Teen starts keychain business to give back to Kansas City community

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — 3D-printers already make a lot of items and materials but one local kid is using his machine to make key chains for all Kansas City sports teams. His latest project will have you saying “KC baby.”

In the basement of the Smith’s home, 3D-printers at work, making key chains. It’s the main office for the owner of 3-Q Prints, soon to be 14-year-old Quinton Smith.

“I started off printing little key chains with my friend’s name on it,” he said.

Names turned into KC sports team and phrases like “KC Kind” which was created to promote kindness and paying it forward.

It’s more than a saying for Quinton. Over the years, he’s raised thousands of dollars, giving back to support mental health and wellness of health care workers.

“Whenever my youngest brother was born, he was in the hospital for a while and a lot of doctors and other people helped us whenever we needed help,” he said.

His brother Zeke was born seven weeks early and with a tumor on his liver.

Now, he’s the lead salesman, closing deals in the business.

In face, the whole family is involved. Quinton’s other brother Everett captures the best sides of the merch. The photos you see on the website shop.

“It just feels really good to give back to people and how excited they get,” Quinton said.

The next community project includes a familiar face you’ve seen at a KC Current game: “Teal Man.”

“It’s weird looking back and going that’s me, maybe me, it is me,” Richard Harper said.

Harper, also known as the “Teal Man” first met the family at a KC Current match. Now they’ve decided to create key chains and merch of the “Teal Man” with a portion of proceeds going to the Band of Angels charity . A partnership between FOX4 and Meyer Music that helps give musical instruments to kids.

“If I can help him in some way and also help others this is just a perfect union of what we can do and helping people together,” Harper said.

Harper, a former teacher and band director says he’s happy to support and work alongside someone like Quinton.

“You don’t really know what people like what’s going on in their lives and so its good to help them out,” Quinton said.

Helping the community one keychain at a time.

Mark your calendars because on Saturday, Oct. 12, the “Teal Man” in his full get up and Quinton will have a pop shop at Made in KC at the Barrywoods location from noon to 4 p.m.

You can also shop and order online here .

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