Jason O'Neill

14-year-old Jason O'Neill didn’t plan on becoming an entrepreneur at the age of nine but when he had an opportunity to make a product for a craft fair in 2005, his idea took off and within months, he had started his business, Pencil Bugs Plus.

Jason continued to expand with new products and most recently became a published author with his first book, “Bitten by the Business Bug: Common Sense Tips for Business and Life from a Teen Entrepreneur.” Life does not have to be complicated. Sometimes it just means getting back to the basics, using common sense, and taking one step at a time regardless of age. 

He has received a lot of national media attention for his business as well as several awards including the Young Entrepreneur of the Year at age eleven and being named on a Forbes Top 10 List of Role Models 18 & Under when he was just twelve years old.

Jason enjoys speaking at schools, organizations, and large events sharing his story, inspiring and encouraging people of all ages to try their ideas and give back to their communities.

Since he started his business, Jason has been donating part of his proceeds to children’s charities. He currently supports Rady Children’s Hospital in San Diego, California by buying toys, games, books and other gifts for the kids. For Christmas 2009, he held a fundraiser to donate teddy bears. His initial goal was to donate 250 bears. With donations from around the world and adding in his own money, Jason was able to raise over $5000 which enabled him to buy 1800 teddy bears for the hospital. He has already started on his Christmas 2010 fundraiser and hopes to make it even bigger. His charitable philosophy? “Do something because even the smallest effort can make a difference in someone else’s life.”

Visit www.pencilbugs.com for more information.