IN THE ARENA

In this episode of Tell Us Your Story… Welcome to the Arena, we sat down with Jamie Perez, founder of Beyond Words Production. Her journey moves from a quiet childhood in South Sacramento to the bright lights of TV news in the Midwest, then through a legal and personal storm, and finally back home to rebuild. What emerges is a masterclass in courage, identity, and the kind of storytelling that makes people care. From Quiet

In this episode of Tell Us Your Story, we stepped into a truly special place — both physically and personally — with Sandy Finley, Broker Associate Manager at REMAX Dream Homes. Sandy invited us into her brand new Rocklin office, complete with a warm, open space, a kitchen for hosting, and a beautifully designed podcast studio. But what made this episode unforgettable wasn’t just the space — it was her story. Early Days, Surfboards, and

At Arena, we believe the best business stories start long before the first client meeting or policy sold. They begin in childhood homes, on sports fields, and in the quiet moments when people decide what kind of life they want to build. Hunter Rappleye’s story is exactly that — a winding path from busy family life and competitive golf greens to becoming a commercial insurance broker focused on helping business owners protect their legacies. Growing

In this week’s episode of Tell Us Your Story, we sit down with Becky Jansen, owner of Blissful Beauty By Becky. Her story is filled with honesty, strength, and a quiet determination that speaks louder than any polished brand. What started as a personal passion turned into a life-changing business built on healing, empowerment, and making others feel confident in their own skin. From Hardship to Healing Becky’s path hasn’t been easy. She’s faced deep

From Los Angeles roots to launching his own detailing business in Sacramento, Daniel Baarns brings energy, thoughtfulness, and a deep sense of purpose to everything he touches. His story isn’t one of shortcuts or viral moments—it’s a decade-long process of discovery marked by trial, discipline, and quiet determination. A Childhood Fueled by Freedom and Structure Daniel was homeschooled in a family of five siblings, growing up in the heart of L.A.—the “traffic capital of the

In this episode of Tell Us Your Story… Welcome to the Arena, we sit down with Emilia Navedo, a business owner whose path has stretched across continents, industries, and passions. Her story is one of bold moves, heartfelt choices, and a constant pursuit of meaningful work. Born and raised in Mexico City, Emilia was the youngest of three children in a close-knit family. From an early age, she was driven, curious, and deeply social. “I loved

In this episode of Tell Us Your Story… Welcome to the Arena, we step into the arena with Kim Hummel, the founder of Hummel Consulting. Kim’s career spans decades of evolution in sales and marketing—from selling vacuums door-to-door at 14 to consulting with billion-dollar companies and eventually championing small businesses through her own agency. This is a story of instinct, resilience, and an unshakable belief that things will always work out. Growing Up in California

In this episode of Tell Us Your Story… Welcome to the Arena, we sat down with someone who’s walked a long and winding road from a small desert town to entrepreneurship—Justin Fellenz, founder of Share Soleil. Justin’s story is rooted in challenge, self-discovery, and a relentless willingness to figure things out on his own terms. Growing Up in 29 Palms Justin was raised in 29 Palms, a small military town in the high desert of

From Central Mexico to Central Iowa Brando Guerrero was born in a small town in Mexico. He moved to the U.S. and started second grade in Dodge City, Kansas. When he entered the classroom, he didn’t speak English and there was no ESL program. A classmate who spoke Spanish helped him navigate the early days. He quickly began to adapt, learned English within months, and by fifth grade was placed into the TAG (Talented and

In this episode of Tell Us Your Story… Welcome to the Arena, we sat down with someone who’s walked the winding road of the insurance industry and lived to tell the tale — Kevin Carlin, Regional Sales Manager at Claremont Insurance Services. What started as a conversation about career paths turned into something much deeper: a lesson in humility, perseverance, and the power of human connection.  Kevin in Istanbul! From Basketball Dreams to Career Detours

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

In every leader’s journey, the arena becomes a space where passion, resilience, and purpose converge to inspire meaningful change. For Holly Andreatta, 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.

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,

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

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

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

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