A 14-year-old Kansas City, Missouri, teen woke up to a nightmare after discovering that thieves had stolen nearly $20,000 worth of his lawn care equipment.
According to Fox 4, Sonny Gallardo had been working towards his entrepreneurial dreams since he was just 10-years-old, eventually establishing his own lawn care company, Sunnyside Jobs LLC. Over the years, Gallardo had built up his business and clientele, and acquired all the necessary equipment, including a stand-on mower, three push mowers, and more.
However, thieves struck in the early morning hours right outside his home, making off with his entire trailer, which had been hitched to a vehicle. The shocking theft was even captured on camera.
Thieves Target 14-Year-Old’s Business, Leaving Him With Nearly $20K in Losses
14-year-old Sonny Gallardo and his grandfather worked hard to build their lawn care company, only to have their efforts seemingly wiped out when thieves stole their entire trailer filled with expensive equipment right outside their home.
Fox 4 obtained surveillance footage showing the theft unfold in the early morning hours before sunrise. The video captured a truck pulling up alongside Gallardo’s family vehicle before thieves were seen unhitching the brand-new trailer, which contained all of the family’s lawn care equipment. They then hitched it to the back of their own truck and drove away.
“You took away a 14-year-old’s dream to be a big-time lawn company,” Gallardo told the news outlet. The items that were stolent included a stand-on mower, a riding mower, three push mowers, two rakes, two weed eaters, two gas blowers, a tool bag, the trailer itself, and more items, all estimated to be worth nearly $20,000.
Gallardo was able to purchase a stand-on mower with his remaining savings to make sure he continues to operate his business. In fact, he’s also keeping a positive mindset despite the massive loss.
“I’m going to keep on going…it’s my dream. I’ve always wanted to be a really good lawn mower guy. I like giving joy to people. I like making people happy with what their lawn looks like,” he told Fox 4.
The theft is still an active investigation according to Prairie Village police.
Community Rallies Behind Teen as GoFundMe Nears $20K
Despite losing everything he needs to run his lawn care business, Gallardo is receiving some much-needed support. A GoFundMe was launched with a $22,000 goal to help replace the stolen equipment and allow the young entrepreneur to continue growing his business.
“Sonny was completely devastated, and so is the family. This year, Sonny got his lawn business, Sunnyside Jobs, LLC and was in the process of getting it insured when coverage was denied by one insurance company because Sonny power washes. Sonny was in the process of working with a different insurance company but was not quick enough, and coverage was not yet in place,” the GoFundMe read.
“This fundraiser will help Sonny replace the stolen lawn equipment and rebuild Sunnyside Jobs,” it continued.
The news of Gallardo’s stolen equipment appeared to go viral as the GoFundMe is already nearing $19,000.
Kansas Teen’s Business Dream Takes Devastating Hit After Thieves Steal Nearly $20K