When most people think of the person in business they admire most, names like Warren Buffett, Larry Page, or Steve Jobs might be at the top of the list. 

Not for me. My new favorite entrepreneur is 15-year-old Willow Tufano.

When I was 15 I got my very first job washing dishes at Kneaders Bakery & Café and it lasted exactly two weeks. Willow is 15 and she just bought her second house that she plans to finish remodeling and then rent for $800 per month.

When I was 15 I was worried about starting high school, making the basketball team, and getting caught skipping class. Willow is worried about market fluctuations, HOAs, and counter offers.

Now that I’m a little bit older (and I’d like to think a little bit wiser), I have a sincere appreciation for people that can look at an opportunity that may be rough in the present but could pay big dividends in the future.

Of course since Willow is 15 she cannot sign the legal documents necessary to purchase a home. I’ve learned from Fishbowl CEO, David K. Williams that one of the most important assets an entrepreneur can have is the support of the family or people around them. From the videos I’ve watched and the articles I’ve read it seems that Willow’s parents allow her to make the important decisions while they offer a close arm of support.

At a young age Willow knows how to invest her money to make more money. She sells some of her belongings on Craigslist and plans to use that money as well as the rent she charges to purchase more homes in the future. Her goal is to own 10 homes by the time she turns 18! This is a very admirable destination for someone who isn’t even able to drive.

When I was 18 I was trying to decide where to go to college and had no idea what I wanted to do for a career. When Willow turns 18 I imagine that she will have a pretty amazing career waiting for her in real estate.



Author: Ryan Oaks |