For 18-year-old Michael Haskell, one person’s discarded belongings are another’s opportunity. Operating under the name Mike’s Unique Treasures, the teenager purchases abandoned storage units throughout the New York tri-state area to resell their contents. Financial records reviewed by CNBC Make It indicate the venture generated approximately $135,000 in 2025 through eBay and auction sales, followed by an additional $85,000 between January and mid-July.
This entrepreneurial spirit was cultivated during his youth, where he sold books online or invested in rare Lego sets, holding them until they went out of production to secure a profit. Haskell admits that while his specific career path was unclear, he always envisioned self-employment. This mindset aligns with a broader trend highlighted in a July report from the Bank of America Institute, which notes that Gen Z is contributing “disproportionately” to the rise in new business formations. Their data reveals that in June, business application growth for Gen Z more than doubled that of Millennials and Gen X. With younger generations facing a challenging labor market, the report suggests many view entrepreneurship as a viable alternative for income and career progression.
Haskell initially focused on storage unit flipping to distinguish himself in the competitive college admissions setting. Observing peers with high academic averages made him self-conscious about his own standing, prompting him to ask how he could differentiate himself from the crowd. The pressure is significant, as the Common App—utilized by over a million students—reports continuous yearly growth. During the 2025-26 cycle, the organization observed a 2% rise in applicants and a 5% increase in total applications compared to the previous year.
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A chance encounter with a rerun of “Storage Wars” provided the necessary inspiration. He purchased his first unit for $10 in early 2024, quickly selling a found carbon dioxide canister for $40. Before long, he was regularly juggling academic responsibilities with his growing side hustle, spending Saturdays and Sundays acquiring lockers before rushing back to prepare for school on Monday. He maintained this schedule until graduating in June.
While uncertain how college will impact operations, Haskell remains committed to the venture regardless of the outcome. The business relies on deciphering the lives of previous owners through limited clues, a process he finds thrilling. His most significant success came from a unit purchased for $450, linked to disgraced Manhattan art dealer Andrew Crispo. The unit contained a painting by Dada and surrealist artist Man Ray and sketches by modernist Walt Kuhn, which collectively sold for $36,000.
Hitting that jackpot validated his efforts to his parents and drives his continued search. Haskell explains that profitability comes from connecting small details—like university memorabilia indicating an educated owner—rather than just looking at obvious items.
