Student turns businessman

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September 7, 2008

By ALVIN REINER The Press Republican Sun Sep 07, 2008, 12:00 AM EDT

WESTPORT -- Fifteen-year-old Kevin Russell jumped through the hoops of bureaucracy and survived this summer's wicked winds and rain to conduct his hot-dog business.

"I'm interested in business," said the Westport Central School sophomore and member of the Future Business Leaders of America.

He thought of setting up a food stand in a building but found out he couldn't do that.

"Originally, I wanted an ice-cream stand, but I was zoned wrong. This (his wheeled stand) is not a permanent building. So I figured, everyone loves hot dogs."

The culinary outpost was located on the edge of the property owned by his parents, Craig and Sue Russell, who run the Westport Veterinary Hospital near the Essex County Fairgrounds.

Kevin obtained health permits and had his business inspected by the New York State Department of Health.

He obtained a loan of $2,500 from his parents to purchase the cart, tent and other needed materials.

Kevin called his enterprise Krazy K's because he felt it was "a catchy name and easy to remember."

During one of this summer's powerful storms, which dropped many trees in the area, Kevin's tent was carried about 200 yards into the middle of the fairgrounds.

From then on, he confined his business to fair-weather days. "Most people don't want to eat hot dogs in the rain," he said.

In addition to the hot dogs, Kevin took advantage of the proximity of the vet clinic by offering its clientele Frosty Paws, which is a canine form of ice cream.

With the season over, Kevin will have his stand available for rent.