Teen Entrepreneur Turns Simple Idea into $300,000 Monthly Business
Michael Satterly, an 18-year-old from the United States, has turned a brief Instagram video into a lucrative business, generating hundreds of thousands of dollars monthly by innovating in the accessory industry.
The journey began when Satterly posted a video of himself using a novel drink holder, which he dubbed the "recharge tactic," while enjoying a can of Dr Pepper.
At first glance, the holder appears ordinary, but it features a clever twist: when a new can is inserted, the empty one shoots off the holder like a projectile in a quick and entertaining scene.
This video garnered over 50 million views on Instagram, sparking the launch of his emerging project, "Cruise Cup," focused on selling 3D-printed products.
According to "Business Insider," Satterly achieved sales of $300,000 in November alone, as reported by the platform "Shopify"—an impressive figure for someone who has yet to turn 18.
* From Lawn Care to Entrepreneurship
Satterly's success story did not happen overnight. His entrepreneurial journey began at age ten when he knocked on neighbors' doors offering lawn mowing services.
Though this initial venture was not particularly successful, he persisted. Later, he ventured into e-commerce, creating a sand-proof product and launching a shoe accessory line called "Solefully" that gained traction on Instagram.
A significant turning point came when he learned about 3D printing in a high school design class.
As Satterly explains, this technology provides aspiring entrepreneurs with a low-cost entry into the market: an affordable printer can be purchased for around $100, with raw materials costing just $20, while designing models has become increasingly accessible thanks to artificial intelligence.
* From Bedroom to Mini Factory
As demand for his products grew, Satterly's family home in New York transformed into a full-fledged workshop: printers in the basement, packaging in the dining room, and photography in the bedroom.
With the expansion of his project, Satterly has since moved to a warehouse equipped with over 130 3D printers and plans to shift to steel product manufacturing by mid-2026.
* The Secret Behind the Viral Idea
The concept for the drink holder was not accidental. Satterly noted that he looked at products from the well-known company "Yeti" and pondered:
How could they be improved? He added the "quick recharge" feature and promptly responded to follower requests for a double holder, which he designed and launched quickly.
Despite receiving criticism for the product, including that it is not insulated and does not keep drinks cold, he remained undeterred. His philosophy is straightforward:
"Execute the idea first, then refine it later."
He concludes his story with a direct message to youth:
"Don't expect to succeed on your first try. You will often fail, but with perseverance, the moment of luck that changes your life can arrive."
