Brendan Cox began his entrepreneurial endeavors in the seventh grade. He thought it unfair that his sister was earning money babysitting, but he couldn’t because parents were more inclined to hire a female than a male to babysit. He became determined to find a way to make money, so he Googled ways to make money and a suggestion was to sell candy at school. So, Cox sold candy at school and made $56 in profits.
This one endeavor evolved into Cox founding ten different business by age nineteen. He became interested in graphic design, so he taught himself by watching YouTube videos and learned how to use Photoshop. He launched a phone case company, called Kicks Case, where he designed the phone cases with his newfound graphic design skills. At only fourteen, Cox earned more than $50,000 through profits at Kicks Case. This business venture led right into Cox Visuals.
A clothing brand based out of Brooklyn contacted Cox and asked who his graphic designer was. When he explained he created the designs, they hired him, and Cox Visuals was born. Another business he founded was Teen Assistant, a business that connects teens with odd jobs that they can be hired for. Within two years of launching Teen Assistant, it generated over $200,000.
Cox is studying entrepreneurship at the University of Scranton. He is involved in the entrepreneurship program and hoping to get more students plugged into the program. Cox plans to continue his entrepreneurial ventures after he graduates from college.
Cox’s story inspires me in so many ways. I am amazed that he started such successful businesses when he was just a teenager. He was determined to do something and went after it. His determination and grit inspires me. He was interested in graphic design, so he learned it and ended up starting a profitable design firm because of it. I am motivated to try new things. So often I decide not to do something because I don’t feel qualified or have the adequate skill sets to go forward, but Cox just threw himself into things that he didn’t know about and learned along the way. That is what I consider entrepreneurial thinking.
It’s so amazing to hear about how much Brendan did at such a young age! His business ideas are great and truly innovative. His determination and success is inspirational. It’s also cool that he is continuing his entrepreneurship ventures in college.