TORRINGTON – Twelve-year-old Tel Lockhart had no intentions of becoming one of Torrington’s youngest business moguls.

It happened like most good things do: by chance. 

It was 2023, Tel had just moved back to Goshen County with his parents, Bo and Audra and his two younger brothers, Asa and Ian. 

Arriving back in Torrington, Audra said a freeze dryer was on the list of things they hoped to acquire for their new home. 

“Tel sold some cows before we moved. He had some extra money and wanted to help by investing in the freeze dryer. It was right around the time that freeze dried candy was becoming really popular. We figured it would be a good way to help him learn about business and gain some people skills,” Audra explained. 

Tel and Bo sat down and brainstormed some ideas for a business name and ultimately settled on “Tel Me I’m Sweet,” a homage to his moniker and the sugary confections. 

Since 2023, Tel and his sweet morsels can be found all over Southeastern Wyoming and Western Nebraska. 

“We’re all over,” Tel said. “Scottsbluff, Cheyenne, Mitchell and Torrington.” 

Surely a young man with such early success in the business world has aspirations of growing up and continuing to conquer American commerce? 

Nope. 

“I want to be a welder. I like working with my hands,” Tel said of his plans for the future. 

According to his mom, he’s still learning lots of valuable skills that will help him wherever his career path may take him.

“He is a pretty reserved and shy kid. He has learned a ton of skills like how to talk to people and how to present his products,” his mom said.

As for the immediate future of the Tel Me I’m Sweet Candy brand, you can continue to look for it in stores across Wyoming and Nebraska and come mid-April, at the Lockhart’s new storefront called Cowboy Emporium. The new location will feature a custom boot shop, leather work and repair and a host of other handmade goods. 

The storefront will open at 4724 US Hwy 26/85 in Torrington. Find them on Facebook at Tel Me I’m Sweet or call 307-715-7376