Success Stories

As a working mother, Tiffany Sauder realized she was the only one who could create boundaries and write her life story the way she wanted. Here's what she's learned along the way.

Gabby Morris was always passionate about jewelry. She created her own gender-neutral line, DPRD by Gabrielle Nicole, to help everyone tell their story through accessories.

Professional lacrosse player Drew Westervelt launched HEX Performance laundry detergent to help athletes get their workout clothes and uniforms cleaner. Here's his story.

Science teacher Denise Zannu loved teaching chemistry by making homemade soaps. When she started gifting and selling those soaps, she realized she could turn her hobby into a business.

Diana Nicklaus knew she wanted to break the architecture industry's cultural status quo when she started her own firm. Here's how Saam Architecture does things differently.

Nicholas Reichenbach saw how much waste was created from plastic water bottles at Burning Man. This inspired him to create Flow water's eco-friendly packaging for spring water.

Tony Lamb was always searching for the "greener grass," until he took the leap and started the Kona Ice truck franchise. Here's what he's learned about entrepreneurial success.

Scott Marr spent his teen years washing vehicles, homes and buildings for spare cash. He eventually turned this into a successful franchise concept, Fleet Clean.

Former college athlete Mark Rose was in denial about his weight and health. He finally made a change and made health a priority, and encourages his company to do the same.

When Jacki Strum got engaged, she realized modern couples would rather register for experiences than possessions. This inspired her to start ThirstyNest, a wine wedding registry.

Jean Noisette conquered her fear of the unknown and made her entrepreneurial dream a reality. Today she runs Dazzle Me Parties, and serves as a role model to young girls in her community.

As a former insurance executive, Ben Davis understood the value of his time. He created The Gents Place to give men a grooming experience worth their time.

In a fast-paced, digital world, Demetri Argyropoulos of Avant Global believes "old school" relationship building is the key to success. Here's his story.

When Lauren Danziger lost her finance job during the recession, she explored other career paths but didn't feel fulfilled - until she joined the nonprofit world.

A philanthropist at heart, Gavin Keilly built his business on making a difference with gift-giving, whether it's through a celebrity gifting suite or nonprofit donations.

Entrepreneur Maggie Schlarb spent five months cycling around New Zealand with her two-year-old son. This journey inspired her adventurous business philosophy.

Despite failing her board exams, Lynnsey Jepsen never gave up on her dream of becoming a doctor of chiropractic. Here's how she became the owner of a HealthSource clinic - and a full-fledged doctor.

Makeup artist Sarah Biggers recovered from a debilitating health crisis by eliminating toxins from her life. This inspired her to create her clean cosmetics line, CLOVE + HALLOW.

We all have a different definition of success and ways to measure accomplishments. Here's how 16 entrepreneurs define success.

Entrepreneur Nick Francis founded Help Scout to help small businesses create a better customer support experience. Here's how he did it.

As an overweight child, Alejandro Chabán decided to get healthy so he could pursue his dream TV career. This journey led to his Latin-focused healthy lifestyle plan, Yes You Can!

Pool supply salesman Fred Thomas resold unwanted merchandise and accidentally launched his own business. His son John shares the story behind his family-focused franchise.

Rosalie Guillem moved to America to create a better life for her family - who were still living in France. Here's how Le Macaron French Pastries brought success and reunited a family.

Chicago-based friends and mothers Bonnie Micheli and Tracy Roemer were determined to get into shape post-children. Roemer shares how the duo started their boutique fitness concept, Shred415.

Lauren Stokes started a small t-shirt business as a side project during her maternity leave. That soon evolved into lifestyle apparel brand, Lauren James. Stokes shares her story.

Karen Gordon has been a CEO for nearly 20 years, and in that time, she's learned a lot about understanding people. She shares her best advice for fellow leaders.

Matt Ross, founder & CEO, One River School of Art + Design, started his business to make learning and creating art more accessible, fun and cool for adults, teens and kids.

Abby Endres used the connections she built during her corporate marketing career to grow her ad agency, LIFT. Today, her thriving business remains 100 percent referral-based.

Dan Tarantin lost his father at age 13. To help his family, he got a job at a sub shop and learned the ins and outs of running a business ownership. Today he serves as CEO of HRI.

The founders of Attitude Apparel loved sports, but noticed that the style and quality of popular athletic wear were lacking. CMO Matt Lawrence Davis shares the story behind the brand.