Get All Access for $5/mo

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

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

The Side Hustle He Started in His College Apartment Turned Into a $70,000-a-Month Income Stream — Then Earned Nearly $2 Million Last Year

Kyle Morrand and his college roommates loved playing retro video games — and the pastime would help launch his career.

Growing a Business

How to Determine The Ideal Length of Your Marketing Emails Your Customers Will Actually Read

Wondering how long your marketing emails should be? Here's what consumers say — so you can send them exactly what they like.

Business News

A Former Corporate Lawyer Now Makes Six Figures on YouTube — Here's How She Does It

Here are the secrets to starting and growing a successful YouTube channel, according to a YouTuber with millions of subscribers.

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.

Business News

New Southwest Airlines Major Investor Wants to Force Out CEO, Slams Company's 'Stubborn Unwillingness to Evolve'

Elliot Investment Management announced a $1.9 billion stake in the Dallas-based Southwest Airlines on Monday and is urging shareholders to vote for new leadership.