Get the most out of your Inc. online experience by registering and joining the Inc. community today. Get access to all Inc.com content and priority invites to free Inc. networking events in your area.

Login using:


Or login directly through Inc.com

The Best of Times, the Worst of Times

Entrepreneurs from the 2009 Inc. 500 recall their best and worst moments running a company

By Inc. staff | 
 

Most Difficult Moments

"Having to fire a close friend." -- Chad Monnin, Mission Essential Personnel

"Accepting outside money." -- Mont Phelps, NWN

"Making the decision to lay off employees that had been with me for some time." -- Kerry McCane, Enalasys

"Dealing with one of my leaders who failed." -- Harry M. Siegel, HMS Technologies

"We made three very bad hires that were my mistake."
-- Anik Singal, Lurn

"Being accepted as a woman executive in a man's industry." -- Christie Lee, Oil Chem Technologies

"Doing my first TV interview. Too much makeup." -- Alan Akina, 101 Financial

Best Moments

"Winning a $10 million contract with the U.S. Postal Service. Paying off $200,000 of debt." -- Daniel Sandoval, Source Technologies

"We just turned down a very generous acquisition offer." -- Jack Biltis, TAG Employer Services

"Holding a fifth-anniversary party and reflecting on everything we had accomplished since inception." -- Russ Kaulback, Ignited Discovery

"Having our best revenue month in the heart of the recession." -- David Perla, Pangea3

"Walking around in my neighborhood and seeing half a dozen kids wearing my designs!" -- Cause Haun, See Kai Run

Read more:

  • 5 Best Ways to Reward Star Employees
  • 2 Factors That Define Great Leaders
  • How to Fix Your Sales Team: 3 Ways

    • Sign-up for our Innovation Newsletter