Ideas aren’t everything, execution matters greatly, but starting often requires an idea and so we asked folks to think back and tell us the story of how they came up with the idea for their businesses. We’ve highlighted some of our favorite stories below.

Trisha DuVivier | CEO of WORKHERO & Threat Assessment Professional

In 2019, I had been a full-time employee with the federal government for about 5 years and I was miserable. The job itself was fine, but every time there was a conflict at work, I felt alone in the trenches and completely abandoned by my managers. It was always my understanding that the Human Resources Department at any organization was there to help the employees and in my experience, that wasn’t the case. Because of toxic workplace dynamics and internal politics, HR very much felt like the adversary, always siding with managers and failing to see the big picture. I started fantasizing about not only being saved from the abyss I was in, but HOW I wished I could be saved – and that was when WORKHERO was born. I envisioned a company designed to save employees from whatever their workplace trench was. Read more>>

Cindy Ledesma | Owner and CEO of MJC Bartending

The idea of my business came across through the love that I’ve always had for bartending and the endless support my husband gives me. After becoming a mom for the first time I couldn’t bare going back to work after just three short months. I have always said that no matter where life takes me I’d always want to be behind the bar. And with that my husband inspired me not only to bartend more but to start my own business and share my craft with others at all their special events. Ever since starting I’ve hit the ground running and haven’t looked back. Read more>>

CJ Johnson | Auto Finance Expert

I have worked in the auto sales and auto finance industries for over 20 years. I have worked in car dealerships as a sales person, sales manager, finance director, and inventory control manager. I have also worked as a dealer rep for a large automotive finance company and as a consultant and trainer to large and small dealerships throughout the country. In addition, I’m also a former dealer advisory board member for a large luxury auto manufacturer. I have worked for some of the largest and most profitable dealer groups in the United States. As a former insider I know exactly how the dealer operates and the tactics they use to gain an advantage over consumers buying a car. Read more>>

Nadav Heyman | Filmmaker & Founder of dancefilmmaking.com

I’ve been a dance filmmaker for the past 8ish years and had the opportunity to screen in festivals around the world, get reviews, win awards, etc., which is all awesome. But… after the euphoria of the festival circuit wears off, most dance films (mine included) are relegated to a slow death on Youtube or Vimeo. There’s no online home for dance films. Until now. Earlier this year I founded dancefilmmaking.com, a global, curated, online platform for dance films. It’s pretty damn cool, if I may say so myself, and quickly becoming a hub for inspiration and research. Basically, we’re the Netflix of dance films. I also have to note that there’s an incredible team behind me that took my vision to the next level. Genna, Cheryl, Lorraine, Radia, Sinclair, Celine, Andrea… some badasses who are dreaming as big as I am. Read more>>