Some people follow a straight path. Amanda’s story? It’s a zigzag through cheer squads, fashion dreams, franchise ownership—and a few jaw-dropping plot twists (one involving actual jaw surgery).
This is what the Arena is all about: people who keep showing up, especially when the script changes.
The Social Spark That Never Burned Out
Amanda never claimed to love school, but she loved people. That love turned into connections, leadership roles, and later, into a knack for building customer relationships that feel like friendships. Moving across multiple states, Amanda had to quickly adapt—and it gave her a superpower: the ability to walk into any room and connect.
From Cheer Captain with a Wired Jaw to Corporate Fashion and Sales
Amanda didn’t just cheer—she led. Even after major jaw reconstruction surgery, she was on the sidelines, calling cheers through clenched teeth. That same drive led her to Sierra College, then to GAP Inc., where she worked her way into corporate roles and sales leadership across multiple brands. She didn’t just sell clothes—she understood people and knew how to help them express who they were.
Unexpected Turns and Starting Over
Just when Amanda thought she knew the plan—family moves, relationships end, and dreams shift. Fashion gave way to insurance, and eventually to healthcare. Every pivot added a layer. And with each new challenge, Amanda didn’t retreat—she got curious.
Falling Into (and in Love With) Insurance
Like many, Amanda didn’t grow up dreaming of working in insurance. But it kept pulling her in. She went from receptionist to commercial lines to PEO and workers comp—excelling in each new space. Why? Because she led with service and made sales feel human. It wasn’t about the close. It was about the conversation.
The Pandemic Layoff That Changed Everything
Amanda was thriving at a young, innovative brokerage. But COVID brought mass layoffs. It wasn’t about her performance—it was about investors. And like so many in the Arena, that moment became her inflection point. “I don’t want to be just a number again,” she said. That’s when the entrepreneurial spark lit up.
Risk, Reward, and 1-800 WATER DAMAGE
After completing a franchise personality survey to help a friend test it out, Amanda saw a different future. Her husband took the same survey—and within months, they launched 1-800 WATER DAMAGE of Roseville and Rocklin.
The first three months were quiet. Then the Texas freeze hit, and they were deployed for emergency water cleanup. It was chaos. It was overwhelming. It was perfect. They came home with experience, momentum—and purpose.
More Than Cleanup—It’s Rebuilding Lives
Amanda’s company helps people through the worst moments: burst pipes, sewage backups, mold. But she’s not just drying walls—she’s restoring calm. Her insurance background lets her educate clients on what to expect. Her empathy makes the difference. Her mission? “We take care of people the way we’d want to be treated.”
Lessons From the Arena
If you ask Amanda what success looks like, it’s not revenue. It’s happiness. It’s growth. And most of all, it’s pushing through discomfort. Her advice?
“You’re not growing unless you’re uncomfortable.”
She didn’t dream of owning a business as a kid—but she owns it now. And she’ll be the first to tell you: there’s no secret sauce. Just willingness, curiosity, and a little courage.
Final Words From Amanda
“Don’t limit yourself. You don’t know what’s on the other side of that door. Try everything you can. If it doesn’t work? Learn. Grow. Try again.”
Amanda’s not done reinventing. And that’s exactly the kind of person we invite into the Arena.
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