11 Top Company Founders Who Are Innovating the World of Leading Industries [The Charlotte Observer]

We live in an era where technology rapidly evolves and changes how we do business. It’s no wonder some of the most successful companies are founded by forward-thinking innovators who have their fingers on the pulse of today’s leading industries. These inspiring individuals have become role models for aspiring entrepreneurs and serve as a testament to the power of ambition and hard work. Read on to learn about 11 company founders who have revolutionized their respective industries and whose ideas will have a lasting impact on the world.

1. Darren Nix: Steadily

Darren Nix is the founder and CEO of Steadily, a landlord insurance company that provides comprehensive coverage for property owners. Nix embodies the spirit of an entrepreneur and founded his first company, Silver Financial, in 2006; Genworth Financial later acquired the company. He then launched Interviewed in 2015, which Indeed acquired two years later. In 2020, he founded Steadily to address the growing need for affordable landlord insurance.

Steadily’s mission is to make landlord insurance more accessible and affordable by offering coverage tailored to each individual property owner’s needs. With Steadily, landlords can easily compare prices and coverage options online to find the best landlord insurance cost for their needs. The company also provides helpful resources, like tenant screening and rental agreement tools, to make managing rental properties easier. Steadily is rapidly revolutionizing the landlord insurance market by providing landlords with peace of mind and a one-stop shop for all their insurance needs.

2. Alex Cannon and Danny Buck: CRAFTD

Alex Cannon and Danny Buck are the co-founders of CRAFTD, an innovative men’s jewelry brand. With a focus on combining quality craftsmanship with modern design and no unnecessary markups, Cannon and Buck’s vision is to help men express themselves through their style. They’ve been creating high-end luxury jewelry since 2017, and their designs have quickly become popular among men worldwide.

One of the most popular items from CRAFTD is the Cuban link chain. This chain features a unique, interlocking design that’s made from high-quality, hypoallergenic stainless steel. It’s also resistant to tarnishing and corrosion, making it a great choice for everyday wear. The Cuban link chain is available in various sizes and colors, giving customers plenty of options to choose from when creating their unique look.

With Cannon and Buck at the helm of CRAFTD, there’s no doubt that the company will continue to innovate the men’s jewelry industry. Their commitment to quality and attention to detail are just some of the reasons why CRAFTD has become such a successful brand in such a short period of time.

3. Paul Saunders: eLuxury

Paul Saunders is the founder of eLuxury, a US Veteran Owned and Operated home goods brand that focuses on providing customers with the best affordable options, specifically in the bedding category. Saunders’ goal is to ensure customers get the highest quality mattress pads made from premium materials so they can sleep soundly and comfortably every night.

An eLuxury mattress pad is designed to provide extra support for any kind of mattress, regardless of type or size. Their mattress pads are also designed to be breathable and moisture-wicking, which helps prevent the mattress from feeling too hot or cold. The mattress pad covers are easy to remove and wash, so they stay fresh and clean longer. With Saunders’ commitment to quality and innovation, eLuxury has become one of the leading brands in the sleep industry.

4. Isaac Ross: Solid & Striped

Isaac Ross founded Solid & Striped, a premier women’s swimwear line. Ross founded the company in 2012 with the mission to provide quality, timeless swimwear that’s inspired by classic and modern styles. He has made it his mission to create effortless, wearable, and classic swimwear — a Solid & Striped bikini is designed to make women look and feel beautiful.

Swimwear may seem like an oversaturated industry, but Solid & Striped shows there’s a place for innovation in this fashion industry sector. The company is known for its high-quality fabrics and detailed designs, becoming a highly-regarded leader in the industry. Ross, alongside CEO Sarah Landman, has developed a successful business model that’s focused on creating understated and fashionable swimwear for women.

5. Jonathan Newar and Attison Barnes: Captain Experiences

Jonathan Newar and Attison Barnes are the co-founders of Captain Experiences, a brand on a mission to provide their customers with the best fishing guide experience. With a wealth of experience in the fishing industry, the two bring their expertise to bear on their successful venture. Newar and Barnes have spent dozens of years exploring the great outdoors and have brought their vast knowledge to fellow adventure-seekers.

The company was founded in 2020 after recognizing a need to simplify booking guided fishing trips. Newar and Barnes realized how painfully difficult it was to find quality fishing guides and knew there had to be a better way that would leave antiquated processes in the past. With Captain Experiences, anyone who loves fishing can benefit from exploring the great outdoors without going through tons of hassle, from Galveston fishing charters to fishing guide trips in the Bahamas. These founders ensure that their clients have the most enjoyable and productive day possible on the water, whether they’re looking for deep-sea adventures or a relaxing day out on the waves.

6. Susan Feldman: One Kings Lane

Susan Feldman is the co-founder and CEO of the home furnishings company One Kings Lane. Susan is dedicated to her mission of making it easier for people to find their personal style and make their homes their own with a unique selection of wall mirrors, light fixtures, rugs, and other home furnishings.

Feldman brings her experience in retail, technology, marketing, and design to the forefront of the company, ensuring every product they release adds value to the lives of their customers. Through her leadership, One Kings Lane has become a top destination for decorators, designers, and consumers alike who are looking for quality home furnishings to add a touch of elegance to their spaces.

With more people working from home, there’s a greater need for people to design a home that brings them joy. One Kings Lane has a keen eye on industry trends and continues to innovate and create quality products that will help its customers feel more at home in their spaces.

7. LL Cool J: Rock The Bells

LL Cool J is a legendary figure in the world of hip-hop, and his company, Rock The Bells, is synonymous with good vibes and positive energy. LL Cool J has been a pioneering force in hip-hop since the 1980s and continues to be an innovator and inspiration for up-and-coming rappers today. His influence can be seen in everything from music production to fashion.

In 2018, the artist founded Rock The Bells, a website focusing on content, commerce, and experiences that honor hip-hop culture. From sharing news about the greatest industry artists to diving into how the GOAT meaning originated from hip-hop culture, the website offers an in-depth approach to immersive culture essential to hip-hop’s zeitgeist.

With so many resources integrated into LL Cool J’s platform, from news to podcasts to merchandise, consumers can dive deep into their love for hip-hop culture. Few companies feature such a breadth of cultural innovation, making Rock The Bells a leader in defining what lifestyle brands can offer.

8. Patricio Paucar: Navi

Patricio Paucar founded Navi, a company that gives people a comprehensive knowledge guide for comparing cell phone plans to save money. Paucar believes that cell phone providers shouldn’t take advantage of customers by offering expensive plans with little to no value. That’s why he created Navi — to help consumers make informed decisions and get the best deals possible on their mobile plans.

Navi is an excellent resource for anyone looking to compare cell phone plans, such as whether T-Mobile vs. Verizon has the better service and rate. Users can easily compare the different features, prices, and packages of these two leading cellular carriers. Navi also offers valuable insights into any current promotions or discounts being offered by providers; this way, customers can maximize their savings and find the best plan for their needs.

With the rising cost of inflation, people are on the hunt for savings wherever they can find them. Having Navi as a resource allows more people to make strategic decisions about their cell phone needs without breaking the bank.

9. Christian Kjaer and Amanda Howland: ElleVet

Christian Kjaer and Amanda Howland are the co-founders of ElleVet Sciences, a leading brand in the CBD and CBDA for pets industry. Founded in 2017, Kjaer and Howland unlocked CBD as the new frontier in animal health. Providing high-quality, safe, and science-based CBD products to pet owners through products like their dog CBD, ElleVet’s mission is to help pet owners better care for their animals.

Kjaer and Howland’s company is backed by a team of veterinarians, medical researchers, and scientists who all support the potential health benefits of CBD for pets. The products are rigorously tested for potency, purity, and safety so that customers can trust they get the best CBD products for their pets. ElleVet has developed a line of CBD products specifically designed for dogs and cats that can provide relief from anxiety, inflammation, pain, seizures, and other conditions.

Through their efforts, Kjaer and Howland are pioneering the way forward in the pet CBD industry and paving the way for pet owners to benefit from the healing properties of this powerful ingredient. The practice is revolutionary in the veterinary industry, and these founders are proving how CBD can work in pet wellness.

10. Evan Spiegel and Robert Murphy: Snapchat

Evan Spiegel and Robert Murphy are the co-founders of Snapchat, the photo messaging app that has taken the world by storm. What was initially intended for a class project, Spiegel and Murphy created the app at Stanford University. They founded the company in 2011, and since then, Snapchat has become one of the most popular social media platforms used by millions of people worldwide.

Spiegel and Murphy have been heralded as revolutionaries in the tech industry, and their innovation and leadership have led Snapchat to become an industry leader. Spiegel has been featured on Forbes’ list of “30 Under 30” and was named “Innovator of the Year” by TIME Magazine in 2015. His innovative ideas and drive to create something new have made Snapchat a global phenomenon and have inspired others to follow in his footsteps. As co-founders, Spiegel and Murphy continue to push the boundaries of technology, striving to make Snapchat even better for its users.

11. Allyson Felix and Wes Felix: Saysh

Allyson Felix and her brother Wes Felix are the co-founders of the revolutionary footwear company, Saysh. Allyson is an Olympic gold medalist and world record holder in track and field who had been searching for a shoe that was designed specifically to meet the needs of female athletes like herself.

Together with her brother’s experience in product development, they created Saysh — a women’s running shoe designed specifically for women’s feet. With a combination of technology and design, Saysh has a range of light, breathable, and supportive shoes, making them perfect for running and everyday wear. Thanks to Allyson and Wes Felix’s vision, Saysh is leading the way in creating the ideal shoes for female athletes.

Founders Who Pave the Way

With so many companies spanning every industry, it’s easy to think there isn’t a place for anything more innovative. These company founders are proof that there’s always an opportunity to take antiquated ideas and improve upon them. From introducing tech practices into century-old industries or innovating timeless fashion styles, these founders continue to revolutionize the most popular industries.

McClatchy newsroom and editorial staff were not involved in the creation of this content.