The word “entrepreneur” has been part of our lexicon for centuries, borrowed from the French verb "entreprendre," which means "to undertake." It's now synonymous with risk-takers, innovators, and visionaries who venture into the business realm. However, delving into history, we stumble upon stereotypes that question French courage. Admittedly, my perspective might be limited and sheltered; I've come across memes jesting about French WWII rifles: “Never fired, dropped once”. There's also Norman Schwarzkopf's famous quip, “Going to war without France is like going deer hunting without an accordion.” Considering the relentless spirit of entrepreneurs, it's worth questioning: Is “entrepreneur” the apt term for these champions? And in all reality, fighter Georges St-Pierre is actually French-Canadian, not French.

Take Randall Peltzer from the movie Gremlins as an example. A self-made businessman, he endures snow and dangerous terrains, not for personal accolades but to gift his son an unparalleled Christmas present. Randall, who exemplifies what we term an 'entrepreneur,' often sacrifices precious family time, striving for a brighter tomorrow. His story mirrors that of countless small business owners.

Then there's Benjamin Gates from National Treasure. He faces ridicule and skepticism for chasing a treasure deemed mythical by many. Still, his unyielding faith mirrors the unwavering spirit of business trailblazers who stand strong amidst skepticism. To many entrepreneurs, their lofty dreams are their treasures, and they pursue them with unparalleled passion. They are the unsung heroes, whose battles are not with firearms but with tenacity, determination, and vision.

While movies amplify tales of valor, how can we forget real-life warriors like the Atilis Gym owners in New Jersey? Their defiance against government lockdowns was not just a personal stance but a statement for small businesses everywhere. Occasionally, we hear about titans like Facebook or SpaceX, but behind these behemoths lie tales of modest beginnings and seemingly insurmountable hurdles.

The majority of entrepreneurs operate behind the scenes, often unseen and unsung. They're among us, frequently sacrificing personal salaries during tough times to ensure their teams are paid. Their workdays are often relentless, they might compromise their personal well-being, and they endure both personal and professional storms. If Navy SEALs are defined by the phrase, "to stop one, you have to kill him," this relentless spirit can also be ascribed to numerous entrepreneurs.

These are the visionaries who spot opportunities overlooked by most. Their resilience is commendable; setbacks don't deter them. Unbound by conventions, their innovative approach and risk tolerance are unparalleled. Their endeavors aren't merely profit-driven; they're fueled by an unwavering desire to make a lasting impact.

Given all this, does the trendy sounding term “entrepreneur”, with its French origins and associated historical nuances, aptly depict these luminaries? I contend it doesn't. We need a term that resonates with their indefatigable spirit, persistent drive, and staunch courage.

Let's coin a term for these business founders; one that embodies their spirit, aligns with their challenges, and lauds their triumphs. These heroes deserve more than just a trendy-sounding borrowed term; they merit a term that signifies so much more.

Please ‘comment’ your suggestions!