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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.

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