George Hahn
After years of working with Texas-based water treatment firms, George Hahn decided to follow his passion for clean water and launch his own company — AOS Treatment Solutions — in 1999. George used his existing industry connections and expertise to offer a variety of cost-effective services at AOS, eventually becoming a single-point water treatment source for Houston-area industrial and residential clients.
Yanbin Che
Yanbin Che grew up in the mountain village of Anxi Fujian, which many refer to as the “tea capital of China,” where for many families in the region, tea farming is a source of sustenance, culture and tradition.
Robert Borrego
Robert Borrego enjoyed his successful 34-year long career as a certified jeweler and gemologist, but it was always his dream to open his own fine jewelry business.
Raul Villarreal
Raul Villarreal is a problem solver. As an electrician, his biggest joy is helping people when they are stressed and offering an immediate fix, literally bringing light into their lives. “I like to be Superman for somebody.”
Rahel Abraham
When Hurricane Harvey hit in 2017, Rahel Abraham lost her vehicle. Shortly after, she left her job – leaving her “starting from scratch,” with something she calls “a blessing in disguise.” “I was in my home and my vehicle was flooded during Hurricane Harvey. I could not evacuate because the street level was lower than the actual home. During that time, I had a very helpless feeling and did not want to be in that situation again. I wanted to create a more practical solution to be prepared.”
Susan Janeth Gomez-Maldonado
Growing up in a small Mexican border town, Susan found inspiration in her community’s rich art traditions and beauty. When her father’s business led them to new opportunities and a home in the United States, Susan decided she would run her own business someday.
Dr. Andre Xavier Smith
Dr. Andre Smith grew up in a low-income neighborhood in Baltimore, Maryland. His mother passed away when he was only 10 years old, leaving behind a family of nine children. Due to hardship in the area, Smith says that crime was one of the most appealing routes in his community; however, he chose a different path by joining the military.
Dream Big Child Development Center: A Visionary Journey
Antaya Hampton, the visionary behind Dream Big Child Development Center in Glenn Heights, Texas, has always had a passion for childcare. Before launching her business, Antaya worked as a director for a before-and-after school childcare center and later as a Head Start teacher. Her experience also includes mentoring and coaching providers to improve quality in Texas’ childcare system. Inspired by her love for preschool-aged …
Sweat Equity, Heather O’Neill
Founded by fitness and wellness guru, Heather O’Neill, Sweat Equity sets itself apart in a growing industry through its vision of being a “health and wellness amusement park.” The unique sauna studio offers a diverse range of services, including full-spectrum infrared modalities, cryotherapy, contrast therapies, somadome meditation pods, and IV vitamin infusions. The journey of Sweat Equity has included major challenges, a…
Lorris Gibson Jr.
Today, Lorris Gibson Jr. is an executive chef and enterprising small businessowner but that was not always the case. Ten years ago, Lorris had completed chef training and was working in the restaurant industry when he struggled with addiction and he and his wife experienced homelessness. After recovering from his addiction with the help of Haven for Hope, Lorris decided to turn his cooking skills into a way to give back to those still struggling.