A remarkable success story has emerged from the world of e-commerce, as 18-year-old Michael Saterli reports earning $300,000 in November 2025 through his company, Cruise Cup, which specializes in 3D printed products, including a popular can holder. This achievement follows a viral video in which Saterli creatively showcased the functionality of his product while enjoying a can of Dr Pepper.
Earlier this year, Saterli posted a video on Instagram demonstrating his “tactical reloading can holder.” In the clip, he drinks from one can while a second can magically appears in the frame. As he places the holder over the new can, the first can is tossed aside, allowing him to continue drinking. This engaging visual caught the attention of viewers, amassing over 50 million views on Instagram.
When asked about the video’s viral success, Saterli noted that the novelty played a significant role: “I think the reason is that people have never seen anything like it before.” Many viewers expressed their astonishment in the comments, particularly regarding how quickly he seemed to consume the beverage. Saterli later clarified that the scene was staged; he had already finished the drink before filming.
This viral moment proved to be a catalyst for Saterli’s burgeoning e-commerce business. The success of Cruise Cup can be attributed not only to the viral video but also to Saterli’s innovative approach to product development. Since childhood, he has been entrepreneurial, initially offering lawn mowing services to neighbors at the age of ten. His foray into 3D printing started with a product that repels sand and led to the launch of his company Solefully, which produces clogs.
Every product in Saterli’s lineup is manufactured using 3D printing technology. He explained the challenges associated with scaling production: “When you print a larger product, it can take ten hours. So if you have ten orders, you need 100 hours of printing. For Solefully, I could fulfill orders with around fifty printers, but once Cruise Cup went viral, it became overwhelming. I was buying batches of thirty printers and still couldn’t keep up with demand.”
Saterli’s journey highlights the potential for young entrepreneurs to leverage technology and creativity in the competitive e-commerce landscape. His story serves as an inspiring example of how innovative thinking and a willingness to take risks can lead to extraordinary financial success.
