Ryan Hickman began his entrepreneurial career at the age of three when he realized the importance of recycling and the potential for earning money. Ryan began his journey by making a trip to a local recycling center and then being rewarded a few bucks. This passion for recycling has grown and developed into a much larger project. The three year old who is now a teenager has widened his vision and now is driven to help clean up the earth one person at a time. Ryan now sells merchandise promoting the message “Making the sea trash free.” The profits of this merchandise, as well as his recycling business, go to the organization Pacific Marine Mammal Center. This organization is a rescue sanctuary for sea lions and seals. Ryan has had a meaningful impact on the efforts of cleaning up the earth. He is very passionate about educating people about how important it is for people to recycle. Ryan believes that if everyone did just a little bit to help, then we would see a large impact on the health of the earth. I think Ryan’s story is incredible and very motivating. As simple as recycling may sound, his passion has driven him to something so meaningful in this world and he has become a part of something that is bigger than himself. I think it is fascinating to see the parallels between what we talk about in class with innovation and the process of growing a business to Ryan’s specific story. I think Ryan will inspire a lot of people to make an effort in doing their 1% and turning this world into a much better and healthier place.
Trevor, I love this post because it is so important to care about the environment and recycle, and that someone came up with an idea at the age of three to take care of this problem is amazing.
I love this. This is a great example of it never being to early in life to start. I am a big believer that entrepreneurs are born, and I think that is certainly the case here. He saw a need, and found a way to get creative within that need. It is also awesome to hear about how he cares about impact and has a vision for what it will take to make a measurable difference in the world.
This is a cool example of doing things you’re passionate about. Ryan was passionate about recycling and ocean cleanup, and did something about it. He found that selling merchandise would help fund charities, so he did it.
Personally, I adore sea creatures so immediately I was drawn in and intrigued. I think Ryan has a great thing going on that not only benefits him but more importantly the world we live in. It is an awesome cause, recycling, and he has chosen to not only recycle but to yet make it a cool connection with other people in merchandise. Best of both worlds, land and sea!