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Eli Henriksen

Grade: 11

Location: Fort Worth, Texas

Business Name:

Ridglea Dog Walking and Landscaping Co

Revenue: $13,000

At just 16 years old, Eli Henriksen is proving that age is no barrier to entrepreneurship. A junior at Arlington Heights High School in Fort Worth, Texas, Eli is the founder of not one, but two thriving small businesses—Ridglea Dog Walking Co. and Ridglea Landscaping Co. His unique combination of determination, people skills, and grit has already earned him a combined revenue of $13,000 in 2024, all while balancing the demands of high school life.

We’re thrilled to recognize Eli as a recipient of the Formidable Fellowship Grant, and we’re excited to share his inspiring story.


The Start of Two Hustles


Eli's entrepreneurial journey didn’t start with a grand plan. Like many young entrepreneurs, he began by doing odd jobs in his neighborhood—mowing lawns, walking dogs, and even running a lemonade stand. However, it wasn’t long before he spotted the potential to turn these small gigs into structured businesses.


"I was mowing a client’s lawn one day when she asked if I could walk her dog,” Eli shared. “It hit me that dog walking was less effort and could be more lucrative. That’s when I decided to go all in with Ridglea Dog Walking Co."


Soon after, Ridglea Landscaping Co. was born, as Eli upgraded his equipment, got a car, and started scaling his lawn care business. Between these two ventures, Eli has shown remarkable ability to juggle and grow multiple revenue streams, creating a strong customer base in his Fort Worth neighborhood.


Word of Mouth and Grit: The Secrets to Eli’s Success


Ridglea Dog Walking Co. and Ridglea Landscaping Co. are powered by Eli’s hustle and natural charisma. His ability to build trust with customers has been key to growing his businesses.


Eli relies heavily on word of mouth, door-to-door pitches, and community networking to gain new clients. One of his most effective strategies? Connecting with people on a personal level.


“People buy from you when you understand them, not when they understand you,” Eli says. Whether it’s complimenting a client’s car or chatting about their dog’s personality, Eli knows how to strike up genuine conversations that lead to long-term relationships. In fact, one client hired him on the spot after a 30-minute conversation about an imported GTR Skyline car.


But door-to-door selling hasn’t always been smooth sailing. Eli admits he’s faced his share of rejections—and even the occasional angry homeowner. “I’ve been yelled at, but every door I knock on makes me better at sales,” he says. His fearless approach to learning and improving has helped him build resilience and confidence.


Lessons Learned About Business and Money


Eli’s journey hasn’t been without its learning moments, especially when it comes to pricing and operations. When he first started, he admits he was undercharging for his services. Over time, he refined his pricing strategy—Ridglea Dog Walking Co. now charges $25 for larger dogs and $20 for smaller ones, with a $5 fee for additional pets.


This learning curve has also changed Eli’s relationship with money. He’s developed a habit of saving at least half of his income and budgeting wisely, all while managing to buy his own car—a 2012 Honda Accord, which he later sold for a profit.


“I used to want to spend on little things, but now I focus on what really brings me joy,” he says. “Learning to budget has been a game-changer.”


Role Models and the Power of Self-Education


Though Eli didn’t grow up in a household of entrepreneurs, he’s found inspiration and guidance through self-education. His biggest influences include Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki and entrepreneur Alex Hormozi, whose advice on aggressive growth and financial discipline has deeply resonated with him.


Eli also credits his neighbor, Cooper Palacio, for mentoring him in business. Cooper, a real estate investor, has given Eli hands-on experience managing Airbnb properties, allowing him to learn the ins and outs of real estate without risking his own money.


What’s Next for Eli?


Looking ahead, Eli is focused on maintaining his businesses while navigating the demands of being a high school junior. While some entrepreneurs might feel pressure to grow quickly, Eli is focused on finding balance.


“For now, I want to keep my businesses manageable while I’m in school,” he says. “I’m aiming for $10,000 to $15,000 in revenue this year, but I don’t want to overwork myself.”


He’s already strategizing how to use his $1,000 Formidable Fellowship Grant to grow his businesses. Plans include creating branded yard signs to advertise his landscaping services and printing more T-shirts to boost brand visibility for Ridglea Dog Walking Co.


Dreams for the Future


When asked about his ultimate dream, Eli’s answer is refreshingly simple but profound: “In 10 years, I want the freedom to have a slow day and enjoy it,” he says. For Eli, entrepreneurship isn’t just about making money—it’s about achieving financial independence and living life on his own terms.


As he continues to grow, Eli hopes to inspire other young entrepreneurs to take the leap. His advice? “Just do it. Don’t be afraid to start, even if it’s not perfect. You’ll fall on your face, but you’ll learn so much along the way.”


With his determination and entrepreneurial spirit, there’s no doubt that Eli Henriksen is just getting started. We’re proud to support him on his journey and can’t wait to see where Ridglea Dog Walking Co. and Ridglea Landscaping Co. go next.

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