Teen Entrepreneur With Cerebral Palsy Turns School Project Into a $5 Million Business Drew Davis was just a teenager when he discovered his passion for hot sauce, but he never imagined it would turn into a multi-million-dollar business.

Drew Davis was just a teenager when he discovered his passion for hot sauce, but he never imagined it would turn into a multi-million-dollar business. Diagnosed with cerebral palsy, Davis faced challenges early in life, including a major health concern at age 14 when he weighed 300 pounds. Doctors warned that without a drastic lifestyle change, he could be bedridden by the time he turned 18. Determined to take control of his health, Davis made significant dietary adjustments, and hot sauce became a key part of his weight loss journey. Over the course of a year, he lost 150 pounds, setting the foundation for what would later become a thriving business.

At 15, Davis found himself in need of an idea for a school project just days before the deadline. His love for hot sauce and his self-deprecating sense of humor inspired him to come up with "Crippling Hot Sauce." More than just a clever name, Davis envisioned a brand with a purpose—one that would raise awareness about disabilities and give back to the community. He crafted a business plan and confidently presented it, expecting top marks. However, he was given a B- with the feedback that his idea was "good but unrealistic." Rather than being discouraged, Davis took it as a challenge.

At 18, Davis turned his vision into reality by launching Crippling Hot Sauce in 2023 with just $3,000 he had saved. Operating from his parents’ kitchen in Missouri, he started small but had big ambitions. From the beginning, his mission was clear—5% of all sales would be donated to cerebral palsy research. His unique branding and commitment to his cause quickly gained attention, and within two years, the company had sold over 500,000 bottles and generated $2 million in revenue in 2024. By 2025, Crippling Hot Sauce was on track to reach $5 million in annual sales and had expanded into more than 500 retail stores across the country.

Despite the rapid growth, the journey was not without its obstacles. Davis used his initial investment strategically, covering essential expenses like trademarks, health permits, and festival fees. He perfected his recipes through trial and error, starting with a basic hot sauce formula he found online and modifying it to create unique flavors. His first offerings included Just for the Parking (Mild), Limping (Medium), and Crippling Agony (Hot). As demand grew, so did his product line, with the addition of flavors like Life’s a Beach (Mild), Special Treatment (Medium), and Ghost Pepper Palsy (Hotter).

From the start, humor was an integral part of the brand’s identity. Davis believed that comedy was a way to break down barriers and change perceptions about the disabled community. He noticed that while people within the community often used humor to cope, outsiders were hesitant to joke about disabilities for fear of being offensive. Through Crippling Hot Sauce, he wanted to shift the narrative and show that people with disabilities could laugh, be bold, and take control of their own stories.

The business quickly gained momentum, with the first batch selling out to family and friends in just 35 minutes. Encouraged by the overwhelming response, Davis made another batch and secured his first commercial client—a local butcher shop. Building the brand required dedication and a hands-on approach, so he brought on his childhood best friend to help with operations. Though Davis faced physical limitations that prevented him from doing some of the labor-intensive work, he focused on strategy, marketing, and expanding the business.

Social media played a crucial role in Crippling Hot Sauce’s success. With no budget for traditional advertising, Davis relied on organic reach, particularly on TikTok, where the brand’s unique story and humorous branding resonated with millions. Viral videos helped spread the word, and before long, Crippling Hot Sauce was a recognized name in the hot sauce industry. Earned media coverage also contributed to the company’s rapid growth, further solidifying its reputation.

Looking ahead, Davis sees Crippling Hot Sauce as more than just a business—it’s a movement. He wants his platform to inspire others, particularly those in the disabled community, to pursue their goals despite any obstacles they may face. By sharing his journey, he hopes to empower other young entrepreneurs to take risks, believe in themselves, and turn their ideas into reality.

For those considering starting their own business, Davis offers straightforward advice: “Just go out and do it.” He emphasizes that youth is the best time to take risks, and even with limited resources, success is possible with determination and creativity. He started his company with $3,000, but he believes that even with $100, someone can begin building their dream.

Davis’s story is a testament to resilience, innovation, and the power of believing in oneself. From a school project that earned a B- to a thriving $5 million business, he has proven that no dream is too big—even when others say it’s unrealistic. Through Crippling Hot Sauce, he continues to challenge stereotypes, support his community, and remind the world that anything is possible with the right mindset.