For most teenagers, the common approach after high school is to go to college then eventually get a job. However, former Mayfield High School graduate Michael Bissell did it in reverse.

Nineteen year old Michael Bissell created his own furniture business straight from his home. He started by selling lemonade on the street when he was four,  to running his own company.

Bissell has storage units all over the area where he keeps and works on his items.

Not only did Bissell start at such a young age, but he started up this business pretty much all by himself.

“I started after watching the show Flea Market Flip. It really got me interested in creating and designing my own stuff,” Bissell said. Bissell believes he learned everything he needed to know about the business industry from real world experiences.

Soon enough the business took off. He was able to promote it through his Facebook page and customer referrals who were delighted with his work. His customers are able to purchase his items right on the Facebook page as well.

“I upcycle my furniture,” he said. “I either find or buy old pieces of furniture and upcycle them to give them new life.”

Bissell doesn’t let anything go to waste. “He takes something old and junky yet still valuable and makes it beautiful again. That’s his main goal”. said Alicia Falsone, one of his customers.

Ever since he was little, Bissell has always loved anything business-related. His mother Gina Bissell said, “When he was younger he used to take those little beads that you make designs out of and iron them, then sit outside and sell them with lemonade. That’s when it started, younger than fourth grade.”

Before even graduating at the age of 16, Bissell created his first company called “E Tech recycling” in which he recycled electronics. This was the starting point to a very important part of Bissell’s life.

However, it had to come to an end when Bissell moved home from Tampa where he attended The University of Tampa. He now attends Kent State University where he majors in entrepreneurship.

Soon after, Bissell wanted to do something more, something bigger that appealed to more people. This is when he got the idea for Bissell Design Co.

Along with kick starting his own business, Bissell also sells cars and phone cases as a side hobby. His mother said, “Plus on top of going to college and running businesses he sponsors local charities – for example the newest one created by Jack Hollinshead”.  

Six of the employees of Bissell Design are also attending Mayfield High or are alumni. One of his most dedicated workers is Brandon Murray-Pecka, who has been working alongside Bissell for four years and plans to stay with him in the future. The duo are hopeful to expand the business in the future and have it become a full time job.

“We are going to bring in more crew so we can knock out more pieces in one day,” said Murray-Pecka. They already have it all figured out according to Bissell.

“Being a part of this process gave me a different perspective on how to run a business,” said Murray-Pecka.