17 year old to make $1 million selling candles

Original airdate: 4/9/2019 | A local teenager had trouble finding a job, so he took matters into his own hands. Now he's running a half-a-million dollar business at the age of just 17.

Brandon Bechtel was just a 13-year-old looking for a job.

He thought about the standards. Lawn Mowing. Landscaping. A google search then gave him an idea. Candles.

"So I purchased some supplies, some materials, some labels and just try to put it all together," Bechtel: said.

And thus began Brandon's Candles.

"It was a real rough product. Labeling was not good. The candle quality wasn't great but people still took interest, still bought my product," Bechtel said.

Four years later, not so rough. The business made $500,000 in sales last year alone.

"I had switched from Etsy to Amazon Handmade and saw a large increase in sales," Bechtel said.

Full story:

[tominewman]

i REALLY wish they were “Brandles” but it’s fine

[bu]

Why do people go to college to study business from people who never owned a business?

[petermcgill]

I expect he has good parents who encouraged him to be assertive and innovitive

[faustinolopez]

I love the professional way he dresses! Congrats boy!

[ms.carlson]

This is a kid not wasting his time in school and university.

[Reality_TV]

He couldn't find a job, so he created one for himself. This is a great lesson. He didn't let "perfect" get in the way of "good enough". He thought of the idea and just did it! Kudos to him for doing that.

[Ricangelo]

Starting a business is hard, keeping it is even harder.

[Hernsama]

Bro you don’t need to waste time going to college. It’s clear you know how to run a business.

[AndreaRJames]

I applaud this Teenager for being creative with his idea of candle making, turning said idea into a business, and not looking back. Taking early risks at 17 builds real character. Live Your Dreams, Never Give Up on You!

[tylerclark-realtor]

We need more youth like him! I’m 19 and I’ve worked for myself since I was 14. I currently own 2 companies. A commercial cleaning business and a furniture repair and refinish company. I would like to say I am as successful as him, however I have been blessed and make a very comfortable living for myself at my age. I am currently in the process of launching a career in real estate with hopes to pursue other business ventures in the future.

Props to Brandon!

[Smileyyy]

So true trial and error is so real. I love how honest he is because the struggle is real. Four years ago I hit depression hard and didnt have a dollar to my name. I refused to give up on life after thinking of suicide. I decided to start making it happen. That good things could happen to me just as it happens to others. Now four years later with a part time job I have 30 k and will start my business this year. Im going to start from scratch but already know the basics of not borrowing money. During those four years I went through many ways to save the right way. Maybe around 6-7 ways of getting to my budget and saving all I could. Ive also been 1 year free of fast food which is what was eating my money. Ive mastered it and now its second nature.

[melaniereeder]

I like that the interview was about him and his business. I was so ready to see them talking to the parents as if they made the business.

[AnastasiaZoldak]

Have a business idea? Take the chance! Failing is also a learning experience to get it right the next time

[vickiesmith]

You're doing a phenomenal job, you're 17 and have a candle business, I'm 63 started candle making business two years ago not making much yet, my full time job gets in the way I'm moving very slow but I love every minute of it . Keep up the good work.

[thedollbabys]

Did you notice the sign he did to welcome the news station? Hard worker and thoughtful. Wish him the best.

[adidas]

Impressive that he is still wanting to learn and going to college.

Wish Brandon the best and I will be looking to buy some of his candles for presents this Christmas

[jrothstein]

This kid is an inspiration, you can tell how focused he is. Great story.

[TrinaHoward]

That is awesome. I am happy for him, he has jumped out there and started his very own business. Many blessings to you.

[thedollbabys]

Very happy for him, you can tell he was dedicated, didn't give up and still going to college. College is an experience. I learned so much about myself, life, other people, being an adult than I did in the classroom. I'm not using my degree now but I don't regret going for one moment.

[chicagochicago]

proud of him.... looks like there is still a lot of hopes... keep up the good job