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A headshot of Russ Layton, founder of Sparx Hockey
Founder Guidance

How a surprise layoff let this founder turn his passion for hockey into his own company

Russ Layton’s passion for playing hockey came with one longtime annoyance: the hassle of sharpening ice skates. In his late 30s, losing his job allowed him to finally focus on the solution.


Kristin Agee, wearing oversized glasses and a gray jacket, smiles for the camera.
Founder Guidance

How one musician composed her behind-the-scenes business future

When she was touring musician, Kristen Agee asked the Rolling Stones’s current bassist for lessons. She expanded her knowledge of the music industry that led to her company 411 Music Group.


A portrait of Bill Gross, a smiling man wearing wire-rimmed glasses and a navy suit
Founder Guidance

Bill Gross's Idealab offers aspiring founders 1.2 million startup ideas

Serial entrepreneur Bill Gross talked with us about his new resource and how AI is changing the startup scene.


A portrait of Melissa Ben-Ishay, a smiling woman with wavy blonde hair wearing a grey sweatshirt
Founder Guidance

Last cupcake standing: The secrets to how Baked by Melissa outlasted its competition

Founder Melissa Ben-Ishay thinks having her name on the company boosts the customer connection, but it comes with the knowledge that “one rogue Instagram post” can affect your entire business.


Cameron Hardesty, a brown-haired woman wearing a blue shirt, poses with a smile.
Founder Guidance

Poppy Flowers founder says following your passion takes time to bloom

Cameron Hardesty worked a full-time job and volunteered with the White House florist before starting her wedding florals company.


Headshot of David Bridges, a light-skinned man with side-parted short salt-and-pepper hair and a short bears wearing a white button-down shirt and blue blazer.
Founder Guidance

Wellcom CEO on the difference between founding a company and running a business

David Bridges thinks a ‘very personal’ touch is the key to running a successful business. He says he learned from his dad’s mistakes.


Headshot of Jamie Siminoff, a light-skinned man with short wavy blonde hair sitting sideways on a couch smiling into the camera.
Founder Guidance

Ring founder Jamie Siminoff on selling to Amazon—and staying on

Jamie Siminoff sold Ring to Amazon for a reported $1 billion in 2018. He talks about what founders should know about continuing to work at an acquiring company and the perks of building inside a corporation.

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