Luis Eduardo Salazar is a successful entrepreneur with a keen business sense, an innovative product and a deep connection to community. His fledgling business, www.wood-bookmarks.com, offers handmade bookmarks as part of a limited edition series, which he sells for $10 each. But what makes this savvy businessman so unique is that Luis is just 10 years old.

It all started when he approached his father, Luis J. Salazar, with a request for a Wii. "I wanted my son to understand how money is earned," Luis explained. "So I told him he would have to find a way to earn his own money to purchase the game."

Father set three tasks for son: find a product you'll enjoy working on; pay yourself, and give something back. The younger Luis decided on custom bookmarks and began researching charities. He decided on Olympic Park Institute and United Way of King County.

When asked why he invested in United Way, Luis explained it was because he liked the results United Way was getting. He also said before he read about United Way's work he wasn't sure we could end homelessness, but that our results convinced him it is possible. Luis's father, also no stranger to giving; matched his son's charitable gift to United Way with his own contribution. As a Microsoft employee he received an additional match on his contribution.

Luis' fledging business is thriving; he wants to continue giving to United Way in the future. His commitment to community is a great example of how each of us, young and old, from all walks of life, can and do make a difference in the lives of thousands of people in our community.

Back to Success Stories