LA CROSSE, Wis. (WTAQ) - A 17-year-old La Crosse boy has learned that if you work hard and play by the rules, good things can happen. Marty Walleser, a junior at La Crosse Central High School, outbid a dozen professional companies to win a city lawn mowing contract.

He’s mowing the lawns at 34 public locations this summer – some every week, some every other week. And he’s got the equipment for it, too – a trailer, a large walk-behind mower, a 52-inch model, and a pair of trimmers.

Walleser’s low bid was $538 a lot, up to $1,500 less than his competitors. Water Utility Manager Mark Johnson said Walleser met all the terms for winning the contract, just like any other bidder. And he’s doing such a good job, Walleser has been given 2 other lots with a higher fee of $578.

He trims, mulches, and removes clippings from the sidewalks. The teen is doing it all by himself, with equipment and gas as his only overhead. He says the money’s great, and he likes being outside. Walleser expects to work about 2 full days per week during the summer.