Risk is a topic that comes up a lot in our conversations with entrepreneurs and creatives, but a related topic is investments. Investments come in many forms – investing your time, money, heart and soul, etc. So, with that broad definition of investment in mind, we asked rising stars in the community to tell us the stories of the best or worst investments they’ve made.

Harry DiOrio

The best AND worst investment I ever made was the first multifamily home I purchased in 1989 up in Syracuse. I was living in Syracuse and was going for full custody of my 5-year-old son. I bought this two family home for $75,000 with about a 5% down payment. It worked out great for a place for us to live and the income from the rental unit and the depreciation of the asset made it very affordable. Read more>>

Cole Plichta

One of the most impactful investments I have made in my professional journey was to pursue a shorter education in photography. Having been actively involved in this area since a young age, I deemed a conventional university education to be unproductive. Read more>>

Beth Derrick

We can debate for hours about what makes the world go round: love, money, time, passion … and at the human level, there is a valid argument for the necessity of monetary exchange. Money enables us to travel to different places, to experience events and feelings in life we yearn for. Read more>>

Lena Thomas

I believe that one of the best investments you can make as a business owner is time. As a personal trainer/coach my job is to pour into people and encourage others to be the best version of themselves daily through developing an active lifestyle. Read more>>

Brie Abes

The absolute best investment I made as a business owner is time and energy towards learning not only about business but also about people and myself. Read more>>

Michaela Trujillo

The best investment I have made for my business was attending a dog photography workshop right before I fully launched BMAC Pet Photography. To be honest, I believe that this workshop was one of the reasons I knew I was supposed to start this business. Read more>>

Adhemas Batista

The most significant investment I have ever made has been in my personal growth! Rather than solely relying on formal education, I have made a point to invest my time in learning and expanding my horizons. Keeping a student’s mindset has genuinely kept me motivated and driven to achieve my goals! Read more>>