Our Entrepreneurs

Entrepreneur Spotlight

See below for profiles on a few of our “spotlight” EC Entrepreneurs!

Oana Livia Popa

“I believe the journey of an entrepreneur is an original and unexpected path, sometimes not the straightest, direct line, but the idea is to learn along the path, empower others, and always enjoy the journey.”

Jeff O'Boyle

"Stay positive and network with as many people as you possibly can. As entrepreneurs, we will have nine failures for every one success. Getting it wrong is part of getting it right. The really great entrepreneurs write off their mistakes as experience, and cultivate a constant need to learn."

Rebecca Wittekindt

“You can’t have everything right away, you have to grow with your business, it is a very organic relationship. Make big goals, create projects and make small steps that move you forward. You have to start somewhere and each day is an opportunity. Today is an opportunity!”

Pete Raciti

“Believe in yourself and what you are doing. If you don’t, no one else will. Investors and customers have to believe in you before they will work with you. Also, don’t give up. If you are doing the right things, for the right reasons, it will happen!”

Shanell Smith

“When you put your time and dedication into your business, thinking of even doing a small change is not something you may want to do or embrace because you feel so connected to what you are building as an entrepreneur. However, business is all about change and evolving – look at change as a positive thing and you will be amazed at how things can grow for you and your business!”

Janet Wolforth

“Talk to people about your idea! Don’t be afraid to tell people what it is you are planning to do. Seek people out who can give feedback on the idea followed by the design of a new product.”

Zach Pryor

“I love brainstorming new ideas, meeting people, and proving that successful entrepreneurship is possible regardless of age.”

Jason Lee

“I love the fact that I can create and shape an environment designed to make me most productive … I’m happier and believe I am making a bigger impact to society by creating solutions that did not previously exist.”

Aaron Richison

“Consistency is key! Every day strive to be better, be a sponge within your industry and the biggest piece of advice I could give would be to never be afraid to take a risk, that’s why we are entrepreneurs, we are willing to take risks when others are more hesitant.”

Kristin Anne Danko

“Starting a business is just one long learning process. I had a mantra I said to myself when we were starting out: ‘Leap and the net will appear.’ I knew I just had to take the risk and now it’s paying off!”

Haiying Gan

“Light Orange Bean is a food blog that I post recipes I developed along with eye-catching food photography I captured. My audiences are from every part of the world and they are lovers of healthy recipes (especially gluten-free and vegan). Besides running the food blog, I’m also a photographer providing photography services to local businesses, especially restaurants.”

Karen L. Driggs

“The opportunity to support a healthy lifestyle for busy people (motivates me to be a business owner). I appreciate the income stream and the ability to be part of the community with this service.”

Liv Buttons

“I’m driven to be a business owner because I fervently believe in the positive power of business. I see a lot of negative stigma surrounding capitalism and big business– especially in my generation– and it’s warranted. I started Liv Buttons as a social enterprise; I wanted to use it as an example of how to break norms and conduct business differently.”

Betty Chaffee

“Until people know your product or service exists and has value for them, there may be little or no demand. Be ready to put yourself out there in front of people!”

George Pariseau

“Stepping into entrepreneurship has been a tremendous growth experience: I’m a better human being because of it and I’m looking forward to the life long journey this path is taking me on.”

Kate Jackman and Jennifer Wooley

“It’s great to have a passion you want to share, but businesses are 80-90% all the ‘other stuff’ and only 10-20% the fun stuff…Be aware of that and make sure you are willing to do all the hard work that gets your passion in the hands of those that will appreciate it.”

Mary Lou Stropoli

“Creativity is not only a great way to spend our time, it’s also a fantastic way to keep minds active and elastic.”

Nathan Ayers

“Don’t ever settle. It is possible to create a career and business that fulfills all of your goals, be they professional, artistic, economic or community impact related.”

Red Jennings

“Your character will develop right along with your business. You will start to learn new fascinating things about yourself as you dedicate your time to your dreams.”

Alicia Myers

“When you have a business, the most important thing is filling a need that you’re passionate about. Because passion drives determination and having determination to do something right will lead you towards success.”

Vardan Sargsyan

“What drives me to become a business owner is the ability it gives me to serve my local community.”