From Merit Badges to Million-Dollar Business: The Rise of the Seven-Figure Solopreneur
Imagine finding inspiration in the simplest childhood memories and turning it into a multimillion-dollar venture. That’s precisely what happened to one enterprising individual who transformed a pastime from his Boy Scout days into a thriving business. Inspired by entrepreneurs he followed on YouTube, he embarked on an ambitious journey to create a game centered around stone skipping—a campfire-side activity he was already familiar with.
In his research, he discovered that stone skipping wasn’t just a local pastime but a globally enjoyed activity, with dozens of translations and variations in different languages. Realizing this universal appeal, he saw the potential to standardize the game, envisioning a future where his creation could become the official ball for this nascent sport. Fueled by this vision, he raised about $35,000 through competitions organized by Venture Devils, a program that supports Arizona State University students and other community members in growing their businesses. His innovative concept also earned him accolades from the university, further cementing his commitment to his burgeoning enterprise.
His flagship product, the Score ‘NN Hole all-in-one game set, became more than just a simple stone-skipping kit. It included multiple games, such as Floating Beer Pong, and offered various add-ons that his Shopify-built site encouraged shoppers to purchase. The flexibility and inclusiveness of his games allowed families of all sizes and skill levels to enjoy them together, addressing the common issue where traditional backyard games often favor those with height or strength advantages.
Based in Surprise, Arizona, his one-person operation skyrocketed in revenue, growing from $60,000 in 2020 to an anticipated $3 million by the end of this year. By March 2024, his business had already hit $1 million in revenue, thanks to ramped-up marketing efforts on Facebook and Instagram, and the strategic decision to hire a marketing agency. This remarkable growth aligns with a broader trend: the increasing number of nonemployer businesses—those without payrolls—achieving significant revenue milestones. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the number of such businesses hitting $1 million to $2.49 million in revenue rose to 53,460 in 2021. Another 2,708 businesses crossed the $2.5 million to $4.99 million mark, highlighting a growing trend of high-revenue, low-headcount enterprises.
While many of these nonemployer businesses will stay relatively small, some will evolve into larger ventures with employees. Whether they remain one-person operations or expand, these businesses are testament to the potential of innovative, single-entrepreneur models. Our stone-skipping enthusiast is at the forefront of this trend, continually inventing and refining new ways of doing business.
As he continues to ride this wave of success, he’s not just growing a game; he’s pioneering a new approach to entrepreneurship. By turning a simple joy into a sophisticated business model, he exemplifies how passion and innovation can create extraordinary opportunities. And who knows? Maybe one day, stone skipping will be as mainstream as soccer or basketball, with his creation at the heart of it all.
