Stephanie Ringer, 51Louisville, Ky. Worked for: Insurance company Aflac, as a regional director
Bought in 2007: WorkShop, the Creative Workplace, a corporate meeting space designed to foster innovation.
While working as an insurance agent, Ringer would take her team to the space for meetings. When the business went up for sale, Ringer jumped at the chance to buy it.
Startup costs: $64,000
Revenue in 2011: $300,000
Salary in 2011: $30,000
Her advice for you: "Consult with professionals who can help you figure out whether your business is viable and how to get it off the ground."
NEXT: Or start a company from scratch
