While the fast pace of technology can seemingly shake up our daily routines every few weeks, seismic changes are actually fairly rare.

Most companies specialize in evolution rather than revolution, so when a real paradigm shifter appears, it’s worthy of note. Those are the sorts of firms that become icons in their industry, but becoming a disruptive force can make them a target for other companies looking to institute change of their own.

Here are a handful of businesses that have not only made people’s lives easier but upended industries in the process.

Read more at CNBC.com