HALLS, Tennessee — A Tennessee boy who started selling lemonade at age 9 has turned a homeschool entrepreneurship project into a business generating nearly half a million dollars in sales.
Remington Martin launched Lil Man’s Lemon Shake Ups in 2023 with plans for a small lemonade stand. Three years later, the 12-year-old runs a growing operation with employees and appearances at schools, universities, festivals and first responder events.
“Maybe like a tiny lemonade stand and to make good lemonade,” Martin told WBIR about his original goal. “But now it’s a full-blown business.”
Martin started the business through a homeschool entrepreneurship class, where he and his family learned about profit, loss and the responsibilities that come with running a company.
His mother, Autumn Martin, helped him develop recipes and introduce the business to friends and family. The family also built community involvement into the company’s mission.
“We always did everything together, and we still do everything together,” she said.
Business grows through partnerships and giving back
The Martins expanded the company as demand increased and developed partnerships with schools, community organizations and businesses.
Remington said working with NASCAR Hall of Fame inductee Rusty Wallace and his car dealerships marked an important step for the company.
Lil Man’s Lemon Shake Ups now generates nearly $500,000 in sales and gives 20% of its proceeds to venues where it operates.
The company has donated to organizations including the Boys & Girls Clubs of America and provides free drinks to first responders.
Remington said the opportunity to give back remains one of the most meaningful parts of the business.
“That means a lot to me because we donate back 20% of that,” he said.
The business also employs some of Remington’s friends. He said his crew has become like a family.
“All the family that joined, like all my crew feels like a big family to me,” he said.
Family turns loss into a mission
The lemonade business took on a deeper meaning for the Martin family after the death of their youngest son, Weston, who died from a febrile seizure in 2024.
Autumn Martin said the family lost their jobs around the same time and decided to pursue Lil Man’s Lemon Shake Ups full time.
“Life gave us lemons, and we’re gonna shake lemonade, and that’s what we did full time,” she said.
She said the company has given the family a way to connect with their community while keeping Weston’s memory part of their work.
“Lil Man’s means everything to me,” she said.
The growing operation eventually moved into an office in 2024 after the family could no longer meet its ice needs through retail purchases.
The Martins now operate their own ice machine and purchase thousands of pounds of ice during busy weekends. They also source lemons from a local producer in Jefferson County.
“When you support small, you support the community,” Autumn Martin said.
Young entrepreneur looks ahead
Remington continues to balance running the company with being a 12-year-old.
He said he hopes to eventually bring Lil Man’s Lemon Shake Ups to larger sports venues, including Smokies Stadium and Neyland Stadium.
For the Martins, the business remains centered on entrepreneurship, community involvement and giving back.
“Kindness is free,” Autumn Martin said. “Support local, drink lemonade, and kindness is free. Spread it.”