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.

Ebony Simelton-Payton

When I first thought about starting my business, it wasn’t just about making money. It was about creating something of my own — something that could bring joy to others while also changing the trajectory of my family’s future. Read more>>

Dom Thompson

If I’m being honest, there wasn’t some perfectly planned transition into business. It was more of a moment. I had just come out of a position I was in, one I had built success in, but it came to an abrupt end. And in that moment, there wasn’t a long runway to think things through. It was… now what? Read more>>

Jenica Heintzelman

I fell in love with photography in high school when I took my first photo class. I was hooked the moment I developed film in the darkroom. In college, I explored other majors, including music and anthropology, before applying to the photography program on a whim. From that point on, I never looked back. Read more>>

James Wesolaski

Thought process behind starting my own business. That is a good one and great eye opener over the years. One of the may reasons was that i felt like i was running everything for my previous employer. Told myself i can do this on my own and make more money. As time went by i realized that i was not doing everything. Read more>>

John Winters

One of my biggest challenges when I started in this industry was feeling like I didn’t belong. I’m a quiet man in a very loud industry. When I began my career in a big box gym, I was constantly told that I was too quiet to make it as a personal trainer. So, I tried to fit in. Read more>>

Jourdan Klingbeil

I was working in a residential mental health setting and felt I was burning out quickly. Too quickly for a recent grad and as someone who wanted to be in this field long term, so I knew something needed to change. I kept hearing how great private practice was and how much more freedom there could be in running my own business. Read more>>

Nia Times

My thought process behind starting my own business was to be able to make a positive impact on people’s health. I wanted to be a food service that shows it cares about the quality of food it serves to its customers. My business is meant to be a local, grassroots effort to provide quality food to the community, and also a place to feel welcomed. Read more>>

Tommy Musto

There were a few times in my life where I have worked for someone else but I always felt that I wanted to call the shots. Set the direction, make a plan and go for it. I like being in control of my own destiny. Read more>>

Kristie Martin

Starting our own assisted living home was something that came from both the heart and a desire to serve our community in a meaningful way. As a family, we have always been compassionate people who genuinely enjoy helping others, especially seniors and individuals who need daily support, care, and companionship. Read more>>

Patrick McBride

I’m a dad who grew up on paintball fields, and I’ve always loved that kind of active, high-energy fun. After moving to Maricopa, I kept noticing all the beautiful green belts and open spaces in our neighborhoods that barely got used. I started thinking — what if I could bring that same exciting, action-packed experience right into our own communities? Read more>>

Christian Naiberg

After many years as an executive in global shipping, I felt the need to do some on my own. Something that would give me the flexibility and balance between work and family. The challenges have been different and great, but at the same time rewarding and fulfilling. Read more>>

Chrystal OJon

My thought process was rooted in a gap I saw in our community. Maricopa is a rapidly growing city with incredible people, entrepreneurs, artists, and families — but there wasn’t a publication that truly *celebrated* that in a elevated,  intentional way. Read more>>

Ben Isai

I’ve spent my whole life working in bagel, coffee, and deli shops — that’s where I really fell in love with the business. I loved the energy of a great morning spot: the smell of fresh bagels and coffee, the regulars who come in every day, and how a good sandwich can make someone’s day. Read more>>