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Slideshows

Self-Made American Entrepreneurs
Meet our winner and eight other entrepreneurs whose stories inspired us to create a list of honorable mentions.
Self-Made Entrepreneurs
See 10 entrepreneurs who faced incredible odds and rose from humble beginnings to start their businesses.
Entrepreneurial Presidents
Discover past presidents who exhibited great entrepreneurial acumen to rise to their positions as leaders of this nation.

Quiz

Test your Lincoln knowledge by taking our interactive quiz.

Self-Made in America Contest Winner

What does it take to succeed as an entrepreneur? You might want to ask Carl Rupp, the winner of our Self-Made in America contest.

Despite significant setbacks, Rupp achieved his goal of running a successful business. Today, he is the co-owner of Snowie LLC, a manufacturer of ice shaver equipment and kiosks for ice cone flavor concentrated drinks based in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Rupp exhibited the qualities we were seeking in this year's Self-Made in America winner: hard working, determined, and committed to reaching a goal despite obstacles. Between December 2005 and February 2006, Inc.com and The History Channel asked readers to tell us their startup and career-building stories in 300 words or less. We received over 800 entries, and the entrepreneurs and businesspeople who sent their stories inspired many of our readers to offer encouragement and kudos throughout the contest.

In the end, we could choose only one winner. For his efforts, Rupp has received a trip for two to the Inc. 500 conference in Chicago, Ill.; a $10,000 grant to further his business objectives; and a two-year subscription to Inc. and Fast Company magazines.

Congratulations to Carl Rupp, and thank you to all who shared their stories.

More on Self-Made in America

To read Carl Rupp's story and meet the entrepreneurs who made our honorable mention list, see our Self-Made American Entrepreneur slideshow.

To read more about the contest and the prizes, see our Official Rules page.

To read about Abraham Lincoln, the person who inspired this contest, go to The History Channel.


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