Young sportsman turns business owner at 18

By Laurie Gordon ANDOVER — Garrett Kazar of Green recently bought a business at the tender age of 18. Before rolling your eyes though, know that Kazar is an accomplished sportsman who is looking to turn his passion for the outdoors into a career. Kazar is one savvy young man and the new owner of Yoj Sports, located on Main Street (Rt. 206) in Andover. Kazar has always loved and taken advantage of all of the outdoor activities that Sussex County has to offer. "I've fished almost every stream and lake and hunted all the local woods since I was 10," said Kazar. "I wish every kid in the state of New Jersey had the opportunity to experience the great outdoors like I did, and I'm just 18." Kazar attended Pope John High School where he took college prep courses, played soccer and was on the ski team. He's currently a student at County College of Morris where he is taking marketing and business courses to help him in his new venture. "Since I could first walk my Dad has been taking me hunting and fishing throughout the northeast," Kazar said. "Dad took me trout fishing in Andover, bass fishing at Lake George and striper fishing down the New Jersey shore. We hunted small game and deer in New Jersey, woodcock and grouse in Maine and elk in Idaho." Kazar got bit by the hunting bug early on in life. "Perhaps my most memorable hunt was when I was six years old and I tagged along on a muzzleoader hunt at the Delaware Water Gap with my dad and Uncle Joe," said Kazar. "We saw deer, coyote and numerous small game. While we did not harvest anything that day I got hooked on being in the woods and experiencing the great outdoors." About eight years ago, Kazar started fishing almost every day; spring tout, summer bass, fall trout and especially ice fishing. He ice fished on Aeroflex Lake in Lafayette every weekend they had ice. At age 10, he got his license and started hunting with his father. Kazar credited many people in his life who helped him overcome some daunting obstacles, especially for an aspiring outdoorsman. "Several teachers and tutors helped me get through many challenges including a bad episode with Tourette Syndrome," said Kazar. "While I miraculously outgrew Tourettes there were several years where I struggled with tics and other side effects. Imagine being in a deer stand and trying to be quiet with the constant urge to tic vocally. My Dad would always say, 'let it go, it's OK.'" Kazar credited four of his teachers and the employees at Aeroflex for helping him to develop into an accomplished and capable young man. "And of course my mom who drove me before light and picked me up at dark more times than I can remember, and my best hunting buddy - my dad." Kazar has previously worked at Pittenger Farms, Cliff's Ice Cream, High Mountain Foods and Yoj Sports. "I put in many hours to save money and enjoyed meeting many co-workers and customers. I learned hunting and fishing from my dad, my uncle and the dozens of people I've met in the field. Outdoors-men are always willing to share a tip and give you a pointer. If you put enough time into something you can become an expert no matter how young you are." Kazar said that buying Yoj came "by chance." He was working there part time and getting ready for college when the owner confided in Kazar's father that he was thinking of selling the business. "My dad had promised me some money to buy a car for the drive to Morris Community College every day," said Kazar. Instead, he used the money plus all of his savings to buy Yoj. Kazar's father, Ed, is very proud of his son. "Garrett is the owner and responsible for day to day operations, profit and loss, and cash flow," he said. Because he is 18, the business is legally under his father's name but that's merely a technicality in both their eyes. "In essence we are partners but technically it is his money and his leadership driving the business. I act like his CPA," said Kazar's father. Located about a mile north of Yoj, Simon Peter Sports is a competitor, but Kazar said there's plenty of customers in northern NJ for both businesses. "I can only focus on Yoj and building a name and reputation that brings customers back ever time they need advice along with hunting, fishing and camping equipment," said Kazar. "I think the personal touch provided by myself and employees Ron and Skip will create loyalty and bring steady customers back." Future plans include expanded hours and a focus on providing quality outdoor equipment at affordable prices. "We sell camping, fishing and hunting equipment...with a warm smile, handshake and the best customer service in northern New Jersey." "They say you should love what you do and I got lucky," said Kazar. "I have the opportunity of a lifetime and I plan to enjoy every second of it." Kazar plans to grow the business, complete his college degree in business administration and to "get a little fishing and hunting in on the side." Yoj Sports is located at 196 Main Street in Andover and can be reached at 973-786-7382.