Episode 10: Teaching Teens to Build Real Businesses with Youth Business Services

On this episode, Zac sits down with the team behind Youth Business Services (YBS) — founder Joseph Treviño, education director Rosie Baumgartner, and bookkeeping lead Bernadette — to unpack how their eight-module, hands-on program is helping high schoolers and young adults turn ideas into real, sustainable businesses. They cover mindset (self-efficacy), financial literacy, legal compliance, presentation skills, and why asking better questions is the ultimate startup advantage. YBS is launching inside Comal ISD and building a statewide mentor network so students can learn directly from operators and founders.Host: Zac Brown: “The Non-Profit Guy”LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zacjordanbrown/GuestsJoseph Treviño — Founder, Youth Business ServicesRosie Baumgartner — Former educator (30+ years); Education Director, YBSBernadette — Bookkeeping & accounting specialist; builds YBS’ financial literacy trackTop takeawaysBelief → Behavior → Outcomes: Self-efficacy is the foundation students need before tactics will stick. (Rosie)Structure wins: YBS runs an 8-module curriculum covering operational plans, financial literacy, legal compliance, marketing, and presenting.Bookkeeping is non-negotiable: Debits/credits, P&L, AR/AP, and categorization are taught in plain language with daily practice — because funding, forecasting, and decisions depend on clean books. (Bernadette)Ask better questions: Students are trained in Socratic questioning and must prepare questions for panels and mentors. Curiosity drives alignment and progress.Pragmatic capital: YBS emphasizes non-dilutive paths (loans, grants, community funding, SBA) and mentorship over “raise first” mindsets.Whole-student support: Business skills + soft skills + mental health awareness for students — and, when possible, families.Fail = First Attempt In Learning: “END” = Effort Never Dies. “NO” = Next Opportunity. (Joseph)Memorable quotes“Fail means First Attempt In Learning… ‘END’ is Effort Never Dies, and ‘NO’ is your Next Opportunity.” — Joseph“Belief in your capabilities, self-efficacy, is what unlocks everything else.” — Rosie“Clean books are the foundation. Loans, planning, decisions — they all start there.” — BernadetteWhat YBS teaches (the 8-module spine)🎯 Mindset & goal setting📊 Market research & operational planning💵 Financial literacy & bookkeeping fundamentals🏷️ Pricing, costs, and unit economics⚖️ Legal & compliance (EIN, LLCs, records)🚀 Marketing & go-to-market basics📈 Execution systems & tracking📣 Pitching & presentation (with recorded feedback)How to support or get involved✅ Mentor a student (3–6 months), sit on a founder panel, or host a student group on-site to show the reality of operations.✅ Offer non-dilutive support: grants, micro-loans, equipment, or services.✅ Schools & districts: inquire about bringing the 8-module program to your classes.