Call him Dr. Detail

Nathan Olson has always wanted to own a business.

He took action earlier this week.

The 15-year-old applied and received a business license Tuesday to start his car cleaning and detailing business, Dr. Detail.

“This is definitely the youngest person we’ve ever issued (a license) to that we can recall,” said Kate Reardon, spokeswoman for the city of Everett.

Reardon said most licensees are in their mid-20s to mid-40s. There are about 8,200 active business licenses in Everett and about 1,000 more are expected to be issued this year, according to the city. A business license costs $10.

Nathan, son of Everett City Councilman Mark Olson, said he was thinking of a way to earn some extra cash, and since he is too young to find a job, he started his own business.

“I felt I was good at cleaning cars, so I went with it,” he said.

Nathan started detailing cars a week ago, earning about $75 so far and a growing customer base around his neighborhood. He charges $15 to $20 to detail a car, which involves cleaning the outside, inside, trunk and door jams.

The upcoming 10th-grade class president at Everett High School said he distributed fliers and talked to people about his business while riding around on his scooter.

“Getting a business license was my idea,” Nathan said. “I believe if I can work my tail off, it can grow. Maybe in five years, a town in Iowa will have one of my stores.”

Nathan, who has paid for everything for his business on his own, said he wants to show people his age that starting a business is not just for “older people.”

“Find something you’re good at and try expanding on that idea,” he said. “Then see how far you can go.”

Reardon agreed, adding that the city is always likes to encourage entrepreneurship.

Nathan said the whole experience of starting a business has made him feel older.

“I don’t think there is anyone under 16 with a (business) license,” he said. “I think that’s pretty cool.”

Reporter Evan Caldwell: 425-339-3475 or ecaldwell@heraldnet.com.