Through our work we have been constantly amazed at the incredible things people in every neighborhood are working on. What’s even more exciting is that they all have different stories, backgrounds, strengths and weaknesses. That there isn’t a single formula for success means that everyone can take their unique set of strengths and characteristics and turn it into a success story. We recently reached out to some folks we admire and asked them what characteristics they feel are responsible for their success.

Marissa Nicholson Chris Hammelev, RDH | Dental Consultant/ Owner of The Dental Practice Management Agency

We would say the most important factor is us staying true to our vision and boundaries we set when we started our business. We set out to create a dental consulting agency that would help our clients not only have a better practice that helped patients get back to the health they deserve but also create a culture of open and honest communication that grew the team members both personally and professionally. We have been guided by those principals and get to help our clients, which are also small businesses, thrive. We don’t focus on the dollars or numbers; It turns out if you do the right thing all of that follows. We just teach them to fish and then let them conquer! Read more>>

Will Kirscher | Digital Producer and Outdoor Photographer

It sounds so cliche, but you really cant be afraid to take certain risks. To explain that in a less cliche way — We experience so much pressure in everything we do to check off societal expectations as timely as we can. Complete school without taking even a year off, land a job before college even ends, stay in your hometown because its safe and familiar, etc. I used to have this timeline of how I expected my life to look but things never turn out as expected. Read more>>

Maddie Shutes | Digital & Film Photographer

When I first became a photographer, I knew I wanted to get people out of their comfort zone with my vision. To me, success is keeping in mind the niche I want to create & implementing that in each of my shoots. Getting up close & personal with my models, both personally & creatively, adds to that vision each time I’m behind that lens. It allows me to grow as a photographer, but more than that, it allows my subjects to open up, be comfortable, & add to the successful process of getting intimate with the camera. Read more>>

Allyn Robinson | Grandpa to 9 kiddos ranging ages, 1.5 yr to 22yr. BBQ restaurant owner & caterer

In the beginning we let our product drive our growth. No promotions or advertising. Word of mouth from customers and satisfied guests at events we served. Now we advertise and promote our brand to protect what we have built, to protect and grow our brand for the betterment of the company and the employees that make it happen. Read more>>