More and more, I find myself gravitating towards companies that are embracing fresh new takes in every aspect of their business. Companies that are willing experiment with new approaches rather than just sticking to "the way it has always been done."

A lot of companies today still do things the way they've always been done, simply because that's how they've always been done. It's not necessarily that these old ways are the best ways, although at one time they might have been. Often, it's just easier and feels safer. But in a business environment, playing it safe often means falling behind.

Here are some companies bringing a fresh approach to their industries.

Anduril Industries
A defense product company

Anduril calls itself a "defense product company." The difference might sound subtle, but it matters. Palmer Luckey, the CEO of Anduril, explains it clearly:

“Anduril is a defense products company. Unlike most defense companies, we don’t wait for our customers to tell us what they need. We identify problems, privately fund our R&D and sell finished products off the shelf. Ideas are turned into deployed capabilities in months, not years, saving the government and taxpayers money along the way.” A fresh take on the defense industry.

Mark Cuban Cost Plus Drugs
No middlemen. No price games. Huge drug savings.

Mark Cuban Cost Plus Drugs is revolutionizing the pharmaceutical industry by prioritizing simplicity and transparency. The company offers over 2,500 generic medications at a straightforward pricing model: the manufacturer's cost plus a 15% markup, a $5 pharmacy service fee, and $5 for shipping. This approach eliminates the traditional middlemen, such as pharmacy benefit managers, who often contribute to inflated drug prices. By sourcing medications directly from manufacturers and openly displaying pricing details, Cost Plus Drugs ensures that patients know exactly what they're paying for

Co-founder and CEO Alex Oshmyansky emphasizes the company's mission: "We reveal what we purchase all the drugs for. We add a 15% margin for ourselves, a $5 fee to pay our pharmacist, $5 for shipping and handling, and then that’s the total cost of the drug". This transparent model not only makes medications more affordable but also challenges the opaque pricing structures that have long dominated the healthcare industry. A fresh take on the drug industry.

Slate Auto
We built it. You Make it.

Slate Auto is rejecting the bloated, feature-heavy, and overpriced norms of modern car manufacturing. Instead, it's building simple, affordable electric trucks starting around $25,000—something almost unheard of today. CEO Chris Barman says, “The cost of vehicles is so high now,” and Slate’s response is to strip away the unnecessary extras and let customers add only what they need. That means fewer screens, no bloated software, and a clean design focused on utility and modular upgrades over time. It’s how the auto industry might look if it were being reinvented today from scratch, with modern tech, direct-to-consumer pricing, and a focus on function over flash. A fresh take on the auto industry.  

Spruce Weed Killer
The New Worry-Free Weed & Grass Killer

Maris Croswell, CEO of Spruce, emphasizes the company’s commitment to simplicity and safety: “We’re bringing a hassle-free solution to care for your outdoor living space, while prioritizing the well-being of your family (and pets!) too.” Spruce stands out with its simple, essential oil-based ingredients that are both effective and non-toxic. Its formula delivers visible results in as little as an hour—without the harsh chemicals found in traditional weed killers. Paired with the innovative Snap & Spray wand, applying the product is quick, precise, and satisfying—no mixing, no mess, just an easy click and spray experience that actually works.  A fresh take on weed killer.

(btw, the snap and spray wand is the best I have ever used!)

I love it. Fresh takes. Instead of being bogged down by layers of bureaucracy or "the way the companies have to work", these companies are innovating. 

Fresh Ideas at BT Pro Solutions
We try to embrace this mentality at BT Pro Solutions. We're not looking to do things the way they have always been done. Yes, we learn from past experiences, but we don't cling to them.

What's important to us?
Our goal is to keep a team of ideal team players together for the long term. BT Pro should not dominate anyone’s life. Everyone should have enough time and energy for family, faith, friends, hobbies, and personal interests outside of work. We prioritize sustainable practices over profit and growth at all costs. Everyone should have an uncommon amount of flexibility to live fulfilling professional and personal lives. Let’s challenge the status quo and break free from decades-old norms to create a more modern, innovative way of working and running a company. We should limit meetings, avoid drama, and maintain operational soundness. Let’s keep policies minimal and rely on common sense. Let’s maintain control of our future, how we operate, and what we tackle next, free from outside interference like private equity firms and venture capital firms. Our fresh take on how to run and grow a company.

Technology consulting
Our focus is also on providing businesses with the expertise and services they need without the bloat and complexity. We offer straightforward hourly rates and fixed-bid pricing, paired with a clear, simple process. No endless meetings or unnecessary steps, just value-driven work. We avoid inflated estimates, frustrating bureaucracy, rotating consultants, unnecessary overhead, Scrum rituals, or rigid TDD practices. Everything we do is focused on meaningful results and real value. We can often do projects for 50% less than most consulting companies and twice as fast too. Our fresh take on technology consulting.

I am increasingly on the lookout for new, fresh ways to operate, provide more value to our clients, build better products, strengthen and grow the community, and form new partnerships. We have some new things in the works that we will announce this year. 

I see a similar resistance when it comes to AI adoption. Companies often dismiss AI as something that's "cool but not yet here," or quickly point out things it can't do yet. Sometimes that's true, but sometimes it isn't. I prefer to operate closer to the cutting edge of technology and innovation in every aspect of business. Sure, things might occasionally break or not work perfectly the first time, but that's exactly where some of the best new ideas and innovations emerge.

Challenging the status quo can be uncomfortable, and you have to be prepared for most people to tell you it won't work or that you're wrong. When I hear those things or see resistance to fresh ideas, I instantly think, "Ah! This might be something new and innovative."

However, that is exactly what we need more of, people who are willing to start businesses or adapt their existing ones with a fresh perspective. This summer and fall, I will be hitting the road around town to discuss this topic, showcasing some of the fresh approaches we're building at BT, highlighting other companies in Fort Wayne who are embracing fresh takes, and inspiring others to discover new and creative ways to bring a fresh approach in their roles, departments, companies, organizations, and teams.

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