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http://www.dundasstarnews.com/dsn/news/news_628568.html
Taylor Walker has never let being born completely deaf affect his life.
Now the 17-year-old Dundas resident and Highland graduate is operating his own window washing business with the help of a special Ontario government entrepreneur program, as he prepares to study industrial engineering and business management at the University of Toronto.
Hard work is nothing new for Taylor, who held a ski technician position at McMaster Sports.
"I think that the window company is my sixth job since I was 15," he stated in an e-mail.
And while studying at Pleasant Valley, Dundas District and Highland schools, regularly earning honors standing, Taylor also found time to volunteer with deaf children and participate in a wide variety of sports.
He's played with the Dundas Minor Hockey Association since he was four, and has also played soccer, baseball, basketball and pick-up football with friends.
Biking in the summer and skiing or snowboarding in the winter complete the extensive list of activities that keep Taylor busy. He hopes to referee some hockey games next year.
After being born with a complete lack of hearing, Taylor wore hearing aids as a child. At the age of 13, he received a cochlear implant at Sick Kids Hospital.
Taylor said that implant has done wonders, but the attitude instilled by his family appears to have been even more valuable.
"From the get-go, it was agreed that learning to speak was the way to go, and not to sign," he said.
"My parents have always taught me to never let my deafness be an excuse for not doing something, and it has never been an excuse."
Being deaf has never really been an issue in Taylor's life. He pointed out school curriculum was never modified for him, and he consistently earned very good marks.
He's had some mentors to help him deal with problems and said he's been lucky to meet friends who have been with him since childhood.
"That's the great thing about Dundas - everyone here is extremely friendly and local," Taylor said. "Something I'll miss at U of T."
He learned about the Summer Company 2006 program, offered by the Ontario Ministry of Small Business and Entrepreneurship, when a representative came to Highland.
Taylor's father, an accountant, encouraged him to start his own business under the program rather than work full-time elsewhere.
Successful applicants receive up to $1,500 to help with business start-up costs, plus another $1,500 in the fall upon completion of a business and proof of returning to school.
Taylor figured it was a rare opportunity he couldn't pass up.
"I decided on window washing because it is simple and quick to do for a student summer company, (has) low overhead and a large potential market within Dundas," he said.
He drew up a business plan, sent it in and hoped for the best.
Taylor is the only Dundas resident, and one of eight Hamilton area students, to receive a Summer Company 2006 grant.
His company's original start-up costs - for sponges and towels - was very low. But with the $1,500 grant, Taylor was able to invest in a telescopic water-fed pole, which makes window washing faster.
Streaks and spots
The aluminum pole attaches to a regular garden house and water is applied to the window with a special brush and a deioniser, which eliminates streaks and spots.
Now that the initial start-up and details have been completed, Taylor's biggest challenge is finding customers.
"Most people are quick to dismiss me at the door," he said. "Perhaps they just don't see the credibility in a student company, despite the fact I am fully insured and professional about my work."
Taylor plans to do some homes in strategic locations around Dundas, and hopes to earn more business from surrounding neighbours.
You can find out more about Taylor and his business, Walker Windows, at his website: www.walkerwindows.biz
Customers can also contact Taylor by email at gt_walker@hotmail.com.
Taylor Walker has never let being born completely deaf affect his life.
Now the 17-year-old Dundas resident and Highland graduate is operating his own window washing business with the help of a special Ontario government entrepreneur program, as he prepares to study industrial engineering and business management at the University of Toronto.
Hard work is nothing new for Taylor, who held a ski technician position at McMaster Sports.
"I think that the window company is my sixth job since I was 15," he stated in an e-mail.
And while studying at Pleasant Valley, Dundas District and Highland schools, regularly earning honors standing, Taylor also found time to volunteer with deaf children and participate in a wide variety of sports.
He's played with the Dundas Minor Hockey Association since he was four, and has also played soccer, baseball, basketball and pick-up football with friends.
Biking in the summer and skiing or snowboarding in the winter complete the extensive list of activities that keep Taylor busy. He hopes to referee some hockey games next year.
After being born with a complete lack of hearing, Taylor wore hearing aids as a child. At the age of 13, he received a cochlear implant at Sick Kids Hospital.
Taylor said that implant has done wonders, but the attitude instilled by his family appears to have been even more valuable.
"From the get-go, it was agreed that learning to speak was the way to go, and not to sign," he said.
"My parents have always taught me to never let my deafness be an excuse for not doing something, and it has never been an excuse."
Being deaf has never really been an issue in Taylor's life. He pointed out school curriculum was never modified for him, and he consistently earned very good marks.
He's had some mentors to help him deal with problems and said he's been lucky to meet friends who have been with him since childhood.
"That's the great thing about Dundas - everyone here is extremely friendly and local," Taylor said. "Something I'll miss at U of T."
He learned about the Summer Company 2006 program, offered by the Ontario Ministry of Small Business and Entrepreneurship, when a representative came to Highland.
Taylor's father, an accountant, encouraged him to start his own business under the program rather than work full-time elsewhere.
Successful applicants receive up to $1,500 to help with business start-up costs, plus another $1,500 in the fall upon completion of a business and proof of returning to school.
Taylor figured it was a rare opportunity he couldn't pass up.
"I decided on window washing because it is simple and quick to do for a student summer company, (has) low overhead and a large potential market within Dundas," he said.
He drew up a business plan, sent it in and hoped for the best.
Taylor is the only Dundas resident, and one of eight Hamilton area students, to receive a Summer Company 2006 grant.
His company's original start-up costs - for sponges and towels - was very low. But with the $1,500 grant, Taylor was able to invest in a telescopic water-fed pole, which makes window washing faster.
Streaks and spots
The aluminum pole attaches to a regular garden house and water is applied to the window with a special brush and a deioniser, which eliminates streaks and spots.
Now that the initial start-up and details have been completed, Taylor's biggest challenge is finding customers.
"Most people are quick to dismiss me at the door," he said. "Perhaps they just don't see the credibility in a student company, despite the fact I am fully insured and professional about my work."
Taylor plans to do some homes in strategic locations around Dundas, and hopes to earn more business from surrounding neighbours.
You can find out more about Taylor and his business, Walker Windows, at his website: www.walkerwindows.biz
Customers can also contact Taylor by email at gt_walker@hotmail.com.