After launching his own landscaping business and growing his client base from one client to more than seven, Carter Drake, a junior at Fort Atkinson High School, has been selected to receive the 2014 Young Entrepreneur Award.
The annual award honors up-and-coming Wisconsin entrepreneurs “who are building and leading dynamic and growing businesses,” according to Ernst & Young, which presents the award with support from Junior Achievement of Wisconsin and the Department of Public Instruction.
Drake began landscaping for one client in 2012 and the following year had his business, Dreamscape Landscaping, up and running.
“As my business grew, my services did as well,” Drake said in the video application he submitted for the award. “I began to offer thatching, edging and landscape projects involving retaining wall rock as well as use of large equipment for hauling landscape rock.”
Currently, Drake offers year-round landscaping services, from mowing grass to snow removal. His inspiration to start Dreamscape Landscaping stemmed from time spent working in the yard with his father.
In the coming spring, Drake said he plans to expand his client base with new advertising strategies. He will also grow his line of services with investments in additional equipment to continue developing as an entrepreneur.
“The best part about owning my own business is that I’m learning valuable life skills that give me an upper hand in future job opportunities or future career areas,” Drake said.
As the recipient of the Young Entrepreneur Award, Drake will be honored at the Wisconsin Business Hall of Fame during an April 10 ceremony at the Pfister Hotel.
“Along with Ernst & Young and DPI, Junior Achievement of Wisconsin is thrilled to honor Carter Drake as this year’s Young Entrepreneur of the Year,” said Tim Greinert, president of Junior Achievement of Wisconsin. “Carter not only represents excellence in entrepreneurship, but he is (also) a role model to all young people looking to start their own business.”
