Youthpreneurs 2025 Winners Announced: Bellingham Business Leaders Promote Local Start-Ups in Whatcom and Skagit Counties
COMMUNITY GIVING | PHILANTHROPY | SKAGIT COUNTY | WHATCOM COUNTY
August 27, 2025
Malachi Larsen, Owner and Founder of Pacific Kickz, accepts a $5,000 check and recognition as Youthpreneur of the Year in the 2025 Youthpreneurs of NW WA contest. Award presented by Trevor Swezey, Owner and Founder of Highline Construction with fellow program sponsors Isaac Burrous of Kent's Garden & Nursery and Realtor Brandon Nelson and Honorable Mention Winners Gunnar Williamson and Ella Jones looking on.
More than a General Contractor
At Highline Construction, we love what we do and are extremely passionate about architecture, residential construction, commercial construction and excavation; we’re also highly committed to doing right by others and building community right here in Whatcom County and the Skagit Valley. This year, we embarked on a new path to give back and, in partnership with Kent’s Garden & Nursery and Realtor Brandon Nelson, we launched Youthpreneurs of NW Washington.
Three teenage entrepreneurs received a total of $9,000 in awards today from Youthpreneurs of NW Washington to help them grow businesses they launched. We believe investing early in young entrepreneurs will help us build a stronger local economy for generations to come.
2025 Youthpreneurs of NW Washington Winners
2025 Youthpreneur of the Year
MALACHI LARSEN
Owner, Pacific Kickz
Burlington, WA
“My small businesses niche is sneakers and clothing. I buy, sell, and trade rare sneakers and clothing both here in Skagit Valley and all over the world! I have clients in places such as Canada, Florida, Ohio, and even know a few in Europe. The main brands I currently trade are Nike, Jordan, Adidas, and Asics. You can think of my business like a pawn shop for sneakers. I started this my sophomore year of high school and have since passed six figures in sales revenue at an average ROI of 20-30%.
“For me, entrepreneurship is freedom. I find passion in having full control over the vehicle that is my business. Over the years I have learned to balance risk and reward, and have experienced my fair share of setbacks. With these setbacks came growth, I have not only built my business and skills over the years, but entrepreneurship has positively impacted my mental health and grown me into the person I am today.”
2025 Honorable Mention
GUNNAR WILLIAMSON
Owner, Custom Freeze Drying
Mount Vernon, WA
“My business is named Custom Freeze Drying. I prepare, package, and sell, freeze dried fruits, candies, and homecooked meals to my customers. Freeze drying removes all the water from foods, enhancing the flavor, and still retaining 98% percent of the nutrients. Skittles of every flavor, Hi-Chews, and Salt Water Taffy are some of my most popular candies. I have customers who love the fruit for a healthy and unique snack, and others who order meals for backpacking and long-term storage.
“Entrepreneurship is observing an opportunity for growth in the community, taking action, and having the confidence to do so to accomplish a goal. It is a kind of self-dependency key to the American dream; I seek meaning and happiness in it.”
2025 Honorable Mention
ELLA JONES
Owner, Ella’s Photo Booth
Burlington, WA
“I run an open-air photo booth that I bring to local events like auctions, birthday parties, charity events, and school dances. I’ve invested in multiple backdrops, fun props, and the technology needed to make the experience smooth and enjoyable for guests . . . This business allows me to combine creativity and social interaction while working toward my goal of saving for college and gaining real-world entrepreneurial experience.
“To me, entrepreneurship means looking for opportunities, being creative, and building something of my own. It’s about taking initiative and using my strengths to create value for others while supporting myself and, one day, my future family. I want to be an entrepreneur because it allows me to take control of my future, do work that I enjoy, and continue growing through challenges. It’s not just about making money—it’s about independence, creativity, and turning ideas into something real and impactful.”
How You Can Help
Helping is easy:
- Support these amazing teens! Buy sneakers from Pacific Kickz and gift basket fillers from Custom Freeze Drying or book Ella’s Photo Booth for your next event in Whatcom County or Skagit County.
- Spread the word about our program. Maybe it will inspire more teens to become entrepreneurs and promote a thriving local economy in and around Bellingham, WA.
- Follow us on Instagram and Facebook so you never miss any news about the ways we give back and how to get involved.
