Entrepreneurship is a unique blend of vision, resilience, and action, driving individuals not only to create successful businesses but also to challenge norms, shape culture, and fuel societal progress. An entrepreneurial spirit embodies creativity, adaptability, and an unyielding commitment to problem-solving—qualities that are as transformative for launching new ventures as they are for inspiring meaningful social change.

You know this, but I’ll say it anyway: culture is always emerging. The world around us is constantly shifting — always innovating. New ideas, methods, and ways of being are introduced every moment, whether we embrace them or not. The real question is: how do we choose to respond? Do we welcome the discomfort of the new, or do we cling to the familiar and settle into a comfortable existence?

In recent years, organizations and communities have been making headlines—not always for the best reasons. On the political front, divisive rhetoric and policies have fostered a climate of exclusion, often justifying actions that deepen societal divides. The creation of barriers—both literal and figurative—has further marginalized already vulnerable populations, including immigrants and people of color, leading to widespread harm. Families have been separated, children have suffered irrevocable trauma, and systemic inequities persist.

Isn’t it time to truly embrace innovation for the sake of meaningful change? Innovation, after all, is rooted in the idea of change. Culture is constantly evolving—each tick of the clock brings shifts that require thoughtful engagement. Yet, it’s fair to say that many institutions and organizations struggle to keep up. As Bob Dylan so aptly put it, “The times they are a-changin’.” If you need proof, look no further than your news feed, where you’ll see glimpses of an increasingly polarized world filled with “alternative facts,” “fake news,” and a growing divide in political and social discourse.

New Business Startup: M-80 Entertainment, Inc., founded in 2001 by William D. Gibson, launched Power Up® Trading Cards, an interactive electronic trading card featuring NASCAR stars like Dale Earnhardt Jr., Rusty Wallace, Kevin Harvick, and Richard Petty, along with the RCR racing team. The product debuted live on QVC, sold by Gibson himself, with Fox Sports Broadcaster Larry McReynolds serving as the company’s brand spokesperson.

New Business Startup: In 1996, the NASCAR® Cafe launched its first location in Myrtle Beach, SC, followed by sites in Daytona, Orlando, Nashville, Sevierville, Las Vegas, and Greensboro. Initially part of the startup team led by Harold Pierce, Gibson later worked with the venture as a client through iMAGE 500 inc, where his team oversaw theming for all NASCAR Cafe locations.

New Business Startup: Kick Axion® was created by William D. Gibson and Barry Steadman as a competitive brand to No Fear® and launched in 1994 through Belk department stores in the Southeast. Debuting during the 1994 holiday season, the apparel line achieved record-breaking success, selling 51% of its inventory within 48 hours.

This dissertation explores how identity and worldview are shaped within the framework of American consumer iCulture, which features the creative influences of figures like Walt Disney and Steve Jobs.