15 Entrepreneurs Share How They Built $1,000,000+ Companies

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It’s funny. I often ask the question, “What is your definition of success when it comes to entrepreneurship?”

And of all the answers possible, there are usually just a few that come up over and over again (and feel free to add your answer below):

1. Financial freedom
2. Doing what I love every day
3. Making a difference

Now before we call the fluffy bunny police who might argue “those are buzzwords!”, let’s dissect them down.

#2 and #3 are pretty self explanatory. #1, on the other hand, might be a little trickier. What the heck is financial freedom? Never having to worry about money? According to what? Your current lifestyle? Your future bling-bling lifestyle? How much money would make you happy and will it truly make you happy?

I know, big questions. For the sake of argument, let’s set the bar at $1,000,000 in revenue. That is nothing to sneeze at (but you might throw up if you bring in $1,000,000 in revenue, but expenses are $1,000,001 – and if that is the case, that isn’t a revenue problem, it is a business model problem).

So, who can we learn from when it comes to building a million dollar company? Jargon-filled experts talking the talk but not walking the walk? Or people that have actually done it and share their experiences?

I think we will go with #2 (*wink*). Without further ado, here are inside, in-depth interviews with fifteen diverse entrepreneurs in a variety of fields and industries who got to that million-dollar-plus mark…with plenty of advice and takeaways for all of us (in a variety of formats and styles…this is also kicking off a new series coming this fall with many more entrepreneurs sharing with us how they did it).

	Ali Brown Company: Ali International
	Brant Bukowsky Companies: Growth Partner, VA Mortgage Center, Show-Me Tickets, Plus1-Media
	Maxine Clark Company: Build-A-Bear Workshops
	Mindee Doney & Julie Pickens Company: Little Busy Bodies
	Bruce Gibbs Company: GFI Digital
	Brian Halligan Company: Hubspot
	David Heinemeier Hansson Company: 37 Signals
	Tony Hsieh Company: Zappos
	Dave Levine Company: SexToy.com
	Alexis Martin Neely Company: Family Wealth Planning Institute
	Brian Scudamore Company: 1-800-GOT-JUNK
	Patti Stanger Company: The Millionaire’s Club
	Dave Steward Company: World Wide Technology
	Timothy Sykes Company: TimothySykes.com
	Gary Vaynerchuk Company: Wine Library

What about your thoughts? Who did you resonate the most with? What are some of the takeaways you can use to improve your business?

PS: Have you nabbed your ticket yet to the RISE Lunch on September 22nd in St. Louis, Missouri? Heck of a lunch featuring three talks, highlighted by “The Nametag Guy” Scott Ginsberg. Already less than 30 tickets remain at only $30, including a 3-course lunch (I know, ridiculous). Grab your ticket here.

PPS: Another awesome event is taking place in Las Vegas on October 7th called Perfect Business where 60 entrepreneurs will be giving inspiring talks. You can also pitch your company (SWEET). Enter the promo code “RISE” for $50 off your ticket and $20 off pitches. Nab your ticket right here.

Image Credit: www.amspartner.com

categories: David's Blog