We reached out to some of our favorite entrepreneurs and asked them to think back and tell us about how they decided to start a business. Check out their responses below.

Ekaterina Maistrenko

You know how life sometimes takes a turn you never expected? That’s exactly what my career path has felt like.

Before I moved to the U.S., my world was all about marketing and e-commerce. I was the person behind the screen, managing campaigns and analyzing data. Read More>>

Eric Proos

My partners and I were already operating our own independent law firms and service businesses and business owners. We heard the same type of complaints and issues when the businesses came to us. We decided that unifying our efforts, expanding on our fractional general counsel model, and changing the way law firms are viewed were our driving factors. Read More>>

Eric Pitarresi

After spending over 20 years in the nonprofit sector, I had the privilege of building deep relationships and a strong reputation for my work in fundraising and development. As I progressed in my career, I noticed a recurring pattern: former colleagues and peers would often reach out for advice or informal consulting to help their new organizations tackle fundraising challenges.  Read More>>

Shannon Clemens

I started Wildwood Petcare out of a lifelong love for animals and a strong belief that pets deserve the same level of care and respect as any other family member. Over the years, I saw how stressful it can be for pet parents to leave their animals in someones else’s care. I wanted to create a service that eases that worry by offering compassionate, reliable, and personalized care so every pet feels safe and loved, even when their people can’t be there. Read More>> 

Katie King Rumford

I’ve been a graphic designer for years and I have always loved the process of creation. Process isn’t perfect, it shows progress and momentum. I was struck by the fact that my process of creating had changed since having kids, and my priorities changed too. No longer was I longing to work with the big name clients to boost my pride, but I was yearning for projects that gave me a purpose outside of myself.  Read More>>

Jonathan Geen

I started Purple Light Vacations in 2013 because I thought there was a need in the San Diego market place and beyond for a travel agency that provided extra value and customized service as well as destination insight so that travelers would be “in the know”. I also was fulfilling a passion for travel and different cultures. Read More>>

Gabby Jimmerson

Starting my own business was really about freedom. Financial freedom, yes, but also the freedom to design a life that fits my values. I wanted to be able to set my own schedule, take time with my daughter without asking for permission, and build a career that supports both my family and my passion. I absolutely love couples and sex therapy, and having my own practice gives me the space to show up authentically for my clients while also serving the community in a way that feels true to who I am. Read More>>

Brian Davis

When I decided to leave my career in sales, it wasn’t an easy choice. It meant stepping away from stability and comfort. But I had reached a point where I wanted more meaning and impact in my career. I had seen first-hand how the lack of proper financial planning could derail a family’s future, and I knew that I wanted to help others avoid those same struggles.  Read More>>

Rachel Herman

Learning for All began as a quest to help my middle son, who was bright but struggling with learning differences. Years of dismissing symptoms, misdiagnosis, and ineffective therapies lead to a crisis as he approached middle school and remained drastically behind in reading and writing. Read More>>  

Roshni McLeod

Before Pilates, I was a hairstylist, and between motherhood and my career, I gave so much of myself to others that I stopped taking care of me. Health and fitness weren’t even a thought. My time for myself often looked like eating in excess or just lying in bed because I was so exhausted. Eventually, I became overweight for my size and age, and I couldn’t even recognize myself in the mirror. Read More>>