UPDATED Wednesday, February 25, 2009 --- 4:15 p.m.

Tanner Strunz was honored today as a "Young Entrepreneur of the Year" by the Department of Commerce and Department of Public Instruction.

Below is a story that aired on Saturday that showcased Strunz.

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Posted Saturday, February 21, 2009 --- 6:30 p.m.

All the snow is making for a busy day for one area business owner who's only half the age of some of his most fierce competition.

While the bad economy buries many a Brodhead teenager is plowing full steam ahead.

The work is fast and furious for this team. The more white that falls the more green they see.

Strunz Lawn Care Owner Tanner Strunz says, "When I heard we were supposed to get up to 8 inches of snow I was really happy."

They may not look any different than your average snow removal crew and if they don't they'll take that as a compliment. You see the boss here is only 17.

Strunz says, "I've worked very hard to get it this far and now that I'm this far it feels a lot better that I worked hard in the beginning."

For Strunz things shifted into gear at a young age.

He started mowing one lawn for cash at 14 years old. Three years later he's grown into a full fledged lawn care and snow removal business.

This winter he hired his first employee.

Strunz says, "I was sick of not having any money and I just wanted something to do."

Many business owners are finding themselves knee deep in problems but Strunz keeps pushing ahead.

He says, "It feels weird that I'm young and I'm making money."

Making money is something many people twice his age are struggling with in this economy but as his business continues to grow he's got some simple advice.

He says, "Don't get to big. Don't get too cocky. Just keep it a small business."

His mother Jean Day says, "When it started I thought it was kind of unrealistic and now he's really built it up to a true business."

A business successful enough to earn him Wisconsin's Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award, something this boss is taking in stride.

He says, "I have a job that's fun."

Strunz will be honored for his work along with Ellsworth's Caleb Taplin Wednesday at the State Capitol.