2026 Henderson’s Young Entrepreneurs

Independence Bank believes in supporting big dreams — no matter how young the dreamers. That’s why they were eager to sponsor this special feature, celebrating eight incredible young entrepreneurs who are turning their ideas into reality. But they didn’t stop there.

Each of these entrepreneurs was challenged to submit a business plan, which was reviewed by an expert panel at the bank. The judges had the tough job of selecting three standout businesses to receive financial investments. In the end, they awarded $500 to first place, $300 to second, and $200 to third. 

These young entrepreneurs are proof that big ideas can start early — and with the right support, they can grow into something even bigger.

1st Place Winner

Zander Todd, Age 14 

Papaw & Me Lawn and Landscape

Big dreams don’t always start in boardrooms — sometimes, they begin in the backyard. For 14-year-old Zander Todd, what started as mowing a couple of yards alongside his Papaw has grown into a thriving lawn care and landscaping business built on family, hard work, and a heart for serving others.

Papaw & Me Lawn and Landscape began when Zander was just 13 years old, mowing a few yards in his Papaw’s neighborhood. Over the past year, Zander has expanded his services to include routine mowing, mulch installation, and even larger landscaping projects — all while keeping his pricing affordable for families in the community. Recently, he’s taken another big step forward by adding his first commercial properties to his growing list of clients.

Zander isn’t just helping — he’s leading. As the owner and primary operator, he manages the day-to-day operations of the business. From tracking expenses and organizing schedules to saving for new equipment, Zander is learning firsthand what it takes to run a successful business. “I like to earn my own money and put 110% effort into learning how to do each job right,” he says.

By his side is his Papaw — his driver, mentor, and partner — who has helped guide Zander every step of the way. Together, they’ve built more than a business; they’ve built a meaningful partnership rooted in trust, teamwork, and shared goals.

One of Zander’s proudest accomplishments came last November, when he donated his time and purchased the materials to complete his first large-scale landscaping project — re-mulching South Middle School for a Veterans Day program. It was a powerful example of his commitment to giving back. “I enjoy providing lawn care for others, especially those who are unable to take care of their own yard,” Zander shares.

Balancing school, farm responsibilities, helping at his grandfather’s restaurant, and running a business is no small task. Yet Zander handles it all with determination and discipline. His hard work has already paid off. After setting a goal to earn enough money for a larger trailer to hold more equipment, Zander recently reached that milestone — purchasing the trailer with money he saved through his business.

Looking ahead, Zander has big plans. His goal is to grow his business to 20 regular yards, continue reinvesting every dollar he earns into equipment, and build a strong foundation for the future. He’s also taking steps toward making his business official by learning how to manage invoices, complete W-9 forms, and eventually establish an LLC.

With the additional investment from Independence Bank, Zander can now start working on legally establishing his business and purchase his own zero-turn mower. Currently using shared equipment from his Papaw and parents, he’s eager to one day own everything he needs to operate independently.

Zander Todd is proof that success doesn’t come from shortcuts — it comes from dedication, family support, and a willingness to work hard. With his vision, drive, and strong foundation, he’s not just building a business — he’s building a future.

2nd Place Winner

RoSie & Harlan Glaser; Ages 11 and 7

Rain’R Shine Farm

For siblings Rosie and Harlan Glaser, entrepreneurship is a way of life rooted in hard work, creativity, and family.

At ages 11 and 7, the homeschool duo are key contributors to Rain’R Shine Farm, helping grow and sell flowers, vegetables, eggs, and handmade goods. They even run their own signature products — “Rosie’s Posies” and “Harlan’s Darlins.” Regulars at the Henderson Farmers Market, they’ve spent years building a love for farming and community connection.

“I like making and growing things people need and want,” says Rosie, while Harlan adds, “I just like giving people stuff.”

Through their work, they’ve learned responsibility, resilience, and valuable life skills — from growing food to preparing for market days. They’re also active in 4-H, where Rosie serves as a reporter.

Looking ahead, both have big dreams. Harlan is exploring woodworking and hopes to sell handmade goods, while Rosie dreams of creating an animal rehabilitation center.

As their mother shares, “They work as hard or harder than any kid I’ve ever known — and they’re having fun doing it.”

With their big imaginations, Rosie and Harlan are proving that entrepreneurship can start early — and grow into something meaningful.

3rd Place Winner

Leighton Owens; Age 13

Leighton’s Pressure Washing

At just 13 years old, Leighton Owens is turning dirty jobs into clean results — and building a business with confidence, humor, and determination along the way.

As the owner and operator of Leighton’s Pressure Washing, Leighton provides cleaning services for driveways, sidewalks, homes, and even trash bins — transforming surfaces that “look like they’ve been through it” into something fresh and like-new. His approach: take something worn down and give it a complete “glow-up.”

What started as an idea while brainstorming in his room quickly turned into a real business. Now, Leighton is out in the community meeting customers, promoting his work through social media and door-to-door outreach, and building a growing client base.

His personality shines through in his work.

“I basically take super dirty stuff and make it look brand new again — like magic, but with water,” Leighton says.

Running the business has helped him grow in more ways than one. From learning how to speak confidently with customers to explaining his services and pricing, Leighton is developing skills that go far beyond the job itself.

He prices his services based on the size and scope of each project, understanding that bigger jobs require more time, effort, and materials. As demand grows, he’s focused on delivering high-quality results that keep customers coming back — and telling others.

“I want to do such a good job people can’t stop talking about it,” he shares. “The results will speak for themselves.”

Like many young entrepreneurs, Leighton has faced challenges, especially when it comes to gathering the equipment and supplies needed to grow. But he’s already thinking ahead, with plans to invest in better tools and expand his reach.

His goals for the year include building strong relationships in the community and consistently serving at least five customers each week — a milestone that reflects both ambition and focus.

Leighton plans to invest in the future higher-powered equipment, marketing materials like shirts and signs, and the supplies needed to continue delivering professional results.

With a strong work ethic, a growing sense of confidence, and a personality that stands out, Leighton Owens is proving that success doesn’t have to be complicated — sometimes it just takes hard work, determination, and a little bit of “magic.”

Annie Kay Bickett; Age 9

 AK prints

What starts as a Christmas gift can quickly turn into a business—and for Annie Kay Bickett, that gift sparked a whole world of creativity. At just nine years old, Annie is the creator behind AK Prints, where she designs and sells custom 3D creations for her friends and classmates. Classmates often come to her with special requests, and Annie enjoys filling each order with thoughtful, personalized touches that make every piece unique.

As both manager and maker, she handles everything from organizing orders to completing each print, showing a strong sense of responsibility for her age. In fact, taking on responsibility is something Annie enjoys and treats as part of the fun of running her business. She loves bringing new ideas to life through her printer and hopes to grow AK Prints by reaching more customers and expanding her materials.

Hallie Pirtle; Age 11

Jewelry Kingdom

Creativity, confidence, and a love for meeting new people — 11-year-old Hallie Pirtle is turning all three into something special with her business, Jewelry Kingdom.

A fifth grader at Holy Name Elementary School, Hallie is the creator behind a growing bracelet business that began with a simple idea: making something she loved and sharing it with others. After receiving compliments on her handmade bracelets, she decided to take the next step and start selling them.

Now, Hallie designs, creates, markets, and sells her own jewelry, reaching customers at local sporting events and through friends and family. Her target audience is simple — anyone who enjoys wearing fun, stylish accessories.

“I get the chance to meet new people while also saving money,” Hallie shares, highlighting one of her favorite parts of being an entrepreneur.

Running Jewelry Kingdom has also helped Hallie build important skills, especially when it comes to managing her time and completing custom orders on schedule. Like many small business owners, she’s also learning how to navigate the costs of materials while continuing to grow.

Despite the challenges, Hallie has big goals for the future. This year, she hopes to expand her reach by setting up a booth at a local craft fair — an exciting next step for her business.

Kaleb Hillyard; Age 9

K&L Lawncare

Kaleb Hillyard, at nine years old,  is already learning what it means to run a business — and he’s doing it with determination, heart, and a lawn mower.

Kaleb is the young founder of K&L Lawncare, a budding yard service business focused on mowing lawns and cleaning up outdoor spaces for local residents in Henderson County. While the business is still in its early stages, Kaleb’s journey is already making a meaningful impact — not just in the community, but in his own personal growth.

The idea for K&L Lawncare came from Kaleb’s mom, Keri, who wanted to find a hands-on way to help her son build confidence and real-world skills. Instead of relying solely on traditional learning methods, she saw an opportunity to turn everyday experiences into powerful lessons.

“Opening a business gives Kaleb the chance to learn about money, communication, and responsibility,” Keri shares. “It helps him grow in ways a classroom sometimes can’t.”

With support from his parents — and even a friend he invited to join him — Kaleb is learning everything from customer service to writing invoices. His dad supervises the mowing, while Kaleb takes the lead in connecting with customers and building relationships.

Like many entrepreneurs, Kaleb has already faced challenges. Finding clients and encouraging meaningful conversations with adults hasn’t always been easy, especially as he navigates life with autism. But his family sees these moments as opportunities for growth.

“We want people to engage with him, talk through pricing, and treat him like the business owner he is,” Keri explains.

Despite the challenges, the lessons have been invaluable. One of the biggest takeaways so far? “Everything works out in the end.”

K&L Lawncare is already spreading the word through flyers, neighborhood outreach, and social media, and Kaleb has big goals for the future. He hopes to continue growing the business, learn how to manage money, and even start saving toward a truck when he’s older.

Kaleb plans to invest in advertising like yard signs, pay down equipment costs, and contribute to savings for the future.

More than anything, K&L Lawncare is about proving what’s possible.

“He can do anything he sets his mind to,” says Keri. “This is just the beginning.”

Nate Patterson; Age 17 

R+P Window/Power Washing

Three young entrepreneurs, one shared vision, and a whole lot of hard work — that’s the foundation behind R+P Window/Power Washing.

At 17, Nate Patterson has teamed up with his brother Luke and best friend Kaleb Richard to turn their experience and determination into a growing business serving the Henderson community. What started as a simple idea between friends has quickly evolved into a partnership built on teamwork, and a drive to succeed.

Together, the trio offers professional window cleaning and power washing services, handling everything from driveways and sidewalks to fences and siding. But what truly sets them apart isn’t just the work they do — it’s how they do it. Whether they’re knocking on doors, promoting their services, or tackling jobs side-by-side, Nate, Luke, and Kaleb operate as a tight-knit team.

Each brings something valuable to the table, but it’s their strong bond that fuels the business. As brothers and friends, they’ve built a level of trust and communication that helps them work efficiently and stay motivated, even when things get tough.

Starting out wasn’t easy. The early days required persistence — going door-to-door, investing in equipment, and putting in long hours to build a customer base from the ground up. But facing those challenges together has only made them stronger.

“Through determination, diligence, and consistency, we are confident in our ability to overcome any difficulties we encounter,” Nate shares.

Today, the team continues to grow their business through social media, local marketing, and word-of-mouth referrals. Their goal is simple but ambitious: expand their client base, take on more jobs, and continue building something they can be proud of — together.

For Nate, Luke, and Kaleb, this business is more than a way to earn money — it’s proof of what can happen when friendship and hard work come together.

Wattson Ford; Age 9

Power Prints

At just nine years old, Wattson Ford is combining creativity with cutting-edge technology — turning ideas into reality through the power of 3D printing.

A third grader at Spottsville Elementary School, Wattson is the co-owner and operator of Power Prints, a business focused on designing and producing 3D-printed fidget toys. What began as experimenting with a 3D printer quickly became something more, as Wattson discovered how technology could bring his ideas to life — and how much others enjoyed his creations.

Through Power Prints, Wattson is gaining hands-on experience in STEM concepts like design, engineering, and problem-solving. From understanding how digital models turn into physical objects to fine-tuning prints for quality and durability, he’s learning skills that go far beyond the classroom.

“I like making money and creating happiness,” Wattson says — a goal that reflects both his entrepreneurial spirit and his passion for innovation.

As demand for his products grows, Wattson is also diving into the technical side of running a business. He’s working to improve order tracking using tools like Excel and learning how to manage production efficiently — key skills in both business and technology fields.

One of his biggest challenges so far has been keeping up with demand, but it’s also pushing him to think like an engineer — finding ways to improve processes, increase output, and maintain quality.

Looking ahead, Wattson is eager to expand both his business and his technical knowledge. He plans to learn more about 3D modeling, allowing him to design his own original products from scratch, and hopes to invest in additional printers to scale production.

But for Wattson, innovation isn’t just about growth — he hopes one day to create and donate fidget tools to local schools, assisted living facilities, and nursing homes, using technology to improve focus, comfort, and well-being for others.

With curiosity, determination, and a natural talent for technology, Wattson Ford is proving that the future of STEM is already here — and it’s being built one print at a time.