An unintended side effect of the current stay-at-home orders and social-distancing regulations is the abundance of free time many people seem to have. Now more than ever, people are taking up new hobbies and activities, such as learning an instrument, trying out new recipes or exercising. For Yosef Goldstein, a 17-year-old Frisch senior, this time has given him the opportunity to expand his business repertoire. He has recently launched a new business refilling CO2 seltzer canisters.
“I’ve always been an entrepreneur, and I thought there was no better time than now to expand the businesses that I run,” Goldstein told The Jewish Link. “This is something I always wanted to do in my life, start and work in my own companies, and I think it’s great experience for later on. I’m learning so much about how to run a business, and it’s been really cool getting out there and doing this. I’m excited to see what comes next.”
At just $10 per seltzer canister refill, Goldstein’s prices are extremely affordable and he provides his services in accordance with social-distancing regulations. At the owner’s request, he will leave refilled canisters outside wherever he is instructed so there is no physical contact involved, unlike going to a store. Thus far he has worked with a number of families, and the reviews have been extremely positive.
“It’s great to hear that the customers are happy with what I’m doing,” Goldstein said. “At the end of the day, the business is an opportunity for me to learn, and the best way a person can do that is by putting themselves out there. At first the idea of doing that was kind of scary, but if you’re not willing to take that leap, you’re never really going to get anywhere.”
The idea for the business grew from a thought Goldstein had one day. His whole family are big seltzer fans. He was mulling over the fact that there was a shortage around town because his family was having trouble getting their canisters refilled. After presenting his new business idea to his father and going over the logistics with them, he started taking the necessary steps to get the business up and running.
“We talked about it and my father agreed that there was a need in the community,” Goldstein said. “From there it was just a matter of laying everything out and organizing how it was all going to work. Even though the business is run by a teenager, I want my customers to feel that my services are on the same level as those of someone older. That’s really important to me.”
In addition to refilling seltzer canisters, Goldstein resells limited-edition sneakers trades stocks. When it comes to other kids looking to become entrepreneurs themselves, he had the following advice to share: “If you have an idea, go for it. The worst thing that can happen is it fails, but even then you’ve probably learned a few things from the experience. The best thing you can do is just be willing to say, ‘Yeah, the idea might fail, but I’m going to try it anyway and I’m going and see where it takes me.’ If you have that mindset going in, so much of the pressure comes off because there is nothing to fear and you’ll be able to enjoy the experience. Because it’s a cool thing you’re doing, and it takes guts to even be doing it in the first place.”
If you have any questions or would like to hire Goldstein, email [email protected] or call (201) 774-9800.
Adam Samuel is a journalist from Teaneck. He blogs at www.adamssoapbox.com.
