Waypoint Bank – Eustis Launches Youth Farmers Markets

For many people, making money is the first step in learning how to manage money.  With the help of Waypoint Bank – Eustis, a group of young people recently took a giant leap into their individual financial futures.

“Our youth is our future, and if Waypoint Bank can help support that future, we will,” explained Assistant Vice President Tristan Newcomb. “Our youth is so important!” 

Newcomb and Waypoint Bank – Eustis organized Youth Farmers Markets on June 3 and July 1, providing more than a dozen youngsters – the oldest was 12 – with a marketplace to pitch their wares to the Eustis community. The vendors offered a range of goods, including bookmarks, bracelets, potholders, chalk, crayons, candles, strawberry-rhubarb jam, eggs, bread, pie, spider plants, and flowers.

When they closed up shop, the kids walked away with money in their pocket and – even better – a lesson in how entrepreneurial efforts can pay off in both earnings and a sense of pride.

How the Youth Farmers Market was hatched

For Tristan, a lifelong Eustis resident who has worked at the bank as a loan officer since graduating from college in 2009, being involved in her community comes naturally; it’s why she thinks working at a community-minded bank is a great fit.

Tristan says that Waypoint Bank – Eustis is always looking for new and fun things to do (such as delivering flower bouquets, inviting customers for lunch, and sponsoring Float Fridays), and they’re especially interested in ways to involve children. 

As a mom of three (Kellan-11, Drew-8, and Amelia-6), she knows how much her kids enjoyed what they called “egg selling days” – when her kids would gather and prepare around 20 dozen eggs, then sell them from the back of the family SUV that Tristan would park across from the bank. “I saw how they enjoyed making money and how they felt very accomplished and rewarded for their work,” she shared. “The bank staff and I wanted to give other young budding entrepreneurs the chance to showcase and sell items they grew or made, so our Youth Farmers Market was born.”

Waypoint Bank – Eustis Youth Farmers Market Becomes Reality

This spring, the bank scheduled the market day, created promotional materials, and began inviting kids in the community to sign up.  “We sent permission slips and information to the school to pass out before summer break,” shared Tristan. “Our school is always very willing to do things like this – which is great – because this reaches a lot of non-customers who don’t follow us on social media or know what we’re providing at Waypoint Bank – Eustis.” 

Tristan says the budding entrepreneurs learned many life skills and had a great time along with their parents. The markets were such a hit that the bank plans to return them again next year.

As far as the money that was made at the markets, or any money that kids might pull in from summer jobs, Tristan has some sound financial wisdom for the parents who want to see it used wisely.

“I suggest opening a savings account,” she advised. “Come up with a fun way for your kids to earn money and build that savings account up. Whether it’s an allowance or making and selling something, kids will see their account build and learn what it’s like to have money in the bank.”

Cover photo: Forest and Boone Schurr sold tin can flowers. Olive Schurr sold bookmarks.