28 Entrepreneurs Share What They’re Thankful For

In life, we have our big wins and share of losses. It's important to celebrate and be thankful for the accomplishments and lessons that come our way as they shape us to be who we are today and in future. The things we're grateful about can range from personal to business experiences.

We asked entrepreneurs and business owners what they're most thankful for.

#1- My partner and son

My #1 goal in life was to be following my dream of building something powerful that would really help people on a large-scale by the time I had my first baby. My biggest fear was to be unhappy, working a job that I hated when raising my family because as a parent, you are your children’s biggest role-model. If I shoot for the stars and work smart, it’s teaching my kids to do the same thing. Now, in my 30’s, I’m building an incredible startup that is transforming the beauty industry while helping men and women find confidence, and am happily married to my partner with a gorgeous son. This, I am extremely thankful for. The best advice I can offer is to think big, don’t be afraid to walk away from a desk job to follow your dreams and keep moving forward with the drive to win.

Thanks to Kate Alcaraz, Beauty Advisor!

#2- Innovative technologies

This year I’m very thankful for the technologies that have allowed us to grow a remarkable international team. We doubled in size in 2017 and employed our first fully remote staff members. Managing remote employees have worked out really well thanks to these innovative technologies: Slack allows us to collaborate, chat, call, and manage our team seamlessly.  Transferwise makes it cheaper and easier to pay our team across different currencies. G Suite lets us share files and collaborate in real-time. It is great to be able to recruit talent from across the world and build mutually beneficial relationships. We are sure we will have much more to be thankful for going forward.

Thanks to Kyle White, VeryConnect!

#3- People in my life

I am most thankful for the people that I have in my life – personally and professionally. I relate to the quote ‘the quality of your life is determined by the quality of your relationships. The quality of your business is no different’ – by Harvey Mackay. When you have your own business, you are dependent on so many people to bring your vision to life. I think it’s important to invest a lot of time, energy and compassion into those around you and it will be returned to you tenfold. I am also grateful for the opportunities that being a business owner has provided to me such as the opportunity to own my own home at an early age and traveling to unique places around the world. It’s been an extremely interesting and exciting ride.

Thanks to Serena Holmes, Tigris Events!

#4- Support of my life partner

I am most thankful for the unconditional support of my wife and life partner from the outset… in business and life in general.

Thanks to Jon Michail, Image Group International!

#5- Opportunity to be location independent

Running my own company online means I can work where I want. Over the past several years, I have traveled all over the world to different countries. In my opinion, travel is one of the best investments a person can make. Not only does it teach you about other cultures and people, it also is a lot of fun.

Thanks to Josh Moore, Res Ipsa!

#6- Support system in our company

“What I’m really thankful for this year is the support system we have at our company. We do a lot of hard work day in and day out, and it’s great knowing that we’re always willing to help each other out however we can. This attitude helps us to work together and come up with creative ideas we might not have even considered before. I’m excited to see what new projects we think of next year.”

Thanks to Harrison Doan, Saatva!

#7- My brain and heart

Without my brain, I may not seek out answers to the world’s suffering through research and more questions. Without my heart, I may not have cared in the first place. I’m also immensely grateful for stumbling upon Bikram hot yoga. It has strengthened my body, mind, and heart in countless ways, providing a personal calm to the challenges this life offers.

Thanks to KJ Landis, Superior Self!

#8- Community

A community is all around us comprised of diverse people who are all looking for the same thing: to belong to a community of people. To belong means to feel accepted,  supported and needed. Whether the community is your city, your neighorhood, your church or even your facebook friends – it is a place where we find these things that are essential to our spiritual well being. As an entreprenuer I have found the deeper sense of community and find the face of community in many forms and in many places.

Thanks to Lisa Schulte, Quarks American Bento Inc!

#9- Opportunity to connect and build relationships through Instagram

As a solopreneur, the work can get really lonely, but what has been a most  unexpected source of connection and relationship building is Instagram. I am truly thankful for the opportunity the app provides to connect with like-minded individuals from all over the world. It has not only been a powerful lead generation tool for my business, but it has also yielded connections that have led to powerful collaborations, as well as friendships.

Thanks to Maggie Gentry Miller

#10- My dad

I'm thankful that he taught me what it's like to persevere and work hard for your goals, he always said to never give up unless you are working on the wrong idea.

Thanks to Ajay Yadav, Roomi!

#11-The Cost of Quality Time & What I Lost

I added twin girls to my family 15 years ago. And then I left corporate America to raise them and become the CEO of my own company(s). I lost alot…..a career in marketing that I loved (most of the time); a big salary; ready-made group of friends; opportunities to travel and see new places; a growing 401k; great benefits, including healthcare; contributing to the growth and success of companies in various industries; and the pursuit of a dream to climb the corporate ladder, among others. Here's what I gained: quality time with my children. Sure, there are other items on the gained side of the equation, but none trump the quality time I've had raising my children and watching them grow into the good, smart, kind, people they're becoming. Yes, for me choosing quality time came at a high cost. I gave up a lot to become a full time mompreneur. Some might argue that us moms deserve some type of financial bonus for sending happy, well adjusted kids out into the world to do great things. Afterall, raising good kids is perhaps the toughest start-up of all. While that would be cool, I'll take my quality time and hope that one of them takes me in someday!! Meanwhile, I'll enjoy trading the benefits of the corporate career I gave up for the one benefit of being Jake, Emma and Kate's mom. Regardless of the choices you've made in your life, be thankful for not only what you've gained, but also for what you've lost. Because sometimes when you lose, you actually win.

Thanks to Lynn Toomey, Your Retirement Advisor!

#12- Two things

I’m most thankful for the opportunity business ownership has given me to influence ideas and create solutions to the environmental challenges of today’s world. I’m also thankful that my company continues to work towards our mission of making the world a greener place, one cardboard box at a time.

Thanks to  Saloni Doshi,  EcoEnclose!

#13- Many things

As an entrepreneur and business owner, I am thankful for all the people who choose to work for the Fierce brand. Each and every one of the Fierce people gives their heart to our clients every day and I am so grateful for their dedication and fierce commitment to excellence. I am so thankful to have a husband who is supportive of my schedule and travel—and who helps with the business and our home in every way he can. I am grateful for our courageous clients who trust us with their brands and who chose Fierce to be their strategic brand partner. And I am grateful for family and friends who support our company in countless ways—including cooking the turkey this year. My heart is full.

Thanks to Beckie Manley, Fierce Strategy and Creative!

#14- THE AM and iHeartRaves Family

The personal and professional growth of all of our team members has been extraordinary this year. During the ups and downs throughout the year, our fellow team members have shown time and time again that they are there for each other. Our team members are the key driver for our 30% year over year growth, and I couldn’t be more thankful for that.

Thanks to Brian Lim, iHeartRaves!

#15-Spending holidays with an incredible group

I'm a military officer and creator of BudgetChaos.com. I graduated from the United States Military Academy and am currently completing my Master's Degree in Financial Planning. I provide military lessons learned to put a unique perspective on the fundamentals of personal finance. I have worked with helping Soldiers with their personal finances for the past six years and I'm pursuing my Certified Financial Planner designation. Unfortunately, I won't be home with my wife for the holidays because of a military deployment. But, when I look around and think about what I'm thankful for, it will be that I got to spend the holidays with an incredible group of Soldiers and friends… which is always the next best thing.

Thanks to Nolan Martin, Budget Chaos!

#16- Person sorrounding me and the person I've become

I don’t have enough ways to show the gratitude I feel for the people who have helped me during this process. I’ve been very lucky to surround myself with people who are smarter than I am. Secondly, the best thing about being an entrepreneur is the person you have to become in the process. It might sound cliché, but there are so many sacrifices to be made, and so many different ways to look at a problem, that if you don’t start reacting to things as another “you” would, you won’t get very far.

Thanks to Irma Cedeno, Diáfano!

#17- Several things

A supportive spouse who always has my back. A career I enjoy that clients value and are willing to pay for.Great clients I enjoy working with. The ability to set my priorities and schedule every day. Dear friends who have been part of my life through ups & downs, many good times. Living in a free country that embraces entrepreneurs. My passport to travel freely. Live music, great books & movies for fun. Colleagues I enjoy.

Thanks to Paige Arnof-Fenn, Mavens & Moguls!

#18- Opportunity to be a coach, teacher, and mentor for our team

As the founder and CEO of a startup, it’s very fulfilling being able to individually help my employees find a successful career path so they can be their best and happiest in their chosen job role. There has been so much personal and professional growth within our team at Badger Maps over the last few years, and I’m very thankful to be a part of it and witness the immense growth of my employees.

Thanks to Steven Benson, Badger Maps!

#19- Running a successful, growing business

I left a 6 figure job 17 months ago with a loose business plan and a lot of ideas and passion. Not knowing where this journey would lead me, I've been on a roll I would have never imagined possible. In this year I've been published 30 times, catered/cooked for 50 events and have made some really strong business partnerships and relationships. I count my blessings every day, but my success would not be what it is without the effort I put into it.

Thanks to Melissa Eboli, Via Melissa!

#20- Supportive family and existence of SMB

Over the years, we've considered closing multiple times. We haven't. Maybe, we're stubborn! I'm thankful that my SMB still exists, that my family is supportive and that because of this small business, I can drop my kids off at school and be available for their parent-teacher conferences (yesterday) and other events in ways that people with a boss simply can't be. I've heard the work-life balance thing thrown around for a while, but in this case, it's definitely true.

Thanks to Mark Aselstine, Uncorked Ventures!

#21- Team of employees

With the holiday season upon us, I am most grateful for my amazing team of employees. This year our team has grown with our company and each new hire has added unique talent and personality to our team. We wouldn't be the company we are without every member.

Thanks to Sarnen Steinbarth, TurboTenant!

#22- Our Small Business Community

For the second year in a row, we were hit by a hurricane that knocked our headquarters offline. While we have a second office in Las Vegas, it wasn't feasible to fly those affected across the country, so we were on the receiving end of generosity from other small businesses in the form of shared workspace and utilities. Of course, we're grateful that our friends and families were mostly unscathed, but to be part of a local community of businesses enabled us to get back on our feet quickly and we are immensely thankful for that.

Thanks to Robert Russo, PromotionCode!

#23- Ability to provide

I am thankful that I can provide a nice life for my family while building my own dream. We live in a wonderful age where technology allows for many opportunities for entrepreneurs to create a new work environment that allows you to balance work and life. I cannot help but to feel fortunate to live in this time and place because we truly are very lucky.

Thanks to Airto Zamorano, Numana SEO!

#24- New addition to my family

My wife recently had a baby, so I’m thankful for having a new addition to our wonderful family.

Thanks to Jack Anzarouth, Digital Ink Marketing!

#25- Words of advice

There are so many instrumental moments in anyone’s career that enable them to get to where they are today; however, the thing I am thankful for is more words of advice that I live by every single moment of every single day. This advice came when I got my first job as a lifeguard from my father, who unfortunately just recently passed away. He told me that no matter what one’s job is or social status, we all put our pants on one leg at a time. It is imperative that you treat every single person you encounter with the utmost respect, no matter how they may treat you – just say thank you. In business, even when in a heated contract debate coming back to this reality helps me to maintain the human aspect and to take a look at the other person’s perspective.

Thanks to Jillian Cohen, Virtual Health Partners!

#26-People and office culture

I'm most thankful for our culture in our office and the people that make it possible. At a time where there seems to be more toxicity, conflict, and negativity than ever in the workplace, I couldn't be prouder of our team for their positivity, camaraderie, and genuine sense of community. The results shine through in their work and interactions with clients every day.

Thanks to Tyler Sickmeyer, Fidelitas Development!

#27- Having a medical condition

I know this sounds strange, but I am thankful I have a medical condition – Vulvodynia – that most women would dread. If I had not been diagnosed with this chronic pelvic pain condition, I would have never sought a treatment, I would never have invented a medical device solution, and I certainly would have never founded a start-up business. Because all those things did happen, my company and product has now helped over 6,000 women suffering from pelvic pain all over the world. I am thankful that my condition gave me the drive to find an answer that changes women's lives every day.

Thanks to Tara Langdale-Schmidt, VuVatech!

#28- My good health

Being healthy is something that should never be taken for granted. And I never do. Having good health allows me to travel intensely, giving dozens of speeches and training sessions annually at franchise, corporation and association meetings and conferences to help businesses improve their consumer relations by training them to communicate better with their customers and co-workers. I love what I do, and realize without good health, I could never keep up such a rigorous travel schedule.

Thanks to Nancy Friedman

What are you most thankful for? Tell us in the comments below. Don’t forget to join our #IamCEO Community.