As we enter the final quarter of 2024, the business world is already looking ahead to what the new year will bring. Now is the time when the most successful entrepreneurs sharpen their strategies, positioning themselves for what’s to come. Q4 isn’t just about closing the books, it’s about setting the stage for 2025.
In this article, we shine a spotlight on the entrepreneurs poised to lead the charge in the coming year. These visionary leaders are not only disrupting industries with their ideas but also inspiring others through their bold approaches to problem-solving and leadership. These entrepreneurs are shaping the future with their relentless drive and forward-thinking strategies. As we gear up for a new year, their stories serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of foresight, resilience, and ambition in navigating the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. Get ready to meet the Top Entrepreneurs of 2025: individuals whose vision and drive are shaping the future.
Chris Groves
Christoffer Groves is a successful serial entrepreneur, leading the way in the lending industry. He is also a motivational speaker, with his tour titled The 110% Movement, helping others achieve their goals through a proven roadmap and a positive mindset. Chris’s passion for entrepreneurship began at the young age of 16, starting his own businesses early on. After gaining extensive experience as a real estate agent, appraiser, and broker, he learned the intricacies of the industry. However, there were aspects of the business he found unsatisfactory, so he took it upon himself to develop solutions.
Together with his wife, he founded Groves Capital Inc., a family-owned mortgage company that boasts the lowest rates in the industry. His proudest achievement has been growing the company from 2 employees to 575, generating over $6.6 billion in loan funding. This growth fostered a family-like atmosphere where everyone collaborates to ensure success for all. Chris’s goal this year is to provide his partners with the best possible platform for growth while maintaining the company’s 5-star standards.
In 2023, Chris expanded the company’s commercial lending operations across all 50 states by partnering with private billion-dollar funds and launching a solar division in 27 states. Amid changing markets, he has continuously pivoted to capture attention by innovating the lending model through software and system developments, staying ahead of the curve.
In 2024, Chris announced a significant expansion into commercial markets both domestically and internationally. The company has collaborated with debt funds, accessed bond market funds, and utilized capital-raising platforms to offer top-tier solutions for large-scale transactions in today’s complex market landscape.
This year, Chris was honored with the CEO of the Year Award and became the Chief Investment Officer (CIO) and partner at GIA, a firm specializing in renewable energy and government infrastructure project financing. Additionally, he is a proud member of YPO – Young Presidents’ Organization, and has been recognized as a Top CEO Worldwide, further cementing his reputation as a leader in the industry.
Albert Shakhnazarov
Albert Shakhnazarov’s story doesn’t read like your typical CEO success tale. There’s no family fortune, no ivy league degree, and certainly no silver spoon.
Instead, what you get is the grit of a man who built something extraordinary from the ground up, a man who transformed hardship into opportunity and led Axe Elite, a dynamic sales and business development firm, to the top of its game.
For Albert, it all started in a refugee camp in Moscow. That’s where he began his journey, but it’s far from where he ended up.
Fast forward to today, and Axe Elite, the company Albert founded, is now proudly ranked 1,408th in the nation and 10th in Connecticut on the Inc. 5000 list of America’s fastest growing private companies.
It’s a remarkable journey driven by resilience, relentless ambition, and a commitment to excellence.
“My mission has always been about more than just success for myself. It’s about inspiring others to break through their own barriers. I want people to realize that no matter where you start, you can achieve greatness.”
Axe Elite: Built to Break Barriers
Albert’s rise to success is chronicled in his book, “From Average to Elite*, where he lays bare the highs and lows of his entrepreneurial journey.
It’s a raw and honest guide to pushing through obstacles and emerging on the other side stronger.
The story resonates because it’s real, grounded in the core principles Albert lives by hard work, perseverance, and always putting people first.
At the heart of Axe Elite is a culture of excellence, and under Albert’s leadership, the company has redefined what it means to be elite.
It’s not just about selling; it’s about elevating the people around you.
That relentless mindset has fueled Axe Elite’s explosive growth, culminating in the prestigious Partner of the Year and Social Impact Award in 2023. These accolades are not just milestones, they’re powerful testaments to Albert’s visionary leadership and the unwavering dedication of his team, proving that Axe Elite is more than just a business it’s a force for innovation and impact.
Charting a Bold Path to 2025
Now, Albert has his sights set on 2025, and he’s not slowing down. If anything, he’s doubling down, expanding Axe Elite’s reach, integrating new technologies, and fostering the next generation of leaders.
His vision is clear: to make Axe Elite not just a leader in sales, but a powerhouse for personal and professional growth.
A central part of this effort is Axe University, a groundbreaking program that equips aspiring entrepreneurs with the tools, skills, and mindset they need to succeed in a rapidly changing business landscape.
For Albert, it’s not just about closing deals; it’s about creating opportunities and empowering others to thrive. “The future belongs to those who are willing to adapt, innovate, and outwork the competition.”
Albert’s approach to leadership is deeply personal. He doesn’t just want his team to succeed—he wants them to be better, to push past their limits and reach their full potential.
It’s this focus on personal development that has set Axe Elite apart. “We’re not here to be average. We’re here to be elite.”
Building a Legacy of Excellence
Albert isn’t just thinking about 2025. He’s thinking about the kind of legacy he’s building not just for himself, but for his team and the countless people who’ve been impacted by Axe Elite.
He’s driven by the idea that success isn’t just about hitting financial targets; it’s about creating something lasting, something that empowers others to achieve their own version of success.
“I want to be remembered as someone who sacrificed, who served humanity, and who showed others that they don’t have to settle for average,” Albert reflects. And that’s not just talk. Whether he’s mentoring a rising star within his company or negotiating high-stakes partnerships, Albert is always thinking about how he can lift others up.
Under his leadership, Axe Elite is more than just a company,it’s a community of driven, disciplined, and inspired individuals who are committed to achieving greatness, together. That’s the real power behind Axe Elite: a culture of excellence that Albert has painstakingly built, brick by brick, with a team that shares his vision.
As Axe Elite moves into the future, one thing is clear: Albert Shakhnazarov isn’t done yet. He’s just getting started.
Lucas Grizz
Lucas Grizz is a visionary entrepreneur and leader in the logistics industry, driven by a passion for solving complex problems and enhancing operational efficiency. His career began at Remprex LLC, where he implemented cutting-edge automated systems for major rail companies such as CSX, BNSF, NS, CN, and CP. Over 12 years, Lucas rose to the position of Vice President of Information Technology, gaining valuable experience before founding his own company, Raven Cargo, with the mission of transforming the trucking industry through technology.
At Raven Cargo, Lucas is focused on integrating advanced technologies to offer faster, more secure, and cost-effective logistics solutions. The company’s core vision is to be the most trusted and efficient logistics partner, providing clients with unparalleled transparency and reliability. One of their notable successes involved reducing delivery times by 30% and improving inventory accuracy by 40% for a large retail chain, showcasing the effectiveness of their proprietary AI-driven systems.
For aspiring entrepreneurs in logistics, Lucas’s advice is clear: focus on solving real industry pain points and be prepared for the long haul, as the sector can be resistant to change. His own journey has been marked by obstacles, from securing funding to building a talented team, but his persistence, business acumen, and ability to create a strong company culture have led to Raven Cargo’s success.
Looking to the future, Lucas aims to expand Raven Cargo’s global footprint, particularly in emerging markets, while integrating sustainable practices into logistics. His goal is for Raven Cargo to continue innovating and to be synonymous with efficiency and excellence in the industry.
Sheree Wright
Sheree Wright is the founder of IBF Law Group, a dedicated firm of immigration lawyers known for their professionalism and passion. She graduated from DePaul University in 2013 with a B.A. in Political Science. Sheree’s expertise now focuses on personal injury law, immigration, and entertainment. Prior to founding IBF Law Group, Sheree gained valuable experience as an investigator at the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) in downtown Chicago, where she handled cases involving employment discrimination based on age, race, sex, gender, or disability in Fortune 500 companies.
“Since my earliest years, I have always cared about the greater good and helping people whether it is through my law practice or in my free time. I firmly believe that everyone should get equal justice no matter who they are and where they come from. It was inevitable for me to combine my interests in helping people and practicing law, so I created IBF Law,” she shares.
Based in Phoenix, Arizona, and serving clients in both Arizona and New Mexico, IBF Law Group is a highly respected law firm known for its commitment to assisting marginalized communities in navigating the complexities of the legal system. With an unwavering dedication to social justice, IBF Law Group tirelessly advocates for the rights of minorities, offering comprehensive legal support and expert guidance to ensure fair outcomes in their legal battles.
As the founder, Sheree is committed to her mission of addressing the critical issue of inadequate representation and limited diversity within Arizona’s court system. Sheree is also the co-founder of a non-profit organization called The Wright Way Foundation, which seeks to decrease poverty and homelessness while generating and providing the necessary educational resources to support youth, families, groups, and educators in Jamaica.
Ron Arutyounian
Ron Arutyounian is a successful entrepreneur and real estate investor who has built and exited several 7-figure businesses while employing over 300 people. In his first year of real estate investing, he made a mark by buying, renovating, and selling properties, and he has recently ventured into the multi-family home development industry. Ron’s entrepreneurial mindset, combined with his ability to add value through property improvements, has allowed him to consistently grow his investments. His success is rooted not only in his business acumen but also in his deep commitment to helping others, making him a role model for aspiring entrepreneurs.
One of Ron’s key focuses in real estate is multi-family home development. These residential buildings, designed to house multiple families, include apartment complexes and duplexes. Multi-family homes are essential for increasing housing density in urban areas like Los Angeles, where the demand for affordable housing far exceeds supply. By developing these properties, Ron not only generates multiple income streams but also plays a crucial role in addressing the city’s housing crisis by creating more affordable living options.
In the midst of the housing crisis, Ron is dedicated to alleviating the pressure by developing affordable homes that provide people with accessible places to live without compromising on design quality or craftsmanship. His commitment to delivering both affordability and excellence sets him apart in the market, as he understands that affordability should never come at the expense of long-term value.
What truly distinguishes Ron in the multi-family development space is his focus on high-quality construction, community impact, and sustainability. He emphasizes long-term value and eco-friendly practices, creating properties that are not only profitable but also beneficial to local neighborhoods. His projects aim to foster a sense of belonging while addressing the affordability crisis in Los Angeles, contributing to the city’s growth in a meaningful and sustainable way.
Ron’s career is a testament to the idea that business success can go hand-in-hand with making a positive difference in the world. As he continues to push boundaries in real estate and luxury mortgage services, his focus on quality, community, and sustainability ensures his impact will be felt for years to come.
Grant Cardone
Grant Cardone is a renowned entrepreneur, real estate investor, sales trainer, and motivational speaker, best known for his 10X Rule philosophy, which encourages people to take massive action to achieve extraordinary success. Born in Lake Charles, Louisiana, Cardone overcame significant personal struggles in his youth, including drug addiction, to become a self-made multimillionaire. He founded several companies, including Cardone Capital, which controls a real estate portfolio valued at over $4 billion, and Cardone University, a sales training platform used by thousands worldwide. Cardone is also a best-selling author, with titles like The 10X Rule and Sell or Be Sold.
In addition to his business ventures, Cardone is a dynamic public speaker who regularly shares his insights on sales, entrepreneurship, and real estate investing. His high-energy presentations have inspired millions globally, both in person and through his online platforms. Grant has made numerous media appearances and hosts “The Cardone Zone,” where he provides advice on business, finance, and personal development. A devoted family man, Cardone is passionate about helping people achieve financial independence and unlock their full potential.
Tai Lopez
Tai Lopez is an investor, entrepreneur, and social media influencer, widely recognized for his viral “Here in My Garage” video, where he discussed knowledge, books, and the importance of self-education. With a background in finance and a vast network of mentors, Lopez has successfully built a diverse portfolio of businesses, including ownership in brands like Pier 1 Imports, RadioShack, and Dressbarn. His emphasis on the power of reading and continuous learning has been central to his message, which blends personal development with entrepreneurship.
Lopez has a global following, amassing millions of followers on social media by offering insights on business, wealth creation, and lifestyle. His popular courses, such as “67 Steps,” have helped aspiring entrepreneurs develop the mindset needed for success. In recent years, Lopez has focused on acquiring and revitalizing well-known but struggling retail brands, expanding his influence beyond the digital space into traditional industries. He continues to inspire people to pursue financial independence through a combination of wisdom and actionable strategies.
Yandy Morales
Yandy Morales is a Lead Generation and Automation Expert with a passion for helping businesses grow through innovative sales and marketing strategies. Born in Cuba on December 31, 1999, Yandy moved to the United States as a baby, reuniting with his father, a former professional baseball player. His early ambition was to follow in his father’s footsteps, but after his family lost everything during the 2008 market crash, Yandy’s perspective on financial freedom changed.
Initially dreaming of becoming a lawyer, Yandy quickly shifted his focus to entrepreneurship, seeking a faster path to success. He immersed himself in learning online business models, trying dropshipping and social media marketing. After several attempts and lessons learned, Yandy launched his own social media marketing agency, ultimately leading him to the mortgage industry, where he sharpened his sales skills and became a top producer.
Today, Yandy is the founder of OriginatePro, a cutting-edge CRM designed for mortgage professionals, providing automated lead generation and management tools. Through OriginatePro, Yandy empowers professionals to streamline their processes, close more deals, and scale their businesses with ease. His journey from aspiring athlete to business strategist is a testament to resilience, adaptability, and an unwavering drive for success.
Warren Buffett
Warren Buffett, often referred to as the “Oracle of Omaha,” is one of the most successful investors of all time and the chairman and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway. Born in 1930 in Omaha, Nebraska, Buffett showed an early aptitude for business and investing, purchasing his first stock at age 11. He has since built an empire through strategic investments, focusing on long-term value and acquiring companies such as GEICO, Dairy Queen, and Fruit of the Loom. Under his leadership, Berkshire Hathaway has grown into a multinational conglomerate valued at hundreds of billions of dollars.
Despite his vast wealth, Buffett is known for his frugal lifestyle and philanthropic efforts. In 2006, he pledged to give away 99% of his fortune to charitable causes, much of it through the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Buffett’s investment philosophy, emphasizing patience, research, and value investing, has made him a mentor to countless aspiring investors. He continues to lead Berkshire Hathaway, offering his wisdom through annual shareholder letters and public appearances.
Maria Rodriguez
Dr. Maria L. Rodriguez is a first-generation American and successful entrepreneur dedicated to providing support to immigrant families. Having migrated from the Dominican Republic, she faced numerous challenges, including overcoming language barriers, discrimination, and navigating the complexities of family conflict and domestic violence. These experiences fueled her passion to give back to her community, leading her to establish three counseling centers that focus on helping families build healthy relationships and fostering individual success.
Fueled by her personal experiences, Dr. Rodriguez set out to make a difference in her community. She founded three counseling centers dedicated to helping families strengthen their relationships and individuals achieve personal and professional success. Her work focuses on providing culturally sensitive mental health services to immigrant families, helping them address issues like family separation, adaptation to a new culture, and the unique challenges immigrants face in maintaining their mental and emotional well-being.
Dr. Rodriguez’s approach is rooted in empathy and empowerment, ensuring that her clients receive personalized support that acknowledges their unique cultural backgrounds and life experiences. Her counseling centers not only provide a range of services, from family therapy to individual counseling, but also offer guidance on overcoming systemic obstacles like discrimination and socio-economic pressures. Through her work, Dr. Rodriguez embodies the essence of the American Dream, using her personal journey as a catalyst for uplifting others and creating lasting positive change in the lives of those she serves.
Mark Zuckerberg
Mark Zuckerberg is the co-founder, chairman, and CEO of Meta Platforms (formerly Facebook), the social media giant that transformed global communication. Born in 1984 in White Plains, New York, Zuckerberg launched Facebook in 2004 while attending Harvard University, initially as a campus-wide social network. The platform quickly grew beyond colleges, becoming one of the most influential tech companies in the world, with billions of active users and a suite of acquisitions including Instagram, WhatsApp, and Oculus.
Zuckerberg has focused on innovation and expanding Meta’s reach, recently leading the company’s push into the metaverse, an immersive virtual world. Despite facing scrutiny over privacy, misinformation, and the influence of social media on society, Zuckerberg remains committed to using technology to connect people globally. He is also a philanthropist, having pledged to give away much of his wealth through the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, which focuses on health, education, and scientific research.
Elon Musk
Elon Musk is a visionary entrepreneur, engineer, and CEO behind some of the most innovative companies of the 21st century, including Tesla, SpaceX, and Twitter (now X). Born in South Africa in 1971, Musk moved to the U.S. to pursue his dreams of technological innovation. After selling his first major venture, PayPal, to eBay, Musk founded SpaceX in 2002, with the goal of making space travel more affordable and enabling the colonization of Mars. He later joined Tesla in 2004, transforming it into the world’s leading electric vehicle manufacturer, while also advancing renewable energy through SolarCity and battery technologies.
Musk’s ambitions extend beyond Earth, with SpaceX pioneering reusable rockets and working toward manned missions to Mars. His relentless drive and often controversial public persona have kept him at the forefront of technological advancement. Musk is also involved in projects like Neuralink, aimed at brain-computer interfaces, and The Boring Company, focused on tunnel-based transportation. His bold vision and willingness to tackle enormous challenges have earned him a reputation as one of the most influential entrepreneurs of his generation.
Jeff Bezos
Jeff Bezos is the founder and former CEO of Amazon, the e-commerce giant that reshaped the retail industry and revolutionized cloud computing through Amazon Web Services (AWS). Born in 1964 in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Bezos launched Amazon in 1994 from his garage as an online bookstore. The company quickly expanded into numerous product categories, becoming the world’s largest online retailer and one of the most valuable companies globally. Bezos also diversified Amazon’s portfolio, leading to innovations like Alexa, Prime, and AWS, which powers much of the internet today.
In 2021, Bezos stepped down as Amazon CEO to focus on other ventures, including his space exploration company, Blue Origin. He remains one of the wealthiest people in the world and has committed a significant portion of his fortune to philanthropy through the Bezos Earth Fund and other charitable initiatives. His ambition to push technological boundaries, from retail to space, has cemented his legacy as a transformative figure in business.
Steve Jobs
Steve Jobs was the co-founder of Apple Inc., a visionary entrepreneur who revolutionized the technology industry with groundbreaking products like the iPhone, iPad, and MacBook. Born in 1955 in San Francisco, California, Jobs co-founded Apple in 1976 with Steve Wozniak, initially focusing on personal computers. His forward-thinking approach led to the development of the Macintosh in 1984, and after a brief departure from Apple, he returned in 1997 to lead the company through one of the most successful periods in tech history.
Jobs’ focus on design, innovation, and user experience redefined the consumer electronics market, with the introduction of the iPod, iPhone, and iPad transforming how people interact with technology. Under his leadership, Apple became the world’s most valuable company. Despite his passing in 2011, Jobs’ legacy endures, with Apple continuing to dominate the tech industry, and his vision still influencing entrepreneurs around the world.
Bill Gates
Bill Gates is the co-founder of Microsoft and one of the world’s most prominent philanthropists. Born in 1955 in Seattle, Washington, Gates developed an interest in computers at a young age and co-founded Microsoft in 1975 with Paul Allen. The company became the dominant force in personal computing through its Windows operating system and suite of productivity software, making Gates one of the wealthiest individuals in the world.
In 2000, Gates stepped down from day-to-day operations at Microsoft to focus on philanthropy through the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, one of the largest private charitable foundations in the world. The foundation has donated billions to global health, education, and poverty alleviation initiatives. Gates remains a vocal advocate for technology-driven solutions to the world’s biggest challenges, from climate change to public health.
Richard Branson
Sir Richard Branson is the charismatic founder of the Virgin Group, a global conglomerate with interests in everything from airlines to telecommunications. Born in 1950 in London, Branson started his first business, a magazine called Student, at the age of 16. He later founded Virgin Records, which became a global success, signing iconic bands such as the Sex Pistols and the Rolling Stones. Branson’s entrepreneurial spirit led him to expand the Virgin brand into various industries, including music, aviation, and space travel.
Branson is known for his adventurous spirit and daring publicity stunts, including attempting to cross the Atlantic in a hot air balloon. He is also the founder of Virgin Galactic, a pioneering space tourism company. In addition to his business ventures, Branson is a philanthropist, focusing on environmental causes and global issues like climate change and human rights.
Larry Page
Larry Page is a computer scientist and co-founder of Google, the world’s leading search engine and one of the most influential companies in the tech industry. Born in 1973 in East Lansing, Michigan, Page, along with Sergey Brin, launched Google in 1998 while pursuing his Ph.D. at Stanford University. The search engine quickly became the dominant force in organizing the world’s information, leading to the creation of Google’s advertising platform, which has fueled its growth into a tech giant.
Page served as Google’s CEO and later as CEO of its parent company, Alphabet, focusing on future technologies like self-driving cars (Waymo), artificial intelligence, and renewable energy. His leadership in innovation and commitment to “moonshot” projects has shaped Google’s evolution into more than just a search engine, with wide-reaching influence across numerous industries.
Jack Dorsey
Jack Dorsey is the co-founder and former CEO of Twitter, as well as the founder and CEO of Block, Inc. (formerly Square), a leading financial services and digital payments company. Born in 1976 in St. Louis, Missouri, Dorsey launched Twitter in 2006, revolutionizing how people communicate in short, real-time bursts. The platform quickly grew into one of the most important tools for global conversation, news, and social movements.
In addition to his role at Twitter, Dorsey founded Square in 2009, which democratized payment processing for small businesses and became a leader in fintech innovation. Known for his minimalist lifestyle and focus on meditation, Dorsey is a complex figure who has left an indelible mark on social media and financial technology.
Sheryl Sandberg
Sheryl Sandberg is a prominent tech executive, author, and advocate for women in leadership, best known for her role as the COO of Meta (formerly Facebook) from 2008 to 2022. Born in 1969 in Washington, D.C., Sandberg played a pivotal role in transforming Facebook into a profitable business by spearheading its advertising strategy and scaling its global operations. Her influence helped the company become one of the most valuable tech firms in the world.
Sandberg is also the author of Lean In, a best-selling book that encourages women to pursue leadership roles and challenges gender norms in the workplace. As an advocate for gender equality, she founded LeanIn.org, a nonprofit organization that supports women in achieving their professional goals. Sandberg continues to be a vocal figure in the tech industry and beyond, advocating for corporate diversity and social change.
Peter Thiel
Peter Thiel is a venture capitalist, entrepreneur, and co-founder of PayPal, one of the most influential payment platforms in the world. Born in 1967 in Frankfurt, Germany, Thiel later moved to the United States, where he attended Stanford University. In 1998, he co-founded PayPal, which revolutionized online payments, and later sold it to eBay for $1.5 billion. Thiel has also made a significant impact in venture capital, founding the investment firm Founders Fund and being the first outside investor in Facebook, a move that solidified his reputation as a savvy tech investor.
Thiel is known for his contrarian thinking and bold predictions about technology and society. He has invested in companies like SpaceX, Palantir Technologies (which he co-founded), and Airbnb, shaping the future of industries from defense to space travel. His book Zero to One encourages entrepreneurs to create new, innovative solutions rather than compete in existing markets, making him a guiding force for many in the startup world.
