WELLINGTON, Kan. (KSNW) – A 12-year-old in Wellington created a side gig to fund a good deed. It has now grown into his own business, Pump up the Jam.
Two years ago, Axel Hagerman wanted to fulfill an expensive bucket list item: a trip to the ocean.
“It’s not something that many people get to see,” Hagerman said.
His dream was for someone else to experience the water.
“We got a foster child. She’s never seen the ocean before, so I wanted to take her,” Hagerman said.
He came up with a solution made up of sweet deliciousness.
“We started doing the jams and jellies, and we got to go to the ocean,” Hagerman said.
His little business, Pump Up The Jam, successfully paid the way.
“It was just cool to watch her have fun,” Hagerman said.
He found out that making jams and jellies gives him a rush.
“It makes me feel pretty good. It makes me want to keep doing it because of how much people like it,” Hagerman said.
He’s made a name for himself as The Jam Man, and he lives up to the title.
“You’d be surprised how much sugar is in this,” Hagerman said. “People just love it; it tastes good.”
Giving it to people is the best part.
“This is where the hard work really pays off,” Hagerman said.
Hagerman says the experience is valuable.
“It taught me responsibility. It’s just a fun thing,” Hagerman said.
He has built relationships through it.
“We made a lot of friends. One of our favorites, she’s our number one seller; her name is Beverly. She just loves this stuff,” Hagerman said.
His jams and jellies spread love throughout the community.
Hagerman is working on adding more products to his business including honey and beef jerky. His goal down the line is to become a chef.
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