A 22-year-old Winkler resident has been added to a list of the Top 10 Entrepreneurs Under 30.

Patrick Benske joins a number of serial entrepreneurs from around the world who've found success as founders and CEOs in startups ranging from TV streaming services to seven figure clothing store ventures. Benske started his first business in high school, a graphic design firm that he sold at the age of 19, before diving into scaling personal brands and online finance.

However, while being featured on such a list would've been a dream-come-true in the past, Benske says making an impact is more motivating than accolades.

"It's nice to be on it, but it's not my main driver," he says.

From waking up at 5:00 a.m to finish a project for a client before school, to pioneering a bank powered by blockchain technology, Benske says the foundation of business is still how you relate to customers and solving massive problems.

"You are the brand," he says.

With clients scattered across the country and the U.S, some might be tempted to move to a larger centre but Benske says Winkler is a perfect place to raise a family, and he's inspired by the local entrepreneurial scene.

"To be an entrepreneur is simply to take a risk," he says, noting many in the area have established their own small businesses and have become their own boss.

However, he notes the Pembina Valley could do better promoting young entrepreneurs that won't come to traditional networking events.

"Winnipeg does it a little better, they have these hangouts where people can meet and mastermind," Benske explains. "There's a lot of young entrepreneurs here but they don't have a place to go."

Find the full list of Top 10 Entrepreneurs Under 30 list here: https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/322543