Many books on startups and business talk about how there are right and wrong reasons for starting a business. So, we asked a handful of successful founders about their reasons and the thought-process behind starting their business.

Dhruhi Patel

During November 2024, New Jersey faced drought conditions for the first time in 22 years. With rainfall totals being 1 to 6 inches below normal, crop production and groundwater levels suffered greatly. Read More>> 

Nika Walker

I started Loc Love Hair Sprinkles because when I started my locs I wanted adornments but I didn’t like the typical adornments that most loc queens wear. I wanted a safe permanent adornment. Read More>> 

Joshua Eng

During high school, I interned at real estate firms such as Old Capital and TS Asset. During both internships, apartment/property inspections were a central part of determining the value of the apartment. I mean, you don’t want to spend millions on an apartment you’ve never seen! One problem we, and especially I, ran into during these inspections was my handwriting. Read More>> 

Jack Parrish

During 2020, I was on call with the airline I worked for and due to COVID was never getting to fly. At the same time my younger brother had become a flight instructor. We decided to purchase one training aircraft together and he would do the training while I ran the business. Read More>> 

Lisa Halperin

My thought process behind starting my own business really came down to purpose, passion, and a long-standing desire to chart my own path. I’ve always been drawn to work that feels meaningful – work that creates impact, builds connection, and allows me to use my strengths fully. Over time, I realized that the best way to do that was to create something of my own. Read More>> 

Dakota Deger 

Growing up, my father owned his own business from the time I was about 11 years old. Because of that, he was always able to be there for me and my siblings. It wasn’t easy—he worked late nights, weekends, and whenever the business required it—but that dedication made it possible for him to be present when it mattered most. Read More>>