Early Stories

Early Stories

We love hearing about the memorable early stories that defined our Evergreen companies. They often evoke the passion and perseverance that’s especially important to bootstrapping a company. Whether it’s a memorable employee, a disastrous situation, or a nickname that evolved into a badge of honor, our members recall the details in their own words.

Featuring: Jay Wilkinson, Stephane Fitch, Courtney Kingston, Jairemy Drooger, Amy Simmons, Daniel Goldstein, and Steven Jacob

More Articles and Videos

How “Thinking Week” Transforms Businesses

  • Tim Huelskamp
  • 1440 Media
July 08, 2025
Marianne Lewis stage 1

Both/And Thinking: Harnessing the Positive Potential of Tensions

  • Marianne Lewis
  • Carl L. Linder College of Business, University of Cincinnati
July 01, 2025

Leading Through Uncertainty – Tugboat Institute® Summit 2025

  • Jackie Hawkins
  • Tugboat Institute
June 23, 2025
Keim Image

Lessons From Our $2 Million Tuition

  • Jim Smucker
  • The Keim Company
June 10, 2025

Supporting Evergreen® leaders, their teams, and their companies through recognition, experiences, publications and programs to bring inspiration, new ideas, and proven best practices about business, family and life.