2023 Hamilton High School graduate Jeremy Mathews wasn't exactly sure what he wanted to do after graduation in May. Months prior, he had started to dabble in the world of pressure washing and found he had enjoyed it. While the thought of college was in the back of his mind, he quickly realized how much support he had from Hamilton High School and his community to start his own business.
JPW Pressure Washing quickly became a licensed business and Mathews continues to make a great name for himself with his clients.
"What I do is exterior cleaning, so windows, siding, roofs, gutters, all of that stuff and power washing. At first, I thought it would be a summer thing or little side thing but I've seen a tremendous support from our community," Jeremy explained.
While he never expected to own his own business at 18 years of age, he says Hamilton High School helped get him prepared for what was next.
"Believe it or not, I never took a business class at Hamilton, but what really helped me was my English classes, believe it or not," Mathews added. "To actually write good emails and stay professional, it was a big help and taught me a lot."
Mathews was actually hired by the high school ahead of the 2023 commencement to power wash and clean up the outdoor patio area, which was certainly a full circle moment.
"If you can have on your record that I washed for Hamilton High School, a lot of other businesses will trust you with that, so it really helps develop trust," he added.
His message to other students who are unsure of what to do after high school is to pursue your dreams and passions.