How did you get your business started?

Question

Jeff Atwood founded stackoverflow.com after leaving his previous position at Vertigo Software. He also enlisted the help of programmers moonlighting from their current jobs. He saw his idea through to fruition and it has shown promise as we are all benefiting from his efforts. A lofty goal was achieved with the right parameters (Jeff's available time, additional resources, and counsel from Joel) and this site has become a success.

Not to put myself in the same arena, or to compare myself with Jeff, but I am at a curious what prompted those who have... to start their own business?

Answer 1

If you have not seen it already:

A related question was recently asked in when-should-you-leave-your-day-job-to-open-a-start-up

Also: from being personally involved in a start-up be prepared for a lot of hard work.