For Darren Cappa, starting Cappa Electric was never about chasing a business opportunity. It started with helping friends and family who needed electrical work. Over time, he realized how much he enjoyed solving their problems and making things work again. With over 15 years in the trade and a desire to build something with his hands, Darren turned that passion into a company of his own.

Todd Szada didn’t set out to start an environmental abatement company. While running a fire and water restoration business, he constantly found himself relying on outside vendors for asbestos and lead abatement. The delays and lack of reliability weren’t just frustrating—they were costly. One misstep even led to a state fine for unknowingly removing asbestos-containing material. Rather than let that setback define the business, Todd and his team got certified themselves. Umbrella Environmental was born from that challenge, allowing them to take control, move faster, and deliver better results.

For Nate Huse, welding wasn’t just a skill. It was a way forward. After going to college to study the trade, he knew he eventually wanted to own his own business. It took time, patience, and the right moment, but that dream became a reality with NH Mobile Welding. “I’ve wanted to own my own company but haven’t had the opportunity until recent years,” Nate shares. Now, he’s doing what he loves and building something that’s his.

Jessica Jenkins didn’t set out to become a roofer — but years of watching homeowners struggle to find dependable contractors lit a fire that couldn’t be ignored. With a background in real estate and construction, she saw the same story play out again and again: people frustrated, overcharged, or left hanging by unreliable crews. She started Source 1 Roofing with one goal in mind — to bring trust, reliability, and craftsmanship back into the roofing industry.

Peoria Florist’s story began 24 years ago when Anthem Pleasant took on his first flower delivery job. From the very start, he realized that flowers had a unique ability to bring joy, and that joy became the foundation for his career in floristry. Anthem’s journey led him through various florists across the country, where he honed his skills. Eventually, he had the opportunity to buy Peoria Florist, turning a lifelong passion into his own business. “For me, working with flowers has never felt like work—it’s a passion that continues to bloom every day,” Anthem shared.

For Kenneth Ellis, owner of A+ Tree & Crane, tree work has been a lifelong calling. His passion for the industry was solidified after assisting with Hurricane Katrina recovery efforts, where he saw firsthand the impact skilled tree service could make.