MAKING MONEY TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE

How It Started

Lemonade Stand

On May 6th, 2008, the Kao brothers opened their first Lemonade Day Stand. Embarking on their entrepreneurial journey, Tyler, Ethan, and Ashton shared their mission - using their profits to feed and house stray dogs - with hundreds of thirsty park-goers. Lemonade Day’s success made it an annual project for the boys for the next seven years.

The Family Business

Helping save stray dogs kindled the brothers’ appetite for social entrepreneurship. Working at the family business, they grew from shredding papers and removing staples to reorganizing the company’s website, navigating its thorny filing system, painting, and landscaping.

Flipping Houses

Their extensive experience working in the family real estate business inspired them to start their own real estate restoration and flipping company in 2012. They reinvested 50% of their profits in local charities to give back to their community. Over the last 7 years, they have expanded their business along with their impact. They continue to use 50% of the profits of their company to support their chosen causes. Over the last 10 years, they have expanded their business along with their impact.

OUR CURRENT FOCUS

Ashton leads the brothers’ current projects: in 2019 helping supply PPE to those in need, supporting STEM programs, provide and support online tutoring programs. Through providing iPads and computers to Houston literacy programs, as well as helping fund after-school tutoring, and backpack supplies at the start of the school year. With the increase of homeless pets due to Covid19, Ashton wants to also help solve the communities’ homeless animal crisis.

Where the Kao brothers are now

The Kao brothers are growing up. They all share a deep passion for rugby, video games, weight lifting, and traveling to see the world together.

Tyler is now a graduate of the University of Texas at the McCombs School of Business. Ethan is a junior at Rice University also studying business. Meanwhile, Ashton is a senior at Strake Jesuit College Preparatory School. In spite of their geographic distance, the brothers continue to be active in different business ventures. They have founded other charitable funds and giving circles, as well as continuing the important work of making a difference with The Awesome Fund.

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