Barron High Student Won Young Entrepreneur Title

Sixteen-year-old Ethan Eriksen claimed top honors for his custom clothing brand, Shredrz Attire.

Updated on Sept. 30, 2026 in Youth

Barron High Student Won Young Entrepreneur Title

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Ethan Eriksen, a student at Barron High School, has been named the Wisconsin Young Entrepreneur of the Year. He also secured the Viewer's Choice Award in the Milwaukee competition.

Why it matters

The recognition highlights the success of young innovators who bridge market gaps, such as the flame-covered ski apparel Eriksen developed. The competition aims to foster business leadership and strategic thinking among students.

Eriksen received a $5,000 grand prize for his clothing brand. Three other finalists were awarded $1,500 scholarships for their participation.

The players

Ethan Eriksen

He is a sixteen-year-old student at Barron High School who founded the clothing brand Shredrz Attire.

Junior Achievement of Wisconsin

This organization empowers young people to own their economic success through work readiness and entrepreneurship programs.

The details

Eriksen founded Shredrz Attire after identifying a lack of flame-patterned ski pants in the current market. To bring his vision to life, the teen collaborated with international clothing designers to create custom garments.

2025: Ethan Eriksen decided to create his own custom ski pants.
2021: Junior Achievement began teaching business skills to Wisconsin students.
September 2026: Ethan Eriksen won the Young Entrepreneur of the Year award in Milwaukee.

Culture Shift

This win reflects a broader rise in teen-led startups capitalizing on niche consumer trends through social-driven branding. It underscores how vocational programs are shifting toward supporting independent creative ventures rather than traditional career paths.

Students and aspiring entrepreneurs can use this competition as a pathway to secure startup capital for their own ventures. The success of local peers highlights potential avenues for younger residents to turn hobbies into structured business operations.

The takeaway

Young entrepreneurs should focus on identifying specific gaps in niche markets to create high-demand products. Aspiring business owners can improve their odds by participating in organized youth programs that provide mentorship and networking opportunities.