20 Under 40 Teens to Watch: Truman Wilson
Truman Wilson – TEENS TO WATCH
Age: 13
Business: The Truman Factory
High School: Highland Park Middle School
Community Involvement: We do a lot of fundraising with the HPMS to help disadvantaged children. I also help Stella Wrubel sell mistletoe every December for her charity that helps the hungry.
Truman Wilson started his children’s lifestyle company, The Truman Factory, in 2017 with the goal to create a place where children could decide what they wanted to do and how they could go about it in the most fun way possible. Working alongside other children in what the company calls the “Epic Team,” the Truman factory gives its customers the chance to win cool prizes via a candy bar with a code inside, not unlike the golden ticket from Willy Wonka. As an added benefit, Truman partnered with Vogel Alcove to donate a portion of each sale towards helping homeless children on the road to recovery.
What is the best advice you received when beginning your career? Spend a lot of time developing your product so when you sell it to people like it.
What is your business philosophy? I wanted to build a business by kids and for kids that were focused on what kids love most – Gaming, tech, clothes, collecting and candy. I also wanted to do something that gives back to my local community. I want to give kids an epic experience.
What inspires you? I really enjoy making my customers happy when they like my Truman Bars and merch. I am inspired by their good feedback. I am also inspired by my father what he does.
What is your proudest career accomplishment? The proudest I have been is when we first launched the Truman Bar last year and kids loved it. It was epic.
What did you learn from your best boss or mentor? I am obviously still learning a lot but so far I am leaning the fundamentals of business.
What was your first summer job? The Truman Factory
What do you love about your community? Everyone is really nice.
Where is the best place for a business power lunch in Park Cities or Preston Hollow? Royal Blue Grocery
What is your fondest Park Cities or Preston Hollow memory? Too many to pick just one.
Where will we find you enjoying your hard-earned time off? My house
What do you want your last meal to be? Cheeseburger
What is your favorite color? Blue
What fictional world or place would you like to visit? Willy Wonka factory
What would your superpower be? Teleportation so I wont be late to meetings