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.

Bobby DeFord | Videographer & Photographer

Remaining resilient. From the beginning of 2020 until June of that same year I had one job. I was a Studio Manager for a local Philadelphia production company. They had shut down due to COVID during that time, so I really only had spent the month of February working there. Between June and January 2021 I had worked six jobs, each one testing my resilience to hold onto the dream of becoming a videographer. I washed dishes in July at a local restaurant. Left to work briefly with the same production company in August until the work ran out, all credit to COVID once again. Valeted cars at a country club in September until the club closed for the winter. I then processed mortgage loans in October. Read more>>

Linda Calvin | Tech thought leader, advocate for equity and change agent

First, I’ll share it took a long time for me to consider that I am a success. Impostor syndrome is real and creates doubt and instability in confidence. No matter what I achieved, I was always questioning, and still do, whether I was good enough or deserving of accolades. There is no easy solution, it takes time and intention to squash those voices that undermine confidence. I have a personal board of directors, mentors and a girl tribe that supports and sustains me. Not that external validation is the only way to celebrate personal success, but it helps you in your journey to self realization and acceptance of your awesomeness. Read more>>

Debbie Fitzgerald and Regan Petersen | Public Relations, Co-Owners, Fitzgerald Petersen Communications

Really, it’s simple. Being honest, ethical people that our clients view as a true extension of their team. When a client hires Fitzgerald Petersen Communications (FPC) they’ve come to know – through word of mouth and referrals – that we do the very best job possible without ever going over budget. Our clients trust that we are going to do what we say, to the best of our abilities. When we started FPC 17 years ago, we brainstormed all kinds of creative names for our company. When it came down to it, Read more>>

BeX Kagan | Licensed Professional Counselor/Mental Health Psychotherapist

There are several factors behind my success as the owner of Kagan Counseling and I’d like to focus on two. One: my practice is centered on human connection, the art and beauty of deep, trusting relationships, and both seeing and honoring the soul of a person. This level of “seeing” is something everyone deserves but not every has had the privilege of experiencing and this is what I offer my clients. Read more>>

Rev. da IV | Rapper

I believe the most important factor behind the success of my music career is my friends. I literally would not be able to do anything without my friends. I make music with them, play video games with them, hoop with them, live life with them. They inspire me to create and motivate me to be successful. Read more>>

Kameron Williams | Music Producer, Audio Engineer, & Sound Designer

The most important factor behind my success is having the ability to keep an open mind. Although my background revolves around audio, I try to infuse other disciplines that could be beneficial for what I am trying to strive for: to understand sound as an energy source as well as its capabilities. For example, when I was in undergrad, I studied a tiny bit of text relating to hydrology to understand some concepts relating to acoustics and water. Read more>>