Tommy’s Tuning business is booming

Tommy Brown, with the Land Rover he was able to purchase with the funds from his business last year. His parents matched his contribution. Photo: Kelsey Brown

PARK CITY, Utah — 14-year-old Treasure Mountain Junior High student Tommy Brown started his own ski tuning business last year in his family’s basement. After a great inaugural year, he’s looking to build off of the momentum.

“Last year was pretty successful,” Tommy said. With his parents matching his contribution, he purchased his first car, a 2003 Land Rover Discovery SE7. He’s currently fixing it up with the help of his Dad and neighbor.

He said ski tuning was a nice hobby to have during the pandemic winter months. “It was fun, it was distracting, and it benefitted me financially.”

“It goes so much deeper than just tuning people’s skis,” said his mom, Kelsey. “He’s learning so much about relationships and looking people in the eye, and answering the door and his phone in a way that invites people.” The business is a family affair, as Tommy cannot drive yet.

“We’re super proud of just the amount of effort and time he’s put into learning from last year, generating more business, keeping himself organized, and balancing school and his own extracurricular activities,” Kelsey said.

Tommy has made nearly as much money in the first week of business this year as last season combined. He manages all of his clients through an Excel spreadsheet. Keeping track of customer data allows him to remind people to get a wax and show them that he’s thinking about them.

“The demand for Tommy’s services have gone through the roof,” said his Dad, Peter.

A lot of his customers are loyal because they were impressed with his service last year. “I’ve definitely gotten more confident and a little bit faster at it as well. Getting the same quality work done as I was going slower,” Tommy said. “Even just a couple minutes can be really beneficial and feel like a lot less time wasted.”

Alongside his entrepreneurship, Tommy is on the Big Mountain team at Park City Ski & Snowboard.

He’s currently on vacation for Thanksgiving break and will be ready to take new orders on November 29.

You can book a ski tune or wax with Tommy’s Tuning by texting or calling Tommy at 435-800-9060.

Tommy’s Tuning Rates
$15: full tune (fresh wax, tuning edges, can fill in divots if needed)
$10: Wax only
$10: Tune edges
$5: Pickup and drop off service