9-Year-Old Turns Dog Man Inspiration Into “Compliment Stand” That Warms Hearts

SYCAMORE, Illinois — On a hot summer day, most kids set up lemonade stands. But 9-year-old Ethan Wargo decided to sell something else — not for money, but for kindness. His “compliment stand”, offering free uplifting words, has quickly turned into a community sensation.

Inspired by a Book

Ethan said the idea came while reading a “Dog Man” graphic novel, in which one character ran an “insult stand.” Ethan thought that was a terrible idea — so he created the opposite.

“And then I just got inspired by it,” Ethan told CBS News.

By mid-July, Ethan had set up shop with a handwritten sign and a mission: brighten someone’s day, one compliment at a time.

From Slow Start to Social Media Fame

At first, business was slow. Few passersby stopped at his stand. But when his father, Brandon Wargo, shared the idea on social media, neighbors began showing up in droves to hear his words of encouragement.

“Yeah, it’s really blown up,” Brandon said, surprised at how quickly the idea resonated.

His mother, Jessica Wargo, admitted she was caught off guard:

“I was really kind of caught off guard by just how strong a reaction people had to it.”

Small Words, Big Impact

Ethan says he “sometimes” struggles to come up with compliments, but he never gives up. “I usually just persevere,” he said with a grin.

For those who stopped by, the impact was immediate. A simple compliment like “I like your smile” or “You’re doing great today” offered a refreshing boost, almost like a cold drink on a summer afternoon.

“It’s just very heart-warming to them,” Ethan added.

A Lesson in Kindness

Ethan’s stand has now become more than a neighborhood novelty — it’s a reminder of how far kindness can spread.

As Ethan himself put it:

“If you had that idea, I definitely would compliment you on that.”

What started with a boy, a folding table, and a sign in Sycamore has become a story that touched thousands across Illinois and beyond. Sometimes the simplest gestures — like a free compliment — leave the deepest mark.

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