IN THE ARENA

In the Arena, success isn’t always a straight line. It’s not the degree, the title, or the perfectly laid-out plan. Sometimes it’s the zigzags, the floundering, the missed bedtimes — and the bold decision to step into something new. Stephanie’s story is one of rediscovery, reinvention, and redefining success — on her terms. “What do you actually want your life to be?” That was the question her mentor, Steve Napolitan, posed when Stephanie found herself

Finding Strength in the Arena of Life Life doesn’t hand out easy paths. For Matt Von Bergen, challenges came early. Born in New Jersey and later moving to California, he grew up as the middle child in a large family—a position that, as he describes, often means fighting for your place and proving yourself. But the defining moments of Matt’s life weren’t just about birth order. At a young age, he lost his little brother

At Arena Insurance Services, we believe that every business owner steps into their own arena—facing challenges, making bold moves, and fighting for success. In this episode of Tell Us Your Story… Welcome to the Arena!, we sat down with Bryant Troupe, founder of Gravity IT Solutions, to discuss his entrepreneurial path, the evolution of his business, and the lessons he’s learned along the way. From Lemonade Stands to IT Leadership Bryant’s entrepreneurial roots run deep. Even as a child, he

Not every path is paved with opportunity. Some are filled with obstacles, requiring resilience, adaptability, and a relentless drive to push forward. JC’s journey is a testament to what it means to create your own path, redefine success, and build something lasting—even after setbacks. From South Central to Sonoma: A Path to Change JC grew up in South Central Los Angeles during a turbulent time, witnessing firsthand the impact of violence and instability. He describes

The latest episode of Tell Us Your Story brings back a familiar and inspiring guest: Mayor Holly Andreatta. As a leader dedicated to both the City of Lincoln and William Jessup University, Holly embodies the values of service, resilience, and growth—traits that align closely with the core of the Arena philosophy. A Life of Service and Leadership Holly’s journey is a testament to dedication and balancing multiple leadership roles. Currently serving her second term as Mayor

In leadership and business, the path is never a straight line. It twists and turns, often shaped by personal struggles, professional challenges, and the resilience required to keep moving forward. We know that success isn’t just about strategy—it’s about perseverance, adaptability, and leading with purpose. On a recent episode of Tell Us Your Story, we sat down with Cathy Tonks, CEO and Principal Interior Designer of Designs with You in Mind and owner of Distinctive

In this week’s episode of Tell Us Your Story, we sat down with Harley Cantrell, the owner of PandaMomo Catering. His journey is nothing short of inspiring—transitioning from corporate leadership in the grocery industry to taking a bold leap into entrepreneurship. Harley’s story is one of risk, resilience, and self-belief as he navigated the transition from a structured corporate career to building his own thriving business. Early Influences: The Foundation for a Future Chef Growing

Introduction: A Seasoned Sales Leader Steps into the Arena In this episode of Tell Us Your Story, we had the privilege of sitting down with Mike Portello, a veteran in the sales industry with over 35 years of experience. His journey from selling cookies to becoming a leader in technology sales is a masterclass in perseverance, curiosity, and self-discovery. Mike’s story is not just about professional growth but also about life lessons, resilience, and finding

Cosette Conaway’s path is one of determination, grit, and unwavering resilience. From humble beginnings to becoming the CFO and principal of Conaway Geomatics, her story is a testament to the power of perseverance, vision, and courage. A Challenging Start and Early Lessons Cosette grew up in a challenging environment, the only child of a single mother struggling with drug addiction. Her childhood was marked by instability, yet she found guidance and support through her aunt

In the latest episode of Tell Us Your Story, hosts Anthony and Natasha sat down with Shannon Conaway, CEO of Conaway Geomatics. Shannon’s life story is one of perseverance, emotional growth, and leadership rooted in authenticity. With candor and humor, he shared how life’s challenges shaped his path from a struggling student to a successful entrepreneur leading a thriving business. Lessons From a Big Family: The Foundations of Leadership Growing up as one of 11

Danny’s foray into business ownership began when he moved his family from the Bay Area to Sacramento in 2001. Leaving the high cost of living behind, he started Clear Reflections Pool Service, building the business from the ground up. Despite the challenges of managing a growing enterprise, Danny was unwavering in his commitment to providing excellent service to his clients. His business philosophy is simple: treat clients like family. Over the years, Danny has cultivated

Every individual has a story worth sharing—a journey filled with challenges, triumphs, and lessons that can inspire others. The “Tell Us Your Story” podcast, hosted by Anthony Lopez and Natasha Cantrell, is a platform dedicated to highlighting these incredible narratives. Together, they bring voices from all walks of life into the arena, where struggles are faced, victories are earned, and lives are transformed. Inspired by Theodore Roosevelt’s famous speech, the podcast embodies the idea that