On Tuesday, December 9th, the Daviess County CEO Cohort received an inspiring visit from Austin Knepp, a Class of 2023 alumnus who exemplifies the program's impact. Now a sophomore at the University of Southern Indiana studying business with an accounting minor, Austin has built an impressive entrepreneurial portfolio while still in his late teens.
Austin's business ventures began at age 14 with barrel trains that found buyers nationwide (selling through Etsy, Ebay and Facebook). His ambitions quickly expanded—by sophomore year of high school, he had purchased his first rental property. Since then, he has personally renovated four homes over three years, demonstrating both business acumen and hands-on skill. Last summer marked another leap forward when he developed a 60-unit commercial storage facility in Pike County.
A treehouse rental in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, recently opened for guests. As he departed from the cohort meeting, Austin was headed back to Tennessee to launch another project. (Pictures Below) His approach to opportunity is straightforward: "When I look at any opportunity, one of my first thoughts is, I can probably make this work."
Throughout his presentation, Austin offered practical wisdom gained from experience—navigating commercial zoning complexities, securing permits, managing customer relationships, obtaining proper insurance, and meeting project deadlines. He stressed that perseverance and flexibility are essential when tackling ambitious projects.
Austin's advice to the cohort focused on relationships: "Keep the connections you're making now—they will prove invaluable in the future." He encouraged students to maintain and grow their networks as they pursue their own entrepreneurial paths.
Aviation represents another passion for Austin, who has earned his pilot's license and continues exploring opportunities in flying. Reflecting on his CEO experience, he remarked, "You will never find another program like CEO."
The Daviess County CEO Cohort thanks Austin for generously sharing his experiences and insights. His story demonstrates what's possible through dedication, resourcefulness, and a readiness to seize opportunities. Thank you, Austin, for inspiring the entrepreneurs who will follow in your footsteps.