What they did: When reports surfaced in 2006 about the potential toxicity of the chemical BPA in baby bottles, Ron Vigdor started BornFree, the first line of BPA-free bottles. Vigdor helped spur demand for the bottles by publicizing BPA's possible dangers. After several retailers pulled bottles made with BPA from shelves in 2007, his were the only ones remaining. Now Gerber and others also sell BPA-free bottles, but BornFree, based in Boca Raton, Fla., remains a favorite by continuing to innovate. Its patented venting system helps babies ingest less air while feeding, reducing illness and other irritation. BornFree also benefits from its popularity among celebrity moms like Heidi Klum, helping push sales to $20 million in 2010, Vigdor says. The $10 bottles are sold at Whole Foods and Babies "R" Us.
The Van Winkle family has been in the bourbon business for 100 years. Its secret for the Old Rip Van Winkle Distillery? Make prize-winning spirits and keep supply really low.
