#22: Jamba Juice

In 1990, college student and cycling enthusiast Kirk Perron turned his passion for healthy living into a business, launching Juice Club as his senior project at California Polytechnic State University. With a loan from his mother and backing from friends, he set out to make smoothies more than just a trend—they became a lifestyle.

His fresh, fruit-packed blends quickly gained popularity, fueling a nationwide smoothie craze. By 1995, the brand rebranded as Jamba Juice, a name as vibrant as its flavors. What started as a class project grew into a thriving brand, proving that big dreams can start small.