This entrepreneur revived Spikeball and turned it into a multimillion-dollar business.
PROFILE
WHO: Chris Ruder, 42
WHERE: Chicago
WHAT: Founder and CEO, Spikeball Inc.
What is Spikeball?
It’s a game played two on two with an orange-size ball and a small net in the middle—if volleyball and four square had a baby, it would be Spikeball. A player starts a point by serving the ball down onto the net so that the ball ricochets up at the opponents, who have three hits to return the ball to the net. If they don’t, their opponents score. When the ball is in play, there are no boundaries. You run, jump and dive. The first team to reach 21 points wins. The game was originally sold in the late ’80s.
How did you acquire it?
Bu hikaye Kiplinger's Personal Finance dergisinin August 2017 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye Kiplinger's Personal Finance dergisinin August 2017 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
HOW INFLATION ADJUSTMENTS WILL AFFECT YOUR TAXES
We looked at IRS rules for 2025 on everything from tax brackets to how much you can save in retirement accounts.
GUARD AGAINST IDENTITY THEFT IN THE NEW YEAR
Scammers are getting better at impersonating legitimate businesses.
SHOULD YOU BUY PET HEALTH INSURANCE?
You can fend off big veterinary bills with a policy that covers your furry companion.
THE LOWDOWN ON BUYING A VACATION HOME
If you return to a beloved destination again and again, purchasing a home there may be a smart move-but don't overlook the costs and effort that go into it.
HOW COUPLES CAN MANAGE DIFFERING RETIREMENT TIME LINES
Staggered retirement is increasingly common, but it can create financial and emotional challenges.
AVOID THESE CREDIT MISSTEPS
KIPLINGER ADVISOR COLLECTIVE
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT WORKING FOR YOURSELF
Whether you're looking for a side gig or planning to start your own business, it has never been easier to strike out on your own.
My Top 10 Stock Picks for 2025
SINCE 1993, I have offered an annual list of 10 stocks with the potential to beat the market in the 12 months ahead. My 2024 selections notched the highest return ever: an average of 48.9%. I beat the S&P 500 index by 10.8 percentage points, and every one of my stocks was up-six by more than 30%.
WHAT MAKES AN ETF SUCCESSFUL?
EXCHANGE-traded funds have exploded in popularity, with the industry now reaching the milestone of $10 trillion in assets.
TIPS FROM INSIDERS
When corporate insiders buy or sell, it can offer clues on whether you should do the same.
