Nine year old Kent ran a typical lemonade stand in the summer of 2010. He had fun and earned enough to buy some things he had really wanted. At the end of the summer he said, "Dad, I made a lot of money this summer. I got everything I wanted." Kent then asked if he could sell sodas to restaurants and stores. His parents let him know that when he was older he could explore the idea further. Kent pondered that for a minute and then said "Dad, I have everything I need right now, but there are lots of other kids with autism that can't do the things they want or need. I want to be able to help them get some of the things they want with the money we earn. Can't we start now? I don't want to wait." Kent lives in Vermont with his family, enjoys reading instructional manuals and playing with Legos. Kent has autism.
Kent's personal motto is "ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE!". He believes this 100%.
Kent's Soda Company is devoted to the POSITIVE SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT of children with autism. We are committed to donating a portion of sales for the benefit of social clubs, camps, and other social development programs for children with autism and their families.
Aaron Melville– Was recently named as one of Vermont’s 40 under 40 “Rising Stars” by Vermont Business Magazine. In addition to his work with Kent’s Soda, he runs a successful law practice and teaches business courses at Lyndon State and Champlain Colleges in Vermont. He is very active in his community. Aaron has served as a board member for several non-profit organizations, in various political, religious and scouting leadership roles, and in volunteer economic development positions with the Vermont International Trade Alliance (VITA) and the Export Legal Assistance Network (ELAN). Aaron attended Westminster College in Salt Lake City, Utah where he earned his B.A. in International Business in 2002 and a M.B.A. in 2005. He received his J.D. from Vermont Law School in 2005 where he served in various student leadership roles. Aaron is fluent in Spanish and resides in St. Johnsbury with his wife Michelle and their five children.
Aaron wishes to thank his students at LSC and Champlain for all their support in making this dream of Kent’s a reality.
Michelle Melville– Has been working as a stay-at-home mom for the past 10 years and will continue to do so. She is also currently employed as a part-time school librarian in a small, rural Vermont school and in the process of obtaining a Master's of Education from the University of Vermont. Michelle loves reading books to herself and children (of all ages).
