Teen Wins $5K with Flame-Print Ski Pants Business

When Ethan Eriksen couldn't find ski pants with both quality and flames, the 16-year-old did what any entrepreneur would do. He made them himself.

The Barron High School junior launched Shredrz Attire this year, turning his personal frustration into a thriving business. His custom ski pants combine the performance he needed as a multi-sport athlete and ski instructor with the bold style he wanted.

In February, Eriksen took his business to the Junior Achievement Young Entrepreneur Competition, a statewide "Shark Tank" style event. He didn't just compete. He swept the competition, winning both the $5,000 grand prize and the Viewer's Choice Award.

"It was a nice relief after I won to realize all the work that I put into not only this competition, but my business really paid off in the end," Eriksen said.

His teacher, Ky Baumgard, encouraged him to enter and watched proudly as his student delivered a polished presentation. "Boy, was he ever professional," Baumgard said. "But it was also cool because he also brought out his personality, which is something that everybody loves to see."

Balancing a growing business with schoolwork, multiple sports, and ski instruction would overwhelm most adults. Eriksen's secret is a strict "school-first" rule and regular check-ins with his biggest consultant: his mom.

"I love selling the pants, sharing my passion," Eriksen said. When you love what you do, he explains, work doesn't feel like a chore.

Why This Inspires

Eriksen's story shows what happens when young people spot a problem and trust themselves to solve it. He didn't wait for someone else to create what he needed. He built it, shared it, and watched his community rally behind him.

His teacher notes that the entire school district feels pride in Eriksen's success. "He's one of those kids that you would do anything for," Baumgard said.

Eriksen's advice to anyone with a dream is simple: believe in yourself.