Jessi Burg

Founder & CEO, Pears to Perennials

Denver

As a values-driven business owner, Jessi absolutely adores proving that you can make a profit while breaking down class barriers. Jessi started her journey as an entrepreneur after more than a decade of toxic work environments with lousy wages and worse managers. She thought "surely, there has to be a way to value employees, pay a living wage, and still be able to work outside." As she built her landscaping company, Pears to Perennials, she discovered being a business owner amplified her voice. She began advocating for equitable wages in the trades, as well as for seasonal and gig economy workers. Now launching her second business, Outgrow Your Garage, she is building that advocacy work by teaching other small business owners how to grow sustainably and equitably.