Attention all parents of young entrepreneurs! Are you looking for inspiration on how to guide your young job creators? Look no further than “Down to Business: 51 Industry Leaders Share Practical Advice on How to Become a Young Entrepreneur” by Fenley Scurlock and Jason Liaw.

In this groundbreaking book, fifteen-year-olds Fenley Scurlock and Jason Liaw interview leaders involved with brand-name businesses like MasterClass, Hallmark Cards, IKEA, Parachute, Cotopaxi, Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams, and more.

“We are so grateful to the contributors – the many CEOs, founders and business leaders who took the time to talk to us and offer their advice to help our generation solve the big problems at our feet,” says Scurlock.

They ask questions every burgeoning exec wants to know: How can I get started? Is college worth it? What skills do I need? How did YOU make it big?

The young entrepreneurs who had both started businesses by the time they’d reached middle school also break down the different types of leaders that they’ve identified through their interview process:

• The Disruptor
• The Visionary
• The Champion
• The Innovator
• The Creator
• The Investor
• The Strategist

In a book that’s unlike any book out there – for a young teen or adult entrepreneurs – Fenley and Jason give readers access to leading innovators, inventors, and executives as they tell their stories and provide tips to a new generation of bosses.

“Our goal is to get it to as many young people as possible, so they can learn quickly from those who have already been there. We hope that the diversity of experts we interviewed – in age, region, sector, personality and culture – will help readers see themselves in someone, and be inspired,” shares Jason. “Most of all, we hope those in Gen Z and Gen Alpha reading this book will know that age is not a barrier to success, that they can do it, and they can start now.”

A little bit about the authors – Fenley Scurlock and Jason Liaw are teen entrepreneurs and lifelong friends. Fenley is a student at Stanford Online High School. Jason is a student in the Science, Math, Computer Science (SMCS) magnet program at Poolesville High School in Maryland, and a three-time class president.

Fenley has run a business making artisanal soaps and pens since he was seven; he sells at farmer’s markets, in his online store, and at kids’ business fairs. He has won multiple business, sales, and marketing awards, and has been interviewed by Fast Company, Kids 2 Market, and local media outlets.
Jason launched his first business at age eleven building and maintaining websites for a local chamber of commerce. He is the president of his school’s entrepreneurship club and won first place for a financial literacy project in a 2022 DECA state competition. As an ABC (American-Born Chinese), Jason navigates the world in two languages.

“Down to Business” is an engaging and informative read that is sure to inspire and motivate any young entrepreneur. So, if you’re a parent looking to guide your young job creator, or if you’re a young entrepreneur yourself, be sure to pick up a copy.