Through our work we have had the good fortune of seeing firsthand how success comes in every shape, size, color, faith, and orientation. More importantly we’ve learned that success is often the result of people embracing their unique backgrounds and so we’ve asked the community to tell us about their background and how it has impacted where they are today.

Ashley OFerrell | Notary, Estimator, Entrepreneur and DJ

I am originally from Mobile, Alabama. I came from a complicated background that led to me mainly raising myself, my sister for a time, and then at 8 i was held for about 10 years under a very restrictive and often abusive home. When I escaped at 18 i hadn’t thought very far past just escaping. I had a scholarship and a grant that would have coevered my entire 4 years at Univerity of South Alabma , but the same family member i ran from took a loan out in my name and I lost it all.  Read more>>

Jackie Lukianov | Freelance Watercolorist

I’m originally from Southern California, now living in the Front Range of Colorado, born and raised in the ghettos of the Inland Empire. My mom had me at the young age of 17 with little help from family; we were poor and struggled for a very long time. My dad was long gone before I was born. When I met him at the age of 10, he was pretty worthless and too self absorbed to develop a true relationship with him. I think my mom single parenting me really shaped how I am today. She was determined and driven to do whatever she could in order to provide for her small family. I learned this individuality and strength from her early on and knew that confidence, even if faked, would carry me a long way in life. Growing up dirt poor really taught me how to be responsible with money, or frugal some might say, almost to a fault. Read more>>

Tiffany Dallman | Travel Advisor, Tour Operator, Travel Advisor Mentor

I grew up in Delaware, but moved to Virginia to go to an All Girls Boarding school in highschool. I went to school with girls from around the world and got my first taste of what was out there! I met my husband who is active duty army in college and we moved to Alaska right after graduation. I fell in love with Alaska right away and my passion for trying new places only grew with each move after that! So it was no surprise to anyone when I officially made Travel my lifestyle and started my business a couple years ago! Now I get to extend my passion to helping other people travel and and have adventures all over the world! Read more>>

Brian McGuire | Innovative Food Creator

I was born and raised in Northern California and grew up in the lower to middle class. I came from a very standardized American diet and was unmotivated to experience foods that were out of my comfort zone (to put it bluntly I was a picky eater). Read more>>

Angie Wickersham | food truck for acai smoothie bowls, GJ and DF free

Trevor was born in Chicago and grew up in the middle of Kansas. He loved sports and being active outside. He knew he wanted to do be in CO so when the time came for college, it was clear he would come out here. He planned to play baseball at (then) Mesa State), but a series of injuries lead him to find other amazing Western Colorado activities like dirt biking and snowboarding. He spent most of his early career in sales but found a love in creating new business and opportunity. Read more>>

Robert Schilling | Realtor, Associate Broker

I grew up in the Vail, Colorado. Throughout my time here I’ve been involved with different charities. This community embraces giving back. After university I volunteered with the Peace Corps in Botswana, Africa. Today a key part of my real estate career is a gifting program where I give 5% of my earnings to a charity of my clients’ choice. Read more>>