Last year, three local teens were the recipients of the first-ever Youthpreneurs of NW Washington Awards. More than just offering a financial boon, the awards recognized their efforts, boosted their confidence, and inducted them into our community’s network of small business pioneers.
The Youthpreneurs of NW Washington Awards were created by three Bellingham-based men who understand the trials and rewards of entrepreneurship: Trevor Swezey, founder of Highline Construction; Isaac Burrous, co-owner of Kent’s Garden & Nursery; and Brandon Nelson, a celebrated Whatcom County realtor. The three are good friends, and whilst on a group hike, Swezey introduced the idea of the awards.
“We were looking for an opportunity to give back and connect with the next generation of entrepreneurs,” says Swezey. “We all know intimately and firsthand [about being entrepreneurs]…it’s really intimidating.”
“It took me about five seconds to say, ‘Yeah, let’s do that. That sounds really awesome,” says Burrous. In high school, Burrous was given his first car by his shop teacher, who wanted to give him a step up. It’s something Burrous has never forgotten and feels deeply grateful for.
“It was always just one of those things…knowing along the way, unless you had somebody who believed in you to help you out, it’s hard. And so I just always kind of thought, if I ever get a chance, I want to do something like that in return,” says Burrous.
Ella Jones | Photograph courtesy of Youthpreneurs of NW Washington Awards
“The Youthpreneurs of NW Washington award has meant a great deal to me. It’s amazing to be recognized for a lot of hard work throughout the years and I’m so grateful to have been a part of this scholarship. The sponsors were so generous and kind, and I’m so lucky to have been able to receive the award alongside such great businessmen. This is a great scholarship and an amazing way to acknowledge young entrepreneurs.”
– Ella Jones, Founder/Owner, Ella’s Photo Booth | Youthpreneurs of NW Washington Awards 2025 Honorable Mention Award Winner
Nelson has a teenage son who runs his own pressure washing business.
“[The three of us] have that entrepreneurial wiring, and it’s a small sector of society that has that,” says Nelson. “So it was really cool to just say, ‘Hey, let’s shine the spotlight on these people that have already identified this very cool wiring that they have.’”
The Awards were open to teens and young adults in Whatcom and Skagit County who were “ready to launch a business, develop a product, or pursue professional development.” Applying was straightforward yet thorough, requiring a short-answer questionnaire, photos, videos, and references. After a late-spring application period, the three winners were announced in August, with Malachi Larsen receiving Youthpreneur of the Year and $5000, and Ella Jones and Gunnar Williamson named Honorable Mentions and receiving $2000 each.
Gunnar Williamson | Photograph courtesy of Youthpreneurs of NW Washington Awards
“Being recognized for your hard work always feels good, but the Youthpreneurs of NW Washington award has gone beyond that for me. It was a motivation builder, and being able to focus on the quality of my product instead of worrying about funds is huge. Most of all, it has been an encouragement to be connected with these local business owners who are passionate about investing and supporting the future of youth like me in business.”
– Gunnar Williamson, Founder/Owner, Custom Freeze Drying | Youthpreneurs of NW Washington Awards 2025 Honorable Mention Award Winner
That’s no small change for a teen business owner. All three teens had already founded functional, operating businesses. Larsen, 19 at the time of the awards, is the founder of the shoe trading and resale business Pacific Kickz, which he’d begun as a sophomore. Jones, 15 at the time, operates Ella’s Photo Booth, a traveling open-air photo booth business. And Williamson, 17 at the time, founded Custom Freeze Drying.
While they have different ages and businesses, all three teens share the qualities of driven, passionate entrepreneurs. Swezey, Burrous, and Nelson were all extremely impressed, calling them inspiring and “above and beyond” their years.
(L to R) Trevor Swezey, Malachi Larsen, Isaac Burrous, and Brandon Nelson | Photograph courtesy of Youthpreneurs of NW Washington Awards
“Receiving the Youthpreneur [award] has brought with it more opportunities for my business and education than I could’ve imagined. The awarded money has helped me grow my business to the next level, and allowed me to achieve all my goals for this year. I am forever thankful to the businesses that make Youthpreneurs possible, and am excited to share with them what my future brings.”
– Malachi Larsen, Founder/Owner, Pacific Kickz | Youthpreneurs of NW Washington Awards 2025 Youthpreneur of the Year Award Winner
“There’s nothing more needed…in this day and age than when a young person puts all that together the way these three have,” says Nelson.
Although the Youthpreneur awards won’t be returning for 2026, Swezey, Burrous, and Nelson hope to continue spreading the word and developing the program. Their goals for the future include attracting more applicants and promoting the young entrepreneurs who become involved. highlinewa.com
