For Caden Vroman, a freshman at Middleton High School, it all started with noticing someone else doing something bold.
“I saw a teen like myself biking by my house in Colorado with a lawn mower in a bike trailer,” Caden said. “I thought it was the coolest thing, and I wanted to do the same.”
That moment stuck with him. Years later, after moving to Wisconsin and getting a riding lawn mower, Caden knew he wanted to turn that inspiration into something real. That idea became Neighborhood Lawn Care, and it has now earned him statewide recognition.
Caden is one of just four students across Wisconsin selected as a finalist in Wisconsin’s Young Entrepreneur Competition. The competition recognizes high school students who have turned a business idea into a fully operating company.
What began as a way to use the equipment he already had quickly grew into something much bigger. Caden said there was a clear shift in how he viewed his work.
“I realized my company could not just be a side job,” he said. “It could grow into a real business. Once I started thinking bigger, I knew I had to take it seriously from the start.”
Today, Neighborhood Lawn Care offers lawn mowing, mulching, raking, edging, weeding, and fall and spring cleanups. Lawn mowing is the most requested service, and Caden says customers often comment on the clean patterns he leaves behind.
“They really love how their yards look when I am done,” he said.
Running a business while still in high school has not been easy. One of the biggest challenges has been transportation.
“Not having a car has been my biggest challenge,” Caden said. “If I had one, I would probably have more clients.”
Instead of letting that hold him back, Caden adjusted. He carefully schedules jobs, prioritizes customers he can reach efficiently, and makes thoughtful decisions about how to use his time and resources. Those choices reflect the critical thinking and problem solving skills emphasized in the District’s Cardinal’s Journey framework, as Caden continues to adapt, plan, and find solutions to real world challenges.
Caden also credits his experience at Middleton High School for helping him grow as an entrepreneur, especially through connections with other students who are running their own businesses.
“Being at MHS helped me meet other students like me,” he said. “One person in particular is Jasper Krbec, who runs Grass Masters. We share ideas and give each other feedback, and that has helped me become a better business owner.”
That growth and dedication helped Caden earn a finalist spot in the competition hosted by Junior Achievement of Wisconsin.
When Caden learned he had been selected, the moment was unforgettable.
“I was ecstatic,” he said. “I ran to my mom and dad to tell them. I was so excited I could barely speak.”
Caden is the youngest competitor in this year’s competition, something that brings extra pressure. At the same time, he hopes his experience encourages other students to take a chance on their ideas.
“I wish more people would just go make businesses,” he said. “Most people have really good ideas that could turn into something big.”
As a finalist, Caden will compete for a five thousand dollar scholarship and additional prizes during a televised event filmed in Milwaukee. Filming will take place on February 27, with the event airing from March 9 through March 13. The winner will be announced on Friday, March 13.
When asked what he is most proud of, Caden does not hesitate.
“I am most proud of how much my clients love the work I have done,” he said. “Their trust means everything to me.”
His advice to other students thinking about starting a business is simple and confident.
“Just go for it,” Caden said. “Do not worry about what other people think. Do your research, know what you are talking about, and be confident.”
You can follow Caden’s business, Neighborhood Lawn Care, on Instagram at @neighborhoodlawncare_ and on Facebook at NeighborhoodLawnCare.