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.

Megan Casasola | Photographer & Filmmaker

Personally, I don’t think I’m successful. However, I have grown so much as a creative over the past few years. It’s very encouraging for me when I look back to where I started with a love for documenting the little moments. Read more>>

Chris Daniele | Travel Photographer & Videographer

Standing out from the masses by creating original content, focused solely on helping our clients build an audience and driving business to them. Read more>> 

Nola Krajewski | Golden Chamber of Commerce & Golden Farmers Market

I think oftentimes success is seen as a pinacol – a place to get to, climb to, or arrive at. But to me, success is more like a river. It ebbs and flows. What is considered “success” in one season, might look very different in a different season. Read more>>

Eric Vollono | Chef Owner

Adaptability, with the amazing chefs I’ve worked for, I’ve been able to pick up a wide variety of styles and techniques. I can do 6 course tasting menus for private dinners, crawfish boils, and homemade pasta classes, Korean inspired menus, steakhouse, southern dining, and Caribbean flavors to name a few. Read more>>

Ryan Resch | Firearms Enthusiast and Entrepreneur

The most important factor to me would be honesty and keeping your word. Being honest with your customers and always following through on your word is something most people really connect with and appreciate. These two traits create lifelong repeat customers. Read more>>

Heidi Allam | Health Coach & Owner of Blend Nutrition

One of the most important factors behind my success would be having a growth mindset. For every single aspect of my life. My faith, my leadership, marketing, marriage, parenting, finances, etc. Read more>>

Selina & Evan Lerma | Family Foodtruck /Restaurant Owners

Hard work, consistency, and family legacy. Owning a food truck is long hours, and not for the faint of heart. However it does keep things exciting. Being able to travel to various events and breweries allows us to experience things we might not otherwise have had the chance to experience. It allows us to share our families unique cuisine and to continue the legacy our father left us. Read more>>

Chris Sturdy” Albrecht | Owner & Lead Tour Guide”

The product. I started the business with one type of tour, a 2-hour walking tour, and I wanted it to be unique and memorable—not the same old dates and facts tour. I experimented with various ideas before finally settling in on storytelling. Read more>>

Marc Erickson | Mortgage Broker and Whitewater Rafting Guide

Mortgage Lending is a rough and tumble Industry that is full of Stress, Frustration and Headaches. Affecting Mortgage Loan Originators, Realtors, and their clients. This is a Fluid Industry, with Guidelines and Overlays changing on a consistent basis. Read more>>

Keef Caben | Electronic Music Artist

The most important factor is having a band, a team, to help reach out goals for success. Being a music artist means building a brand as unknown to household name without compromising who you really are. Read more>>

Scott Mitchell | Music Composer for Film and TV

I would have to say the most important aspects behind success are passion and determination. If you are pursuing your passion, there is no settling for less and you will love what you’re doing. Put in the work to grow and always be open to learning more, because even experts have room for improvement. Read more>>

Frederic Payet | Artist Painter

My most important factors behind my success is perseverance and challenge myself to always improve my skill. Read more>>

Rob Lohman | Interventionist, Speaker and Global Podcaster

The most important factor behind my success and the success of my brand is directly related to my personal values being the foundation of and reflected in the branding of LIFTED From The Rut. Makes the whole experience and process so much more pure and true to who I am. Read more>>

Andie Ramirez | Mother & Creator

I would not necessarily call myself successful but I do know I worked hard to get to where I am today; in my personal life as well as my social media presence. From the beginning, I knew the most important factor was to be myself. Read more>>

Nam Phan | Automotive Lifestyle Photographer

I believe the largest factor behind my success has to be my wife and kids with believing in my dreams, sharing my work and encouraging me to push boundaries as an artist. Read more>>

Stefanie Stevens | Vegan Influencer and Nutritionist

I’ve found that the most important factor in my success is persistence. “Overnight success takes 10 years” is such a true statement. And it’s okay to get discouraged, to be unmotivated sometimes, to get busy in other areas of life and need to take a break. Read more>>

Angela Smith | Artist

The most important factor behind my success and my brand is staying true to myself while bringing attention to important topics. My goal is to make moving art that depicts what I believe in. Read more>>