One of the most under-the-radar benefits of entrepreneurship is its ability to build fortitude and make the entrepreneur a more formidable person. Challenges – particularly the crazy, unexpected ones that take on a life of their own – build character and confidence. And the unexpected surprises to the upside, the crazy good moments offer a high that’s hard to reproduce elsewhere. The charm and the challenge of entrepreneurship is dealing with the crazy things that happen and so we’ve asked some fantastic business owners and leaders to share some of their stories with us below.

Valerie Lynn

Upon the beginning of the pandemic, I was one of the many that suffered the demise of a relationship. I share that because it was the catalyst that caused me to re-think how, and where, I did my work. I decided to make a huge life change (for me), and sold everything I owned, except what fit in the trunk of my very compact car. I started out by relocating for 8 months to California from Washington… and then proceeded to realize I wanted to keep going. Read more>>

Heather Armstrong

I used to be in TV news, fighting for stories and trying to beat other reporters for scoops. That ain’t got nothing on the insane competition that goes on in having your own business. We’re talking about copying designs, edging you out of opportunities and closing doors you’re trying to enter. No, literally, a guy once kept a door closed so I couldn’t enter a show so I’d be late setting up. Read more>>

Hernan Orihuela

This might not qualify as crazy, but last year we were approached by one of our established clients, a large distributor of steel pipe for the Oil & Gas industry. They were trying to secure a contract to supply 100 km of line pipe for the construction of a trunkline in West Africa. The supply chain was disrupted, and the prices for transportation were skyrocketing, which made it even more crucial to find ways to lower the overall cost of the offerings. Our client’s principal and I began working around the clock, running multiple scenarios to find the best offer—one where the price was low and the delivery was met. After numerous days of work, we thought we had achieved that; our offer provided the most value and met delivery times. Read more>>

Marcelo Ricigliano

When Covid started shutting down everything -pretty much- we were a Coding School entirely focused on In-Person education. We did not have any methodology or structure for Online classes. Suddenly, however, we were forced to change, adapt or fail. In-person was no longer an option and with ongoing classes and new investments made to open new locations (Spain in particular), we were faced with the possibility to -also- shit down and wait. We didn’t and we switched everything. Read more>>

Dave Oates

Reversing the unwarranted attacks on a medical doctor by public officials. My client, Hasan Gokal, MD, a Houston-based emergency room physician, found himself forced to choose between saving lives and following poor bureaucratic guidance nearly a year ago. He chose the former and was vilified globally by political operatives and civil servants who were hell-bent on preserving their jobs and fostering their ambitions. Read more>>

Alyson Gonzalez

One aspect of owning/operating a yard card business is getting to know all the backstories of the folks you are celebrating. It’s an honor to be included in their celebrations, and sometimes just due to the requests we get, or if the customers are outside during the install or the deconstruction, we learn so much about the customers we serve. One of my favorite celebrations was celebrating a young man who had just finished up chemotherapy. His friend was celebrating him and the amazing way in which he looked at life and how his response to his health challenges was inspiring to all around him. Spreading joy is great fun!! Read more>>

Valissa Tate

Where I’m at today kinda almost happened overnight. It all started with covid. When I received the unemployment funds I already had a job lined up as the only videographer. I knew this was my chance to show what I got. I worked 100 hours a week and was paid close to nothing. Neithertheless I knew it would be worth it and preservered. Right after a friend pointed me to a gig I should apply for. They wanted particularly a drone pilot. Read more>>