Profile: Steve Denison of Plan B Flights

Profile: Steve Denison of Plan B Flights

How did you come to be an entrepreneur?

I have always had an entrepreneurial itch to scratch. I spent 25 years working for others in commercial real estate and finance. In 2008, I struck out on my own forming Roundhill Capital, a development and investment firm specializing in industrial and office properties. I stumbled into Plan B Flights by accident, or more accurately, by cancelation!

Why did you start your business? 

I had an idea in an industry I knew nothing about, in a medium about which I knew nothing. We've all had ideas like this, but I said to myself, if I don't do this and someone else does without me even trying, I would never forgive myself... so I jumped!

How did you come up with the idea? 

Like a lot of things, Plan B was born out of a bad experience. My wife and I were headed to Napa Valley to meet a lot of friends for the weekend. We were headed out the door when the airline called saying our flight was canceled! Not happy with the alternative the airline offered, we took things into our own hands and went to the airport to figure out a way to get there, and thus the seed was planted for Plan B Flights. We knew there had to be a better way.

What resources here did you take advantage of and how did they help? 

The start-up community in Cincinnati is amazing. I've participated in the Entrepreneur Boot Camp, Continuous Web and others. The resources available to start-ups in Cincinnati take a back seat to no one.

Where did you find your first employee? 

Haven't yet... looking for people as crazy as me!?

What advice would you give to someone starting a company here? 

Don't be afraid...
to chase your dream...
to ask for help...
to risk it all. 

By trying, you win. Our community is so willing to help.

What inspires you?  

Great ideas. Being around creative people who think “I can” when others think otherwise.