Residents of the Lake City have probably seen a new black and red trailer parked in front of Utility Floors almost every day.
Well, that trailer belongs to Williams Lake’s youngest entrepreneur, Maddex Cullum, whose hot dog stand business is starting to take off throughout the community.
Cullum started Mad Dawgz Hot Dogs last year when he was 13 years old. Setting up in front of stores with nothing but a folding table and roasting machine at first, the now 14-year-old made a big step and purchased a new trailer.
“I’ve always liked the idea of making my own money, and being responsible with it,
says Cullum on why he began his business. “I’ve always liked hot dogs, I mean, who doesn’t like a hot dog. They’re also a really good food for a one-man show.”
For a fourteen-year-old, Maddex has a packed schedule that he works around. On top of school and his hot dog stand, Cullum works at the Sun Valley gas station. He says his bosses at the station are “really good and supportive” of Cullum’s hot dog stand, giving him the days off he needs to run the stand.
Cullum’s Maiden Voyage of his trailer was on May 11 with a great turnout. Maddex’s mother, Amandah Cullum, says the idea of where Maddex’s hot dog stand could turn into was a discussion between the two for a year.
“I had my doubts and a few fears given his age and his big ambitions,” Amandah says. “To say this is a proud mom moment is an understatement to say the least. I am so thankful for our community’s immense support and can’t wait to see where the season takes him.”
The idea of getting a trailer and taking the stand to the next step came while Maddex and Amandah were lying home sick. Maddex had the idea of being able to haul a small trailer with a dirt bike as they were looking at possibilities for selling hot dogs during the summer.
After finding a trailer in Kamloops, purchasing a trailer for $500, and taking it to a friend to have the trailer. It is now “exactly how I want it”, according to Maddex, and he went on to detail his plans of putting sinks in the trailer and getting another roaster.
Although the trailer is too large to be able to haul with a dirt bike, Maddex’s parents will chip in and help, which Maddex is grateful for.
“They definitely didn’t think I would bring it this far, but they’ve been so crazy supportive. With everything, from getting [the trailer] everywhere I need, to getting all the supplies. My mom did a very nice job helping me paint the inside and outside of the trailer. I couldn’t be here without them, and the community.”
Cullum has big plans for his hot dog stand. From short-term goals of paying off and breaking even with his expenditures this year. He has bigger ambitions on the horizon.
“My long-term goal would be doing something more than I never expected, like making it a full-time business, as in restaurants or multiple different trailers,” Cullum says.
While the business has been Maddex’s hard work to accomplish his vision. He thanks the Williams Lake community for how they have supported him as he begins his entrepreneurial journey.
“Thanks to everyone. All the support from Dennis Smith for making my vision come true with the trailer. My parents, Roger Geisel of HUB Insurance for helping me with insurance. Cariboo Propane for the sponsorship, and Linda and Mackenzie for helping me get a business license.”
Cullum and Mad Dawgz Hot Dogs can be spotted at several events this summer in Williams Lake.
This weekend, he will be parking his trailer at the Cariboo Classic Junior Steer & Heifer Show on Friday, May 30, until June 1.
Next, Cullum will be found at the Thunder Mountain Meet and Greet on June 8th.
Then on June 13th, Cullum will be set up at the Thunder Mountain season openers throughout the afternoon.
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