Zero to Unicorn

Is a hero born a hero…or do they become one along the way?

Or, maybe it’s a bit of both. That if you look closely enough, you’ll see that there were hints of what they would become present in them all along. 

At least, that’s the case for Mike Kaeding, Ed’s son.

Whether it was creating video games or making movies with special effects, he was the kind of person you couldn’t help but follow, even if you knew nothing about the project. Those close to him would say it was their belief in Mike that made them want to be a part of the project, not the other way around.

But Mike’s leadership wasn’t gifted overnight. It was discovered and refined through college and high school as Ed gave Mike more ownership in the business.

On this episode of Zero to Unicorn, we explore the power of belief and the impact of choices, and we get to know the next generation of Kaedings. You’ll hear how Mike met his wife, Alyssa, how he unwittingly cut his teeth as a leader (thanks to some strategic pushing from his father), and how Norhart slowly started to become an organization on its way to a billion-dollar valuation. 

What is Zero to Unicorn?

A unicorn is a magical creature shrouded in mystery known for its ability to make the impossible possible. In modern times, the word “unicorn” has come to mean something intrinsically valuable and difficult to obtain, whether that be a business with a $1 billion dollar valuation, or the love of a special someone.

On Zero to Unicorn, we’ll hear directly from the Kaeding family as they recount their history of founding and operating Norhart, a unicorn-level business in the construction industry with a mission to positively impact the way people live.

But this isn’t a story of how to grow a business to a billion-dollar valuation. This tale is centered around a special group of people who are coming together to create something bigger than themselves. Despite several trials, the people of Norhart seek to make a positive impact on the world—and, ultimately, to do what every unicorn is born to do: make the impossible possible.

Join us weekly for this limited series chronicling the Kaeding family’s journey, from starting a family-owned business to becoming a unicorn with a business determined to do good.