As a young child growing up in Scotland, Fraser Doherty grew up being taught how to make jam with his grandmother. At age fourteen, he began making his own jams, soon creating a recipe for a jam that was 100% fruit. Soon, he began selling his jams door to door in his neighborhood. He then began selling at a stand at his local farmers market and delivering to customers outside his neighborhood. By age 16, he dropped out of school and made jam full time. The product demand was so high that he began renting a factory a few days a month to make his jams which he named SuperJam. At age seventeen, he partnered with a supermarket franchise called Waitrose, and became the youngest ever supplier to a major supermarket. At age 18, Fraser Doherty became one of the youngest self-made millionaires in the United Kingdom. Over the past 15 years of the company, they have sold millions of jars of jams and made millions in revenue. Fraser went on to receive many awards (even some from prince Charles and the Queen), create a company, and published three books. He also became the cofounder of Beer52, one of the leading craft beer companies in the UK.
Fraser Doherty’s story is extremely unique, inspiring, and innovative. He took a family recipe and created something amazing out of it. I think it is very inspiring that something he started by selling things door to door, within three years made him one of the youngest millionaires in the UK. His story shows his commitment and passion to his brand and shows the entrepreneurial traits he carries. Fraser’s story of SuperJam stands to show anyone that if they truly believe in what they’re doing, to persist in their craft and see what possibilities it holds.
Crazy that he decided to drop out of school at age 16 to make jam full time, that is a huge leap. Even crazier that he became a millionaire by age 18 by just selling jam. Fraser is truly a great example of a young entrepreneur and shows many qualities of a successful businessman.