Jon Hoch founded Power Equipment Direct Inc. in 2003, launching his first store—PressureWashersDirect.com—from his basement. The Bolingbrook, Ill.-based company operates nine power equipment-related web stores and is one of the fastest growing retailers in the nation. He was public relations manager at a major power equipment manufacturer before starting his company and worked at several large Chicago public relations firms.

Business, Retail, Executive Leadership,