INUVIK - After the noon dismissal bell rings at Samuel Hearne Secondary School, Josh Drescher doesn't have the luxury of being able to hang out with his buddies or to play a pick-up game of soccer.

He's got a business to run.

Josh Drescher, left, and his helper Andrew Robertson take a break from a fencing job on Monday afternoon on Wolverine Road. - Andrew Rankin/NNSL photo

That's the way it's been for the Grade 12 student for the past month or so since he started his own contracting firm: Joshua's Odd Jobs.

His latest two construction contracts had him working after school until about 10 p.m. every night, replacing five pilings on one house and one piling on the other. After each shift he would run home for a quick bite to eat, finish his homework and then off to bed. He would rise early the next day and start the cycle again.

"It can get a bit tiring," he said with a laugh. "My friends are calling me all the time and text messaging, so it's distracting. It's stressful sometimes, so I might slow down during winter."

While currently holding down three contracts and with hopes to bid on some upcoming ones, it appears unlikely that he'll be able to rest soon. But he wouldn't have it any other way.

"I enjoy working hard and being outside. It's work that I like doing. I've always enjoyed carpentry work."

Drescher has a couple of years working as a carpenter's helper under his belt. The idea to start his own business bloomed just over a month ago after his neighbour Ethel Gordon hired him to do a small job which included installing skirting around her home and replaced some pilings.

His father Mike suggested he go all the way and open up his own business. The ambitious entrepreneur agreed and came up with the name, licensed it and has since hired two casual workers, paying them up to $25 an hour.

His father is still offering a helping hand, making signs to advertise the business and supplying some advice when needed.

Drescher offers a whole range of services, from flooring to fencing to painting. While he might not have the big bucks yet to compete for local contracts, he's hoping that will change in the future. His goal is to grow the business over the next 10 years, while hiring a local workforce.

Gordon said she was impressed by Josh's work as well as his work ethic and attitude. She believes his business will be a success.

"I like the way he worked," she said. "He did a very good job and he's polite and respectful. He's a very hard worker and professional. I think he'll be successful."

For now he's learning the ropes of being a young businessman and he says one of the challenging aspects of his job is juggling numbers, especially nailing down how much various projects are worth.

But he believes those skills will blossom in time and he's not opposed to seeking advice from senior contractors around town.

"It's a little intimidating competing with them," said Josh. "But I'm sure they started out the same way."