It’s 5 p.m. on a Monday afternoon, the hottest part of the day. In the distance, beyond the highway filled with honking and waving drivers and passengers throwing money and middle fingers is a lone figure twirling a sign.

Finding a way to support himself through college unlike anyone else, Hunter Lenington became the first sign spinner in Commerce last semester.

“I didn’t see anyone sign spinning in the area so I just watched hours of sign spinning on Youtube,“ Lenington said. “I approached Los Gringos taco truck telling them no one does it so we should try it.”

After teaching himself the skill within a week, Lenington started sign spinning for Los Gringos Taco Truck, who even offered to join Lenington in opening their own sign spinning business. Lenington was eventually able to spin this position into jobs for Domino’s Pizza and B6up Pawn & Gun.

“I think he’s outstanding. We’ve advertised everywhere known to man and Hunter has been the most attention getter,” B6up Pawn & Gun owner Ken Bishop said. “It’s pretty cool because he always comes in smiling and is always waving at everyone, and everyone is waving back. When he was gone on vacation, people came in wondering where he was.”

With temperatures rising past 100 degrees this summer, Lenington gained ten pounds in muscles mass. Random people would bring Lenington beverages throughout his shift, tip him or yell comments like “I see you putting in work”. Listening to tapes like Brutal Club Mix, Lenington dances or acts like he’s riding a horse or motorcycle to make people laugh when passing by.

“One time this lady tipped me 20 dollars, she didn’t want a hug and didn’t like Domino’s, but it was pretty awesome how kind she was,” Lenington said. “You can’t be afraid to be weird, especially if it’s going to help make someone’s day.”

Lenington is currently taking his basics at Paris Junior College and plans to transfer to University of North Texas to continue his music major. Playing many instruments like the drums and guitar, he hopes to become a studio musician. He also holds a very big interest with the Commerce skate park movement.

“I’ve always been into skating, especially growing up out here. My parents are in charge of the project and I’m kind of like the poster child,” Lenington said. “My mom taught at TAMUC for 26 years as a political science teacher and actually wrote Tony Hawk a letter and he responded almost immediately with a $5,000 grant and a small skate ramp.”

With a goal of $115,000, they’ve already managed to raise $50,000 and hope to receive a grant for $100,000. Hunter is still very affiliated with the project and holds big plans for Commerce’s future.

“I’m not gonna give up. I don’t want the money we raised to go to something not for the kids.,” Lenington said. “We’re gonna finish it out, and give back to the local skaters.”