of his fellow participants were winners as well. It ' s an opportunity he hopes might be available one day to everyone his age.
" I think it should be a required course in school. Everyone visits a business almost daily in their lives. But how many people truly understand what is happening to make that business operate?" he said. " I would challenge anyone with the drive, determination and the desire to broaden their horizons to take on the( YEA!) program."
Coe came by his business chops honestly. He ' s observed numerous people in his life succeed in that area, including his parents as well as his sister Sommer Schoch, known in Pulaski County for founding and directing Flashback Theater Co.
" From Dad, I learned the motivation to keep on keeping on. Mom( Angela) is an accountant so I learned how to crunch numbers," he said. " From my sister I ' ve learned level-headed marketing, aka common sense business advice."
The attention Coe has gotten in media and his recognition for his efforts by the State Senate— which took place when he was only 11— were " huge surprises " for Coe, but only the result of the hard work he has put in, which includes speaking at school events, churches, and in front of nursing home residents— something he does because he loves to teach others about the importance of bees.
Beekeeping remains in Coe ' s immediate future, but whether or not it ' s for the long term is, much like a flying honeybee, up in the air right now.
" As far as what ' s next, it will be wherever the Lord guides me," said Coe. " Definitely school, more school, and maybe some more after that. You can never learn enough. I have projects and plans for the business future, but those are secret. As far as when I get older, I honestly haven ' t decided. The beekeeping will always be a huge part of my life, but..."
Coe trailed off, suggesting
JULY 2025 SEKY- Southeast Kentucky Life • 17