Overcoming struggles, managing crises and inspiring youth are all in a day’s work for Dennis Ballen, who exemplifies the power of one entrepreneur.

The lively, energetic 56-year old father of two from Redmond, Wash., is the owner and founder of Blazing Bagels. After being laid off from his job in office supply sales, Dennis took a single homemade cart and some bagels and turned them into a thriving company that now has three locations, employs

50 people and operates nearly around the clock producing bagels (from plain to pizza-flavored), baked goods and sandwiches not only for his retail locations, but also for wholesale clients like Whole Foods and PCC Natural Markets.

Blazing Bagels sells 29 varieties of bagels made with no artificial ingredients and prides itself on traditional Jewish deli products reminiscent of New York. Open seven days a week and most holidays too, Blazing Bagels has a devoted following that draws customers to Redmond from all over the Northwest, and it has a reputation that goes from coast to coast.

As this report documents, through his entrepreneurship, Dennis improves the lives of people around him and his community as a whole. From providing employment to helping raise money for numerous charities to teaching young people about what it takes to be an entrepreneur, Dennis dedicates himself and his business to transforming not only his own life, but the lives of so many others he encounters….