Most teenagers who cannot find the clothing they want simply give up and buy something else. Ethan Eriksen, a sixteen-year-old junior at Barron High School in Wisconsin, chose a different route. Unable to find high-quality ski pants covered in flames, he made his own and launched Shredrz Attire. Months later, he stood before a panel of prominent business leaders in Milwaukee and won the state's Young Entrepreneur of the Year title, taking home a $5,000 prize. His story shows how a simple frustration, persistence, and a supportive community can turn a teenage idea into a genuine business. The experience also gave Eriksen an early lesson in turning a personal need into a product that could appeal to other young outdoor enthusiasts.
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