While most high school students are focused on classes, sports, and weekend plans, Seth Rushford,  Wes Amthauer, and Nathan Nederhiser, are building something different on their own. From detailing cars to mowing lawns and landscaping properties, these three students are proving that age is not a barrier to success. In fact, it might be their biggest advantage.

For Rushford, a junior as Mount Vernon high school,  owning a business was not originally the goal, it was the solution. As a four-sport athlete, his schedule made it nearly impossible to hold a full-time job. “I started applying for jobs in town,” Rushford said, “but it was hard to find a place that wouldn’t interfere with my sports.” A conversation with his dad changed everything. Instead of working for somebody else, Rushford decided to work for himself. The summer before his freshman year, Rushford started his first auto-detailing business. https://winthedetails.com/

For Amthauer, a junior at Mount Vernon High school, his entrepreneurial journey started a little differently. “I liked to cut grass,” he said. What began as a basic interest turned into something bigger when he realized how profitable it could be. “When I started pocketing $120+ an hour,” he explained, “that’s when I knew something was real.” What others might see as a chore, Amthauer turned into a serious business opportunity. https://www.facebook.com/wesley.amthauer

Nederhiser, a Junior as Mount Vernon High school,  found his path through landscaping. What started as helping neighbors with yard work grew into a business focused on mowing, trimming, mulching, and improving outdoor spaces. “I liked working outside and seeing the results right away,” Nederhiser said. “You can take a yard that looks rough and make it look completely different in one day.” https://www.facebook.com/propertyprolandscaping

All three entrepreneurs had defining moments that pushed them from idea to action. For Rushford, it happened while he was detailing his parents’ cars using supplies his dad had bought for him. A random person drove by, saw his work, and asked what he charged. That small interaction led to his first real customer just weeks later. From there, Rushford knew he was onto something.

Amthauer did not wait for a moment to come, he created one. “I saw the opportunity and took it,” he said. He believes too many people talk about starting something without ever following through. His mindset is simple: take action. That decision to start, rather than wait, set him apart early on.

Nederhiser had a similar mindset. He began by taking on small neighborhood jobs and letting his work speak for itself. “If you do a good job, people notice,” Nathan said. “One customer can turn into three more.” Through word of mouth and reliable service, his landscaping business began to grow.

Turning their ideas into actual income required patience and persistence. Rushford began by charging just $20 per detail for friends and family. It was not about making big money right away, it was about gaining experience and building a reputation. Those early supporters helped spread the word, posting about his work online and bringing in new customers. Over time, his business began to grow steadily.

Amthauer approached things with the same determination. He built his client base from the ground up, relying on consistency and quality work to earn repeat customers. Nathan also emphasized reliability, showing up on time and making sure every job was done right. For all three of them, success did not happen overnight, it came from showing up and putting in the effort every day.

Of course, the road was not easy. Rushford struggled at first with advertising and finding consistent clients. “The first year was all word of mouth,” he said. That meant slower growth than he had hoped for. Eventually, a friend helped him understand how to advertise more effectively, which made a huge difference in bringing in steady business.

Nederhiser faced challenges too, especially balancing school, sports, and long hours of physical work. “Some days are exhausting,” he said, “but if you want something to grow, you have to stay committed.”

When it comes to money, all three entrepreneurs emphasize patience. Rushford reinvested all of his earnings back into his business for over a year. “You are not going to start making a lot of money right away,” he explained. It takes time to grow, and success does not happen instantly.

Amthauer agrees, but adds that consistency is just as important. “You NEED to stay consistent,” he said. In his line of work, quality is everything. Straight mowing lines and precise landscaping are not just details, they are what build a strong reputation and keep customers coming back. Nathan shared a similar view, saying that trust and quality are what keep customers loyal.

Their stories highlight a bigger message: entrepreneurship is not about waiting until you are older, it is about starting when you are ready. Whether it begins with a scheduling problem, a love for cutting grass, or a passion for landscaping, success comes down to action, effort, and consistency. For these high school entrepreneurs, the future is not something they are waiting for, it  is something they are already building.