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.

Justin Rodriguez | Co – Founder & Creative director of Good Trees Co.

Colorado, one of the most tightly regulated states in the US for cannabis, presents slim marketing opportunities despite being pioneers in cannabis advocacy and legalization in our home state. Read more>>

Adeline Robinson Bihlmaier | Exotic Wildlife Artist

They say diamonds are created under pressure. I feel that relates to the very beginnings and inception of my business. After working in the animal industry my entire life, I had moved out of state for a job as a graphic designer for an auction company. What started out as an exciting venture working for a new business was soon met with false promises, terrible management and a toxic workplace.  Read more>>

Barb Bulthuis | Crossroads School Executive Director and Co-Founder

My friend and co-founder, Connie Nourse, and I are both adoptive parents who have seen first-hand that some kids just don’t “fit” in traditional public schools. At one point in 2009, she said to me, “we should just start our own school for these kids,” to which I responded, “let’s do it!” We started talking about what that would look like, we connected with others who could help us figure out the details, and ten months later Crossroads School was born. Read more>>