Who could have imagined an elementary school art project would result in an one-of-a-kind product that has become a sensation on Amazon selling over 70,000 units to date and becoming an Amazon Choice product. This fun idea started when Max created his second grade art project, a mug with a basketball hoop to throw marshmallows into hot chocolate. The Mug With A Hoop™, an innovative creation of Max has become a successful consumer product. Today 12 year old Max runs his business with full support of his mom Jennifer, dad Ronald and brother Sam. Max became the youngest-ever winner of the Stevie® Award when he won the Gold Stevie for Product Developer of the Year in The 14th Annual American Business Awards. He donates 5% of his profits from the sale of his mugs to dyslexia-related charities and non-profits like Understood.org. Max’s extraordinary talent and achievements are setting an inspirational example for all of us. We wish him all the success in his future endeavors.

How did you get the idea for The Mug With a Hoop?M: I was in my 2nd grade art class. My teacher told the class to make a mug. I like basketball and hot chocolate and so I made a mug with a basketball hoop to throw marshmallows into hot chocolate. Other kids copied me so we knew it was a good idea. So we worked with 3D designer to make a prototype of The Mug With A Hoop and then found a manufacturer to manufacture mugs we could sell to stores.

What do you like the most about being an entrepreneur? Which of your designs is your favorite and why?M: I like making money and working with different companies and learning how to run a business.
The basketball mug... The Mug With A Hoop!... is my favorite. I love basketball but also it was my first product and started MAX'IS Creations.

How much help did you get from your parents to start your business? What kind of advice do you get from your family?M: I was only 8 years old when I started my business and my parents helped a LOT. They still help me run the business because I'm young and don't know a lot about how run a business. I'm the Chief Creator and came up with the idea.
My family is very supportive of me being a kid and not having the business run over my childhood. My parents also have their own jobs and so we try to keep the business as simple as possible and look to experts to help us when we can.

What is the favorite fun time at school?M: I love gym and playing sports during recess and after school. I also like math.

What are your other hobbies?M: My other hobbies are playing video games, watching Youtube, and playing sports. I play organized baseball, basketball, golf and track and field.

Any special message for our community?M: You may learn differently but you have strengths in other areas.