Tell Us Your Story

Jamie Perez's storytelling journey takes us from the quiet streets of Sacramento to television newsrooms in the Midwest and ultimately back to California as a thriving entrepreneur. Her path exemplifies the transformative power of authentic stories—both in business and in personal reinvention. Despite growing up in an emotionally unavailable household with a father with narcissistic personali...

What does it take to build a successful career when the odds are against you? Sandy Finley's remarkable journey from Southern California surfer to innovative real estate broker-manager reveals powerful lessons in resilience, mentorship, and finding purpose through life's most devastating challenges. Sandy's story begins in the beachside communities of Southern California, where she...

Ever wonder how someone discovers their true career calling? In our conversation with Hunter Rappleye from InterWest Insurance Company, we explore exactly that journey—from competitive collegiate golfer to thriving commercial insurance agent. Hunter's story begins as the youngest of five in a bustling household, where his competitive spirit was forged chasing his older siblings' accompli...

Becky Jansen's path to owning Blissful Beauty by Becky exemplifies the resilience, adaptability, and courage required to build a fulfilling career on your own terms. From her early days as an academically-gifted but directionless high school graduate to becoming an Air Force veteran and successful business owner, Becky's journey reveals the power of perseverance and self-discovery. At 19...

Daniel Baarns sits across from us, his energy infectious as he recounts his journey from childhood in Los Angeles to owning Baarns Detailing in Sacramento. What unfolds is not just a business story, but a testament to intentional living and the courage to pursue dreams. Growing up homeschooled as one of five siblings, Daniel developed an early entrepreneurial streak. By age 12, he was working as a...

Meet Emilia Navedo, a woman whose life reads like an adventure novel spanning continents, careers, and cultural experiences. Her story begins in Mexico City, where she grew up as the youngest in a family that balanced high expectations with unwavering support. This foundation gave her the confidence to make a decision that would change everything: at just 20 years old, she moved to Milan with bare...

Ever meet someone who seems to effortlessly build connections with everyone they encounter? That's Kim Hummel, owner of Hummel Consulting, whose natural marketing abilities have been evident since she sold Kirby vacuum cleaners door-to-door at just 14 years old.  In this captivating conversation, Kim reveals how her psychology background became the secret weapon in her marketing arsenal. Rath...

Justin Fellenz shares his remarkable journey from the tiny desert town of 29 Palms—a place he describes as "the sandbox of broken dreams"—to becoming the founder of Share Soleil, an innovative solar company transforming how homeowners access renewable energy solutions. Growing up in a military town with just two stoplights, Justin found early academic success but lacked direction and men...

Imagine being dropped into a classroom as a second-grader without knowing a word of English. This was Brando Guerrero's introduction to America after immigrating from Mexico – an experience that shaped his lifelong approach to challenges: sink or swim. From these humble beginnings, Brando's story unfolds as a masterclass in resilience, transformation, and the power of betting on yourself...

What happens when life's unpredictable currents sweep you in unexpected directions? Amanda Daugereaux story proves that sometimes the most rewarding paths emerge when you're willing to say "yes" to the unknown. Growing up as a perpetual newcomer across five different states, Amanda developed a remarkable ability to connect with people from all walks of life. Her natural sociabi...

Kevin Carlin's path to becoming Regional Sales Manager at Claremont Insurance Services wasn't one he could have predicted. Growing up as one of four competitive brothers in a middle-class California family, Kevin's early passion was basketball – until the devastating experience of being cut from his high school team sent him reeling. Everything changed when Kevin's mother drove...

What happens when you realize the life you've designed isn't the one you want? Stephanie Vedder takes us through her transformative journey from marketing professional to client success coach, revealing the power of conscious choices along the way. Starting as a self-described "flounderer" in high school who missed classes and lacked direction, Stephanie eventually found her st...

Matt Von Bergen's journey from tragedy to triumph reveals the transformative power of perspective in the face of life's greatest challenges. Having lost his brother to a brain tumor at age 12 and his mother to pancreatic cancer at 16, Matt faced a profound choice that would define his future: use these devastating losses as excuses or as catalysts for growth. Choosing the latter ignited...

Dive into the inspiring journey of Bryant Troupe, the founder of Gravity IT Solutions, as he shares his experiences navigating the worlds of entrepreneurship, technology, and family life. Growing up in Southern California, Bryant developed a passion for technology and business at a young age. After being laid off, he took the leap into entrepreneurship, fueled by a desire to provide exceptional IT...

Taking a leap into the unknown can be both thrilling and terrifying, and this latest episode delves straight into that theme. After three transformative years, we’re not just celebrating our podcasting journey but also embracing our recent bold move into entrepreneurship with Arena Insurance Services. We reflect on the support from our community of listeners and friends, sharing candid insights ab...

JC Charles' journey from the tumultuous streets of South Central LA to becoming a successful fitness consultant is nothing short of remarkable. JC takes us through his life story, a narrative marked by resilience and determination, as he recounts his transformative experiences from high school to higher education at Sonoma State University. Through the challenges of gang violence and societal...

We are back for an update 1 year after our first enlightening discussion with Holly Andreatta, the remarkable Mayor of Lincoln, California, who wears many hats, including that of an Advancement Officer at William Jessup University. Holly shares her journey of growth and service, from completing a doctorate in spiritual formation and leadership to becoming a volunteer chaplain for Placer County&apo...

In this episode of Tell Us Your Story , we sit down with Harley Cantrell, owner of PandaMomo Catering, to explore his inspiring journey from corporate leadership in the grocery industry to taking a bold leap into entrepreneurship. Harley shares how his artistic background, corporate experience, and role as a stay-at-home dad all led him to build a thriving meal prep and catering business. PandaMom...

What if you could seamlessly transition from a high-flying sports career to launching a successful restaurant? Join us as we unravel Juli Hilton's inspiring journey from excelling in basketball and tennis during her high school years in Saratoga, California, to earning her professional card and competing in the LPGA. Juli's story is not just about sports; it's about the mental tough...

Have you ever paused to consider the profound impact a coach can have, not just on a game, but on a life? Rocklin High School's Steve Taylor, a leader of the court and classroom, joins us to weave a narrative that knits the love of sport with the threads of community and personal growth.  Steve's journey—from his Rocklin upbringing to his own athletic endeavors to the choice to guide you...

Every life story has its shadows and peaks. In this week's episode our latest guest, Army Veteran,  business owner of Kinetic Ink, and co-founder of the non-profit Warfighter Overwatch, Danny O'Neel takes us through his journey to some of those darkest shadows and some of those highest peaks.       From the trials of a fractured family to the tribulations of poverty, his journey is a tes...

Our latest guest's narrative is nothing short of a masterclass in the relentless pursuit of entrepreneurial success, starting from the tough lessons learned amidst the financial crisis. Joel Tilford captivatingly recounts his early days in Lincoln, California, where the fusion of his parents' resourcefulness and his own young ambition set the stage for a future defined by business ventur...

When life throws curveballs, some strike out while others, adjust. Our latest episode features Troy Goings, whose faced life's adversities and has allowed them to shape him into a beacon of resilience and transformation. Troy's story, which he narrates with disarming honesty, takes us from his turbulent military childhood to a redemptive arc that saw him finding his footing post-prison,...

Imagine overcoming a childhood marred by instability and transforming that pain into a catalyst for entrepreneurial success. Adrian Boysel is living proof that even the most tumultuous beginnings can lead to a life of passion, purpose, and professional triumph. Today's episode takes you through Adrian's incredible journey, from his early years of loss and family turmoil to his ascent as...

Sitting down this week with Jonathan Lopez, our conversation traverses his journey. Starting with early memories of basketball to his college games, moving to the profound impact of his marriage, bringing us to where he is at today in his career journey and family life. We peel back the layers of Jonathan's experiences and the gravity of experiences and decisions that shaped his path to adult...