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Ross Worden
CEO & Founder at Conquest Maps. Our Mission: help 1,000,000 people travel more by providing unique, quality push pin travel maps.
Professional Background
Ross Worden is the visionary CEO and Founder of Conquest Maps LLC, a burgeoning startup dedicated to inspiring and empowering individuals to explore the world. Established with a heartfelt mission to help one million people travel more, Conquest Maps aims to provide exceptional products that encourage users to set, track, and accomplish their travel ambitions. The innovative company originated from a personal quest for a functional yet aesthetically pleasing travel map, and has since evolved into a successful enterprise that has transformed the travel planning landscape.
Ross's journey began shortly after he tied the knot in 2012, when he and his wife sought a beautiful map to display in their home. Frustrated by the lack of suitable options in the market, Ross embraced his skills as an industrial designer and embarked on a creative endeavor to design a unique map. By spring 2013, he unveiled the prototype to his wife, which marked the inception of Conquest Maps.
What started as a humble side hustle in their one-bedroom apartment quickly gained traction, resulting in the need for additional space and resources. By 2014, the basement of their new home became a bustling hub filled with inventory, equipment, and even new employees. As their growing demand manifested in pallets of materials arriving at his driveway, Ross recognized the need for a more substantial business framework.
In 2016, Ross took the bold step of leaving his role as an industrial designer to fully devote himself to Conquest Maps. The transition led to the establishment of a dedicated 2400 sq. ft. commercial space, perfectly timed for the upcoming holiday rush. Under Ross's leadership, the company has not only expanded its operational footprint to an impressive 13,000 sq. ft. but has also developed a dynamic team of about 15 individuals passionate about enhancing the travel experiences of their customers.
To date, Conquest Maps has aided approximately 60,000 travelers across more than 60 countries, solidifying its reputation as a go-to resource for travel enthusiasts. Ross's commitment to quality and growth is evident in the continuous investment in new materials and processes, ensuring that Conquest Maps stays at the forefront of the travel accessory market.
The company recently garnered significant recognition by earning a spot on the prestigious Inc 5000 list in 2021, reflecting exemplary growth and dedication to the mission. Ross believes fervently in the principle that, "if you're not growing, you're dying," a mantra that guides both his business pursuits and personal outlook on life.
Education and Achievements
Ross Worden's academic journey has been pivotal in shaping his career. He pursued Industrial Design at The Ohio State University, where he honed his design acumen and developed a keen eye for innovation and aesthetics. Additionally, he furthered his education at the University of Applied Sciences Potsdam, gaining international perspectives that complement his design philosophy.
Through his education and hands-on experience, Ross has cultivated an impressive skill set, vital for the operational and creative aspects of Conquest Maps. His technical knowledge in industrial design enables him to seamlessly merge functionality with design, creating products that resonate with users' travel aspirations.
Achievements
Ross's tireless dedication to fostering a culture of growth and exploration at Conquest Maps showcases his success as an entrepreneur. Under his stewardship, the company has achieved remarkable milestones:
- Empowering Travelers: With a current reach of around 60,000 adventurous souls across over 60 countries, Ross's vision of equipping travelers with tools to realize their travel dreams is becoming a reality.
- Expansion of Operations: From storing supplies in his bedroom to operating in a spacious 13,000 sq. ft. facility, Conquest Maps has experienced tremendous growth, reflecting the increasing demand for its unique travel products.
- Inc 5000 Recognition: Being named to the Inc 5000 list in 2021 is a testament to the company's rapid growth trajectory and the hard work of Ross and his dedicated team.
- Product Innovation: Continually investing in innovative materials and design processes has enabled Conquest Maps to enhance its product offerings, thereby solidifying its position as a leader in the travel accessory market.
Ross Worden is not just an entrepreneur, but a passionate advocate for exploration and fulfilling travel experiences. His story is a true embodiment of how personal desires can bloom into a thriving enterprise that inspires countless individuals to embark on their own journeys. With the mission of helping people travel more firmly at the center of his business strategy, Ross remains focused on evolving and expanding Conquest Maps to reach the milestone of assisting one million travel enthusiasts worldwide.
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