10 Most Inspirational Business Success Stories Ever

Interesting Beginnings For Name Brands

Every company whose products we know and use had a beginning that revolved around someone’s hopes and dreams. While each story is different, the goal of success and big profits are a common theme for hopeful entrepreneurs.

Coca Cola

In the late 19th century, Atlanta pharmacist John Pemberton decided to mix a sweet, brown liquid together and he took the mix to a nearby pharmacy. There, he added carbonated water to the liquid and gave some samples out. The rave reviews he received, gave him the inspiration to sell his new drink and today, it stands as the best selling soda brand of all time.

Lamborghini

Already a very successful entrepreneur, Ferruccio Lamborghini wanted to make a great sports car that could take-on Ferrari. With many doubters, he quickly moved forward with his plans in 1962. By 1963, along with an excellent team of designers and engineers, he was well on his way. In 1964, the 350 GT was built and the rest is history.

Walt Disney

In 1923, brothers Roy and Walt Disney began making short animated films in a small Los Angeles office. Their staff grew quickly and they moved to larger venues several times in the 1920’s. By 1928, Mickey Mouse was created and the company continued finding more success and grew to the name-brand it is now.

Wendy’s

The first Wendy’s restaurant opened in Columbus, Ohio in 1969. Founder Dave Thomas, was inspired by a restaurant in Michigan that had square hamburgers. His fourth daughter was nicknamed Wendy and became the face of the company. They have grown to over 5,000 individual locations and still have Wendy as a spokesperson.

Popsicle

Started as an accident by 11-year-old Frank Epperson in 1905, where he left a cup with water, a stirring stick, and powered soda outside on a cold night, and it was enjoyed by those who tried it. By 1923, he named it Popsicle and it is still enjoyed by young and old alike today.

Slinky

In 1943, while working as an engineer in the Navy, Richard James was working with tension springs and when one hit the ground, he noticed its continuous movement. He continued working on improving the toy for a couple of years and his wife came up with the name Slinky and it was a huge hit when it was first introduced in 1945.

Fender

Inventor Leo Fender wanted to make improvements to guitar designs by creating a solid-body electric guitar. By 1951, he introduced both the telecaster guitar and the precision base guitar. This changed the way musicians were able to play together and there was no longer a need to have a large band in order to perform.

Lego

Using the abbreviation of two Danish words “leg godt,” which translates to play well, LEGO was started in 1932 by Ole Kirk Kristiansen, a Danish carpenter who began making wooden toys to support his children. By 1947, he was using plastic materials and it grew as a family business that was passed on to his son.