A new generation of entrepreneurs is proving that ambition isn't measured by age. While many of their peers are just beginning college or entering the workforce, young business owners like Caden Jones of Blount Home Services, and Brandon Rhodes and Chandler Ogden of ProClean Group, LLC, are building businesses that serve their communities while creating opportunities for future entrepreneurs.
Though their companies are different, their stories share a common thread: success wasn't handed to them. It was earned through hard work, resilience and a willingness to take risks.
Caden launched Blount Window Cleaning—now Blount Home Services—while still in high school. What began as a window-cleaning business has grown into a full-service home maintenance company serving Blount and Knox counties.
"We aim to serve our clients in the best way possible," Caden says. "I want to bring back that old family business experience where you know your clients, they know you and there's trust."
After struggling to find a job, Caden created his own opportunity.
"I figured I'd try it, and I really liked it," he says. "I do a good job, treat people with respect, and those are values that matter to me."
Meanwhile, University of Tennessee’s Haslam College of Business juniors Brandon and Chandler turned a frustrating minimum-wage job into the motivation to take over ProClean Group from Chandler’s father. Since late 2024, they've expanded the commercial and residential floor-cleaning company from homes to hotels, businesses and commercial properties.
"We learned a lot from messing up over and over again," Brandon says. "Failure was the best teacher."
Their entrepreneurial mindset has grown beyond cleaning services. While building ProClean Group, they recognized that many young business owners struggle to find affordable customer relationship management software with the tools service businesses actually need. Instead of settling, they decided to build their own.
Their app, KIO (Knock-It-Off), is an all-in-one platform designed to help businesses hire, train and grow door-to-door sales teams. Currently in development, KIO will include features such as Quick Knock, Rep Academy and Team Hub, to make professional business tools affordable and accessible for entrepreneurs just getting started. A demo is expected in the coming weeks, followed by testing before a planned public launch early next year.
"We believe what we're building could revolutionize the market," Brandon says.
Although many young business owners worry their age will work against them, professionalism has helped them earn trust.
"Our leadership qualities and the way we present ourselves really set us apart," Brandon says.
For these entrepreneurs, success isn't just about financial gain—it's about creating freedom, serving others and opening doors for the next generation.
"Don't let people tell you that you can't," Caden says. "Stick with it, work hard and don't let other people's doubts bring you down."
Together, these entrepreneurs prove that leadership, innovation and lasting impact aren't defined by age, but by the willingness to build something bigger than yourself.