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.

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.

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.

In a world full of quick fixes and corporate takeovers, Scott Paskewitz has spent the last three decades building something truly lasting. Scott’s Painting & Staining began over 30 years ago in Omaha, Nebraska, born from a passion for craftsmanship and a deep commitment to quality. From the very beginning, the mission was clear: provide homeowners with professional, detail-oriented painting services that make a lasting impact.

Some people are born into legacies, but not everyone carries them forward with heart, humility, and the drive to make a difference. Jette, the owner of Jetgen Metal-Worx, has been surrounded by family business values since birth. His grandmother started her company at age 25 in Helena, Montana, and it continues to thrive today. That legacy is in Jette's blood, and so is the understanding that business is about people, integrity, and grit.

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.