Source: Fortune
Summary
Carter Grandbois, 18, started a junk-removal business after noticing cash in his boss’s truck. He scaled the company by creating a pricing calculator and using systems to improve profitability. His business now bills up to $15,000 a month. Levi Boyd, 20, runs Algo Landscaping, which grew to $323,000 in revenue this year. Both use social media to share business strategies and mentor others. A trend of young entrepreneurs is emerging, with many bypassing college for hands-on work and digital tools.
Our Reading
The numbers tell one story.
Young entrepreneurs use social media to build brands and share tools.
They bypass traditional education for hands-on experience and digital platforms.
Businesses grow quickly with systems and data tracking.
Profitability is tied to consistent lead flows and pricing accuracy.
Author: Evan Null
The CEO who has to replace 80% of his staff every school year
Levi Boyd, 20, founder of Algo Landscaping, started posting on Instagram around the same time he made his first $10,000. He answers every comment and DM, mentoring others in the industry. Boyd’s business grew to $323,000 in revenue this year, with a goal of $1 million next year. He uses AI tools and social media to scale his operations and reduce his hands-on involvement.
‘A lot of this is the problem of the parents as well’
Dr. Lee Bowes, with AmericaWorks, notes that many young people lack clear career goals and are focused on work-life balance. She emphasizes the role of parents in shaping these expectations. Bowes also highlights the importance of practical education, as many Gen Z workers learn about trades too late to consider them seriously.
The parental influence
Gen Z’s career choices are shifting, with more parents encouraging skilled-trade careers. Levi Boyd’s parents pushed him toward a four-year degree, but he dropped out, finding more value in online learning. He credits Instagram for teaching him business skills and landing major contracts.
The CEO who has to replace 80% of his staff every school year
Scott Shaw, CEO of Lincoln Tech, notes that social media has become a powerful recruitment tool for trade schools. Welders and electricians sharing their workdays on platforms like Instagram attract more attention than traditional marketing. Shaw sees this as a shift in how young people learn about and choose their careers.
The parental influence
Jobber’s survey found that 77% of Gen Z workers want to become business owners, with many preferring the trades over college. This reflects a growing trend of young entrepreneurs seeking independence and flexibility. Companies like Jobber are adapting to support this shift, offering tools and platforms for small-business growth.
