Transforming a house into a home requires more than just renovation—it demands vision, expertise, and precision. As we move into 2025, the definition of success in home remodeling has evolved, focusing on purpose, innovation, and lasting impact. Whether you are upgrading a luxury penthouse, redesigning office interiors, restoring a historic home, or partnering with the right professional, it can make all the difference.
When planning your renovation, choosing the right designer is key to a smooth and beautiful transformation. In our latest edition, we proudly present “Most Trusted Home Remodeling Experts of 2025.” We have compiled a list of top home remodeling experts, known for their innovative approach, quality, and global recognition. With expert planning, aesthetic styling, and practical implementation, these experts ensure your dream home becomes a reality without chaos or cost overruns. They are renowned for their valuable skills and knowledge with a proven track record of creating stunning results.
This time, the cover page speaks to the success story of Brian Buresh, an inspiring entrepreneur and founder of Buresh Home Solutions, revolutionizing the home improvement industry. As a transformational coach and business trailblazer, Brian inspires and encourages entrepreneurs and contractors to succeed through his company and book, “Differentiate & Dominate.” His journey is marked by extraordinary growth, industry reputation, and a passion for empowering others to succeed. So, let’s dive into this special narrative to understand what makes Brian shine as a leading force among the top remodeling experts.
We aim to just focus on success stories and interviews for our readers; we also strive to keep you updated with the latest industry trends, technologies, and market dynamics. Last but not least, we extend our heartfelt thanks to the worldwide audience for their continuous support and look forward to sharing even more valuable insights in future editions.
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Editor’s Note
Brian BURESH
Marc B. Spector, FAIA: Building Dreams
Helping Clients to Build their Dream Home
Creative Project Services Ltd.
The Entrepreneur’s Guide to Building a Business That Lasts
From Swipe to Script: How AI Is Rewriting the Rules of Online Dating
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We Offer A Lifetime Fully Transferable Workmanship Warranty And Maintain A Strict Policy Of Never Charging Customers For Our Mistakes.
Introducing Brian Buresh, an inspiring entrepreneur and founder of Buresh Home Solutions, revolutionizing the home improvement industry. As a transformational coach and business trailblazer, Brian inspires and encourages entrepreneurs and contractors to succeed through his company, book "Differentiate & Dominate", and coaching program.
With a remarkable career spanning decades, Brian’s journey is marked by extraordinary growth, industry reputation, and a passion for empowering others to succeed. Through his endeavors, Brian leaves a lasting positive impact and builds a legacy of excellence.
Buresh Home Solutions: Enhancing Lives
Buresh Home Solutions is a trusted exterior remodeling specialist serving Iowa from two convenient locations –Clive/Des Moines and Cedar Rapids/Iowa City. With over two decades of expertise since its establishment in 2003, the company has built a reputation for delivering comprehensive exterior services with expertise and quality craftsmanship. From windows and siding to roofing and outdoor living solutions, Buresh Home Solutions offers a wide range of services, including complete home makeovers to individual project needs. It handles every aspect of a home's exterior with expertise and quality craftsmanship.
Core Values at the Heart
At Buresh Home Solutions, the core values that have remained unwavering since its inception are prioritizing customer experience over sales and profit. This customer-centric approach is deeply ingrained in the company’s culture, driving every decision and action. Through a commitment to continuous learning, the team convenes monthly to discuss challenges, share insights, and implement strategies. By embracing transparency and accountability, Buresh Home Solutions fosters an environment where mistakes become growth opportunities, and customer satisfaction is vital.
Delivering Excellence Across Iowa
Brian ensures consistency and quality across Central Iowa and Northeast Iowa by leveraging a proven success format. With locations in Clive and Hiawatha, Buresh Home Solutions ensures a wide range of communities, bringing expertise and reliability to every project. By hiring exceptional talent and placing them in optimal roles, Brian builds a skilled and dedicated team.
Comprehensive Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) are developed and continuously refined based on real-world feedback, enabling the company to deliver on its promise and exceed customer expectations.
Addressing the Talent Challenges in Home Improvement
Brian recognized talent acquisition as the biggest challenge in today's home improvement industry. To address it, he adopts a proactive recruitment strategy, actively seeking skilled professionals who align with the same values and standards. When necessary, Brian makes strategic team upgrades to ensure the company delivers exceptional service.
What Makes the Buresh Brand Stands Out?
Buresh Home Solutions stands out in the region’s home improvement industry through its comprehensive approach and unwavering commitment to quality. The company’s targeted advertising messaging, exceptional production teams, and superior staff quality set it apart from competitors. What truly distinguishes Buresh Home Solutions, however, is its Lifetime Fully Transferable Workmanship Warranty and strict policy of absorbing the cost of mistakes. This commitment to accountability and quality assurance demonstrates the company’s confidence in its work and dedication to customer satisfaction.
Brian’s Leadership Philosophy
Brian’s leadership philosophy is built on two core principles: People-First Excellence and Transparent Accountability. By hiring exceptional people and positioning them for success, Brian empowers them to deliver outstanding results. Investing in the team's growth and placing them in roles that match their strengths creates an environment where both employees and customers thrive. He also fosters a culture of radical transparency and continuous improvement through open communication about mistakes and challenges. That drives growth.
Balancing Vision and Hands-on Quality
Brian achieves a balance between steering the long-term direction of Buresh Home Solutions and being hands-on with projects by building a highly capable team that manages daily operations independently. Having strategically developed the business over the years,
focuses on visionary leadership while maintaining a hands-on approach to quality assurance. A key aspect of this approach is personally calling every completed project to ensure customer satisfaction and gather feedback.
Embracing the Latest Technologies
Brian is harnessing the power of technology to modernize Buresh Home Solutions’ operations and enhance project management. While traditional methods with large whiteboards are used to map and track projects, the company is implementing a custom CRM system with integrated production capabilities. This strategic upgrade will streamline project coordination, improve communication efficiency, and provide real-time visibility into workflow.
Enhancing Customer Experience in his Showroom
Brian is committed to harnessing digital tools to elevate customer experience. Through advanced technology, including Pella’s DesignWorks tool, the company provides precise project visualization and measurements, ensuring customers get a clear understanding of their projects. A dedicated rendering specialist has been added to the team, focusing on outdoor living projects and creating compelling, accurate project previews that bring designs to life.
Buresh Home’s Vision: Leading the Industry
Brian’s long-term vision for Buresh Home Solutions is to become Iowa's most recognized and trusted exterior remodeling contractor, setting the industry standard for quality, customer experience, and innovation. Over the next decade, the company aims to establish itself as a definitive choice throughout the state. Through a relentless commitment to exceptional craftsmanship, continuous improvement, and a customer-first philosophy, Buresh Home Solutions will solidify its reputation as a leader in the industry.
Building a Legacy of Integrity and Reliability
The true measure of success for Brian lies in his unwavering commitment to customers, built on integrity and follow-through. He wishes to be remembered for ensuring that every customer experience matched exactly what was promised. By consistently aligning actions with commitments, Brian aims to leave a lasting impact on the customers, employees, and community.
Marc B. Spector, FAIA Owner & CEO | SPECTOR Companies
Marc B. Spector, FAIA Building Dreams
Marc B. Spector, FAIA - a name synonymous with innovation and excellence in the world of architecture. Born into the Spector Enterprise, Marc's early exposure to the world of architecture came from accompanying his father on on-site visits every Saturday. What started as a weekly routine quickly turned into a lifelong passion that would shape the course of his academic and professional journey.
Armed with an unwavering dedication to the craft, Marc pursued a Master of Architecture with High Distinction from the prestigious University of Michigan Taubman School of Architecture. But Marc wasn't content with simply acquiring knowledge; he wanted to make a difference in the industry. And that's exactly what he's doing today as the CEO and Owner of SPECTOR companies - or simply SPECTOR.
Marc's innovative business model challenges traditional boundaries and market competition, focusing on creating life spaces that make a meaningful impact regardless of project constraints and typology. With a deep emphasis on cultivating lasting relationships with clients and team members alike, Marc has built a reputation for turning business partnerships into genuine friendships. And he's not afraid to explore new markets and services to stay ahead of the curve. But that's not all - Marc is also a dedicated educator who shares his wealth of expertise with students at the Taubman School of Architecture, Syracuse School of Architecture, and NYIT School of Architecture. With a focus on best practices for thriving architectural firms, Marc is
helping to shape the next generation of architects and business leaders.
In short, Marc B. Spector is a force to be reckoned with in the world of architecture. His unwavering dedication to innovation, excellence, and education has earned him a reputation as one of the most influential figures in the industry today.
About SPECTOR
SPECTOR is the design and architecture firm that's shaking things up! Under the fearless leadership of Marc B. Spector, this company is using the incredible power of AI to drive innovation in the industry. They're not just adopting new technologies; they're forging strategic collaborations with the biggest names in the industry to unlock the full potential of cutting-edge tech.
Working hand-in-hand with their partners, SPECTOR is developing new solutions that set a whole new standard for efficiency and forward-thinking design. Their expertise, methodologies, and resources are all leveraged to create unparalleled designs that are the envy of the industry. But it's not all about the bottom line for SPECTOR. They're driven by a collaborative spirit and an unyielding commitment to progress. Their partnerships are a powerful tool for advancing the industry as a whole and pushing the boundaries of what's possible. So if you're ready to see the future of design and architecture, you need to check out SPECTOR. They're leading the charge for innovation, and they're not stopping anytime soon.
Standing out in an Ever Competitive Industry
SPECTOR is a distinguished architectural design firm that stands out from its competition due to multiple key attributes, including:
● Innovative Design Approach: At SPECTOR, we believe that innovation, creativity, and originality are the keys to exceptional design. Our team of architects and designers is always pushing the envelope, challenging traditional design conventions, and employing new technologies to create designs that exceed our clients' expectations.
● Collaborative Culture: We foster a culture of collaboration, where our team works closely with clients, stakeholders, and partners to deliver personalized solutions that align with their unique goals and objectives. We know that effective collaboration is the key to success, and we're committed to making it happen.
● Sustainability Focus: We're passionate about promoting sustainable design practices that minimize the environmental impact of our projects. Our commitment to creating energy-efficient, environmentally friendly, and socially responsible buildings and spaces is unwavering.
● Technological Expertise: We're experts in the latest technologies, including AI, BIM, and VR. We use these tools to optimize project workflows, streamline collaboration, and enhance design outcomes. Our goal is to create designs that are not only beautiful, but also efficient, effective, and cost-effective.
● Award-Winning Portfolio: Our portfolio speaks for itself. We've won numerous awards for our exceptional design solutions, collaborative approach, and technological expertise. Our success in the industry has earned us a reputation as a leading architectural design firm.
● Boutique at Heart: We're a mid-sized firm that combines the best of both worlds - the strength and resources of a 250-person firm, with the personalized attention and design expertise of a 15-person boutique firm.
● Strong Principal and Senior Team Involvement: Our firm principal and senior team are involved in every stage of the real estate design and construction process, ensuring the highest level of quality and attention to detail.
● It's Personal: At SPECTOR, we believe that our best work comes from the partnerships we establish with our clients, consultants, and teams. This philosophy drives our business, establishes long-lasting client relationships, and enables us to live up to our tagline: Designing Partnerships.
Changing the Industry for Better
The architecture and design industry is on the cusp of a revolution driven by emerging technologies, evolving client demands, and a growing emphasis on sustainability. Let's take a closer look at some of the key trends that will shape the industry in the near future:
● Emphasis on Sustainable Design: The urgency of climate change concerns means that sustainable design practices will continue to be a critical consideration for architects and designers. We need to integrate renewable energy sources, passive design strategies, and sustainable materials to achieve environmentally responsible design solutions.
● Advancements in Technology: Virtual reality, augmented reality, and machine learning are transforming the design process, enabling architects and designers to create more sophisticated and efficient solutions. The future of design is digital, and those who embrace these emerging technologies will be at the forefront of the industry.
● Integration of Social Factors: Architects and designers are increasingly focusing on social factors such as accessibility, inclusivity, and user experience in their design solutions. Integrating social factors will be crucial to creating designs that are responsive to the needs of diverse populations.
● Modular Construction: Modular construction methods, which allow for faster and more efficient construction processes, will continue to gain
popularity as architects and designers seek to reduce construction waste and increase efficiency. The future of construction is modular, and we're excited to be at the forefront of this trend.
● Shift Towards Digital Collaboration: The pandemic has accelerated the shift towards remote work and digital collaboration. Architects and designers are increasingly leveraging digital tools to facilitate collaboration and streamline project workflows. We're committed to using technology to bring our team and clients closer together, no matter where they are in the world.
Motivating Creativity and Innovation
At SPECTOR , we believe that creativity and innovation are essential for success in the architecture and design industry. That's why our leader, Marc, employs several strategies to motivate creativity and innovation while maintaining a healthy work environment. One of the most important strategies is fostering open communication and collaboration among team members. Marc encourages everyone to share their ideas and feedback, creating an environment where everyone feels valued and heard. We believe that teamwork is essential for creating exceptional designs, and we're always looking for ways to promote collaboration and cooperation.
Another key strategy is providing opportunities for personal and professional development. We know that the industry is constantly evolving, and we're committed to staying at the forefront of the latest trends and technologies. That's why we offer training and development opportunities to help our team members enhance their skills and stay updated on the latest industry developments. Whether it's attending conferences, workshops, or online courses, we're always looking for ways to help our team members grow and improve.
At SPECTOR, we also believe in recognizing and celebrating successes and milestones. We know that every success, no matter how big or small, is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team members. That's why we make sure to acknowledge everyone's contributions and share
project successes with the team. We also reward exceptional performance, whether it's through bonuses, promotions, or other incentives.
Finally, we recognize the importance of work-life balance for maintaining a happy and healthy team. We know that our team members have lives outside of work, and we're committed to supporting their well-being by offering flexible schedules, remote work options, and other benefits that promote work-life balance.
At SPECTOR, we're proud to be a team that values creativity, innovation, and collaboration. We believe that by fostering a positive and supportive work environment, we can create exceptional designs that exceed our clients' expectations and push the boundaries of what's possible in our industry.
Mission and Vision
Mission: “At SPECTOR, our mission is to create exceptional design solutions that push the boundaries of innovation and sustainability. We're committed to exceeding our clients' expectations by delivering bespoke designs that are both functional and aesthetically compelling. We believe that effective collaboration, diversity, and inclusivity are essential for achieving our mission and creating designs that make a positive impact on society.
Vision: Our vision at SPECTOR is to be a leading design firm that sets new standards for innovation, creativity, and sustainable design practices. We aspire to be a trailblazer in the industry, leveraging emerging technologies, sustainable design practices, and social awareness to create buildings and spaces that are both beautiful and functional. We envision a future where exceptional design solutions are accessible to all and play a vital role in shaping our world. We're committed to fostering a culture of collaboration, diversity, and inclusivity that empowers our team members to reach their full potential and contribute to the betterment of society” Marc B. Spector, FAIA
To achieve our vision at SPECTOR, we've developed a roadmap that outlines the steps we'll take to become a leading design firm that sets new standards for innovation, creativity, and
sustainability. Our roadmap includes the following key initiatives:
Firstly, we will define clear goals and objectives that align with our vision and communicate these to our team members. We believe that transparency and communication are essential for creating a shared understanding of our objectives and ensuring that everyone is working towards the same goals.
Secondly, we'll foster a culture of innovation, creativity, and sustainability by promoting a collaborative and inclusive work environment that encourages experimentation and fosters creativity. We believe that by giving our team members the freedom to explore new ideas and approaches, we can create designs that push the boundaries of what's possible. Thirdly, we'll develop a strong brand identity and reputation by highlighting our company's achievements, promoting thought leadership, and participating in industry events. We believe that by sharing our expertise and showcasing our success, we can build a reputation as a leading design firm and attract new clients and partners.
Fourthly, we'll continuously improve our technical capabilities through investment in new technologies, employee training, and development. We know that the industry is constantly evolving, and we're committed to staying at the forefront of the latest trends and technologies to deliver exceptional design solutions to our clients.
Fifthly, we'll foster long-term relationships with our clients and partners, building a reputation for delivering exceptional design solutions and unparalleled customer service. We believe that by creating strong partnerships based on trust and mutual respect, we can create designs that meet our clients' unique needs and exceed their expectations.
Finally, we'll monitor industry trends and anticipate future market demands to stay ahead of the competition and remain relevant in an ever-evolving industry. We believe that by staying up-to-date with the latest trends and anticipating future needs, we can continue to be a leading design firm that sets the standard for innovation, creativity, and sustainability.
By following our roadmap and staying true to our vision, we're confident that we can achieve our goal of becoming a leading design firm that sets new standards for innovation, creativity, and sustainability while providing exceptional service to our clients and contributing to the betterment of society.
Looking at the Future
As a seasoned leader at SPECTOR, Marc's wealth of experience and knowledge enables him to look to the future with optimism and excitement. He understands that achieving personal and professional growth requires setting clear and attainable goals that align with his values and aspirations.
With his drive and passion for the profession, Marc is determined to reach new heights and push the boundaries of what's possible. He knows that discipline, hard work, and dedication are crucial for achieving his objectives, but he's confident that he can make significant progress toward his goals with perseverance and determination.
As he sets his sights on the future, Marc is excited to see what he can accomplish in the next five years and beyond. He knows that the architecture and design industry is constantly evolving and presents limitless opportunities for innovation and growth. With his experience and knowledge, he's well-positioned to take advantage of these opportunities and create exceptional designs that have a positive impact on society.
Overall, Marc is excited about the future and optimistic about what he can achieve. He believes that with hard work and dedication, anything is possible, and he's committed to realizing his aspirations and pushing himself to new heights.
Helping Clients to Build their Dream Home
MMeet Elliot Wakeford, the founder, and Owner of Creative Project Services Ltd., a culturally different design and build company with an inimitable setup.
Creative Project Services’ team includes experts in planning, architecture, design, construction, health & safety, and project management. The organization undertakes projects of all shapes and sizes, offering a turnkey solution from their primary feasibility studies and applications for planning regulations to the completed build phase.
A Different Organization
Creative Project Services Ltd. specializes in large high-end extensions, typically taking properties over forty years old and modernizing them to include all the available technology and efficiency. The architecture firm either complements the original building or adds construction with natural design flair and alternative mixed materials.
The firm’s main USP is attention to detail and communication. Creative took an intentional business decision to limit the number of projects undertaken to carry out the chosen projects perfectly.
When it comes to ethical or sustainable practices, Creative complies with its policies of meeting the regulations set by the HSE. The firm’s sustainability policy is to only purchase products from other businesses with a proven track record of practiced sustainability.
As an architect, you design for the present, with an awareness from the past for future which is essentially unknown.
-Norman Foster
Implementing Innovative Strategies
While remodeling or extending a house, most organizations do one item at a time, negatively affecting the overall project. In contrast, Creative has an experienced design and management team skilled in taking architectural projects from the drawing board to completion. Creative considers everything from the first day, planning the space and layouts simultaneously as working out furniture and fittings, ensuring the whole project has the best finish.
As the firm’s leader, Elliot believes good communication is one of the main reasons for Creative’s success. The firm likes to push itself to provide the customers with something that improves the look and feel of their home whist adding to its value. It builds presentations to provide the clients with a clear understanding of what is being proposed; colored plans, 3D visuals, and mood boards are all included to help the clients visualize their dream.
Passionate Team Members
Elliot says, “One of the projects we are most proud of is a large two-story extension and entire existing reconfiguration. We took this particular client from the initial/planning stage to the build completion. Our client was a young couple with two young girls who had decided to rent a small bungalow near the house while we carried out the work.”
However, nature had some other plans; as Creative started the project in December 2019, the weather was particularly damp and windy. While this was not a big issue during this time of the year, the pandemic was a real surprise. Before the pandemic happened, many external constructions and dividing of new spaces had all been carried out, which left plaster boarding, plastering, and most of the other works pending.
After the resumption of work, the entire team worked extremely hard with cost implications for the business. They procured all required materials when they were in short supply and high demand. The team takes pride in being a service-based company that builds and nurtures its client relationships. So, the firm’s main target was to get its client back home.
In conclusion, Creative completed the project three weeks late, which the firm is quite happy with. Elliot says, “The initial year that we were told to isolate at home due to the pandemic was awful for people with lovely homes, let alone this family stuck in a small rented bungalow with no garden or space to spend time away from each other.” He further added, “Before this point of owning the business, we had never delivered a project late! Needless to say, there is a very strong relationship with this particular client.”
Future Roadmap
When we asked Elliot about the future, he said, “Creative will continue working on beautiful projects with great clients in the future.” He also adds, “It has taken a lot of time, hard work, and reputation building to say that, so it should never be devalued.”
Additionally, Creative Project Services is also planning to design and build its own privately funded housing development sites, and it is working hard in the background to make that a reality.
The Entrepreneur’s Guide to Building a Business That Lasts
Anyone can start something with a spark of inspiration, a late-night brainstorm, or it could even be a side hustle that snowballs quicker than expected – there are so many potential roads to take. But building something that lasts is a lot harder because a business that stands the test of time isn’t built only on ambition or clever ideas; it needs structure, patience, and decisions that still work when things get a bit trickier (which they will). And if you’re serious about entrepreneurship, the goal isn’t just making it through this year, it’s setting yourself up to still be around in ten, twenty, maybe even more. With that in mind, keep reading to find out more.
Get The Foundations Right
Every strong business starts with the basics, which probably sounds rather obvious, but too many entrepreneurs skip the groundwork because they’re eager to launch. The fact is that registering your business properly, sorting out the legalities, and making sure your finances are organised isn’t exciting work, but it’s essential, and when you register a company, you’re not just filling in paperwork – you’re creating the basis of something that proves you exist and can operate with credibility. Banks, suppliers, investors, and even customers trust businesses more when they’re official.
And it’s not just paperwork; foundations also mean setting up a dedicated business account, putting insurance in place, and choosing a structure that fits your goals and ambitions. Sole trader, limited company, partnership… each comes with different responsibilities and protections, and the right choice early on saves a lot of hassle later.
Learn To Balance Risk And Stability
Entrepreneurship is often painted as bold risk-taking, but the truth is it’s more about balance because if you play too safe, growth stalls, but if you risk everything, one bad turn wipes you out. The trick is in managing calculated risks – testing new ideas without overcommitting, exploring new markets without losing focus on the core, for example. When you think about it, the truth is that lasting businesses don’t avoid risk, they learn how to use it and deal with it.
Focus On Relationships
It’s tempting to chase sales at any cost, but businesses that endure know that people matter more than numbers. Loyal customers, supportive suppliers, and a strong team are what keep the doors open when markets change over time, but it’s important to know that building those relationships takes time and consistency, but the payoff is huge.
A long-term client is worth far more than a string of one-off transactions, and treating people well might be something you can see exactly, but the results will be there in repeat business, referrals, and a reputation that helps you grow your business more than anything else.
You Need To Have Good Systems
One of the big differences between a business that fizzles out and one that thrives is systems. In the early days, you can get away with keeping things in your head or scribbled in a notebook, but as things grow, chaos definitely has a chance to get in the way, and systems for invoicing, stock management, customer service, even how you onboard staff all help to create consistency. Plus they also free up your time, because you’re not reinventing the wheel every week.
Don’t Ignore The Money Side
Passion is important, but money makes or breaks businesses, and that doesn’t mean you need to become a finance expert, but you do need to stay on top of cash flow, budgets, and debt. Plenty of promising ventures have failed not because the idea was bad, but because the money wasn’t managed well enough, and simple steps like forecasting expenses, setting aside tax money, and monitoring profit margins can keep you on the right path. And if numbers aren’t your strong suit, that’s fine, just make sure you get support, whether that’s software, an accountant, or both.
Adaptability Is Vital
A lasting business doesn’t look the same in year ten as it did in year one because the reality is that markets grow and shrink, technology changes, and customers expect different things. The ability to adapt without losing your core purpose is what keeps businesses alive, and some of the world’s oldest companies reinvented themselves multiple times. Don’t get stuck on the idea that your first plan must be the final plan and remember that flexibility isn’t a weakness, it’s survival.
Take Care Of Yourself
There’s no lasting business without a lasting entrepreneur behind it, and unfortunately burnout is one of the biggest reasons small businesses fail. It’s easy to work every hour, answer emails at midnight, and forget
weekends exist, but it’s not sustainable, and the businesses that last often come from people who pace themselves, delegate when needed, and accept that rest is part of the job. Protecting your energy isn’t selfish – it’s essential if you want to stay in the game long enough to build something for the future.
Think About The Future
Short-term wins are nice, but the question that matters is where is this going? Lasting businesses plan ahead, but that doesn’t mean having a rigid 20-year roadmap, but it does mean considering the bigger picture. Could you sell the business one day? Could you pass it on? Would you want it to keep running without you? Thinking about these questions now means you can make better choices in the present.
Keep Learning
Entrepreneurs who stop learning eventually stop growing. The world moves too fast for any of us to rely only on what we knew when we started, and lasting businesses are led by people who stay curious, open to change, and willing to admit when they don’t know something. Books, mentors, peers, even mistakes… they’re all part of the education. The more you keep learning, the more resilient your business becomes.
Final Thoughts
Building a business that lasts isn’t about luck or shortcuts, you’ve got to have a good plan in place and understand what you need to do. The truth is, most businesses don’t make it past the first few years, but the ones that do are the ones that have been thought about in advance and have been specifically built to last.
FROM SWIPE TO SCRIPT
HOW AI IS REWRITING THE RULES OF ONLINE DATING
Dmitry, a 35-year-old from Miami, lingered over the profile of a woman he had just matched with on a dating app, uncertain about how to break the ice. Looking for inspiration, he turned to Rizz, an AI-driven app that calls itself a “pocket dating assistant.”
He uploaded screenshots of his match’s profile, which mentioned her love for skiing, summer concerts, and fine wine. Dmitry who requested to go by his first name only for privacy then asked Rizz to come up with an opening line. Within seconds, the app delivered.
He sent it, and the response worked. “Rizz gives me quirky, funny suggestions,” Dmitry says. “It helps me start a conversation with something that stands out something that gets their attention.” The app, he adds, has helped him move from endless chatting to actual in-person dates.
A wave of AI-powered dating tools like Rizz is quickly reshaping how people flirt online. These virtual wingmen help users write messages, improve bios, and even decide when to walk away from a match. For some, it’s a confidence booster. For others including
relationship experts it’s a warning sign that authenticity may be taking a back seat to automation.
Rizz, short for charisma, now boasts around 15 million users worldwide across its mobile and web platforms. A monthly subscription runs $19.99, though the company will not say how many people are paying. “I want Rizz to make conversation feel natural more human,” says founder Roman Khaves. “The goal is to get people off the apps and into real-life dating faster.”
A growing share of daters may already be unknowingly talking to AI. A recent Kinsey Institute and Match Group study found that more than a quarter of U.S. adults and nearly half of Gen Z users rely on AI tools to craft messages and filter matches.
Another player, YourMove AI, offers virtual assistants that create dating profiles, generate replies, and touch up profile photos for $12.99 a month. Its founder, Dmitri Mirakyan, launched the app in 2022 to help people who feel anxious or awkward navigating the often-transactional nature of dating apps. “Rejection, ghosting it’s painful,” he says. “I wanted to make the process feel less discouraging.”
But the rise of AI dating tools raises a deeper question: can artificial intelligence truly spark genuine connection? Many users say the moment a message feels too polished, suspicion sets in.
Sophie Sherwin, a 52-year-old writer from London, recalls chatting with someone on TikTok who sent her replies that sounded “too poetic, too perfect.” She began to suspect the use of ChatGPT. “They were flawless and people aren’t flawless,” she says. Though the person never confirmed using AI, Sherwin admits she would not have minded if they had just been honest about it. “The danger,” she says, “is falling in love with perfection perfection without connection.”
Dating coach Grace Lee in New York argues that the focus should shift from outsourcing communication to teaching it. She uses AI and VR simulations to train her clients for real-life conversations. “Apps invest millions in algorithms and design,” she says, “but almost nothing in helping people truly express themselves.”
Relationship psychologist Gary Lewandowski offers similar advice. “Eventually, you’ll be on a real date with the real you,” he says. “So, you need to be comfortable being that person.
