Thursday, December 5, 2024
Fourteen-year-old Diego Paulson, an eighth grader at Acton Middle School, is making a name for himself in the Granbury community through an unexpected talent: fixing Roomba vacuums.
Inspired by a simple project with his father, Clay Paulson, Diego has turned a hobby into a service that benefits his neighbors and local charities.
The Paulson family, who has lived in Granbury since 2013, often engage in outdoor activities like hunting, fishing and camping. Diego is described as an active, outdoorsy kid who plays tennis and baseball and even plays saxophone in the school’s symphonic band.
Paulson, who works in healthcare alongside his wife, sees this entrepreneurial initiative as a way for Diego to stay engaged and avoid spending too much time on video games.
It all began when Paulson was repairing a broken Roomba vacuum. “Diego was in the garage with me while I worked on it — he said, ‘Dad, that doesn’t look too hard,’” Paulson recalled.
After successfully fixing an old Roomba together, Diego wondered if others in the neighborhood might need similar help. Paulson shared a post on their local Facebook page, and the response was overwhelming.
“Half a dozen people said they had Roombas needing repairs, and others offered old units for parts,” Paulson explained. Diego decided he would charge only enough to cover the cost of parts, allowing customers to pay whatever they felt was fair for the service. “Most folks have been very generous,” Paulson said, noting that some people have given him $15, and others have given him as much as $ 50 for a repair.
Diego’s generosity doesn’t stop there. He has pledged to donate 5% of his earnings to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®. “It was his idea to give back,” Paulson mentioned. Diego’s kindness has inspired community members, leading to over 400 people reaching out to him for help with their Roombas.
Recently, Diego took his commitment further by donating one of his refurbished Roombas to Ken Hill Health Center, formerly Ruth’s Place, a free clinic in Granbury. After discussing the idea with his father, they contacted the clinic’s director, Kristen Billington. “She said, ‘That’d be great,’” Paulson recalled. Diego also offered to maintain the Roomba quarterly, ensuring it remains in good working condition.
After school, Diego refurbishes one Roomba most every evening, often juggling time between his basketball practices and family responsibilities.
“He’s got quite a little stock of parts and supplies,” Paulson noted, impressed by Diego’s skills and commitment to taking apart and rebuilding the machines. “ … tearing them completely apart, not just cleaning the outside. Like they just came out of the box.”
The community’s enthusiasm for Diego’s work has sparked interest beyond Granbury, with inquiries from neighboring towns. “I’ve been blown away by how many people have shown interest in this,” Paulson said.
Diego’s love for animals motivates him to pursue a career in veterinary medicine. The family has three rescue dogs, which have deepened his connection to the ASPCA. “He’s never met a dog he didn’t like,” Paulson said fondly.
Through hard work and a generous spirit, Diego Paulson is not just fixing Roomba vacuums — he’s making a difference in his community.
