Many books on startups and business talk about how there are right and wrong reasons for starting a business. So, we asked a handful of successful founders about their reasons and the thought-process behind starting their business.

Cody V

My business partner, Jonny, originally came up with the donut and coffee concept. I had always wanted to open a craft coffee shop, so when I heard about his idea, I immediately reached out to see if he was open to partnering. Read More>>

Doc Watkins

As a professional musician, I wanted to create a space for the community of local musicians to call home. Life on the road, or living ‘gig to gig’ can be quite difficult and unpredictable, and I wanted to help change the way the jazz business works. Thankfully, I had lots of supporters (and investors) who helped make this dream a reality. Read More>>

Sabrina Smulders

I come from several generations of farmers, so growing, baking, and preserving food has always been a natural part of my life. I was raised to share what I make—whether it was something from the garden or something fresh from the kitchen—and that habit of gifting handmade, homegrown items shaped who I am today. Read More>>

Teresa Taylor

Our business didn’t begin with a traditional plan — it grew naturally out of our family, our faith, and our lifelong involvement with kids and animals. Greg and I have always been hands-on parents and grandparents. We volunteered at schools, coached soccer, helped with show animals… and I spent 13 years caring for grandbabies full-time. Read More>>

Dr. Kozhi Sidney Makai

I discovered a talent I had in college for connecting deeply with people from the stage. I didn’t know there was a business or job for this. When I explored, I found myself doing what I loved and benefitting others at the same time. Read More>>

Drew Bivona

Every day, we all see the typical personal injury attorney ads. All focused towards adults. All promising high settlements or winning a fight. Ads are never directed to injured children or their parents. I wanted to fix that. Today, Bivona Law is one of the only firms in the country and Texas that focuses on helping injured children seek justice. Read More>>

Cyrus Nasr

I have always owned my own business. 15 years owning restaurants then took a left turn and became a beekeeper. We thought it would be a side gig/hobby that made a few dollars or at the least had some honey for family and friends. It took off faster than we thought. Read More>>

Dr. Amanda Allard-Schuster

When I went to college I was like many students and didn’t know what I was interested in. It wasn’t until I took my first intro to interpersonal communication course that I fell in love with the realization that there was a science behind how we communicate to build relationships. Read More>>

Ashley Washburn

Before my career in real estate I noticed I had a very entrepreneurial spirit. Although I was always working for someone else, I noticed I always had an ‘owner’s mindset’. At some point, I realized something important: I was already operating like a business owner—I just didn’t have ownership. Read More>>