Start Up - Episode Guide

Gary and the crew travel to Milwaukee to meet with the "Gouda Girls" to find out how they started an award winning grilled cheese food truck, then they head to Detroit to talk to "McClures Pickles", who started a pickle company who went from the farmers market to a global brand, and last, they stop by Pittsburgh to meet with "House of the Dead", a zombie store

The Crew goes to Chicago to meet with John, who created "Chicago Pizza Tours", a business that's taking a bite out of Chicago. Then they head to Pittsburgh to meet with Lori and Marybeth, the who started the new, hip youth clothing line "Yo Bro", apparel for little dudes! Then, they swing by Milwaukee to meet with Tim, the seasoned contractor and designer who built the Iron Horse Hotel

The crew travels to Pittsburgh to talk to John, the creator of "Pittsburgh Paragliding", a new business that's really taking flight for Pittsburgh tourism. Then they head to Chicago to meet with Brock and Prosper, who start "Vivid Braille" a new retail clothing store with a creative twist. And last they swing by Indianapolis to talk to Colin, who invented "The Garden Tower Project".

The crew heads to Brooklyn, New York to talk to Monique, who began "Akwaaba", a unique bed and breakfast that's getting rave reviews. Then they travel to Indianapolis to speak with Heather, who started "Retro 101," Indiana's first. And last, they swing by Milwaukee to meet with Ray, who created "Rays Indoor Mountain Bike Park" a place for biking enthusiast. 

Gary goes to NYC to talk to Helen of "Lo & Sons." Then he heads to Detroit to visit Robert and Sherri of "Detroit Mercantile." And last, Gary and the crew travel to Milwaukee to chat with Judy, owner of "It'z My Party Cakery."

Gary speaks with Mike and Chao, who opened "Union Street Sushi+Barbeque Bar," a Japanese-influences cuisine with an East-meets-West flair. Then meet with Mike and Bryan, the founders of "e-funeral," a site that's transforming the way funeral arrangements are made. And last, he visit "Promise Monsters," a toy company that's spreading kindness with every monster that leave their shop.

Gary travels to Cleveland to visit "Gotta Groove Records." Then he heads to Detroit to meet Suzanna of "Simply Suzanna." And last he heads to Washington, DC to meet with Noah of "Feastly."

Gary heads to Washington, D.C. to talk to Carolyn, who started "Righteous Cheese." Then he visits NYC to meet with Constance, the founder of "Hot Girls Pearls." And finally he journeys to Detroit to speak with Burkey, a craftsman who began "Four Chamber Forge."

Gary heads to Washington, D.C. to meet with Roger and Bryan of "Pleasant Pops," a brand of paletas - a Mexican frozen treat. Then he heads to Birmingham, Michigan to speak with Doug and Annie, owners of "Complex," a two-story mega-boutique. And last, they swing by Detroit to chat with Phil, founder of "Doejo," a digital agency.

Gary and the crew travel to Atlanta, GA to talk to Luke who started Sack Daddy's, a new seafood restaurant concept based off a family recipe. Then they swing by Louisville, KY to talk to Heather who created Custom Wig Company, a business that makes handmade wigs for customers all over the world.

Gary and the crew head to Cedar Rapids, IA to talk to Steve and Andrea, a husband and wife team who created Eco lips, a B corporation that creates organic lip balm. Then they head over to Birmingham, Alabama to talk to Selena who started Sarcor, a civil engineering firm that's helping to redesign local communities.

Gary and the crew travel to Minneapolis, MN to meet with Roger, one of the owners of Alley Cats, a bike shop that sells, repairs and restores bicycles. Then they swing by Iowa City, IA to talk to Julie who created ZaZa's, a Italian specialty market that makes fresh homemade pasta.

Gary and the crew travel to Birmingham, Alabama to meet with Jeff, Jason and Chris who started Slice Pizza, a family business that's reshaping the local scene. Then they head to Louisville, Kentucky to meet with Emily who created Graceship, a company that produces multiuse handbags.

Gary and the crew head to Madison, WI to meet with Brian who created Fishidy, a smart phone app that's helping fisherman become more successful. Then they head to Minneapolis, MN to meet with MJ and Susan who started Eye-musment, a company that designs fashionable and affordable eyewear. 

Gary and the crew head to Iowa City, IA to meet with Veronica who created Yotopia, Iowa Cities first frozen yogurt shop that sources local ingredients. Then they swing by Madison, WI to meet with Matt who started Murfie, a company that turns your old CD's and Vinyl into high quality digital files.

Gary and the crew head to Asheville, NC to talk to Grace and Mariano who started Appalache, an clothing company that makes handmade outdoor apparel with locally sourced wool. Then they head to Edwardsville, IL to meet with Jenny and Ed who started Cleveland Heath, a restaurant that has critics raving all around the country.

Gary and the crew head to Nashville, TN to talk with Chip, who created Celebrity Bus Drivers Academy, a one of a kind school that teaches people how to drive a bus for celebrities. Then they head over to St. Louis to talk to Dawn, who created Made for Freedom, a clothing company that employees former victims of human trafficking.

Gary and the crew head to Nashville, TN to meet with Susan and Rowan who started MillarRich, a company that places people with intellectual disabilities into loving homes. Then they head to Asheville, NC to meet with Lauren and Matt who created Zappow, an art gallery with a twist that's drawing national attention.

Gary and the crew head to St. Louis, MO to talk to Cory and Jason who created Strange Donuts, a unique donut shop that's encouraging St. Louis residents to "stay strange." Then they swing by Asheville, NC to talk to Evan who started Silverleaf, an herbal pharmacy and acupuncture studio that encourages a natural, holistic lifestyle.

Gary and the crew head to Minneapolis, MN to talk to Bob who started Above the Falls, a Kayak rental and tour company that takes people up the Mississippi river. Then we head over to Madison, WI to talk to Henry, Andrew and Giotto who created Mob Craft, the worlds first crowd sourced brewery.

Gary and the crew head to Atlanta, GA to talk to Alex who created Eco-Friendly maid service, a cleaning company that manufactures cleaning products from organic and raw ingredients. Then, we head over to St. Louis to meet with Mike, who started Orbit, a unique pinball lounge with a twist.

Gary and the crew head to Nashville, TN to talk with Will who created Salemtown Board Company, a business that makes handcrafted skateboards while giving back to the community. Then, we swing by Somerset Center, MI to talk to Steve, the owner of Meckley's, an apple orchard that makes homemade hard cider.

Gary and the crew travel to Detroit, Michigan to talk to Sebastian, the owner of Social Club Grooming Company. Watch how he realized his dream of being a business owner and is changing the face of the classic barbershop. Then they swing by Buffalo, New York to talk to Patrick who created City Dining Cards, a business that's putting a new spin on traditional couponing.

Gary and the crew head to Vermont to talk to Dori, the owner of Tonewood, a unique business that collaborates with expert sugar makers to create single source, unblended maple products. Then they head over to Hamtramck, Michigan to talk to Chris, the owner of Fowling Warehouse, a business centered on his homemade backyard sport that combines football and bowling.

Gary and the crew travel to New Haven, Connecticut to talk to Stacey, the owner of Air Temple Arts, an uplifting and challenging way to exercise and practice circus arts. Then they swing by Providence, Rhode Island to talk to Aaron and Hannah, the co-founders of Sproutel, a company that makes Jerry the Bear to help educate children on diabetes.

Gary and the crew travel to Connecticut to visit with Denisha, the owner of Plucked Admissions, an easy and sufficient website that aids high school students in searching and applying to college. Then they head over to Plymouth, Michigan to talk to the James' sisters, who founded DROUGHT, an organic line of raw juices that helps nourish customers.

Gary & the crew head to Double Midnight Comics in Concord, New Hampshire, to talk to Chris and Scott: two brothers who took their love of comics and gaming and followed their dream to create an exciting environment for gamers. Then they visit Bailey Road in Vermont, a high-end boutique in Downtown Montpelier that focuses on the classic in-store experience of shopping for any occasion.

Gary and the crew travel to Boston to talk to Tracey & Danielle, the creators of Wicked Good Cupcakes, a cupcake shop that creates cupcakes from scratch & distributes their ingredients in jars to customers all over the country. Then they swing over the New Hampshire to talk to Christa, the owner of The Place Studio Gallery, a fun and creative studio that teaches a variety of art courses.

Gary and the crew visit Buffalo, New York to talk to Matt, the creator of Craft Cruiser, a social and active way of touring the city while enjoying refreshing craft beers. Then they swing over to Saco River, Maine to chat with Claudia, the owner of Saco River Dyehouse. Experience how this organically certified manufacturer helps customers dye a variety of textiles.

Gary and the crew visit New York to talk to Sam, the owner of Public Espresso, a local coffee shop that serves single-origin coffees from around the globe. Then they head to Boston, Massachusetts to talk to Emily, creator of Fedwell, a brand of organic dog food that strives to bring a home-cooked meal to every dog.

Gary and the crew visit Vermont to talk to Ben and Jeff, co-owners of MusicStoreLive, a booming website that aims to combine the local guitar shop feel with the online shopping convenience. Learn how customers can buy and trade a variety of guitars and gear. Then they head to Massachusetts to chat with Michelle, the owner of LoveTheCool, a digital media agency.

Gary and the crew head to Providence, Rhode Island to talk to Drake, the owner of Cluck!, an urban farm and garden supply focused on helping customers adapt and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Then they swing over to Ferndale, Michigan to talk to Bradley, the owner of The Home Store, a local real estate agency that helps customers recover from foreclosures.

Gary and the crew head over to Portland, Maine, to talk to Don, the owner of Salt Cellar, an elaborate shop with every kind of salt imaginable, including Himalayan salt blocks and salted caramel chocolates. Then they swing over to New Haven, Connecticut to talk to Neville Wisdom, a fashion designer who custom fits women's and men's high-end clothes in-house.

Gary and the crew visit Amherst, New Hampshire to talk to Amy, the owner and founder of LaBelle Winery, home to Amy's perfected blueberry wine. Then they head over to South Kingstown, Rhode Island to visit Perry, the owner of Matunuck Oyster Bar, where only the finest of local oysters and seafood are served.

Gary and the crew head to Maine to talk to Tom, the owner of Maine Coast Shellfish. See how the finest catches of seafood are caught in the local Maine waters and distributed all over the world. Then they head to Detroit, Michigan to talk to Danielle, the owner of Detroit Maid, a cleaning service that will sweep you off of your feet.

Gary and the crew head to Seattle, Washington to talk with chef Edouardo Jordan, creator of Salare, a farm to table restaurant with rave reviews. Then they head to Ann Arbor, Michigan to talk to Skye Durrant and Brandon Bertrang founders of LawnGuru, an online lawn service and mobile app

Gary and the crew head to Portland, Oregon to talk with Ashley Rose Salvitti, the creator of Brewvana, a tour company of Portland's finest microbreweries.Then they head to Detroit, Michigan to talk to Candace Simons, founder of Brooklyn Outdoor, a unique outdoor advertising company. 

Gary and the crew head to Bandon, Oregon to talk with Greg Drobot and Daniel Graham, the co-founders of Face Rock Creamery, an artisan cheese factory and retail store. Then they head to La Mesa, California to talk with Brea Joseph, the owner of KBZ FX, a special FX make-up studio.

Gary and the crew head to White City, Oregon to talk with Richard and Renata Gyuro, the founder of Alpaca's at Lone Ranch, an Alpaca farm and retail store. Then they head over to Garden Grove, California to meet up with Diosdado Velasquez, the founder of Natures Kindle, handcrafted soy candles. 

Gary and the crew head to La Jolla, California to meet up with Chris Lynch and Michael Samer, the founder of Everyday California, an ocean adventure company and lifestyle brand. Then they head to Seattle, Washington to meet up with Nikki Closser, a former social worker turned photographer.

Gary and the crew head to Morgan Hill, California to talk with Beth Killough and Susan McCusker, the founders of The Circle Up Experience, a horse assisted leadership and team building program. Then they head to Hamtramck, Michigan to talk to Alexandra Clark, the founder of Bon Bon Bon, am artisan chocolate company.

Gary and the crew head to Portland, Oregon to talk with Farhad Ghafarzade, the founder of Green Drop Garage, a, eco-friendly auto repair shop. Then they head over to San Diego, California to meet up with Felena Hanson, the founder of HeraHub, a female only co-working space.

Gary and the crew head to San Francisco, California to talk with Taylor and Kevin, the founders of Blue Board, a unique employee reward company. Then they head to Portland, Oregon to meet up with Junea and Cameron Rocha, the creators of BraziBites, a company that specializes in Brazilian cheese bread.

Gary and the crew head to Seattle, Washington to talk with Suzie Lee, the creator of Siren, a online dating site that focuses on comfort, privacy and mutual respect. Then they head over to Oakland, California to meet up with Keba Konte, the founder of Red Bay Coffee, a roaster and coffee bar.

Gary and the crew head to Los Angeles, California to talk with Filip and Nadia Kristo, the creator of Roomescape Los Angeles, a live group based escape game. Then they head to White Lake Michigan to talk to Sherry French, the creator of SpBang, a company that manufactures reusable lunch products.

Gary and the crew head to Napa, California to talk with Hardy Wallace, co-founder of Dirty and Rowdy Family Winery, an artisan wine maker that's breaking all the rules. Then they head to San Marino, California to meet up with Shaun and Gary Tuch, the founders of Professor Egghead, an interactive science and engineering program for kids.

Gary and the crew head to Detroit, Michigan to talk with Jay Rayford, co-founder of Social Sushi, a pop-up sushi concept. Then they head over to San Diego, California to meet up with Braydon Moreno, co-founder of ROBO 3D, a company that manufactures 3D printers.

Gary and the crew head to Silver Lake, California to meet up with Derek Michael, the creator of Happier Camper, a company that manufactures ultra-light travel and utility trailers. Then they head over to San Diego, California to meet up with Sophia Hall, the founder of The Make Good, a curator of local handcrafted products and resale clothing.

Gary and the crew head to New Orleans, Louisiana to talk with Burnell Cotlon, owner of Lower 9th Ward Market, a convenience store, barber shop, and Laundromat that's saving the community. Then they head to Flagstaff, Arizona to talk with Paul Kent, creator of Flagstaff extreme, a treetop adventure course.

Gary and the crew head to Austin, TX to talk with Jae Kim, owner of Chi'Lantro, a Korean BBQ inspired food truck and catering company. Then they head over to Phoenix, Arizona to meet with Sarah Williams and April Gould, co-founders of Goat Yoga, the first ever interactive yoga with trained goats.

Gary and the crew head to Phoenix, Arizona to meet with Thomas Porter, owner of Porter Barn Wood, Arizona's number one resource for reclaimed lumber. Then they head over to Houston, Texas to meet with Nicole Buergers, the founder of Bee2Bee Honey Collective, a honeybee farm that provides local honey and bee keeping services. 

Gary and the crew head to Mississippi to meet with Nikki Moon, owner of Bay Town Inn, a luxurious bed and breakfast right in the heart of Bay St. Louis. Then they head over to Houston, Texas to meet with Ohad Nezer and Jake Boshernitzan, owner of Knocki, a tech hardware company that gives you instant control of your favorite functions from any surface.

Gary and the crew head to Austin, Texas to meet with Jan Goetgeluk, owner of Virtuix, a virtual reality company that created the Virtuix Omni™ motion platform. Then they head over to Las Vegas, Nevada to meet with Lizzy Newsome and Trevor Yopp, the owners of Kappa Toys, a design-minded toy store, with a wide selection of oddities and classics.

Gary and the crew head to Las Vegas, Nevada to meet with Guy Seeklus, owner of Camel Safari, a premier camel ride and Segway tour experience. Then they head over to Phoenix, Arizona to meet with Brandon Boetto, owner of SlabHaus, a business specializing in high-end concrete home furnishings.

Gary and the crew head to Austin, Texas to meet with Jeremiah Newton, owner of The Bearded Bastard, a legendary beard grooming products made by hand. Then they head over to Detroit, Michigan to meet with Amina Daniels, owner of Live Cycle Delight, Live Cycle Delight is the first contemporary cycle studio to offer cycling classes, a bike lounge, and a cold-pressed juice bar.

Gary and the crew head to New Orleans, Louisiana to meet with Daniel Victory, the founder of Victory Nola, a bar-meets-classroom operation that teaches visitors how to make classic New Orleans Cocktails. Then they head over to Grand Rapids, Michigan to meet with Jeff Butzow, a fishmonger and the owner of Fish Lads of Grand Rapids, a seafood restaurant and fresh seafood store.

Gary and the crew head to Las Vegas, Nevada to meet with Cathy Brooks, owner of Hydrant Club, a dog boarding and training facility in Downtown Las Vegas. Then they head over to Grand Rapids, Michigan to meet with Sara Moylan, owner of Shefit, an athletic apparel company with the highest level of support.

Gary and the crew head to Austin, Texas to meet with Jessica Honegger, owner of Noonday Collection, a business that uses fashion to create employment opportunities around the world. Then they head over to Houston, Texas to meet with Shawn Baker, owner of Tantrums, A business that allows individuals to release frustrations in a safe and effective way, one baseball bat at a time.

Gary and the crew head to Sedona, Arizona to meet with Summer and Mike Sanders, co-owners of Local Juicery, a superfood kitchen that makes Organic Cold Pressed Juice and healthy cuisine. Then they head over to Las Vegas, Nevada to meet with Fredrick Hutson, owner of Pigeonly, a company that provides families with low-cost inmate communication.

Gary and the crew head to Flagstaff, Arizona to meet with Joe Bechard and Kris Porthier, creator of Chateau Tumbleweed, an independent winery and tasting room. Then they head over to Houston, Texas to meet with fashion designer Onyii Brown, owner of Onyii and Co., a luxury lifestyle clothing brand that caters to women.

Gary and the crew head to Las Vegas, Nevada to meet with Holly Webster, the founder of Cake Azure, a bakery and specializes in custom fondant work. Then they head over to New Orleans, Louisiana to meet with Marin Tockman, owner of Dashing Bicycles, a modern bicycle boutique powered by women.

Daniel Rose wanted to help people, so he went to school to become a nurse. Watching the countless cases that he felt could have been avoided through a better diet he decided to change the course of his life and create a source of real food. So, Daniel left healthcare, found a plot of land in northeast Tulsa, Oklahoma and opened Grassroots Ranch.

Growing up in West Helena, Arkansas life wasn't always easy for 22 year old Eric Jones. Eric overcame countless obstacles, including the loss of both parents, but that didn't stop the ambitious 22 year old from creating LFLS Shoes, a company that sells high quality shoes at affordable prices designed in the US and manufactured in Brazil.

Eric & Jodie DeLeon ran a wedding space in downtown Kansas City, but felt that they could do even better in crafting a memorable experience that focused on customer service. They relocated to an old funeral chapel in a beautiful historic building, fixed it up, and began a new company that caters exclusively to the dreams and desires of brides and grooms.

Knife maker Tom Maringer used his metal working skills to start engraving coins, using hand-engraved steel dies and pressing coins one at a time. Thus, Shire Post Mint was born and Tom has been minting custom coins ever since. His work caught the eye of George R. R. Martin who commissioned some coins for a new book called A Song of Fire and Ice, which became the hit HBO series "Game of Thrones."

Afloat provides float therapy, infrared saunas, and sound therapy. Vicki Westergard decided to forego retirement for entrepreneurship when she left her corporate job at 56 years old. She had experienced float therapy, or "sensory depravation" first hand and it changed her life, so she took out a loan and created afloat: Mind + Body Wellness to Omaha.

Unable to find a real New York style bagel in Kansas City, husband and wife Janna and Pete Linde would lug suitcases full bagels from the east coast back to Missouri for years. After working for corporations for most of their lives, they quit their jobs and decided to turn their love of bagels into a business.

Bill Copeland is a US Army veteran and a Master Chocolatier. He opened Glacier Confection in the Tulsa Arts District in 2006. He was inspired by Major Dan Rooney of "Folds of Honor" and decided to link his business with help for veterans, especially with those who have PTSD and were having difficulty integrating back into society. Now in his new location, he's teaching chocolate making 101 classes

While subscription box services have become massive new market, Bulu Box was the sixth company on the scene. They now focus on private label subscription boxes for companies of all sizes. Founders Paul and Stephanie Jarrett walk us through how they've lead the way and changed the game in this exciting new category.

Omar Kasim created a fast-casual fusion taco restaurant in Fayetteville Arkansas, only to be pushed out of his own business by an investor. Picking himself up and starting again, Omar stayed positive and opened a cold-pressed juice bar named Juice Palm.

In the 1800's, J. Rieger & Co. was the largest mail-order whiskey maker in the U.S when prohibition forced them to permanently shut their doors. 90 years later, Kansas City bartender Ryan Maybee discovered a faint Rieger billboard on the site of his new establishment and made it his lives mission to resurrect the brand with the only remaining heir to the Rieger name. Watch how Maybee and Andy Rieg

Caleb Benson is a 10 year veteran of the USCG and now the co-owner/operator of Flip Side Ninja Park with his wife Emily. Both fitness fanatics, Caleb and Emily abandoned their careers to chase something they both truly loved, fitness and helping people stay active and improve their health. So they put their house up for collateral and started an indoor ninja training facility in Arkansas.

Max Younger watched his dad struggle with crutches for years, but when his father finally had a leg amputation, Max and his wife Lilliana sprang into action to design a new style of crutch that was easier, safer, more comfortable, and allowed people mobility without compromise. Starting the company Mobility Designed, the Younger's drastically improved a design that hadn't changed since the Civil WAR.

Lorena grew up eating her mother, Maria's, homemade empanada's, but she never thought that the savory snack would help her achieve her version of the American dream. From being homeless in Argentina, to owning five of Denver's hottest restaurants, Lorena's story is heartfelt, inspiring and will leave you salivating!

In 2007, Steven and Remy Sedylmayr were enjoying the good life in Arizona, retired with two kids in college. When Steven decided to pursue building a water purification system and re-mortgaged the house, he had no idea that they'd soon lose everything. The story of Divinia water is about family, overcoming hardship, and the quest to create the cleanest bottled water on the planet.

Stewart King has been actively involved in archery for over 32 years. As an accomplished tournament target archer, he's practiced at several different facilities over the years. So, when he decided to switch careers and start Rocky Mountain Archery, he had a pretty clear vision of the archery destination that he wanted to create.

Woodward Throwbacks is a passion project turned business, developed by Detroit residents Bo Shepherd and Kyle Dubay to furnish their apartments and clean up Detroit streets. From riding around the city searching for reusable materials to operating a nationwide brand that now employs several Detroit locals, this story is about recognizing opportunity and believing in yourself.

Thaine Fischer is a social entrepreneur with an extensive background in real estate acquisitions, development, and management. His latest endeavor "The Monarch" is a collaborative environment where artists, creative businesses and makers of all types can connect, inspire and create together in the heart of Ogden Utah's Nine Rails Creative District.

Patrick Bultema is an industry maker whose mission is to eliminate food waste. It pains him to know how much food is thrown away that farmers have worked so hard to produce, so he's addressing the problem at the source. FoodMaven sells high-quality local, oversupplied food from distributors, manufacturers and producers to restaurants and institutional kitchens at a discount.

When Kevin Oswald's father told him that he would have to leave the family auto repair business due to lack of revenue, he saw it as more of an opportunity than a setback. After years of working for another company, his father offered to sell him the business. Today, with two locations, Kevin, his wife Renae and their two sons have transformed Oswald's into a successful business.

Stitch People was founded by Lizzy and Spencer Bean in 2013. Lizzy's "Do it Yourself" stitch people book is the company's primary product and the new industry standard in cross stitched family portraits and more. This is a story about believing that anything is possible and creating your best life.

GoodBoy Clothing was established in March 2014 in Flint, Michigan by resident Oaklin Mixon. Upon the auto industry's exit from Flint, followed by the water crisis that brought national attention, the city has been continually forced to reinvent itself. The resilient spirit that Oaklin Mixon shares with Flint is what sparked the idea for GoodBoy Clothing.

Parker Lichfield was working a job he loved doing photography and video for a local Utah company when he was unexpectedly laid off. He had two choices, find another job and risk the same thing happening again, or put his future in his own hands and start making high quality leather goods. This is a story about risk taking, the power of YouTube and quality craftsmanship.

Daniel Scott and Josh Christiansen started their own plumbing company focused on customer service, creating a family environment for employees and giving people a second chance in life. Today, they employ more than 50 people and is ranked as one of the top plumbing companies in Utah. This is a story about recognizing opportunity, perseverance and timing.

Risë Jones and her husband, Louis Freeman, opened TeaLee's after five years of planning and hard work. Seven years before the doors opened and the first pot of tea was brewed, Jones had was diagnosed with a rare form of leukemia. Fortunately, she beat it — and after she recovered, Freeman asked her what she wanted to do with her life. Her reply: "I want a tea house." This is a story about second chances and seizing the moment.

Tim Price is a Colorado based Chiropractor, outdoorsman and dog lover. Tim's first dog and adventure partner, Ruger, forced him to think about a bunch of new unknowns. His biggest fear was that Ruger, a large breed dog, could get injured and how would he carry him to safety? That fear inspired Tim to create a lightweight rescue harness that would change the course of his life. This story is about following your heart and creating something you truly believe in.

Quiana "Que" Broden was not always a vegan, but when she was diagnosed with a severe autoimmune disorder, she knew that she had to make a serious change in her life. Fast forward about seven years when she turned a dream written on a Post-It note into reality. Now she's now the owner of a successful vegan restaurant and cooking school called "The Kitchen." This is a story about hope, dreams and the unrelenting pursuit to live her best life.

John Yakovich grew up near the Mississippi river. With generations of fisherman in his family, fishing has always been in his blood. After being re-located to Michigan for work, he decided to take his love of fishing and turn it into a family business. They say that muskie is the fish of 10,000 casts, but for John and his son, Captain Craig, they make it look easy. This is a story about following your passion, and taking a risk to finally do what you truly love.

Paddy Lynch, a funeral director by trade, has always been fascinated by historic properties. So, when the opportunity to buy a storied landmark and cultural institution for nearly 100 years, it was a dream come true. The Schvitz comes with a gloriously notorious reputation as a bathhouse frequented by Prohibition-era "Purple Gang" mobsters. Open to members and guests since 1930, The Schvitz is Detroit's original urban health club and the only historic bath house left in the city. This is a story about revival, die-hard perseverance and a passion for historic preservation.

Dr. Paul Thomas knew what he wanted to do with his life since the age of 17. After completing medical school, residency and a short stint at an Urgent Care facility, he founded Plum Health. Plum Health offers direct primary care services based on a subscription model. Rather than charge patients for each visit, patients pay a set fee each month, gaining direct access to doctors as needed, including access to wholesale medications, imaging services and lab work. This is a story about disruption, and being the change that you wish to see.

William McCray has endured several hardships throughout his life, but when he lost his mother to health issues when she was only 34 years old, he decided to dedicate his life to helping people transform their mind and bodies. He founded Will Power Fitness Gym on a philosophy that if you help people dig deep to discover their true reason for wanting to change, it can create a life- lasting impression. This is a story about perseverance, and staying true to your principals against all odds.

Like 30% of American men under 5'8 in height, Steven Mazur and Eric Huang have always had a difficult time finding clothes that fit them properly. So, they took matters into their own hands and decided to do something about it. After lots of research, a successful IndieGoGo campaign and a trip to the Shark Tank, Ash and Erie is now the industry leader in "smaller guys" apparel. This is story about necessity truly being the mother of invention.

Jerry Kozak and Ricky Winowiecki began printing and selling t-shirts out of their college dorm with little success. After graduation, they borrowed $16,000 from friends and family to buy their first commercial t-shirt printer. After a couple more years of dismal sales, business started to pick up. The company got its first significant contracts and moved into a warehouse.

Since 2017, Drew Patrick has been developing a concept that would connect people with locally sourced and grown grocery products. So, when the pandemic hit, he knew it was time to fast- track the concept and launch his business, Michigan Fields, as quickly as possible. Essentially an online grocery store, you shop just like you would through Instacart or the other service.

After witnessing a drive-by shooting in his community of Wilmington, North Carolina, George Taylor decided to take action. He started Tru Colors Brewery, whose mission is to unite and create understanding between rival gangs in order to better their community.

Two high school friends, Andrew Hare and Matt Daniels had a dream to bring healthy, local produce to South Carolina. Vertical Roots has since grown into the largest hydroponic container farm in the US producing year-round leafy greens and produce all throughout the United States.

Amanda and Dave Jacobs loved the beach so much they wanted to bring it home with them. After experimenting with a variety of methods, they finally found a way to turn Wrightsville Beach into a delicious salt perfect for cooking and created their own business, Sea Love Sea Salt Co.

Dave Myers was in Hawaii on vacation when a canceled scuba trip led him to "Trike Flying." This life-altering experience set Dave on a mission to create Amphibian Air, a company that invites the public to ride and pilot a FAA certified amphibious trike over the waters of Savannah, Georgia.

Tracey and Girard Newkirk believe that every community needs a place to collaborate and create together. Genesis Block provides not only coworking spaces, but also an Entrepreneur Academy with small business courses for all backgrounds and ANZA, a platform that pairs minority and women owned businesses with anchor institutions and prime contractors. 

Lou Thomann and Lori Judge took a vacation to Ossabaw Island where they were introduced to the Yaupon Holly tree. After experiencing the tea made from the Yaupon's leaves, Lou was hooked and spent the next three years researching until finally launching The Yaupon Tea Company in hopes of sharing the health benefits of tea with world. 

The Wrights are the proud parents of four children. Their two youngest, Bitty and Beau, have Down Syndrome. The Wrights opened their first Bitty & Beau Coffee in Wilmington, NC, a place they hoped would teach acceptance and inclusion. Today, Bitty & Beau is a franchise business that has grown to several locations across the US and employs hundreds of people with disabilities.

What started out as a pizza food truck has grown and developed into so much more. From pizza to bagels, Big Bon's core mission is to teach its team members business and life skills through a variety of experiences around great foods.

Hope has been doing yoga for 17 years and has seen first-hand the physical and mental health benefits it can provide. Mother Trucker Yoga provides fitness guidance to a market otherwise forgotten, drivers. Through short, easily accessible videos, Hope aspires to help drivers get moving wherever they may be.

Through Neely Powell's entrepreneurial spirit, what started out as a shoe wholesale business became so much more. After attending Savannah College of Art & Design, she collaborated with a cobbler in Mexico and formed Charleston Shoe Co., a business that provides women with comfortable and stylish shoes in stores all around the US. 

After years of brewing at home, Shane and Beth Faulkner decided to take the plunge and open their own distillery. End of Days Distillery provides Wilmington with fine small batch spirits and an opportunity to tour the distillery and experience how it's all made.

After growing bored with the furniture in her family home, Courtney Bukowsky decided to take matters into her own hands by slowly selling all of their household furniture, using the money she made to replace the items with vintage pieces that she loved.

Mimi turned her creative hobby of earring design into a full jewelry and accessory brand with the Tiny Tassel. Inspired by the colors and sites of Charleston, South Carolina, The Tiny Tassel includes earrings, bracelets, necklaces, garments and more each named after a special street or place within Charleston.