A 23-year-old University of Massachusetts student, Josiah Crosier, successfully managed a painting business that generated $400,000 in revenue over a single summer. This achievement was part of an intensive entrepreneurship program designed to give college students real-world business management experience.
Crosier participated in the Student Painters program, an initiative by Young Entrepreneurs Across America (YEAA). His performance earned him the organization's 2025 Entrepreneur of the Year award, highlighting the potential of hands-on learning for aspiring business leaders.
Key Takeaways
- Josiah Crosier, a UMass student, ran a painting business that produced $400,000 in revenue in just 90 days.
- He was part of the Student Painters program, operated by Young Entrepreneurs Across America (YEAA).
- Crosier was named the 2025 Entrepreneur of the Year for his success in the program.
- YEAA has provided business training to over 3,000 students since its founding in 1987.
- On average, interns in the YEAA program earned $18,000 during the summer of 2025.
A Demanding Summer Yields Major Results
For many college students, summer is a time for rest or a part-time job. For Josiah Crosier, it was an accelerated course in business ownership. Over a period of just 90 days, his painting venture brought in an impressive $400,000 in total revenue. The experience was both challenging and rewarding, compressing a year's worth of business lessons into one season.
Reflecting on the pace of the program, Crosier described the experience as a whirlwind of activity and responsibility.
"It has been one of the most wild rides of my life. The longest and shortest summer all at once. There’s always so much going on, yet you only have 90 days to do it. It feels like cramming a whole year into just three months."
This intensive schedule required Crosier to manage all aspects of the business, from marketing and sales to project management and customer service, providing him with a comprehensive entrepreneurial education.
By the Numbers
- $400,000: Revenue generated by Crosier's business.
- 90 days: The duration of the summer program.
- 23: Crosier's age during his successful summer.
- $18,000: Average earnings for a YEAA intern in 2025.
Leadership and the Importance of a Strong Team
Crosier attributes a significant portion of his success to the team he assembled and led. He emphasized that the large-scale operation would have been impossible without the dedication and hard work of his crew. This highlights the program's focus on not just individual entrepreneurship but also on leadership and team management skills.
He was quick to share credit for the company's high output, stating that his team was essential to reaching their financial goals.
"My crew is my backbone. Without them, I couldn’t even produce $50,000, let alone $400,000. They have put in serious hours these past few months, making sure job sites stay clean, staying on task, and buying into a bigger vision."
This perspective demonstrates a key lesson from the program: a successful business owner must also be an effective leader who can motivate a team toward a common objective. The ability to manage personnel, delegate tasks, and maintain morale are critical skills that Crosier developed through this hands-on experience.
The Framework for Success: Student Painters and YEAA
Josiah Crosier's business was operated through the Student Painters program, which is the cornerstone initiative of the organization Young Entrepreneurs Across America (YEAA). The program is designed to empower college students by giving them the tools and mentorship needed to run their own businesses.
About Young Entrepreneurs Across America (YEAA)
YEAA is an organization that has been providing entrepreneurship training to college students for nearly four decades. Founded in 1987, its mission is to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and practical business application. The Student Painters program is its flagship initiative.
YEAA provides a structured environment where students learn essential business functions. Participants are responsible for their own small businesses, but they receive guidance and support from experienced mentors. This model allows them to take real financial and managerial risks in a controlled setting.
According to Steve Acorn, the CEO and Director of Expansion at YEAA, the organization has a long history of fostering future leaders.
"What began as a bold idea to connect classroom learning with real-world ownership has grown into a legacy of shaping tomorrow’s leaders. Over four decades, we have watched students like Josiah leave our program with the confidence to launch companies, lead teams, and innovate in their careers."
This long-term vision has resulted in a significant impact. Since its inception, YEAA has trained more than 3,000 students across the country, many of whom have gone on to start their own companies or take on leadership roles in various industries.
A Proven Model for Practical Education
The success of students like Crosier demonstrates the effectiveness of YEAA's hands-on approach. While traditional internships offer valuable experience, the Student Painters program goes a step further by making students the primary decision-makers and business owners. This level of responsibility accelerates their learning in key areas.
Skills Gained in the Program
- Financial Management: Students handle budgeting, pricing, payroll, and profitability.
- Sales and Marketing: Participants are responsible for generating leads and closing sales.
- Human Resources: They recruit, hire, train, and manage their own painting crews.
- Customer Service: Ensuring client satisfaction is crucial for success and future referrals.
- Problem-Solving: Students must navigate the real-world challenges that arise in day-to-day operations.
The financial outcomes for participants are also notable. In 2025 alone, YEAA interns collectively generated millions of dollars in revenue. The average student earned approximately $18,000 for their summer's work, a substantial income that can help offset the rising costs of tuition and student loans.
As YEAA approaches its 40th anniversary, the organization is highlighting success stories like Crosier's to showcase its enduring mission. By providing a platform for students to apply their academic knowledge in a practical setting, YEAA continues to develop the next generation of American business leaders.