Greg seems to be a natural entrepreneur. If the novel had taken place in 2020, it would be easy to imagine Greg going on Junior Shark Tank. Compared to his peers, however, he initially seems much more interested in making money right away, and not very concerned with the originality of his ideas. His mother becomes concerned because she thinks that he obsesses about money, and tries to encourage him to broaden his interests; in this, his parents disagree, as his father endorses the entrepreneurial spirit and behavior that his son seems to embody.

Greg’s initial ventures seem to confirm that it’s money first for him. He sells his fellow students unhealthy, unneeded snacks such as candy, and he only stops because he is concerned about getting in trouble with the school rules. Similarly, buying cheap toys online and reselling them for a profit is not beneficial to his fellow students.

When Greg joins forces with a partner, however, he begins to see himself and his ambitions in a different light. Not only does Maura value creativity over earnings, but she also helps him realize that he has standards and that realizing his vision of excellence is as important as amassing dollars.