For years, the narrative surrounding young people’s futures has been focused on the importance of college education as a pathway to successful careers. However, a young entrepreneur from Michigan is challenging this conventional wisdom.
Addison Bringedahl, a 17-year-old from Pentwater, Michigan, is making waves in the business world. With her family’s portfolio, which includes a general store and a golf cart rental and repair business, she has spent considerable time assisting in these ventures. Yet, her entrepreneurial ambitions led her to start her own business: a freshly squeezed lemonade stand.
Her inaugural weekend over the Fourth of July proved to be a resounding success, prompting plans to evolve her business into a food truck concept in Florida in the future.
Bringedahl’s interest in entrepreneurship was sparked by her parents’ endeavors in business. She emphasizes the belief that college is not a necessity for everyone. In her pursuit of efficiency, she took online classes at Great Lakes Learning Academy to graduate from high school a year early.
While not all high school students may opt to skip college, for individuals like Bringedahl who have clear career aspirations, a more direct route can be advantageous. College does offer significant benefits for many, but the core requirements for business ownership lie in dedication, vision, and a willingness to adapt and learn.
Bringedahl’s mother expresses her pride in her daughter’s work ethic, reinforcing the idea that hard work leads to success. With her grounding in family businesses, Bringedahl is well-prepared to determine her path in entrepreneurship, making the leap into business ownership a fitting choice for her.
