Outlets on both sides of the Atlantic are reporting on a New York City man who makes $55,000 a year selling candy on the train. Folks might eye the young black men who typically peddle M&Ms and gummy bears to weary passengers with a tad of suspicion or even pity. Do they have a license for their livelihood? Can they make enough to survive? But Alex ‘Tracks’ McFarland, 24, has been lucratively catering to throngs of straphangers in New York’s subway system since the age of 11. And he makes roughly $150 a day doing it. AOL’s jobs site reports:
Alex “Tracks” McFarland started selling candy on the subway at age 11, and is the subject of a two-minute documentary by Bianca Consunji (via New York magazine). With his 13 years of experience, Tracks knows the business well. Peanut M&Ms is his biggest seller, but he’s got Welch’s Fruit Snacks if you prefer your candy grape-flavored and gummy.
McFarland is quite the legal street entrepreneur, who has diversified his stock to include Famous Amos chocolate chip cookies for people who claim they don’t like candy. Through his daily grind on the D train, this savvy young man is able to take care of his family and tread the tunnels in $300 sneakers.
British paper The Daily has also reported on this NYC go-getter, stating that McFarland, “says he’s offering a valued service by helping to boost the blood sugar of wilting travelers.” In the video, Tracks says his “homeboy” introduced him to selling candy as a means to earn a living in a way that allows him to avoid the suspicion that black men typically receive from police in his neighborhood. Very intelligent move.
Check out the short video documentary below featuring this positive young black man who created a great opportunity for himself. Way to get your hustle on, Alex!