2013 Small Business Success Stories Award Winners

2013 Small Business Success Stories Award Winners

The business leaders you’ll read about below could have gotten high-paying jobs with big companies. There’s nothing wrong with a high-paying job with a big company, of course. But each of the protagonists in these tales of commercial adventure desired to follow a different career storyline. They saw opportunities; they dreamt dreams; they were willing to take risks—and they possessed the endurance to overcome the hurdles and challenges that come with risk. They took roads not everyone would (or should) wish to take. But all of us should be grateful that they followed those trails—and we can all draw inspiration from what they’ve achieved.

Read more from this issue

2013 Small Business Success Stories

Little

Little

Founder Monica Little wanted to work without hierarchies. So she started her own design and branding firm—and earned some big clients.
Vexilar Inc.

Vexilar Inc.

A sonar company in bankruptcy makes a comeback by focusing on the ice-fishing market.
The Line Up

The Line Up

A fitness club conversation led to a business creating cheerleader uniforms for both amateur and professional sports teams.
Dahl Consulting

Dahl Consulting

What began as a basement IT consultancy now provides contingency support staff to businesses worldwide.
Business Impact Group

Business Impact Group

Paul Taunton built a one-stop source of uniforms, printing, and other services for businesses by putting himself in the customer’s shoes.
Healthsense

Healthsense

Two tech execs saw an opportunity to help seniors stay in their homes longer. Venture capitalists caught on—and the company is quickly expanding.