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.

Zach Kaczanowski | Sous Chef of The Parish & Executive Chef of Black Lamb Culinary

We had been working in kitchens many years, and our aspirations felt isolated and lost in the monotony of working on someone else’s vision. We started asking ourselves what is our vision? Why aren’t we pushing our own agenda? Why are we working so hard to further someone else’s accomplishments? And that’s why we just decided to combine the two things we love most in life and that’s Cannabis & Cooking. The rest is history, although we are still small and starting out it’s very worthwhile to build something of your own! Read more>>

Savannah Davis | Cottage Baker and Confectioner

I wanted an outlet for my creativity that would allow me to bring joy to the people around me. I think we all enjoy a little treat once in a while (or, ahem….every day). Sweets are a joyful thing, and when you create something that is not only tasty but fun to look at, it adds another layer to that experience and makes it really special. Read more>>

Sukie Silveira | Professional Seamstress

In my home country of South Korea I started working in a clothing factory when I was 13. Over the next years I learned every aspect of how to make custom clothes. When I was 19, I opened a custom clothing shop where I created custom clothing for women and men. I operated my shop for many years until I met my husband and moved to the US. Once in the states, my desire was to continue my business but due to my husband’s job we moved many times. In 1997 we settled in Arizona and finally in 2001 I was able to open a clothing alteration shop in Peoria Arizona. I was there for many years and ultimately moved my location to Goodyear Arizona. This year marked my 26th year of my business. Read more>>

Patrick and Tracy Vanoni | Managing Partners at SonderCare Behavioral Health

We have always been a Christ oriented couple who aspires to service him by serving his people and our community. When presented this amazing opportunity by him through our likeminded partners Susie Rodriguez and Larry Wiley; we felt extremely passionate and compelled to get involved in this journey to serve our community by increasing the quality of life for those in need through the provisions of mental health services. Our outpatient behavioral health clinic offers a wide range of services within a comprehensive therapeutic environment which includes in-house screening and assessment, adult life skills training programs, group counseling, individual counseling, member advocacy & peer support as well as participating in outreach events in the community. Read more>>

Donald Crawley | Golf instructor and Coach

I had helped build a brand (John Jacobs Golf Schools) and learned that I could create, build, operate my own brand/business. GolfSimplified Inc. Through that I also created developed and operate the Boulders Golf Academy. Read more>>

Nancy Kaplan Kuppersmith | Crystal Artist

My name is Nancy Kaplan Kuppersmith and I am an artist living on the North Shore of Chicago. Ever since I was a little girl, I have always been drawn to the creative process. Creating things nourishes my soul. After college, I became a lawyer, but that career never fulfilled my creative passion. After starting a family, I channeled my artistic energy into making jewelry, designing invitations, and mosaics. I have always loved colorful vintage fruit and vegetable labels. One day, almost a decade ago, I mounted one of the labels on a board and applied beautiful Austrian glass crystals on it to create depth and dimension. Read more>>

Lindsay Valerio | Creator of kidizona

When my oldest daughter was 1, I was always looking for things her and I could do together. I’d spend hours on google and had the idea to put all the kid-friendly activities on one website and the idea for kidizona.com was born! A friend of mine encouraged me to post my adventures on social media and now the website and socials are some of the most popular resources for families in the area! Read more>>

Van Brophy | Owner and Operator of Ridgeline Garage Door Company

I’ve always been an independent person, and the idea of owning my own company has appealed to me for quite some time. From a young age, I learned the value of hands-on work and self-sufficiency. I’ve found fulfillment in the resourcefulness of independently tackling home improvement projects, my own car repairs, and crafting custom furniture for my family and friends. With these skills in mind, I embarked on a journey to find a career that incorporated them, offering an alternative to the monotony that is often married to a 9-to-5 routine. That’s when I discovered the garage door industry. Read more>>