SASKATOON – Now that most university students are done for the year, it’s time to find summer jobs. One University of Saskatchewan engineering student is going outside of his comfort zone and running a business.
While thousands of students have run businesses across the country, Kyle Shaw claims to be the first student to do so from a wheelchair. He’s been in the chair since a car accident at the age of 16 but hasn’t let it hold him back. Scholars Edge Painting is in its first year in Saskatoon.
“I’m not the most handy guy out there, I’m not naturally gifted in that aspect so it something that takes me out of my realm of comfort and it’s something that I think along with the managerial side of the position will be able to help me with my academic careers down the road,” said Kyle Shaw, Saskatoon Scholars Edge Painting branch manager.
The 25-year-old is always looking to challenge himself, he says it’s in his competitive nature. His athletic background has helped him get around people’s homes, most of which don’t have ramps for his wheelchair. Right now Shaw has about a dozen jobs lined up into June.
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Nine U of S students are grabbing a paint brush this summer for both exterior and interior projects, as well as helping worthwhile causes. Out of every job, Shaw’s company makes a small contribution to the local MS Society and Canadian Cancer Fund.
“The young lady who we are painting for actually suffers from Multiple Sclerosis herself, so she’s not able to get out and paint it on her own, so we’re looking to come out help her out and give back to the community a bit and also raise awareness for the MS walk,” said Shaw.
With tuition going up, Shaw had no problem recruiting students to join his team.
While Shaw knows it’s a daunting task, he’s up to the challenge hoping enough work comes in to keep his team busy until University starts back up in September.
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