Mike Satterlee, a 19-year-old entrepreneur from Clifton Park, New York, has built a 3D-printing business that generated $808,000 in gross revenue in 2025, starting with an investment of roughly $500 in his first printer. His company, CruiseCup, had already generated $601,000 in revenue through September 2026, according to The Indian Express.
The business produces hundreds of orders daily and operates more than 160 3D printers. Despite its rapid growth, Satterlee pays himself just $500 to $1,500 a month, choosing to reinvest much of the money into expanding the company. He also lives with his parents, meaning he does not currently pay rent for his home.
How Mike Satterlee turned a $500 3D printer into a business
According to CNBC, Mike Satterlee first became interested in 3D printing while attending a high school design and production class. In September 2022, he spent around $500 on his first printer using money he had saved from birthdays, Christmas and earlier business ventures. Initially, he used the technology to experiment with different products and in 2023, he launched Solefully, a business that made shoe charms and accessories for Crocs. CruiseCup's official store lists its plastic double-can holder at $29.99, its single-can holder at $14.99 on sale, and its stainless-steel double-can cooler at $39.99.
He initially used the technology to experiment with different products. In June 2023, he launched Solefully, a business that made shoe charms and accessories for Crocs. The venture grew enough to generate about $250,000 in sales in 2024, helping him expand beyond his parents' basement and rent warehouse space in Clifton Park, New York, according to Traders Union.
But later on, Mike Satterlee found that some products grabbed more attention online and offered better profit margins than others. As a result, he began exploring new designs, including car cupholder adapters, before shifting his attention to drink accessories.
The product that helped CruiseCup take off
In 2025, Satterlee launched CruiseCup, which makes distinctive drink accessories using 3D printing. One of its key products was a hard-shell can cooler designed to hold two 12-ounce cans. Its unusual design allowed users to load the cans from either the top or the bottom.
Mike Satterlee first became interested in 3D printing while attending a high school design and production class
The product, known as the tactical reloader, became a turning point for the business after Satterlee shared a demonstration on Instagram in August 2025. The post went viral, leading to a massive sudden surge in orders.
The demand was so strong that his 60 printers at the time faced a backlog of orders. Instead of turning away customers or immediately spending the money on personal purchases, he used incoming sales to fund additional equipment and increase production capacity. CruiseCup generated around $100,000 in revenue in August alone, CBC reported.
What's next for Mike Satterlee?
CruiseCup now operates 160 printers from its New York facility, allowing the business to manufacture plastic drink accessories on a larger scale. The company also sells stainless-steel versions sourced from a manufacturer in China. Satterlee runs the business full-time with one other employee, according to reports on the venture. Satterlee's next challenge is to turn CruiseCup's early success into a sustainable business.