Getting Rich in America

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  The Main Squeeze

  Founders: Kyle and Aaron Campos, 27 and 33
  
  After quitting their jobs as software engineers in 2004, these two brothers decided to move from Santa Barbara to Buckeye, Ariz. with the hopes of starting their own business. The idea of a smoothie place appealed to them both, so they asked friends and family for money to add to the $130,000 they had saved. With the help of experienced designers and consultants The Main Squeeze was born. Last year they made over $200,000 in profits and their investors couldn't be happier.
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• Poppo Brands

  Poppo Brands

  Founder: Michael Vien, 36
  
  There's no doubt about it, Michael Vien made a bold move when he quit his money-making job at Fidelity Investments to create childrens' board games. Sounds impulsive, but ever since the night in 2005 that he spent the hours of 10PM to 2AM creating a prototype, drafting a business plan, and locating Chinese suppliers, his course was set and he was right on track. Hard work, research, savings, and a little help from friends paid off when Vien sold almost $50,000 in games within three months of Poppo's launch.
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• Sandi Webster

  Consultants 2 Go

  Founder: Sandi Webster, 45
  
  For Sandi Webster, getting laid off from her job as director of marketing at American Express was the best thing that could've happened. With access to many of AmEx's business contacts and project launching experience, Sandi and her colleague Peggy McHale cofounded Consultants 2 Go, which provides marketing advice to big and medium-size companies. Drawing her consultants and clientele base from AmEx, Consultants 2 Go attained success, earning $1 million in sales last year.
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• Michael Mischer

  Michael Mischer Chocolates

  Founder: Michael Mischer, 48
  
  No money, no problem! At least not for Michael Mischer. With a lot of confidence and budgeting, Mischer was able to make his sweet dream come true -- Michael Mischer Chocolates. With only $75,000 he was able to remodel the 1,700 sq. foot office space that is now his store. He saves by displaying his treats on simple white plates instead of flashy showcases, having no full-time employees, and doing most of the dirty work himself. The store is profitable and has annual revenue of about $250,000.
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• Mcube

  Mcube

  Founders: Arun and Sanjay Muralidhar, 41 and 44
  
  These brainy brothers had everything they needed to start their own business. Sanjay has an M.B.A from the Wharton School, Arun holds a Ph.D. in economics from MIT, and both were in extremely powerful corporate positions. It wasn't enough. What they really wanted was to launch their own business together, but what? With a $100,000 investment and programmers to build asset-allocation software, Mcube Investment Technologies became a reality.
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• Apredica

  Aprendica

  Founder: Katya Tsaioun, 44
  
  Katya Tsaioun knew exactly what business she wanted to run -- pre-clinical testing on new drugs for big pharmaceutical companies. Besides money, the only thing standing in her way was the skepticism of banks and venture capitalists who doubted the potential of her company and her skills to run a successful business. Refusing to surrender, Tsaioun and her husband decided they would come up with their own investors, and now Aprendica is expected to profit this year.
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• Tiny Prints Team

  Tiny Prints

  Founders: Kelly Berger, 38, Laura Ching, 34, Ed Han, 36
  
  Three friends plus a good idea = a very successfuly business. Kelly, Laura, and Ed proved this to be true with their launch of Tiny Prints in 2004. Each brought a different, valuable skill and individual savings to the table, which served as the perfect combination for creating their very own personalized card company. Tiny Prints' revenue has surpassed $10 million, and the three maintain a strong relationship. Who says friends and business don't mix?
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