Young Entrepreneurs Thriving in Phelps County

A growing number of young entrepreneurs are proving that age is no obstacle to success. From dog grooming to lighting and a hardware store, several enterprising young entrepreneurs are adding to the Phelps County economy while still in their teens and twenties and gaining valuable business lessons along the way.

Maycen Wilson, owner of The Good Dog, 512 Second Ave. Holdrege

While many college-bound students look for part-time jobs to help get through college, Maycen Wilson decided to launch a business. 

Maycen, 19, just finished her freshman year at the University of Nebraska at Kearney, where she is studying elementary education. She is a 2024 Holdrege High School graduate.

“I knew going into college I wanted to groom dogs since I could make my own schedule, make decent money, and because I enjoy it,” she said. Throughout high school, she worked as a dog bather for Miranda McQuiston. 

“After a year of working with her in Holdrege, she decided to start her own business in Alma,” Maycen said. “I followed her there and then worked my way up to fully groom dogs.” 

When Maycen started college, she applied for dog grooming jobs in Kearney but nothing felt like the right fit for her. So, with the help of her parents, she started researching opening her own dog grooming salon. 

“I figured I plan on staying in or around Holdrege after college, and I could still groom part-time as a teacher,” she said. “Another big part of why I wanted to open up my own business is so I could create my own space. I take a lot of pride in my shop and the fact that I am the only person working. This has let me keep my salon cage and stress-free for the dogs.”

Her school year hours are a bit different than her summer hours, which will be Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 8 am to 5 pm. Being her own boss allows her to set her work hours to work around her class schedule.

She offers de-sheds, regular baths, haircuts, and a designer dog service for mixed breeds that need special haircuts such as Doodles and Morkies. Each service includes a sanitary trim (paw pads and potty area) and a nail trim.

She opened her business, The Good Dog Salon, at 512 Second Avenue in Holdrege (under the water tower) in January 2025 with the help of a loan from the Center for Rural Affairs and a small loan from her stepdad. Although her parents (Lacey and Chase Quinn) aren’t business owners, they help with tax questions and other advice when they can. She has also gleaned advice from her former boss, Miranda McQuiston. 

“She's the first person I go to if I have any questions,” Maycen said. “She was the one who trained me to groom and has been super supportive while starting my own salon.” 

Maycen plans to continue her dog-grooming business throughout college and beyond. She hopes to return to the area to teach after completing her studies.

Andrew and Adam Larsen, Ace Hardware

Brothers Andrew Larsen, 27, and Adam Larsen, 29,  both started work at Holdrege’s Ace Hardware in high school. Adam started as a sophomore in 2012 after being recommended by his high school shop teacher. Andrew started a few years later in 2014.

Adam left Holdrege after graduation in 2014 and returned to the store in 2020. Andrew has worked steadily at the store for more than 10 years now.

As of January 1, they are the new owners of the Ace Hardware in Holdrege. They purchased the business from Dan and Cindy Svoboda, who owned it for 29 years.

The Svobodas approached the brothers about purchasing the business in 2020. Adam and Andrew said they have always worked well together and “think alike” so it was a good plan.

With mentorship from the Svobodas and their dad (Ray Larsen who owns Larsen Auto Repair), they were ready to tackle business ownership. They also enrolled in a few business classes at Central Community College.

Adam now handles the accounting and business side, while Andrew manages inventory and human resources.

Andrew said owning a business was intimidating at first, but with the help of his excellent staff and gaining more knowledge, he has gained confidence in his skills.

“You have to be willing to put in extra hours,” he said.

Adam encouraged other young entrepreneurs to look around the community and identify businesses that won’t be around in five years unless a young person steps up to purchase it. Those businesses could be good opportunities for young entrepreneurs.

“You can’t be afraid to learn things,” he said.

Adorn Lighting Solutions

Adorn Lighting Solutions is a light business started by Aaron Tavenner and Samantha Roach, both in their early 20s. Samantha is a college student at UNK, and Aaron works for a farmer in the Funk area.

Aaron said he has always wanted to own a business. He started a holiday light business in late 2024, and it ended up being successful with 18 clients served. So, he applied for PCDC grants to officially help launch Adorn Lighting Solutions in early 2025. The PCDC GO! Business grants helped with facility build out, renovation and equipment; demolition, landfill fees and permits; initial inventory; and digital and electronic services. The business is housed at their home in Holdrege.

Adorn Lighting Solutions provides holiday lighting installation (he stores the lights after the season, too); permanent landscape lighting for walkways, outside bars, pools and garages/barns; and special event lighting. The business offers commercial-grade LED lights. The landscape lighting has a lifetime warranty.

Aaron said he is grateful for PCDC’s help in launching the business, and he is looking forward to serving more area clients with both permanent lighting and seasonal holiday lighting.

For a lighting estimate, contact Aaron at (308) 627-1427

PCDC Business Resources

PCDC offers many resources to help launch businesses, including grants and business education. Contact Sally at 308-995-4148 or Sally@PhelpsCountyNE.com for more information.