For many teenagers, getting a first job is a rite of passage, a chance to earn spending money, learn responsibility, and gain independence. For 16-year-old Josiah, however, that milestone carries far greater meaning.
Josiah lives in Highlands Ranch with his parents and younger brothers Charlie and Marshall. He has Mosaic Down Syndrome, a condition that creates cognitive and social challenges many teenagers never have to consider while entering the workforce.
While most teens can apply for part-time jobs in restaurants, stores, or recreation centers, traditional workplaces often are not designed with Josiah’s needs in mind. Busy environments can feel overstimulating, unfamiliar interactions can be stressful, and transportation presents another challenge because driving is not an option.
Watching this reality unfold, his parents began asking an important question. How could they help their son build confidence, independence, and practical life skills in a world that might not naturally create those opportunities for him?
The answer came in an unexpected place.
A year ago, the family launched Farmer Bros Call of Doody, a pet waste removal business created to teach all three boys the value of hard work, entrepreneurship, and financial responsibility.
Like many parents raising kids in an affluent community, they noticed their sons had grown used to simply asking for what they wanted: new shoes, outings, snacks, or spending money. The requests seemed endless, and they wanted their children to understand that money should be earned, not simply handed over.
But while teaching responsibility was the original goal, the business quickly became centered around something bigger: creating meaningful work specifically for Josiah.
The boys helped build every part of the company, from brainstorming names and voting on the logo to opening a business bank account, creating flyers, and going door-to-door introducing themselves to neighbors. It became a hands-on lesson in hustle, persistence, and teamwork.
Instead of forcing him into a workplace that may not accommodate his disability, the family built a job around his strengths. The work is quiet, flexible, and low stimulation. He can listen to music, work at his own pace, avoid overwhelming social interactions, and experience the pride that comes with earning his own money.
Today, the business serves roughly 10-20 clients each week. All three boys help with pricing, scheduling, advertising, and the physical work itself. Together, they are learning what it means to build something from the ground up and take ownership over something they created.
For Josiah, the greatest reward has been confidence. Having his own income has given him freedom, independence, and a sense of accomplishment that many young people take for granted.
His parents also hope the experience teaches generosity. They wanted their sons to understand that hard work allows people not only to provide for themselves but also to give back to others in meaningful ways.
Looking ahead, the family dreams even bigger. They hope Josiah will someday grow the business and eventually train other people with disabilities who face similar barriers entering traditional workplaces while creating flexible opportunities designed around their strengths.
They imagine a future where trucks carry the company logo across the community and where Josiah steps into a leadership role not simply as an employee but as a mentor helping others discover the same confidence and independence this business has already given him.
For this family, the mission extends well beyond profit.
What began as a family lesson about work ethic has become something far more meaningful, proof that sometimes building a business is not simply about making money but creating opportunity where it did not exist before. Josiah’s mom, Wendy, says. “I love the endless learning my boys are getting about life, leadership, hard work, responsibility, decision making, and money management.”
If you are interested in hiring Farmer Bros Call of Doody, or following their journey, you can find them on Instagram @farmberbroscallofdoody, or email them at farmerbroscallofdoody@gmail.com.
Quick Facts with the Farmer Bros:
Josiah (16) :
An aspiring pop star and Hollywood celebrity. Keeps everyone laughing.
"I love having my own money. I can buy things that mom would say no to!"
Charlie (15):
Smart, responsible, and hard working.
"I love making much more money in way less time than if I worked for someone else."
Marshall (11):
A ton of fun and enjoys everything about everything.
"I love being outside and earning a ton of money to spend and give as I want."
"I love the endless learning my boys are getting about life, leadership, hard work, responsibility, decision making, and money management." -Wendy Farmer