At 24, Jared Ebersole transformed his teenage passion for electric skateboards into a financial lifeline, funding his college education and eventually selling a majority stake in his business for $300,000. His path wasn’t glamorous—think exploded batteries and 100-hour workweeks—but it paid off. Now, he’s channeling that capital into a new venture, Lectec, while sharing hard-earned lessons. If you’re considering a side hustle to bolster your finances, his story offers practical strategies drawn from years of grit and a knack for turning passion into profit.
Start Small, Solve a Problem
Ebersole’s journey began with a simple need: he wanted an electric skateboard but couldn’t afford the $1,600 price tag. So, at 14, he spent $800 from his savings on parts—motors, controllers, batteries—and built one himself in his parents’ Catawissa, Pennsylvania, home. After months of tinkering (and one battery mishap), he succeeded. Posting about it online sparked unexpected demand, and by 2017, he’d made his first sale. That’s the takeaway: you don’t need a grand plan—just spot a gap you can fill with what you’ve got.
What started as a personal fix grew into Build Kit Boards, a company that hit $300,000 in yearly revenue by 2020, when he enrolled at Long Island University. Profits—$4,000 to $6,000 per semester after scholarships—covered his tuition. It wasn’t fancy, but it worked. You can apply this too: use a skill or hobby to address a real need, even if it’s niche. Small steps can build a foundation that pays dividends over time. (Source: CNBC Make It)
Scale Smart, Know Your Limits
By college, Ebersole wasn’t just coasting—Build Kit Boards ballooned to $500,000 in annual revenue by 2021. He leaned on one part-time employee (30 hours a week) and friends who pitched in during busy summers. But he was the engine, logging over 100 hours weekly, sacrificing a typical student life. Burnout loomed, and he nearly quit. Then, in 2022, a neighbor running Impact U bought 55% of the business for $300,000, letting him step back while keeping a stake. (Source: CNBC Make It)
That move was key: scaling up brought cash, but knowing when to ease off saved his sanity. For you, growth matters, but so does balance. Push hard to expand—maybe hire help or streamline—but watch for the wall. Ebersole’s sale netted him freedom and funds, a reminder that cashing out partially can fuel your next chapter without breaking you. It’s about pacing yourself for the long haul.
Reinvest, Build a Team
With his $300,000, Ebersole didn’t sit still. In 2023, post-graduation, he co-founded Lectec with Luke St. Amand, selling DIY electric skateboard kits aimed at students. He’s still grinding—80 to 100 hours a week—but now he’s got two employees plus a co-founder. That support lets him step away briefly, a shift he credits with dodging burnout. Lectec’s lifetime revenue hit $150,000 by his “Shark Tank” pitch, earning a deal from Robert Herjavec for $100,000 in exchange for 15% equity. (Source: WNEP)
Here’s the lesson: reinvest your wins into something new, but don’t go it alone. A team spreads the load, keeping you sharp. Ebersole’s earlier solo hustle paid for school; now, collaboration fuels growth. You can do the same—take your side gig earnings, start fresh, and surround yourself with people who lighten the lift. Hard work’s a given, but it’s easier when you’re not the only one carrying it.
Ebersole’s parting wisdom cuts through the noise: loving what you do doesn’t mean it’s effortless. “You’re going to work so hard for that,” he says, debunking the myth of easy success. His story proves it—hustling through college, selling big, and starting anew took relentless effort. For you, it’s a nudge to embrace the grind, but strategically. Start small, scale wisely, and lean on others. That’s how a side gig becomes more than just extra cash. (Source: Shark Tank Recap)
Alexander Clark is a financial writer with a knack for breaking down complex market trends and economic shifts. As a contributor to The Daily Overview, he offers readers clear, insightful analysis on everything from market movements to personal finance strategies. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for keeping up with the fast-paced world of finance, Alexander strives to make financial news accessible and engaging for everyone.
