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.

Paul Pantani

After spending over 30 years in law enforcement, including leadership roles overseeing investigative units and mentoring others, I hit a natural point of transition. My pending retirement gave me the space to reflect on what I wanted to do next—not just professionally, but purposefully. I wasn’t interested in just filling time; I wanted to create something that allowed me to keep serving a community I care deeply about: veterans and first responders.

That’s what led to starting The Transition Drill Podcast. I understand how hard it can be to prepare for life after service. The identity shift, the uncertainty, the fear of starting over; it’s real. But I also knew that stories and shared experiences can light the path for others. So I leaned into my experience to create a platform where people can talk honestly about their transitions; the wins, the setbacks, and everything in between. Read More>>

Elke Osadnik

Starting my own business was something that was organically born out of me going through the O-1B visa process with very limited support, some 14 years ago. So I chose to do my own research via the internet, and via many in-person and phone conversations with US immigration attorneys within the US – so I could identify patterns of common information and opinions. This exercise led to me developing a huge interest in US immigration in general. The more I learned, the more I wanted to learn. I found that friends, affiliates, family etc. continually asked me questions about the process and one day, out of the blue, a US-based immigration law firm approached me asking if I’d be interested in working for them, on a part time basis. I jumped at the chance to learn even more, by working within a US immigration law firm myself . Several years later, I finally decided to work for myself, after many colleagues, friends, and even some immigration attorneys suggested I work for myself in a support capacity for artists. Read More>>

Anyssa Daviana Matthews

I had been wanting to start my photography business for a while because I truly believe in making others feel confident in their own skin while capturing those amazing, precious moments. It was all about taking that leap and realizing that sometimes you just have to start. I asked myself, will you start one day or will today be day one? Only you have the power to choose. It’s been such a rewarding journey, and I love being able to help others see their beauty through my lens. While freezing moments in time for future generations to see. Read More>>

Dianna Heun

I started my own practice to allow myself to be more present with my family. I was missing so much time with my daughter as she was growing up and I wanted the flexibility to manage my own schedule and be with her more. Which is also another reason in starting my own practice. As a new mom while working in the field could see there was such a need to support pregnant women and new moms, as there are so many unseen stressors and challenges that are faced. I wanted the freedom to provide the services that are needed, as I continued to be placed in a box when working under others. Read More>>

Nico Snow

The idea for Snow Realty Group began in 2021 when I was working as a real estate assistant. I experienced firsthand how overwhelming the buying and selling process could be for clients, and it sparked the desire to create a business that would make that experience smooth, exciting, and stress-free. My goal was always to ensure that every client not only got the best deal, but also felt happy and confident in their decision. Read More>>

Gwen Lawrence

I was never asked this before and it is really quite simple. Whether it is considered a good thing or a bad thing, I have never been able to work for someone. The concept of helping another person get rich or fulfill their lives in their way is ridiculous to me, and my brain. Believe me after college I tried, I worked with others in my field under a chiropractor, health club, spa, and even in a restaurant, and it was a clear no go for me. I just had to start there to understand my business and then find my unique niche and forge on, my own way, my own time, my own mistakes and my own victories. I even tried a partnership later in my career and it turned into an epic business failure and physical and emotional energy suck. Read More>>

Stephanie Alburquerque

Blooming Villa Coordination was built on a powerful urge and desire to have more in life. Growing up, every adult figure in my life worked a 9-5 and about 95% of them didn’t go to college. They worked to pay their bills and that was that. When I became a mom, I quickly realized that a 9-5 was not something I desired and none of the available work from home positions were appealing. I began to explore my options of being a part time venue manager or wedding coordinator. Most of these positions for part time coordinators work a 9-12 hour shift (part time because its 1-3 days a week) with heavy lifting throughout the day and no chance of breaks in between. Read More>>

Caleb Allen

We have worked with elite athletes at the highest level, but it is the children that are struggling right now. With anxiety, depression and even suicide on the rise in our middle school and high school aged kids, we felt we had a calling to step in. Through athletics we can help these children know there worth and learn to value themselves. Read More>>