One of Joshua Danrich’s goals is to own a sports car dealership, which might explain the idea behind St. Louis-based Mr. Fresh—a company that specializes in air fresheners and deodorizers for automobiles as well as homes. But cars are just one facet of the 16-year-old entrepreneur’s business; the bigger mission is to show other young men that they can succeed.
After Danrich recently pitched his fresheners at Walmart’s Open Call in Bentonville, Arkansas, alongside thousands of entrepreneurs of all ages, his products earned a spot in the store’s automotive department. Now, Mr. Fresh products are available at 150 Walmart stores across Missouri, in select stores in Illinois, and also online. Danrich’s company is also partnering with Feeding America, a nonprofit, charitable organization that Walmart also supports.
A setback in school fueled the idea for Mr. Fresh. When Danrich and his mother, Shay, learned that he would have to repeat the fourth grade, Shay suggested he accept the situation and focus on something positive to rebuild his confidence…