Tomorrow's Tycoons

70%... that is the failure rate of new businesses today. It is said that out of every 100 new ideas, two of them will become a product, and one of them will be successful. Statistics like these are what makes it so astonishing that teenagers, still making there way through high school, are running internet businesses that net thousands of dollars every year. These young entrepreneurs ideas were fueled from their everyday lives. Mix that with their soaring conceptual skills and these teens started seeing success early than most people could ever dream of.

            Aaron Sacks, a 16 year old from Silver Springs, put his parents at-home printing shop to good use. He decided to personalize playing card decks and had all the resources he needed right outside his bedroom door. When a few bumps in the road arose with the cards sharp corners, his Grandma bought him a corner cutting machine. With lots of thanks to Grandma, Aaron’s hard work landed him his biggest gig to date when the mayor of D.C. ordered 1,000 decks of personalized cards. Aarons dad stated that Aaron “can think well on his feet” which is probably one of the main reasons for all of the success he has encountered. Some people are just born businessmen.

            Casey Reichl had a love for baking, as well as a love for her dogs. From these sprung her idea to start baking high priced pooch treats. When she had time free from her extra curricular activities at Marshall High School, she would come home and test her products on her three dogs. But before she jumped into the business world, this bright 18 year old did extensive market research. Her planning definitely paid off when a local gift shop agreed to stock up on her treats. The best thing about her treat is the standardizing she put into them. All of Casey’s treats are catered for the dentally challenged as well. Even dogs with gingivitis can enjoy her “gourmet biscuits.”  She’s hoping to continue to collect a portion of the 14.2 million dollars that dog owners spend on food and treats for their dogs every year.

            Photography is a course offered in millions of high schools around the nation. Thomas Dant Jr. was one of the many kids sharing the passion for great photographs. His first idea was to hire out his skills to anyone willing to pay, but a local business competition lead him in a different direction. Instead of selling his services, Thomas decided to sell his original photos. Through his website, people can browse and purchase any of his pieces that he has placed on display. In 2006, Thomas grossed 1,000 dollars in the first year of his business venture. By setting goals, building up his reputation, and keeping a close eye on his business, Thomas believes that all of his success is a product of networking and knowing the right people that can get you out there. His ultimate goal? “To take pictures and have people love them as much as I do.”