IN THE ARENA

Bringing you real-world stories from business owners like you, along with the latest group benefits news and trends to keep you ahead.

Cosette Conaway: A Journey of Resilience and Leadership

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

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Stepping Into the Arena: Shannon Conaway’s Story of Resilience, Leadership, and Transformation

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

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The Arena of Business Ownership With Danny Flores

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

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Tell Us Your Story: Inspiring Journeys from the Arena of Life

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

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Holly Andrade: Thriving in the Arena of Education, Politics, and Leadership

In every leader’s journey, the arena becomes a space where passion, resilience, and purpose converge to inspire meaningful change. For Holly Andrade, former mayor and council member of Lincoln, California, and University Advancement Officer at William Jessup University, the arena represents a lifetime dedicated to education, faith, and servant leadership. In her enlightening episode of Tell Us Your Story, Holly shares her multifaceted narrative, seamlessly weaving together her roles in education, politics, and community building.

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Laurie and Aaron: Thriving in the Arena of Love and Entrepreneurship

The entrepreneurial journey is often likened to stepping into an arena—a space where passion, resilience, and determination are tested. For Laurie and Aaron, the dynamic duo behind Wallbeds “n” More, their arena is a unique blend of personal and professional, where love and business intersect to create a life of purpose and success. In the latest episode of Tell Us Your Story, Laurie and Aaron share their inspiring journey of building a thriving business together,

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Zane and Pam Dobson: Thriving in the Arena of Winemaking and Transformation

Every journey into entrepreneurship is a step into the arena—a space where passion meets perseverance and dreams are cultivated amidst challenges. For Zane and Pam Dobson, the founders of PaZa Winery, their arena spans the rolling vineyards of El Dorado County, where they have built a life defined by resilience, dedication, and community. Their story, shared on the latest episode of Tell Us Your Story, is more than a tale of moving from Oklahoma to

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Julie Hilton: Thriving in the Arena of Sports and Entrepreneurship

Every journey into entrepreneurship is an entry into the arena—a place where passion meets purpose, and challenges forge resilience. For Julie Hilton, her arena began on the basketball courts and golf courses of Saratoga, California, and evolved into a thriving entrepreneurial venture that connects and uplifts her community. Julie’s story is one of adaptability, grit, and a willingness to pivot when life’s course demands it. From excelling as an athlete to building a legacy in

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Yvonne Pyer: Rising in the Arena of Adversity and Transformation

The arena is where challenges forge resilience, and dreams are realized through unwavering determination. For Yvonne Pyer, her arena spans a lifetime of overcoming instability, trauma, and systemic barriers to emerge as a beacon of strength, transformation, and purpose. In the latest episode of Tell Us Your Story, Yvonne shares her incredible journey from the hardships of foster care to serving in the Air Force and ultimately founding her business, The Rising Zone—a sanctuary for

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Joel Tilford: Thriving in the Arena of Entrepreneurship

Every entrepreneur has their arena—a space where challenges test their resilience, opportunities ignite their ambition, and success rewards their determination. For Joel Tilford, the founder of Spartan Home Services, stepping into his arena meant transforming a passion for mechanics into a thriving business empire, overcoming obstacles, and inspiring others along the way. Joel’s journey began in his youth, shaped by the financial instability of the 2008 crisis and the values instilled by his family. Witnessing

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