Three Mount Vernon students have done something different in a generation where so many teens are filling their free time on social media or working part-time jobs. Tommy Rhomberg, Stratton Ellyson, and Caleb Keegan are demonstrating that work ethic, determination, and entrepreneurial spirit can pay off before graduation. By operating their businesses, these high school students contribute to their community while balancing the demands of school and personal life.

Entrepreneurship takes vision and drive, all of which Rhomberg, Ellyson, and Keegan have. Rather than waiting until high school to explore their career options, they have actively begun their own business while still attending school. They all have discovered a service unavailable in the community and set out to make their goals profitable businesses. 

Sophomore Tommy Rhomberg runs Elite Window Washing, a business that provides streak-free window washing for homes and businesses. A summer gig became something more in no time as he made the name for being reliable and offering the best service. “I just like working outside and being my own boss,” Rhomberg said. “At first, I only washed my neighbor’s windows, then I started to take things more seriously, and now I wash windows for homes and businesses all over the area.” 

Stratton Ellyson, a sophomore with a passion for cars, co-founded Win The Details Auto Detailing, a detailing service that cleans both the interior and exterior of cars. His attention to detail and commitment to making each car look new paid off, and he is now experiencing a full schedule week by week. “People want their cars to be pretty but don’t necessarily have the time or equipment to do it themselves,” Ellyson said. “That’s where I come in.” What started as a small side job for family and friends quickly turned into a growing business. Ellyson offers deep interior cleaning, waxing, ceramic coating, and even headlight restoration, ensuring each car looks its best. His reputation for thorough work and customer satisfaction has earned him a steady stream of clients, many coming for word-of-mouth recommendations. “I treat every car like it’s my own,” he said. “It’s satisfying to see the difference a good detail can make.”

Caleb Keegan, a junior, started Hook and Ladder Exteriors, a pressure washing business that focuses on power washing driveways, siding, and decks. “I used to assist my dad in power washing the house, and I realized how much of a difference it made on the appearance of our house,” Keegan said, “And I was like. Why not turn it into a business?” His business has gained momentum, hiring employees and getting calls for customers from nearby towns. 

Having a business as a high school student has its own set of challenges. Between school, clubs, and keeping a social life, time is at a premium. “Some days, I’m out at 5:00 in the morning to get jobs done, but it’s worth it,” Ellyson said. The three young businessmen have learned useful skills about customer service, budgeting, and time management. Skills that will serve them well in the long run after high school.

Despite the difficulty, the reward has been great. “Before detailing, I did concrete,” Ellyson said. “The pay didn’t seem fair for the labor, and it didn’t feel as rewarding as finishing a detail job.” 

Not only have Rhomberg, Ellyson, and Keegan achieved a steady income, but they have also become confident in themselves and created strong relationships within their community. “It’s a pleasure to see how happy people are when their windows are clean,” said Rhomberg. “It makes all the hard work worthwhile.” 

The achievement of these three students as entrepreneurs shows how youth can create their own future. Their lives serve as an inspiration to others, proving that even high school students can create something valuable through determination and dedication. “If you find something you love to do and you put in the effort, you can make a name for yourself,” Keegan said.

As they continue, one thing is for certain: Rhomberg, Ellyson, and Keegan have already learned the value of ambition and perseverance, making their futures brighter because of it. Mount Vernon High School can be proud of these students leading the way for the next generation of young entrepreneurs.