Where you grew up and your background can often have surprising effects on our lives and careers. We’ve asked folks from the community to tell us about how their background has affected them.

William Schandel | Musician / actor

I was born in Englewood Colorado in the Swedish hospital when I was five I moved to Highland Ranch and I was raised by my father in my stepmother but I consider her my real mother. They raised me right in strong and they taught me how to go after and achieve your goals and always do right by myself and always work hard and dream big and go after The big things in life. They really inspired me to be the man that I am today and I’m in a very good place because of them I’m working full-time making a very great living plus I’m also taking the time to master my craft and chasing my dreams in music and in acting as well Without my family I would not be here they are the reason why I’m successful today Read more>>

Danny Martinez | Business Owner and Outdoor Enthusiast

I am from a small town called Minturn, CO that is sandwiched between the ski resorts of Vail and Beaver Creek. My family has its roots in Southern Colorado around the Trinidad area. My parents moved to Minturn just after I was born and I spent my youth exploring the surrounding mountains. Whether it be skiing, hunting, mountain biking, four wheeling or just relaxing, I love being in the mountains. Read more>>

Calan Smith | CEO

I am from Brampton, Ontario, Canada. A city within the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) that is the home to many successful individuals such as NFL Wide receivers Josh Palmer and John Metchie III, NBA Allstar Tristan Thompson, Rap celebrity Tory Lanez and twin Youtube sensations Jay and Trey Richards of 4yallentertainment. Read more>>

Josh Letsis | Managing Partner of Foundation Auto Colorado

I grew up in Oregon in a single-wide trailer. My dad was in prison my whole life. Growing up like this gave me an appreciation for the little things in life. I also knew I was going to have to work extra hard because I was starting out behind the 8 ball. And I also knew that I didn’t want to live in a trailer when I got older and I wanted to be present as a father when I had childer. Read more>>

Skip Reeves | Skip Reeves: Radio & TV Personality

I was born in Denver Co but spent the early part of my youth living in various places due to my Father being in the Military. I lived 6 years in Germany which I loved as a kid, but also several other cities in the United States. My Fathers example and my early family life exposed me to traveling, learning to adjust to new situations, and recognizing that people no matter their background or race, we are all one people. Read more>>

Christy Beulah Budnick | Artist, Massage Therapist, Infinite Traveler, Lover of Life and Beauty

I grew up in the Northern Woods of Wisconsin. My parents fixed up an old hunting cabin on 40 acres on a little lake. It’s beautiful and I feel blessed to have grown up in the middle of the forest. We didn’t really have any close neighbors, so it was mainly my two sisters and I roaming the woods as our playground. This instilled a deep love of nature into my life from birth. Climbing trees, playing with plants, creating potions and chattering with animals was our normal everyday life. Of course there was also processing wood, taking care of the garden and shoveling snow to round out how to get by living in the woods. Read more>>

Jacob Stewart | Videographer & Cinematographer

I am from Fostoria, which is a small town in Northwest Ohio. The towns claim to fame is that it’s where Micah Hyde, the NFL safety on the Buffalo Bills is from. Growing up in a small town has made it easy for me to develop long lasting relationships with people. In a small town, you kind of know everyone around you and you grow up learning to want the best for the people you know. So I think that has helped me be motivated to help other people reach their goals and lift other people up with me as I am building my own life and reaching my own goals. Read more>>