He launched a sweaty startup in high school. Now he'll be a millionaire by 18
Mar 3, 2025
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Lincoln Snyder, a high school student and founder of Sunshine Exteriors, shares his entrepreneurial journey tackling the challenges of running a home services business. He discusses innovative marketing strategies using platforms like Nextdoor, emphasizing hands-on experience over theory. The importance of parental support for young entrepreneurs is also explored, with tips on crafting persuasive pitches. Additionally, the conversation highlights the power of cold emailing in connecting with industry influencers, inspiring a new generation of business minds.
High school entrepreneurs are achieving remarkable revenue figures, demonstrating ambition and practical execution that defy traditional expectations.
The Formidable Fellowship exemplifies a commitment to nurturing young entrepreneurs by offering financial support and creating a national network focused on entrepreneurship.
Students learned the importance of bold outreach and community-focused marketing strategies, emphasizing cold emailing and local platforms to drive business growth.
Deep dives
Young Entrepreneurs Making Big Waves
Three high school students showcased their successful businesses, demonstrating impressive revenue for their age. For instance, one student generated $60,000 in revenue from a window cleaning business last year and aims for $150,000 this year, highlighting their proactive approach. Their achievements defy the traditional expectations of high schoolers, showcasing a blend of ambition and practical execution. This entrepreneurial spirit emphasizes the value of taking risks and believing in one's ability to succeed.
The Formidable Fellowship Initiative
An initiative called the Formidable Fellowship was introduced, providing financial support and mentorship to young entrepreneurs. This program offers $1,000 grants to middle and high school students, facilitating their business ventures. The founder of the fellowship expressed a vision to develop a national network of schools focused on entrepreneurship as a means to empower the next generation. This endeavor represents a significant investment in fostering youthful entrepreneurial talent at an early age.
Insights from Real-World Business Challenges
Students faced various business challenges, such as effective customer acquisition and scaling their operations. One student sought advice on using paid advertising to bring in more customers while managing limited resources. In discussing strategies, experts shared that hands-on experience, as well as online courses, are essential for mastering marketing techniques. This exchange emphasized the importance of learning through action and adapting to feedback in real-world business environments.
Creative Marketing Strategies
The podcast highlighted innovative marketing strategies employed by the students, such as leveraging community-focused platforms like Nextdoor for customer acquisition. One entrepreneur effectively utilized this platform, generating leads and sales from local homeowners by emphasizing the personal touch of being a student business owner. Additionally, they were encouraged to explore creative outreach methods, including cold emailing potential partners and local businesses. This approach demonstrates the power of grassroots marketing and building community relations.
The Importance of Bold Outreach
A significant takeaway from the discussions was the power of bold outreach and leveraging connections to advance business goals. Students were encouraged to reach out to influential figures in their industry, such as CEOs of major businesses, to seek potential partnerships or contracts. The emphasis was placed on the idea that most successful entrepreneurs started with cold emails and persistent follow-ups. This reinforces the notion that taking initiative and being proactive can unlock unprecedented opportunities for aspiring entrepreneurs.
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My First Million is a HubSpot Original Podcast // Brought to you by The HubSpot Podcast Network // Production by Arie Desormeaux // Editing by Ezra Bakker Trupiano
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