It takes a lot more than an idea to build a business, but there can’t be a business without the idea. So we asked folks who’ve built wonderful businesses to tell us about how they came up with the idea in the first place.

Drew | Welder/fabricator

My business was quite different before I switched to solar power for my mobile welding. I look at it as two phases, before and after. Before, it was the loud gasoline generator and fumes from both the gas and exhaust. After is completely silent, and 100% powered by the sun. The switch to solar/battery power came after consulting for a PHD electrical engineer/inventor who didn’t know how to weld, but had made a welder that is in a backpack and weighs only 30lbs. I am his product tester. I tell him what it needs to be able to do. Read more>>

Lori Bradford | Boutique Owner & Family Travel Specialist

I started Black Forest Boutique with a few ideas in mind. My husband had just been involved in a serious semi-truck roll over accident, and I knew that I needed to put my business background to work to help keep our family moving. At the time, we had 3 children, and I was expecting our 4th – so my mind automatically went to a Mommy/Me clothing store. Kids clothing can be so expensive, and then they just grow out of them in the blink of an eye! Read more>>

Katrina Rogers | Movement Educator/Specialist

When I was first starting out in the fitness industry I was set on serving as a strength and conditioning coach to athletes. After all I had been an athlete since I was 10 years old and a coach for over 15 years. So I thought this would be a great addition. However, as many know our true calling is often one that come about through happen stance. As was the case with me. I began training at the YMCA and served a variety of clients, non athletes. As we began their fitness programs I noticed that many people were unable to perform the exercises, not because they were not capable. Simply because they really had no body awareness and were riddled with movement pattern disfunctions. Read more>>