Why Did You Start Your Business? Week of May 20th

For individuals that constantly view financial statements or business plans each business looks eerily the similar. Even sometimes the brands, logos and names make consumers scream for the days of uniqueness. Peeling back the skin of business, it is often the entrepreneur and business owner that makes a business unique. Each and every business has an entrepreneur and unique story for launching his or her business, and it is that story which make each business special.

Because We Were Frustrated

We founded Talkwheel because of our frustration with trying to have social conversations with multiple people. The linear discussion platforms like Facebook Walls, forums, and comment sections are tough to follow, boring, and static. We designed Talkwheel in a visual round-table (think an online dinner table) with a connected UI so groups of people will be able to enjoy talking again and not get overwhelmed by unnecessary chatter. So far we have seen great success embedding our platform in Facebook, websites, and blogs connecting users across websites into one interactive conversation. We even built a Twitter app, Twitwheel to showcase the power of visual conversation, and are proud to have 1.5 million unique visitors from 200+ countries in 2012 alone.

Thanks to Patrick Randolph, VP of Business Twitwheel!

Because I Had To

In 2008 for Christmas I ran out of savings due to an accident and not being able to work, I lost my apartment in Florida. Rather than stay in my apartment and fight my landlord which happened to be a very nice lady, I moved into my car at the time, all of my things were put in cheap storage for six months. I showered at the beach and kept up my appearance pretty well. Eventually I found a job offshore cooking for a commercial dive vessel in the Gulf of Mexico which gave me income and a place to live on the ship. 2010 the oil spill happened in the Gulf, I lost my job of 3 months and landed back on the street living in my car. During all of my time being homeless over the course of a couple of years in a rotten economy, I did a lot of research in regards to starting my own business. The summer of 2011 I started Exfoliating Minerals LLC a natural skin care company that has grown very rapidly due to my SEO skills and the popularity of natural personal care products.

Thanks to Gerald Crosby, CEO Exfoliating Minerals!

Because It’s in My Blood

My business story is a little different to most…School Captain at a prestigious High School in 2006, subsequently received a full scholarship to study Marketing at QUT in Brisbane. Decided to drop out of the scholarship commitments in order to start my own Transport Business in 2008, while still completing my University Degree. Successfully leveraged my new company to successfully complete my studies. From there things got interesting, having acquired an interstate company established in 2000, rebranding and now selling. The launch of a new marketing agency and decision to automate all other business operations and roles to focus on helping students go Volunteering Abroad For Free, I’ve just turned 23 and things are just getting started.

Thanks to Michael York, Founder of SMBSEO!

Because It Beats Working for Someone Else

I set out to create an opportunity for the young people of Canton and Fells Point to gather throughout the summer in Patterson Park, before the work day begins, to explore new age fitness exercises in a motivating, high energy, fun bootcamp style environment. I am simply a young individual who has completely changed their body type and want to help others do the same. Rather than bore you with indoor gym talk and sluggish machines, we’ll create a high energy, high positivity outdoor environment where together we can break through comfort zones in regards to your body and create the ideal place for you to start your day with a smile on your face.
Get ready to push yourself!

Thanks to John Bonacci Jr., Owner BONACCI Bootcamp!

Because It’s Important to Become Your Own CEO

I write for a boxing website, Boxing in Las Vegas. I mostly cover boxing, but when I don’t, I cover DC Sports through my blog.  My objective is to provide breaking news and live coverage as simple as possible. No fluff. I think it’s important for an individual to believe in oneself and become their own CEO at some point in life. It’s great whenever you see the results of all your hard work knowing in the back of your mind that it was all because of you. Best of luck! Aim for the Sky and Dream Big until your Dreams become REAL.

Thanks to Gerardo Lopez, CEO LPZSports & Writer Boxing In Las Vegas!