By Jamie Strickland
At just 15 years old, Preston Thompson has already accomplished what some may never manage to do in a lifetime. He’s the founder of two small businesses, a dedicated church and community volunteer, an honors student — and now, the recipient of the Johnston Now Honors Rising Star Award, which celebrates exceptional young leaders in our community.
A rising sophomore at North Johnston High School, Thompson’s young life has been shaped by both ambition and adversity. In January 2022, his father, Tim, died unexpectedly of a heart attack. Just over a year later, he sustained injuries in a devastating car accident that took the life of his grandmother, Jean Thompson.
Rather than be defined by grief, he strives to rise above it with courage and determination.
“It taught me, first of all, to be grateful for everything — every day, every breath — and to not take anything for granted,” he said. “It definitely helped build my faith too, because when you’re at your lowest and you only have God to rely on, that helps you really build a stronger faith.
“I also gained a lot of maturity too. I had to grow up a lot quicker and just take into account that life is real and sometimes it’s difficult, but you’ve gotta keep pushing through because the world around you is not gonna stop.”
In October 2024, he launched JoCo Soap Company, creating hand-poured, all-natural soaps that started as a way to offer healthier products for his own family. What began as a passion project quickly turned into a thriving small business. He transformed part of the family laundry room into a soap-making workspace, filling their home with the scent of essential oils. He now sells his products at local vendor markets throughout the area and through his Facebook page, with a website in the works.
“I think it’s just kind of in my blood that I wanted to start my own businesses because my dad always had a real entrepreneurial spirit,” he said.
His ultimate goal is to open a brick and mortar soap parlor right here in Johnston County.
Supporting his dreams every step of the way is his mom, Kathleen, who not only helped make room in their home for his projects but continues to be one of his biggest encouragers.
“He works very hard and he has such a sweet, outgoing spirit,” she said. “He’s definitely a people person.” She also helps him keep things in perspective. “Sometimes he’s a little bit too hard on himself, and I tell him it’s OK, that’s a learning experience. Regroup, make a note of it, and plan what to do differently next time so you don’t have that same issue.”
Not one to stop with just one venture, Thompson launched his second business, Kingdom Concessions, in March 2025. It’s a mobile popcorn and lemonade stand that offers creative, specialty flavors and has already become the official lemonade vendor for the Bootleggers Rugby Club in Wilson’s Mills. His plan is to use the income from the lemonade business to eventually finance the launch of his soap parlor. By the time he’s 16, his goal is to have saved up enough for his own truck and lemonade trailer so he can expand that business, and to open the soap shop by the time he’s 19.
He keeps track of all his dreams and plans on a vision board in his room — a daily reminder of where he’s headed and why he works so hard.
Even with two businesses, top grades in school and a part time job at Butter’s Cool Spot in Princeton, Thompson still finds time to give back. He’s an active member of Princeton Church, where he serves on multiple ministry teams, including the Media & Technology Team, the Connections Team, and the R3 (Reach/Relate/Revive) Program. He runs the sound booth during Wednesday youth nights, welcomes visitors and is known for showing up with a positive attitude and a willingness to help wherever needed.
Thompson not only paid for the startup costs of both businesses himself, but he also donates a percentage of his profits to charitable causes and his church.
Faith, he says, is at the center of everything he does.
“That is a big thing for me,” he said. “Lots of prayers. Lots of just praying for wisdom and discernment to make the right decisions and take the right steps.”
At home, Thompson continues to be a steady presence, helping care for his niece, supporting his mom, and pitching in to maintain his late grandmother’s home with his aunt.
His advice for other teens?
“Try and build yourself a really good and strong small group of friends that can help and have the same goals as you and can help you grow and you can come to for advice,” he said. “Find somebody with goals and a strong faith. Somebody that you can help each other’s weak points and grow together.”
When it comes to staying focused, he’s learned to tune out negativity. “There are always gonna be people who try to bring you down and not want you to succeed in your goals … just put your head down and keep working.”
Thompson’s story so far is one of grit, generosity and uncommon maturity. He is not only building businesses — he’s building a life of purpose. And at just 15, he’s already made it clear: this Rising Star is just getting started.
