Enterprise Nation

Joel Drapper is the youngest home business owner we’ve ever profiled on Enterprise Nation. He was 13 when he first started designing websites and 15 when he launched his company. He’s helped out by 10 brothers and sisters and we’ve got an amazing piece of commentary coming up from Joel’s Mum too.

How old were you when you started the business? How long ago was that?

I have been building websites since I was 13, but launched my business on my 15th birthday (12 May 2008).

What does your business do?

We design logos, design websites, market websites, code websites, code web applications, etc.

Do you work from a dedicated room in the house?

I work mostly from my bedroom, but sometimes I take my laptop else where. I love to work in the garden in the sunshine!

To understand the relevance of the next question, you should know that Joel is home-schooled.

Does your family allow you to forego lessons to focus on the business?!

No. Until I am sixteen my priority is my education. I run my business in my spare time, and holidays. Saying that I spend some lessons researching and learning new techniques in website design, other computer skills, and advanced internet marketing (SEO). I also study conventional business and marketing.

What are your future plans for the business?

Within the next year, I would really like to build up my portfolio. I am also very excited about a new content management system that I hope to be launching and maintaining in the next few months. I would also like to get to the point where I can employ others to work for me. I would also like to start some kind of online video training program to help other website designers.

Do you ever see yourself working for anyone else?

In a way our agency is working for clients all the time, but I really can't see myself working in a job again. I like the freedom of being my own boss, and working my own hours. However, I wouldn't mind working for Google, or something big like that for the experience!!!#

To read about how Joel chopped potatoes to earn money for his first laptop, read this feature here.  What a wonderful and confident young man – he's sure to go far!

Joel Drapper talks to Emma Jones

• 1stclasswebsites

It doesn't end there

After getting to know Joel, we received a note from his Mum, Mrs Drapper.

"Hi Emma,

I'm Joel's mum! I love your website. We have been running a home business for several years and it is so great to be able to help others. Our business goal is to help ordinary people achieve extra-ordinary things. I guess we specialise in helping people break out of their rut and to get started in a home business, then motivate them to keep going!!

Well, I just put this article together. I'm not sure if it really fits in your articles, but we feel one of the privileges of running a home business is being able to spend more time with our children and helping them to start to run their own businesses. They won't learn that at school!!! I've just finished a book in my spare time called the ABCs of Success and am just at the stage of finding a publisher. We'll be making it available as an ebook on our website once I can grab a few moments between the film crew being here for Debbie, our 13 year old!!

Anyway, you are doing a great job and thanks for encouraging Joel.

Have a great day.

Ruth"

You will see the article that followed (and it's well worth seeing) here on the site tomorrow.