Teen ‘Trep Challenge is designed to encourage innovative thinking in the areas of Technology, Science, and Business. 

Most teenagers find minimum wage, part-time jobs working in grocery and clothing stores, dreaming of their future careers. However, Hamilton Southeastern High School Senior Ben Dennis is the exception. After being inspired by Steve Jobs and his story, Ben Dennis founded his company Dennis Tech, LLC in 2009. He focuses mainly on iPod and iPad apps for a large cliental base. Clients have the opportunity to submit an app idea, and Dennis will configure a free quote.

“It started out as a hobby, and then I realized that if your work is your passion, then you’re never really working,” Ben said.

Ben is a self-made man. His love of technology paired with his hard-working attitude helped to create his company; he taught himself everything through watching “How-To” videos. Ben even runs the company solely by himself, even managing finances. With the help from a few employees, Ben has created Dennis Tech from the ground up.

“The hardest part about being an entrepreneur is discipline. Not misbehaving, but starting the company,” Ben said.

As one of the advantages of being a young entrepreneur, Ben is able to set his own schedule. This way, he is still able to go out with friends on Friday nights.  However, to run one’s own business, there is a lot of responsibility involved, but Ben says that it is all worth it.

Despite his young age, Ben is far from unsuccessful. In fact, apps created by Dennis Tech have been downloaded over 500,000 times. Part of what makes his company so successful is that it is always open, allowing clients to make purchases at any time during the day, even while Ben is at school. Additionally, when Ben creates an app, he sells the rights to the client who can then sell the app. Ben will then receive a percentage of the profits.

Ben has created several apps for clients including a high school education app for a gym teacher, an app for a doctor’s office and an app for a pediatrician. Recently, Ben has been constructing an app that would serve the students of Hamilton Southeastern High School. This app will include the student handbook, bell schedules, the student newspaper, push alerts and more.

Ben’s biggest advice for young entrepreneurs is to not forget to schedule hours for yourself, as you would any other employee.

“I think the biggest thing is to manage your time. I would recommend scheduling hours for yourself, like you would schedule hours for anyone else. It’s easy to forget about scheduling yourself, but it’s important that you don’t forget,” Ben said.

Next fall, Ben plans on attending Indiana University to study business.

“I plan on continuing Dennis Tech through college, but hopefully start something else afterwards,” Ben said.

Through all of his endeavors, Ben has created a remarkably successful company that stemmed from a little curiosity, creativity and determination.

For more information please visit: http://dennistech.com/