By Katherine Beaty
The other day, my husband and I were running errands when we realized we needed firewood. Typically, this would mean a visit to our “firewood guy.” However, this time we found ourselves pulling off the road in a wooded, rural area to examine an unexpected discovery: a large, box-like structure, painted fire engine red, with a black shingle roof, holding firewood for sale. It stood out like a beacon, and as we approached, I was struck by the clever design and thoughtfulness behind it.
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A hand-painted sign with a black background and crisp, white lettering read: “Firewood Bundles $5, Loose Stack $20.” The structure itself wasn’t just functional — it was brilliant. Pallets were meticulously arranged into four slots, each storing the wood neatly and securely. To my surprise, the structure also included a black mailbox for cash payments and a QR code linking to a Venmo account for digital transactions. I found myself unexpectedly moved, processing a range of emotions as I stood there in front of this firewood stand.
As it turns out, this creative firewood stand is the work of a high school student, saving money to restore his grandfather’s old Ford pickup truck. Knowing that made it even more remarkable.
Faith in humanity
Seeing this honor system at work rekindled a nostalgic sense of trust and optimism. When I began my parking career nearly 30 years ago, honor boxes were the norm in many parking lots. Drivers would fold their dollar bills into impossibly small rectangles to squeeze them into the thin, numbered slots corresponding to their parking spaces. It was a painstaking process, and many bills emerged mangled or damaged beyond recognition.
Unfortunately, these honor boxes were often vandalized or emptied by thieves, making the system more of a target than a solution. Yet, here in rural Tennessee, I witnessed a simple, elegant setup that relied on trust — and it was working. This firewood stand wasn’t locked up or monitored; it was an invitation to act honorably, and it restored a little faith that humanity hasn’t entirely lost its sense of integrity.
Embracing technology
What truly impressed me, though, was the seamless integration of technology into this old-fashioned system. This young entrepreneur clearly understood that not everyone carries cash these days, and he had adapted his payment options accordingly. The addition of a QR code for Venmo payments showed not only creativity but also an understanding of his customers’ preferences.
This forward-thinking approach reminds me of the transformations happening across many industries, including parking. As we’ve moved from physical honor boxes to digital payment systems, it’s clear that technology can enhance convenience and trust — when used thoughtfully. The firewood stand was a perfect example of how blending traditional values with modern tools can lead to something truly inspiring.
Innovating parking operations
This firewood stand also made me think: How could we adopt similar ideas in our parking operations? Imagine a beach parking lot with a kiosk offering beach chairs, umbrellas, or sunscreen — customers could grab what they need and pay via QR code or app. At a state park, a simple, honor-based setup could provide firewood or camping essentials for visitors parked nearby, enhancing the guest experience while generating additional revenue.
Even urban parking operations could embrace these concepts, perhaps offering umbrellas on rainy days or chargers for electronic devices, all managed through digital payments. These ideas merge convenience, trust, and technology — precisely what modern customers expect.
A budding mogul with a purpose
What makes this story even more special is the person behind it. A high school student with big dreams, this young entrepreneur isn’t just selling firewood; he’s saving money for a good cause. His drive and ingenuity are inspiring. By creating this thoughtful and efficient system, he’s not only learning the basics of running a business but also preserving a family legacy.
This budding mogul isn’t just earning money; he’s teaching all of us a lesson in blending trust, creativity, and a forward-thinking approach. Whether it’s a rural firewood stand or a global enterprise, the best ideas often come from recognizing a need, innovating to meet it, and staying true to your values.
As we drove away with our bundle of firewood, I couldn’t help but feel hopeful. Sometimes, the simplest innovations remind us of the potential we all have to connect with others and make life just a little bit better.
KATHERINE BEATY is executive vice president of customer experience for TEZ Technology. She can be reached at katherine@teztechnology.com.
