One of the most important things an aspiring entrepreneur can do is validate their idea by finding a client. For first time entrepreneurs, this can often feel intimidating and so we’re hoping that by sharing stories of how others before them have found their first client we can make it feel less daunting. Below, you’ll find the stories of some incredibly bright entrepreneurs and business owners sharing how they secured their first client.

Martin Thomas

I was a full time student at the University of Kentucky in their Landscape Architecture College. I was using my GI Bill to help fund my education but was wanting to earn more money. I became aware of an opportunity to bid on a landscape maintenance contract for a sizable property. This was in mid January 35 years ago. I had never bid a project. I did not own any trucks or equipment and had no employees. I spent time after school trying to time emulate the task of mowing and timing myself as I went. Read more>>

Christina Hornyak

When I first decided to open my studio, I knew I wasn’t just starting a business—I was building a mission. I wanted survivors to have access to beautiful, hyper-realistic areola tattoos, regardless of their income or insurance status. But even with all that heart, I still had to start somewhere… and it wasn’t easy. Read more>>

Jake Bullock

I met one of my friends at the ice rink (we played hockey together). He owned a tennis academy for a couple of years and asked if I could redo his website and run some ads for him. The rest is history. Read more>>