In Sycamore, Illinois, 9-year-old Ethan Wargo has found a simple yet powerful way to brighten people’s days — by giving out free compliments.

Ethan was inspired while reading his “Dog Man” graphic novel. In the story, one of the characters sets up an insult stand. But Ethan quickly realized that wasn’t a good idea.

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

So instead of insults, Ethan flipped the script. He opened his own free “compliment stand,” handing out kind words to anyone who stopped by.

At first, business was slow. After all, he wasn’t offering cold drinks. But once his dad, Brandon Wargo, posted about the idea on social media, people started showing up for a taste of his uplifting words.

“Yeah, it’s really blown up,” Brandon told CBS News.

Even Ethan’s mom, Jessica, was surprised by how much the simple idea touched people. “I was really kind of caught off guard by just how strong a reaction people had to it,” she said.

Ethan believes kindness has a way of warming hearts. “It’s just very heart-warming to them,” he added.

Of course, even a 9-year-old encourager has his challenges. “Sometimes” I struggle to come up with a compliment,” Ethan admitted. “But in those cases, I usually just persevere.”

That perseverance and heart is exactly the kind of example the world needs more of. As Ethan put it: “If you had that idea, I definitely would compliment you on that.”

One small boy is proving that kindness can be just as refreshing as a cold drink — maybe even more so.