For most kids, first efforts to earn some money are often motivated by the desire to purchase a specific item.

For Logan Pandolfi, age seven, his first step into entrepreneurship came last year with his potato growing business “Welcome to Logan’s Potatoes.” But there’s more to Logan’s fledgling entrepreneurship than growing and selling potatoes. It’s a meaningful way to spend time with his dad, and he’s learning the art of philanthropy.

Last year, Logan received so much support from friendly local businesses, his dad encouraged him to donate some of his earnings back into the community and Logan happily donated $200 in supplies to two animal shelters.

“I really stress to Logan that we always want to be known and remembered as good people that think of others,” said Logan’s dad, Ryan Pandolfi. “Being a good, kind-hearted person is so important.”

This year, Logan wants to purchase new toys for children staying at Brandon Regional Health Centre (BRHC), and his dad is encouraging him all the way. The potato sales will take place over four days at four different locations Aug. 14-17 (details at Welcome to Logan’s Potatoes on Facebook).

Logan’s inspiration to buy toys came from personal experience. After attending a doctor’s appointment earlier this year at Health Sciences Centre in Winnipeg, he was given a toy at the end of his visit.

“He was informed by the nursing staff that a nice gentleman had purchased several toys to be gifted to the children that come through their centre. Logan loved this idea and immediately suggested he could do the same with his potatoes,” Ryan said.

Logan is aiming for $400 worth of toys which would include small games, cards, coloring books, and figurines to be gifted to pediatric patients. (He’s hoping there’s enough leftover for his personal goal, a Nintendo Switch.)

Logan first tried gardening at age three alongside his grandma and his dad. Each year, the father and son team have made the Pandolfi home garden a little bigger. Last year was Welcome to Logan’s Potatoes’ inaugural year, with 15 garden beds and pots. This year, they’ve expanded to an ambitious 34 beds.

Logan also has an entrepreneurial and philanthropic role model in his dad, who runs The Pandolfi Initiative, a promotions company, as well as one of his dad’s close buddies, comedian Big Daddy Tazz, who gave Logan his slogan “Get Your Spud From Your Little Bud.” His logo was designed by comedian Jon Ljungberg.

“Tazz and myself have done several community events through Westman over the years supporting local charities and individuals. Logan even took part at last year’s Big Daddy Tazz & Friends Comedy Show taking his shot at some jokes on stage! Tazz is “Uncle Tazz” to Logan, so the act of kindness and giving back was in Logan’s view from the start,” Ryan said.

While Logan enjoys the digging and the planting and the watering, and does as much work in the garden as he is able, his dad says the real fun is on sale day.

“Honestly the best part for Logan is the actual selling. We have a maximum of 3 pounds per person/per household per day. We do this so Logan can experience as much as possible the whole process of people buying from him,” Ryan said.

Pandolfi says people often ask how much of the work Logan does and how much “dad” does.

“We are very much a team. I certainly encourage him and support him but this is 100 per cent his venture and his business,” Ryan said.

“Logan is responsible for the watering of his potatoes unless it is extreme heat of course. He also assisted in planting 26 of the 34 beds and will be hands-on when the time comes to harvest! He will also be on hand selling his potatoes all four days, and weighs them all out into one-pound bags.”

Some of Logan’s supporters include: Tasmanian Gravel, Livingstone Outdoor, The Green Spot, Heritage Coop Brandon, Carberry Signs, Pantages Salon and Spa, Scott Hlady of Scooter Repairs, Sullivan’s Food Truck, Toymasters, and Brandon Bouncy Castles and Inflatables.

Logan’s goal is to raise 120 pounds of potatoes (his dad is hoping for 200). Potatoes will be $3.50 per pound. Also available is the $27 “Logan Spud Deal” including three pounds of potatoes, a tote bag, a keychain, two decals, a cutting board and fridge magnet.

While there are plenty of benefits to helping children learn to enjoy work, there is also something more personal to be gained for both father and son.

“As a father, there is nothing better than getting to spend quality time with your son and this has been something that Logan and I have developed more and more over the last couple of years,” Ryan said. “We have so much fun with it every step of the way … this potato stuff is our thing. And Logan takes so much pride in it, I am so utterly proud of him.”

According to Logan Pandolfi, there’s one more thing that’s really important about Welcome to Logan’s Potatoes.

“The potatoes!”

For complete details on the sale go to Facebook at Welcome to Logan’s Potatoes. Dates: August 14 – The Green Spot; August 15 – Pantages Salon; August 16 -Toymasters; August 17 – Livingstone Outdoor.

wendyjbking@gmail.com