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Photo by Sue G. Collins
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Peter (left), Luke and Seth Gremban are the Coupon Kids. They're publishing their third book featuring exclusively Saline merchants. They will sell their books April 21 through 26 in front of Busch's ValuLand in Saline.
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When 10-year-old Seth Gremban was browsing through a book for hints on operating a successful lemonade stand a few summer ago, he found a recipe for an idea that has since launched his family into a small business to benefit his and his brothers' education.
With a little help and a lot of encouragement from his parents, Dave and Sue, family friends and local business owners, Seth and his associates — brothers Luke, 7, and Peter, 4 — have carved out a tidy little enterprise publishing coupon books featuring exclusively Saline merchants and services.
"It has been interesting and fun to watch the boys' talents surface," Sue Gremban said of Seth and Luke. "Seth has taken the initiative to want to go meet with business owners and been diligent with the project. Luke has come out of his shell as a salesman with confidence."
The Coupon Kids' collection of 20 discounted deals is now in its third printing and again will be sold by the little entrepreneurs for a week later this month in front of Busch's ValuLand, Mickey's Dairy Twist and likely through other venues in Saline. The distribution team is still working out the details from the Gremban's kitchen table.
Dave Gremban credits his boys with the enthusiasm and spirit that has fueled the project since the first printing last spring when they shopped the idea around, gathering buy-one-get-one free offers and discount offers from Saline businesses interested in supporting the Coupon Kids' endeavors or in selling the books for $3 each.
"Our children are learning precious life skills such as dealing with customers, setting deadlines and working with finances," said Dave Gremban, who helped guide the boys, working with the printer and confirming details along the way.
Each of the three books published so far have included about 20 coupons for Saline restaurants, shops and services who pay $35 for the advertising.
The first was distributed by hand to 500 Saline households. Then, a family friend suggested the boys sell the books. The Grembans sold another 167, sharing the proceeds with a church mission trip effort, the Downs Syndrome Support Team of Washtenaw County and the boys' education fund.
"We would like to continue this idea, raising money for local charities and hope to reach out to new needs by involving groups looking for a fund-raiser," Dave Gremban said.
This year, the Coupon Kids are looking to expand by publishing books in Ann Arbor, Chelsea and Dexter, resulting in more profits to share with more local charities.
"Dave is an idea man," said his wife.
The apple does not fall far from the tree.
Gremban has been a pastor for seven years and currently serves at Calvary Chapel Ann Arbor, the church he started in 2004. Previously, he was a systems/software engineer with Bell Laboratories and AT&T. Both he and Sue are graduates of the University of Michigan and are big Wolverine fans, something else they are sharing with their boys.
Sue Gremban taught first and second grade in public and private schools, focusing on music. She has also done education consulting for home school groups
"This project has benefitted so many people. Local Saline businesses get more customers, local Saline residents get good deals, local nonprofit organizations raise much-needed funds, and our kids are earning some money in the process," she said.
"Furthermore, this gives us opportunity to spend quality father-kids time together. All around, it has been a wonderful experience."
Staff Writer Sue G. Collins can be reached at 429-7380 or scollins@heritage.com.
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