There’s been some talk of the “quarantine fifteen,” as some of us have packed on a few extra pounds during the pandemic. However, one group of Blanco boys wasn’t about to spend their downtime sitting around binge-watching TV shows.

Blanco High School students Jacob Gallas, 16, Jackson Cress, 17 and Mason Gilles, 18, started GCG Lawn Care almost as soon as the governor’s orders brought life as they knew it to a screeching halt.

“When the quarantine started, they all said, ‘Well, we’re going to go to work,’” said Jacob’s mom, Anne Lynette Gallas.

Jacob will be a junior next school year, while Jackson and Mason will be seniors.

“It’s going really well so far,” Jacob said. “We’ve mostly been doing jobs for family and friends.”

Hard work is nothing new to these guys.

“I’m used to working with my dad and grandpa,” Jacob said. “I’ve been working with them since I was 9 years old, so I think it’s just in my blood.”

It also puts a few bucks in his pocket.

“I’ve started driving, so I needed a job and this is something I like to do,” Jacob said.

He said that having the business has kept him busy during the shutdown.

“A lot of people have been staying inside but we like to focus on the outside. It keeps us from being driven crazy.”

Jacob said he’s learned some lessons along the way.

“Learning to manage both money and our time has really helped us,” he said.

It’s been a group effort among the boys’ families.

“My brother gave Jacob a riding lawnmower to use and Mason brought a push mower to the table, and we provided a weed-eater and blower, so it’s been a collective effort,” Anne said.

She said that it’s been fantastic to see the boys take on such a project.

“I’m really grateful to see him take what we’ve taught him and see him apply that to his own little business,” Anne said. “They’ve had to develop good communication skills.”

The Gallas family owns a rubbish removal business and a construction business.

“He’s been around project management his entire life, and doing his own projects.”

The mom said the business has helped the boys cope during a stressful time.

“I think they would have gone stir-crazy if they had not started this business,” Anne said. “The business really blossomed quickly after they posted on Facebook.”

GCG Lawn Care provides basic lawn care services including mowing, weed-eating, mulching, trimming and even moving rocks, if needed.

Call Jacob at 210-845-3555 or Mason at 210-503-1076 for more information