My brother is seven years older than me, which meant growing up he was equal parts big brother, babysitter, and neighborhood businessman.
One of my earliest memories is him taking me for rides on the handlebars of his bike when I was around five years old. At the time, I thought it was the greatest thing ever.
What I didn’t realize then was that apparently I was funding his entrepreneurial career.
The rides cost a quarter.
And if I fell off?
That cost another quarter to get back on.
Now let me be clear… falling off was not an accident. He absolutely hit curbs on purpose just to knock me off the handlebars. Looking back, I’m fairly certain he had figured out a repeat customer business model before he was even old enough to drive.
Honestly, though, I adored him.
When your brother is seven years older, everything about him seems cool. He had friends, freedom, a bike, and confidence. I probably would’ve emptied every last quarter out of my fuzzy bunny bank just to be included in whatever he was doing.
Funny how memories work.
At the time, those moments just felt ordinary. Now they’re the kinds of stories that come rushing back years later and make you laugh out loud by yourself.
The older I get, the more I realize life is made up of little moments like that. Not the big expensive memories. Not the perfectly planned ones. Just simple things… riding on handlebars, scraped knees, laughter, and an older brother trying to make a profit off his little sister.
Honestly, I should’ve known then he’d end up being an entrepreneur.
Happy Birthday to my brother — still finding ways to make money all these years later.
And for the record… I’m still owed a few quarters.
The Original Side Hustle
My brother is seven years older than me, which meant growing up he was equal parts big brother, babysitter, and neighborhood businessman.One of my earliest memories is him taking me…
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Sounds like the typical big brother but those are the memories that last a lifetime!
Yes!