How I Started: Lessons from Entrepreneurs to the Next Generation

In this inspiring interview, 14-year-old entrepreneur Peter Lawton shares his journey from lawn mowing to running a successful 3D printing business called Panda Prints by Peter. Peter has been an entrepreneur since he was just nine years old. He’s tried different products, different marketing tactics, and manages everything himself. Discover how he navigates challenges, understands customer prefer...

A small start can shape an entire founder journey, and this episode shows exactly how that happens. In this episode of How I Started, host Connor Boyack sits down with Chris Koerner to explore how entrepreneurship often begins with curiosity, quick action, and a willingness to test simple ideas before feeling fully ready. Chris shares how he started a business as a kid, how that mindset stayed wit...

Kinsley has packed a lot of passion into her business. After realizing there was a need for heartfelt greeting cards, she built a business around the idea of connecting people through real moments, not just a text from your phone. Kinsley has built an incredible community at the Kids Markets, and has many lessons to share. In this episode, she shares her love for her business, advice she has recei...

Every entrepreneur has a starting point, and sometimes it begins with something as simple as a paper bag of potatoes. In this episode of How I Started, host Connor Boyack sits down with Jeff Harmon, Co-founder of Harmon Brothers and Chief Content Officer at the Angel Studio, to explore how a small childhood business eventually led to the creation of Angel. Jeff shares how he started selling potato...

Tyler Grant has always loved cool rocks, he’s been collecting them since he was just 5 years old. When he discovered Kids Markets, he realized his hobby could turn into a profitable business. But to make sales and make money, he needed to be able to grow his inventory at wholesale price. Tyler walks us through how he was able to build connections and offers advice to anyone looking to do the same....

Some of the most valuable business lessons don’t come from success but from the companies that don’t survive. In this episode of How I Started, Connor Boyack sits down with chef, entrepreneur, and business builder Robert Irvine, who shares how a love for home economics and understanding unit costs became the foundation for his first companies. Robert walks through his early seasoning business, the...

However, it soon became apparent she needed to make a significant change in order to continue to grow her business. Sawyer shares the stories of her very first sales and how she learned a whole new skill for the sake of her business, The Bead Borough. Guest Links: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091766717247 https://www.instagram.com/p/DX4zQr_iefc/ Key topics: Youth entrepreneurship Cro...

Building something meaningful often begins with a small win, a lot of doubt, and the decision to keep going anyway. In this episode, Connor Boyack sits down with Christina Tosi , founder of Milk Bar and bestselling cookbook author, to talk honestly about how her love for baking slowly turned into a real business. Christina shares the early moments that shaped her confidence, the lessons she learne...

Kenzleigh Reed-Wynne goes into depth about her journey with her small business, The Vintage Violet. Kenzleigh shares the heart and story behind her unique offerings, including build-your-own bouquets, homemade sugar scrubs, and simmer pots. Her challenges, accomplishments, and stories from the markets make for an excellent listen for entrepreneurs of all ages. Guest Links: https://www.instagram.co...

Most people only see the highlight reel but every lasting career is built in the quiet, unseen moments. In this episode of How It Started, Connor Boyack speaks with Mike Tannenbaum , former NFL General Manager, ESPN analyst, and founder of The 33rd Team, about the long road behind his career in professional sports. Mike shares how working for free, saying yes to unglamorous roles, and focusing on...

Aiden Easterwood and his siblings have cracked the code when it comes to maximizing profit and standing out from the competition. Aiden talks about their growth from a single 3D printer and modest profits, to a home buzzing with printer noise and bringing in hundreds of dollars. Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/3deepdesigns/ Key topics: Starting a business at a young age Building confidence t...

What if a single late-night moment could quietly shape the rest of your life? In this episode, Russell Brunson shares the unexpected spark that first pulled him into entrepreneurship at just 12 years old and how that curiosity evolved into a lifelong obsession with understanding how businesses grow. Russell Brunson, entrepreneur, author, and founder of ClickFunnels, walks Connor Boyack through his...

Capri Fife started going to the markets when they first launched in Salt Lake City. What began as a family tradition of making caramel apples turned into a profitable business when she was just 9 years old. Now, a college student 10 years later, she reflects on her experiences selling apples and working with her sister. Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/annmarieapples/ Key topics: Starting a b...

What if the biggest advantage in entrepreneurship isn’t money, connections, or credentials but curiosity and the courage to question the rules? In this episode, Connor Boyack sits down with Matt Higgins, co-founder of RSE Ventures, Shark Tank guest investor, bestselling author of ‘ Burn the Boats’ , and fellow at Harvard Business School, to talk through the moments that shaped his path from growin...

In this introductory episode of Startup Standouts, host Samantha White introduces the series focused on young entrepreneurs participating in Kids Markets. She emphasizes the mission of Kids Markets to empower children aged 5 to 17 by providing them with real business experiences. Samantha highlights the impact of the unique stories these young entrepreneurs will share. We will get a look into the...

Most people believe entrepreneurship starts with a business. This episode proves it starts with a mindset. In the inaugural episode of How It Started, host Connor Boyack, President of Kids Markets, breaks down why entrepreneurship is not about owning a company but about critical thinking, problem solving, and creating value in every role of life. Connor shares the story behind launching a nationwi...

How I Started is a podcast about the real journeys behind entrepreneurship, from the first idea to decades of impact.  Hosted by Connor Boyack, author of the Tuttle Twins children's book series, the show brings together seasoned founders who built remarkable companies and young entrepreneurs taking their first steps into business. Through honest conversations about risk, mistakes, pivots, mentorsh...