By Tim Ryan

With VALUEPRENEURS: The New Rules for Building Products, Growing Your Business, and Achieving Your Entrepreneurial Dream, Hampton Roads’ own Steve Waddell has cemented his place in the entrepreneurial world. Released in January 2024, the book has garnered an astonishing 17 awards, marking it as a groundbreaking guide for aspiring and seasoned entrepreneurs alike. Waddell’s innovative approach, developed right here in Hampton Roads, is transforming how businesses approach product development and entrepreneurial success.

A Record-Breaking Achievement

Since its release, VALUEPRENEURS has achieved something no other entrepreneurial book has—winning a total of 17 awards, including prestigious recognitions like the International Impact Book Award and The BookFest Award for Entrepreneurship. This success highlights the book’s immense impact not only on individual entrepreneurs but on the broader business landscape.

Among its many accolades, VALUEPRENEURS stands out for its unique value-driven methodology, which guides readers through a five-stage, 15-step Value-Driven Product Development (VDPD) process. The aim? To drastically reduce the staggering statistic that 95% of new products fail—a challenge that Waddell addresses head-on with his revolutionary framework.

Transforming Entrepreneurial Thinking

At the heart of VALUEPRENEURS is a simple yet powerful concept: start with a problem and create a solution that delivers real value. Waddell’s approach is redefining how entrepreneurs think about building products and growing their businesses. By focusing on value from the outset, Waddell helps entrepreneurs avoid common pitfalls and increase their chances of success.

“As a high school educator, I’ve never seen a resource quite like this,” said Ashley L. Houchins Smith, an Entrepreneurship & Business Academy Teacher at Kempsville High School in Virginia Beach. “This book is an essential guide for young entrepreneurs, offering practical insights that bring the entrepreneurial journey to life.”

A Visionary from Hampton Roads

Steve Waddell, a visionary entrepreneur with over 30 years of experience, hails from Suffolk, Virginia. His journey reflects the rich entrepreneurial spirit of the Hampton Roads region, where innovation and perseverance are fueling a new generation of business leaders. By sharing his extensive knowledge, Waddell is giving back to the community that shaped him.

“I’m thrilled that VALUEPRENEURS has resonated with so many,” Waddell said. “My goal has always been to share what I’ve learned to help others achieve their dreams. Seeing the book embraced by educational institutions and recognized with these awards is truly gratifying.”

Empowering the Next Generation

Educational institutions across the country are now incorporating VALUEPRENEURS into their curricula, recognizing its practical and actionable strategies. The book’s adoption in classrooms this fall will inspire future generations of entrepreneurs, equipping them with the tools to succeed in an increasingly complex business world.

Steve Waddell’s VALUEPRENEURS isn’t just a book—it’s a movement. Waddell is helping entrepreneurs everywhere turn their dreams into reality by placing value at the core of product development. And for Hampton Roads, it’s another reason to celebrate the region’s growing influence in the world of innovation and entrepreneurship.

VALUEPRENEURS is now available in major bookstores and online retailers. You can also click here.