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High School Student Helps
Distributor Set Up Software ProgramIMR, July 31, 1995
If you need part-time technical help but don't have the resources to employ someone, consider hiring a high school student, says Steve Bell. In April, Bell started Bell Forms & Supply Inc., a distributorship in Phoenix. He concentrates on sales while his wife handles customer service, accounting and "whatever else comes up." But they're often short-handed, so when Bell's minister asked if Bell Forms & Supply could employ his 16-year-old daughter Ashley part time during the summer, Bell agreed.
The student is primarily helping Bell's wife get the company's operations software package running smoothly. "She knows a lot about computers and isn't intimidated by them," says Bell, who feels strongly that many young people are computer whizzes who could help companies out. "And she has a great phone voice. Customers compliment us on how friendly our new employee is." Bell pays Ashley, who works anywhere from three to five days a week, $4.50 an hour. "For Ashley, it's better than flipping hamburgers at McDonald's," says Bell. "She's getting business experience." It's been such a success, Bell would like to continue the arrangement during the school year through a co-op program.