Blog: City Blog

Young Knoxville Entrepreneur Turns a High School Project Into A Business

Knoxville Mayor Madeline Rogero recently met with Brady Fernandes, co-owner of Patriot Threads - and one of the city’s youngest entrepreneurs and philanthropists.

Fernandes is a senior at Christian Academy of Knoxville, and his business started as a high school project.

“At CAK, students are required to complete a High School Capstone project, which can include starting a business, coaching Little League, or volunteering at your church,” explained Fernandes. “I’ve always wanted to own my own business, so when I thought of a business model for my assignment, I went to my dad to see if he could help me expand the concept into more than just a high school project.”

Fernandes and his father, Craig, launched an apparel business named Patriot Threads on Veterans Day, Nov. 11, 2015, with the slogan, “Southern style with a patriotic purpose.” The company is for profit but donates 25 percent of all proceeds from purchases to charity.

“I want to make a difference in the community,” Fernandes said.

Fernandes and his father hope to raise $10,000 or more for charities that support military veterans, such as the Wounded Warrior Project.

Managing high school and a budding business venture can be challenging, but Fernandes welcomes the opportunity to grow and give back.

“It’s a bit stressful sometimes, but mostly, I just feel blessed,” he said.

To learn more about Patriot Threads, visit www.patriotthreads.org.

Posted by On 25 October, 2016 at 10:58 AM