In a world where creativity and entrepreneurial spirit are more important than ever, one 11-year-old boy from Utah has captured hearts across the internet—not just for starting a business, but for doing so with a marketing twist that left even local police officers amused.
Seth, a young resident of Brigham City, Utah, made headlines after neighbors noticed him standing near a sidewalk with a hand-drawn sign that read: “Ice Cold Beer.” At first glance, the sign raised eyebrows. Was a child really selling beer?
Concerned by what they saw, a few residents contacted the Brigham City Police Department to report what appeared to be an unusual situation: a minor selling alcoholic beverages. The officers promptly responded to the call—but what they discovered left them smiling instead of issuing warnings.
A Clever Marketing Idea from a Young Entrepreneur
When officers approached Seth’s roadside stand, they quickly realized that he wasn’t selling alcoholic beverages at all. Instead, he was selling root beer, a non-alcoholic soft drink enjoyed by people of all ages. The word “root,” however, was cleverly written in small green letters above the word “beer,” which had been printed boldly in large black text. From a distance, it looked like he was selling traditional beer, but upon closer inspection, his marketing technique became clear.
Rather than being upset, the officers were amused by the cleverness of the sign and impressed by Seth’s business instincts. They even took the time to snap photos, purchase a few bottles of root beer for $1 each, and later shared the story on their official Facebook page, praising the boy’s creativity and work ethic.
“This young man was way ahead of the game in advertising. His marketing strategy has resulted in several calls to the police department, but after speaking with him, we commend him for his business skills,” the Brigham City Police Department wrote on social media.
The post quickly gained traction online, with thousands of likes and supportive comments praising both the young entrepreneur and the officers for their good-natured response.
Why Root Beer? A Safe and Legal Choice
Seth’s choice to sell root beer is not only legal but also a smart one. Root beer is a non-alcoholic beverage that has been enjoyed in the United States since the 19th century. While its name might include the word “beer,” it contains no alcohol and is typically made from sassafras root, vanilla, spices, and sugar (source: National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism).
This makes root beer a suitable product for children and young entrepreneurs to sell at community events or roadside stands. In most states, including Utah, minors are allowed to sell non-alcoholic beverages as long as they comply with local regulations—none of which Seth appears to have violated.
The Role of Community Policing
This incident also highlights the positive relationship between law enforcement and the communities they serve. While it might have started with a concerned call, the situation quickly turned into a teachable and uplifting moment.
The Brigham City Police Department emphasized that the community should always feel free to report suspicious behavior—without fear of judgment or ridicule.
“Our citizens should never feel ashamed or embarrassed to call us,” the department stated. “They were just calling in what they felt was a suspicious circumstance. No harm, no foul.”
This statement reflects modern community policing principles, where open communication between law enforcement and the public is encouraged to ensure safety while also supporting community values and engagement (source: U.S. Department of Justice – Community Policing).
A Teachable Moment in Entrepreneurship
Seth’s story is more than just a feel-good moment—it’s an example of youth entrepreneurship in action. According to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, encouraging entrepreneurship at a young age can help develop lifelong skills such as financial literacy, problem-solving, adaptability, and communication (source: U.S. Chamber Foundation).
His simple yet impactful marketing strategy—a creative play on words—demonstrates a strong understanding of how to grab attention. In fact, this approach is in line with techniques used by seasoned marketers who often rely on emotional or humorous triggers to spark curiosity and interest.
This incident could serve as a valuable lesson in marketing strategy, ethical business practices, and how to turn a potentially negative situation into a positive experience—all essential lessons for future business leaders.
A Community Rallies Behind a Creative Kid
Seth’s story quickly spread across social media platforms, where it was met with overwhelming support. Comments from users praised his neat setup, his sense of humor, and the positive reaction from local police.
“He’s savvy, neat and clean! Hard-working and thinking about what appeals to the public… He can go anywhere with that mindset,” one commenter wrote. “And with that community of great police officers supporting him, he’s already got mentoring!”
The encouragement Seth received from both the police and the public reinforces the importance of supporting youth-led initiatives. Positive feedback can boost a child’s confidence and inspire further creativity, potentially leading to future ventures.
Supporting Young Entrepreneurs in Your Community
Encouraging kids to explore business opportunities can have lasting impacts on their development. Here are a few safe and legal business ideas for children:
- Lemonade or juice stands
- Selling handmade crafts or art
- Offering pet-sitting or dog-walking services
- Lawn care or yard cleanup
- Operating a small snack booth at community events
It’s important for parents and guardians to be involved, helping kids understand local laws, basic budgeting, and customer service. When supervised properly, these early ventures can serve as stepping stones to future success.
Conclusion: A Cool Drink and a Cool Head
What started as a routine call to the police became a viral moment of laughter, community bonding, and inspiration. Seth, the 11-year-old entrepreneur from Utah, not only demonstrated clever thinking with his “Ice Cold Beer” sign but also reminded us that with a little creativity and support, young people can make a big impact—even from a simple sidewalk stand.
The Brigham City Police Department’s thoughtful and understanding response is a great example of how communities can nurture young talent while maintaining public safety.
Here’s to more young minds thinking outside the box—and to the communities that encourage them every step of the way.
Sources:
- National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism – https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/
- U.S. Department of Justice, Community Oriented Policing Services – https://cops.usdoj.gov/
- U.S. Chamber Foundation – Youth Entrepreneurship Education – https://www.uschamberfoundation.org/
