Teen who spent years building lawn business has nearly $20,000 worth of equipment stolen

PRAIRIE VILLAGE, Kan. (KCTV/Gray News) - A Kansas teen who spent years building a lawn care business says he had about $20,000 worth of equipment stolen the night before Halloween.

Sonny Gallardo is the owner of Sunnyside Jobs LLC. He started as a sixth grader knocking on doors and raking leaves with his grandfather.

Those small jobs grew into mowing lawns.

Four years later, the business was big enough for a five-person crew.

“I just like doing it; it gives people joy and gives me joy. I love making people happy,” Gallardo said.

Ring doorbell video appeared to show someone stealing Gallardo’s trailer.

The stolen items included five mowers, two weed eaters and two blowers that were on the trailer.

Gallardo’s family said the work vehicle was also emptied.

“It was $20,000 worth of equipment. It took me three years to get that equipment, and it’s a bummer,” Gallardo said.

The equipment was stolen before Gallardo had a chance to get the business insured.

Gallardo’s mother started a GoFundMe to help him rebuild that has already raised thousands of dollars.

“I really was speechless. I didn’t believe it. I still can’t believe it right now. I’m just thankful to God for all these people who are donating money,” Gallardo said.

According to Prairie Village police, an investigation remains ongoing despite not having any immediate leads in the case.

Police are asking people to watch for large amounts of lawn equipment in yards or being sold online.

“Nothing is going to put me down. I mean, you can try your best, but I’m never going to go down. I love this stuff too much. It’s been my dream since I was little,” Gallardo said.

Gallardo said he remains working and available for lawn care work.