Are you thinking about starting a business? If so, we think you’ll enjoy reading about how these seasoned entrepreneurs thought about the question when they were in your shoes.

Esteban Ibarra | Entrepreneur/ Founder

During that time, life was throwing its curveballs, especially with the pandemic. We took a moment to think about how we could lend a hand to artisans facing tough times. The idea was to not only help them but also bring something truly special and valuable to the market. Read more>>

Sandeep Sethuraman | Chess Player, Coach, and Entrepreneur

I’ve been a member of the chess community here in Arizona for almost a decade now, and as I grew up I realized how lucky I was to have the chance to pursue expensive tournaments and coaching. Being a professional chess player isn’t very profitable except for a few of the most elite players in the world, so masters often make their living through coaching. This leads to very expensive lessons (often ranging up to $100 per hour for seasoned coaches!) which isn’t a viable option for far too many prospective players. I started The Chess Effect because I realized I had the platform and resources to start an organization that would make chess lessons accessible to all players, regardless of their socioeconomic status. I knew how to recruit the perfect coaching team from the many other high schoolers I knew who were dedicated to chess, and this combined with the fact that my mission through The Chess Effect wasn’t to make a living gave me the perfect setting to create a sustainable chess-based nonprofit organization. Read more>>

Kat Loetterle | Artist

As a child, I was captivated by movies, art, and stories, and I always dreamed of creating my own version of that magic. I yearned for something beyond the typical 9 to 5 job. When I decided to pursue my artistic journey professionally, my main goal was to have the freedom and flexibility to express myself through my work. Art is not just a hobby for me, it’s my ultimate passion. I consciously choose to infuse my passion with everything I do because I believe in bringing magic to people’s lives and making a positive impact, no matter how small it may seem. Read more>>

Jeff Albrecht-Ayala | Owner & Coach

Jeremy, Josh, and I were blessed to buy the gym in December 2022. Prior to ownership, we were training or teaching Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu 5+ times a week and recognized the role that it had in positively impacting us and the members we were training with. Read more>>

Michael Tucker | CEO/Executive Coach

When I first became an entrepreneur in 2006 it was not because I had a great idea and a big dream. I was an Air Force officer who had been downsized after four years of service along with several thousand other officers. Read more>>

Socorro Mermejo de Hernandez | Miguel and Coco

My Husband (Miguel) and I (Socorro) immigrated to the US many years ago with big Hopes and Dreams of a better life.. That meant working hard and lots of Determination.. Through the years we have worked for many different people and places… Some were successful and some failed.. with that being said we took everything we had learned and just took a leap of faith!! Read more>>

Surface Refinements | Decorative Wall and Surface finishes

I was always encouraged by my parents to explore my creative side, which started as a love for drawing and painting.I have spent most of my life in one artistic endeavor or another. This just naturally led to pursuing a career that could support that passion, and I feel very fortunate to be able to turn that passion into a lifelong career. Despite the hard work involved , I feel grateful every day for the opportunities that we are blessed to have ! Read more>>