Beating the odds and achieving success is something that only the most hard working and determined individuals end up doing. There are examples of numerous entrepreneurs who faced tons of adversity and came out even stronger, with their stories later being taught in schools and colleges. They defied odds, preserved, held on to their dreams, and started up their own business to great success. Their success stories are an inspiration for people who want to make it big in the world of business. Read these success stories about companies if you want to do entrepreneurship right.

Howard Schultz

A young marketer’s trip to Milan gave him the idea of developing upscale coffee shops where people can hang out and indulge in a cup of latte. He talked to his employer who refused to get into the coffee shop business but offered to finance him; he went on to open the first Starbucks outlet in Pike Place market in downtown Seattle.

Konosuke Matsushita

Matsushita left Osaka Electric Light Company in 1917 because he came up the idea of an improved light socket. His boss was less than enthusiastic upon hearing his idea so he set up his own shop in the basement of house and practiced samples. He diversified the company’s portfolio and included a number of electronic products, the company is known as Panasonic today.

Pierre Omidyar

A computer programmer by profession, Pierre started auctioning collectible items on his personal website known as AuctionWeb, it was a personal project. However, he upgraded to a business Internet account due to the amount of web traffic. He began charging fees, and to handle payments, hired his first employee. The auction website is now known as eBay.