Young Wealth: Trade Secrets from Teens Who Are Changing American Business

It's no secret that in this age of high-speed Internet and readily accessible information, the tools are available for anyone to start their own company. At least, not to a growing number of teens who are utilizing these tools every day. From computers and retail to sports and entertainment, these teens are making an impact in a myriad of occupations. With chapter-length profiles on 15 amazing teens who are leading a new generation of young entrepreneurs, Young Wealth reveals the secrets to their stunning success. Far from being motivated by money, these young business men and women possess common traits necessary to attain their entrepreneurial triumphs: an insatiable curiosity, intense passion, creativity, and the love of helping people. Coupled with hard work and a few lucky breaks, these teens have gained immense respect in the very adult world of business. Among this eclectic group featured are: -Ben Casnocha, a 17-year-old business wiz who started his San Francisco-based software company when he was 12; he regularly meets with venture capitalists and high-tech executives in between serving as captain of his high-school basketball team and editor of his school newspaper. -Rachael Piltch-Loeb, a 16-year-old jewelry maker who has raised thousands of dollars for cancer research by selling her handmade jewelry online. -Graham Bensinger, a 19-year-old Syracuse University student who is already a cottage industry in sports broadcasting; he hosts a weekly sports radio talk show, contributes to ESPN.com, and has conducted major interviews of sports legends Muhammad Ali, O.J. Simpson, Pete Rose, and Jim Brown. Offering a glimpse into 15 unique teen worlds, Young Wealth delves into the motives, methods, and uncommon maturity of these young entrepreneurs and illustrates the blueprint for those who want to follow in their lead.

Jon Swartz is an award-winning reporter with more than two decades of experience covering technology and business at several publications, including USA TODAY, San Francisco Chronicle, and the London Independent. His series of stories with fellow USA TODAY reporter Byron Acohido on cybercrime won the Society of American Business Editors and Writers Best in Business Projects Award and was a finalist for a Gerald Loeb Award for Distinguished Business and Financial Journalism Award in 2004 and 2005. Swartz lives in San Mateo, CA.