and Repair, offering an assortment of handyman services to Teaneck and surrounding areas.
Mensh says that from a young age he has always liked to build things and work with his hands. He used to love watching construction workers build houses, and dreamed of getting to do similar work himself. When he lost his grandfather a few years back, he inherited a collection of tools that solidified his passion.
“Fixing things has always been in my blood,” Mensh shared with The Jewish Link. “I guess it’s kind of ironic, because no one else in my family has the same interests. But it’s something I’m really passionate about, so when my grandfather passed and I got to keep all his tools, it really sparked something inside me. For the first time I made the conscious decision that this was something I wanted to pursue.”
Mensh learned the skills of the trade from his neighbors, who taught him all about safety and how to properly handle different handyman tools. It’s from these neighbors that he learned how to use a power washer and install appliances. He also learned a number of skills from watching YouTube videos.
“I really tried to take in as much information as possible before getting started,” Mensh continued. “There are many different things that go into handyman work, and I wanted to learn it all. My neighbors were really awesome that they were willing to spend so much time teaching me, and I tried to be the best student possible.”
With Akiva’s Sealcoating and Repair, Mensh’s offerings include appliance installations, painting and sealcoating for asphalt driveways, which is his specialty. He launched the company this past summer, and has already been receiving strong positive reviews from the clients he has worked with thus far.
“It’s really been great, how positive the response has been,” Mensh continued. “Most of my opportunities are coming from word of mouth, and I am so grateful that people are willing to spread the word about me. It gives me that extra confidence boost to keep going and keep doing what I love.”
When it comes to how his parents have responded to their son’s new business venture, Mensh says they were skeptical at first, but are now his biggest supporters. They’re especially proud that of the money he makes, Mensh donates 10% to tzedaka.
“One of the best things about my company is my affordable rates,” Mensh continued. “I’m a lot cheaper than hiring workers from some other company, and I try to respond to jobs and repairs as soon as possible. I also offer free estimates.”
Looking forward, Mensh hopes to expand his company’s offerings and add more workers to his team. For now though, Mensh is focused on learning everything he can about running a business, while also experimenting with marketing.
“I truly love what I do,” Mensh went on to say. “While other kids like spending their time playing video games, I like getting to work. I enjoy it so much that it doesn’t even feel like I’m working, and instead is something I look forward to. I like to think that I’m getting a head start on my career, and I’m so excited to see where the company goes from here.”
Akiva’s Sealcoating and Repair is actively accepting work opportunities. If you have any questions or would like to learn more, you can email Mensh at [email protected]. You can also call him at 201-921-5935.
Adam Samuel is a journalist from Teaneck. He blogs at www.adamssoapbox.com.
