ARTHUR – After a relentless hunt for jobs left them empty handed, sisters Desi and Siera Vanleeuwen took matters into their own hands, starting Bob’s Backyard, a liquidation business, on their family property.
“I was looking for something to fill my summer with full-time work … and then I needed something that could give me part-time work when school started,” said Desi.
“And those kind of jobs are not available at all … I had three different jobs fall through.”
The sisters began their business in early June and have since amassed 1,471 followers on Facebook and 256 on Instagram.
Desi explained the products they sell are essentially returned Amazon packages, which they purchase by the skid.
“It’s like an Amazon return pack. We got a transport load of pallets and it’s a mix of stuff,” said Desi.
“They’re all generally like the same branches of the same manufacturer. So Out Sunny stuff is outdoor stuff, Paw Hut is pet stuff, and then everything else is a mix of some exercise stuff and furniture.”
The products were purchased with the help of their dad Bob, who Siera said is supportive when it comes to acting on new ideas.
“My dad is the type of dad who just doesn’t plan, he’s just impulsive,” said Siera. “He’s like ‘okay, lets do this’.”
Desi told the Advertiser the duo has seen some success, and plans to continue with the business year round.
“We’ve been making good money off of it,” said Desi. “We’re okay with this business going on further throughout the year … it’s not just a summer thing.”
When asked what advice they would give youth struggling to find jobs and looking to start their own business, they encouraged others to take the plunge.
“Really just go for it,” said Siera. “Get some people you trust and that will support you … surround yourself with a bunch of people and go for something you would like to do.”
“But also you have to put the effort in,” added Desi. “We are at this seven hours a day and our house is right there; it’s so easy to go inside and do something else but we have to put the effort in to get an outcome.”
The sisters are currently looking forward to hosting a large garage sale in September. The sale will be located in Guelph, and official dates and times will be posted in the upcoming months.
To stay updated on Bob’s Backyard, or to take a look at what they have to offer, visit Bob’s Backyard on Facebook or Bob’s Backyard 2025 on Instagram.
