Building a Digital Empire: My Journey as a Gen Z Entrepreneur

Written By: Luke Lintz, CEO and Co-Founder of HighKey Enterprises

I had big dreams while growing up in Canada. I wasn't given opportunities or connections, but I realized from a young age that I wanted to create something significant that transcended national boundaries. At the age of sixteen, I started my first online business selling wireless headphones while I was in grade eleven. I later founded HighKey Enterprises with my brothers, Jordan and Jackson Lintz, and it has developed into a digital powerhouse over the years. Today, HighKey works with some of the world's top superstars, including Lil Baby, Kevin Hart, and Khloé Kardashian, to make brands famous.

Every partnership we establish aims to build genuine value and trust between audiences and businesses, not just to increase profile numbers. Brands that build trust with their audiences enjoy greater loyalty—statistics show that 81% of consumers are more likely to make purchases based on recommendations from people they trust, which is why we emphasize genuine celebrity partnerships over mere exposure.In addition to increasing reach, a celebrity's endorsement of a company capitalizes on the public's preexisting confidence in the celebrity. Our clients are looking for a route to influence and credibility, not just press. We provide them a significant start by introducing them to well-known people, which helps them stand out in a crowded market. This isn't about boasting; rather, it's about strategically leveraging influence to add genuine value and create enduring engagement for every brand—a concept that every business owner should consider.

I've always approached business in a way that goes beyond simply creating content and acquiring followers. I've learned from HighKey that developing genuine connections is the key to real brand growth. If you want your brand to resonate, offering something people can truly believe in is more important than just selling a product. Even if it wasn't always simple, this dedication to sincerity influenced my path. I had a speech impediment as a child and tried to avoid talking as much as I could. I had no idea I would one day tell my story to CEOs, business owners, and aspiring executives. I not only tell my experience, but I also help them with branding and social media, offering advice on how to succeed in the current digital era. But I've learned from entrepreneurship that constraints are only as strong as you allow them.

Moving out of my parents’ house was a crucial step for me. This is one of the most audacious things you can do if you're serious about creating something independently. For me, it meant accepting complete accountability for all aspects of my life, including practical, emotional, and financial ones. Since there was no backup plan, this change left me in a situation where everything had to work itself out. Surprisingly, after I moved out, my bond with my parents got stronger. They witnessed directly my self-reliance and dedication, which strengthened our regard for one another.

A key component of my strategy has been reverse engineering. I lay out every critical step by starting with a huge aim and working my way backward. Journaling and goal-setting are daily routines that help me stay thoughtful and focused. Setting goals helps me stay on track with my vision, and journaling allows me to record my progress, reflect on my mistakes, and make any adjustments. Every objective, obstacle, and victory becomes a part of my roadmap, which helps me stay on course.

Additionally, we at HighKey are constantly learning and developing. Our focus has recently shifted to working with doctors, aesthetic clinics, and medical clientele. This is not to say that we won't take on clients from other industries, but following years of data analysis, we've determined that this group is a perfect fit because of the distinct PR requirements in the healthcare industry and the significant development potential in the aesthetics industry. This change demonstrates our dedication to improving our offerings and concentrating on areas where we can have the greatest influence. You're never too accomplished, in my opinion, to keep learning and getting better.

The goal now is to support business owners in using digital tools, developing genuine brands, and taking calculated risks. Although social media can change lives, its effectiveness depends on its consistency and purpose. One thing I've discovered is that those who not only follow but also initiate trends are rewarded in the digital era.