📺 Stream EntrepreneurTV for Free 📺

This Founder and Inventor Overcame Early Setbacks to Create a Successful Company (and a Temperature-Controlled Coffee Mug) Cold scrambled eggs actually became the catalyst for Ember's first product, a temperature-controlled coffee mug.

By James McKinney

entrepreneur daily

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

In this video, James McKinney's guest is Clay Alexander, the inventor and founder of temperature control brand Ember. The company's first product, the Travel Mug, launched in 100 Starbucks locations, but the brand has grown in reach and offerings since.

Alexander has a great story, because his upbringing offered plenty of obstacles: Not only was his family, in his words, "dirt poor," but Alexander was also diagnosed with ADD and dyslexia. That he managed to find success in the business world proves that it's possible to achieve great things from all walks of life.

Listen to the full interview here to learn more about his story and Ember.

Related: Can Media Platforms Excel by Promoting Empathy Rather Than Fear or Division?

James McKinney

Creator & Host, The Startup Story

James McKinney is the Founder & Host of The Startup Story, a multi-channel brand platform that brings the lessons of highly successful founders directly to the everyday founder. Whether it is through The Startup Story podcast or via the Startup Story LIVE event series, entrepreneurs everywhere can receive tactical and practical guidance from founders who are a few steps ahead.

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Side Hustle

These Coworkers-Turned-Friends Started a Side Hustle on Amazon — Now It's a 'Full Hustle' Earning Over $20 Million a Year: 'Jump in With Both Feet'

Achal Patel and Russell Gong met at a large consulting firm and "bonded over a shared vision to create a mission-led company."

Productivity

Want to Be More Productive? Here's How Google Executives Structure Their Schedules

These five tactics from inside Google will help you focus and protect your time.

Side Hustle

How to Turn Your Hobby Into a Successful Business

A hobby, interest or charity project can turn into a money-making business if you know the right steps to take.

Business News

These Are the 10 Most Profitable Cities for Airbnb Hosts, According to a New Report

Here's where Airbnb property owners and hosts are making the most money.

Business Ideas

63 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2024

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2024.