Mike Cannon’s journey didn’t start with a fleet of trucks or a detailed business plan. It started with a lawn mower trailer and his mom’s old Ford Explorer. What began as simple local furniture deliveries quickly turned into something bigger. “People kept asking me to do larger and larger moves,” Mike says. Over time, those requests transformed into a full-scale moving company specializing in high-end, nationwide moves. What started small is now something powerful, and it’s only just beginning.

Some stories remind us that transformation is possible, that purpose can be found through struggle, and that faith can lead to a life of service. For Caleb Hammer, owner of Vision Painting, painting has always been a part of his life, but the man holding the brush today is a very different one from years past.

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.

Daniel Hood’s journey into the roofing industry was anything but conventional. In 2011, while playing football for the University of Tennessee, he witnessed the damage caused by major hailstorms in Knoxville. Wanting to help residents while earning extra income, he entered the roofing business. What started as a short-term endeavor quickly became a passion, leading him to establish Daniel Hood Roofing, a company built on hard work, teamwork, and a dedication to helping people rebuild after storms.

Gilbert Guzman’s journey to owning Pope Photo Records wasn’t a simple one. Initially working for a competitor, he had a passion for the industry but lacked the financing to make a purchase when the business went up for sale. A conversation with a friend, who had the capital to invest, changed the trajectory of his career. Together, they worked out an agreement where his friend would finance the purchase, and Gilbert would operate the business with the option to buy it at a later date.

Lidya Mandala’s journey into the spa industry was inspired by her time in the high-tech world, where she saw the toll that stress took on people’s lives. She realized that in the pursuit of success, many neglect their well-being. This insight led her to create Spa Réveil, a sanctuary where people can restore balance, rejuvenate, and prioritize self-care.