Few are spared from the dark recessionary clouds, but it is important to note that it is not all doom and gloom. For those that are facing a recession for the first time, it is important to stay focused and become more agile.

Stanford economist Paul Romer once famously said, "a crisis is a terrible thing to waste" and the statement was picked up by Obama's Chief of Staff, Rahm Emanuel, during the Great Recession, as he described how a crisis can actually give you a fresh opportunity to do things you could not do before. .

Some of the most successful companies sprung out of a recession and leapfrogged their competition.

Here are six iconic companies that leaped out of terrible economic times:.

But when the Great Recession hit, Mailchimp was forced to pivot its business model.

Little did they know that December of that year would be the start of the Great Recession and open a door to an opportunity

The companies that took risks and thrived in the toughest times should inspire greatness and remind us that with hardship comes opportunity