Shows
Tell Us Your StorySales, Marketing, and Guiding Small Businesses with Kim Hummel of Hummel ConsultingEver meet someone who seems to effortlessly build connections with everyone they encounter? That's Kim Hummel, owner of Hummel Consulting, whose natural marketing abilities have been evident since she sold Kirby vacuum cleaners door-to-door at just 14 years old. In this captivating conversation, Kim reveals how her psychology background became the secret weapon in her marketing arsenal. Rather than viewing each business interaction as a potential sale, Kim approaches each encounter with genuine curiosity and a desire to educate. "I'm not trying to sell you anything," she explains. "Let's have a conversation." This refreshing philosophy has served her r...2025-05-0952 min
Tell Us Your StoryHow Justin Fellenz Transformed His Life Through Sales and SolarJustin Fellenz shares his remarkable journey from the tiny desert town of 29 Palms—a place he describes as "the sandbox of broken dreams"—to becoming the founder of Share Soleil, an innovative solar company transforming how homeowners access renewable energy solutions.Growing up in a military town with just two stoplights, Justin found early academic success but lacked direction and mentorship. His path wove through community college, UC Davis, early parenthood, and a transformative period discovering his natural talent in sales. Working across multiple fitness companies, Justin developed a customer-centric philosophy that would later become his business foun...2025-05-0138 min
Tell Us Your StoryThe Power of Networking and Rising to the Occasion with Brando GuerreroImagine being dropped into a classroom as a second-grader without knowing a word of English. This was Brando Guerrero's introduction to America after immigrating from Mexico – an experience that shaped his lifelong approach to challenges: sink or swim. From these humble beginnings, Brando's story unfolds as a masterclass in resilience, transformation, and the power of betting on yourself.His journey takes unexpected turns as he shares how he evolved from a bullied outsider to team captain, from computer science dropout to communications graduate, and ultimately from corporate executive to proud business owner. What makes Brando's story particularly co...2025-04-251h 02
Tell Us Your StoryEmbracing the Uncomfortable: How Amanda Daugereaux is Building a Successful Family-Run BusinessWhat happens when life's unpredictable currents sweep you in unexpected directions? Amanda Daugereaux story proves that sometimes the most rewarding paths emerge when you're willing to say "yes" to the unknown.Growing up as a perpetual newcomer across five different states, Amanda developed a remarkable ability to connect with people from all walks of life. Her natural sociability and adaptability served her well through careers in fashion merchandising and insurance before leading her to an unexpected destination – owning 1-800-WATER-DAMAGE of Roseville and Rocklin.Amanda's journey breaks the mold of traditional entrepreneurship. Rather than pursuing a...2025-04-1856 min
Tell Us Your StoryThe Power of Persistence: Kevin Carlin's Journey of Weathering Changes in the ArenaKevin Carlin's path to becoming Regional Sales Manager at Claremont Insurance Services wasn't one he could have predicted. Growing up as one of four competitive brothers in a middle-class California family, Kevin's early passion was basketball – until the devastating experience of being cut from his high school team sent him reeling.Everything changed when Kevin's mother drove him to visit the University of San Diego, a school he initially thought was beyond both his academic qualifications and his family's financial means. The campus tour captivated him and against the odds, he was accepted, setting the stage for pe...2025-04-1158 min
Tell Us Your StoryDesigning Your Life: How Stephanie Vedder Found Purpose Through CoachingWhat happens when you realize the life you've designed isn't the one you want? Stephanie Vedder takes us through her transformative journey from marketing professional to client success coach, revealing the power of conscious choices along the way.Starting as a self-described "flounderer" in high school who missed classes and lacked direction, Stephanie eventually found her stride in sales and marketing. Her career breakthrough came at the Penny Saver, where she discovered the fulfillment of helping business owners succeed. Under mentor Howard Young, she learned valuable lessons about integrity and excellence, transforming her team from underperformers to...2025-04-0355 min
Tell Us Your StoryCrisis Creates Catalysts: Master Problem Solver and Connector Matt Von Bergen of Partners MortgageMatt Von Bergen's journey from tragedy to triumph reveals the transformative power of perspective in the face of life's greatest challenges. Having lost his brother to a brain tumor at age 12 and his mother to pancreatic cancer at 16, Matt faced a profound choice that would define his future: use these devastating losses as excuses or as catalysts for growth. Choosing the latter ignited what he calls his "flame of desire," fueling a determination that has carried him through his remarkable career.The middle child of five siblings, Matt's path took him from stocking shelves at Walmart to...2025-03-1453 min
Tell Us Your StoryEntrepreneurial Persistence Through Business and Life: Gravity IT Solutions Owner Bryant TroupeDive into the inspiring journey of Bryant Troupe, the founder of Gravity IT Solutions, as he shares his experiences navigating the worlds of entrepreneurship, technology, and family life. Growing up in Southern California, Bryant developed a passion for technology and business at a young age. After being laid off, he took the leap into entrepreneurship, fueled by a desire to provide exceptional IT services for small businesses. In this engaging episode, Bryant discusses how fostering three children alongside his own has shaped his perspective on community and challenges. He emphasizes the importance of networking in business, sharing i...2025-03-0749 min
Tell Us Your StoryYear Three in the Arena: Podcast Evolution and New BeginningsTaking a leap into the unknown can be both thrilling and terrifying, and this latest episode delves straight into that theme. After three transformative years, we’re not just celebrating our podcasting journey but also embracing our recent bold move into entrepreneurship with Arena Insurance Services. We reflect on the support from our community of listeners and friends, sharing candid insights about leaving secure jobs for an entrepreneurial venture.Building businesses is often painted as a glamorous dream, yet we candidly discuss the reality—the struggles, the triumphs, and the lessons learned along the way. From the chal...2025-02-2836 min
Tell Us Your StoryFitness and Fortitude with Core Atheletics Owner JC CharlesJC Charles' journey from the tumultuous streets of South Central LA to becoming a successful fitness consultant is nothing short of remarkable. JC takes us through his life story, a narrative marked by resilience and determination, as he recounts his transformative experiences from high school to higher education at Sonoma State University. Through the challenges of gang violence and societal unrest, discover how a supportive community and a drive for personal growth set JC on a different path, leading to his eventual success in the fitness industry.JC reflects on his career transitions, from the mortgage industry...2025-02-2149 min
Tell Us Your StoryBuilding Trust and Transforming Communities with Mayor Holly AndreattaWe are back for an update 1 year after our first enlightening discussion with Holly Andreatta, the remarkable Mayor of Lincoln, California, who wears many hats, including that of an Advancement Officer at William Jessup University. Holly shares her journey of growth and service, from completing a doctorate in spiritual formation and leadership to becoming a volunteer chaplain for Placer County's law enforcement. Her dedication to community service and passion for supporting others in challenging situations is nothing short of inspiring, and her unique perspective offers a fresh take on how personal ambitions can align beautifully with public service.2025-02-1454 min
Tell Us Your StoryFrom Corporate Life to Culinary Dreams: PandaMomo Catering with Owner Harley CantrellIn this episode of Tell Us Your Story, we sit down with Harley Cantrell, owner of PandaMomo Catering, to explore his inspiring journey from corporate leadership in the grocery industry to taking a bold leap into entrepreneurship. Harley shares how his artistic background, corporate experience, and role as a stay-at-home dad all led him to build a thriving meal prep and catering business.PandaMomo Catering specializes in high-quality, fresh, and locally sourced meals, offering a rotating menu of nutritious, chef-prepared dishes. Unlike large meal prep companies, Harley personally crafts each meal with a focus on real ingredients...2025-01-3159 min
Tell Us Your StoryPivoting with Purpose: Juli Hilton's Transition from Sports to BusinessWhat if you could seamlessly transition from a high-flying sports career to launching a successful restaurant? Join us as we unravel Juli Hilton's inspiring journey from excelling in basketball and tennis during her high school years in Saratoga, California, to earning her professional card and competing in the LPGA. Juli's story is not just about sports; it's about the mental toughness required in competitive golf, the balance between personal and professional life, and the unyielding support of family. Juli opens up about the challenges she faced as a professional golfer, traveling in an RV with her husband a...2024-06-061h 03
Tell Us Your StoryCrafting Champions: Coach Steve Taylor's Journey in Sports, Leadership, and Life LessonsHave you ever paused to consider the profound impact a coach can have, not just on a game, but on a life? Rocklin High School's Steve Taylor, a leader of the court and classroom, joins us to weave a narrative that knits the love of sport with the threads of community and personal growth. Steve's journey—from his Rocklin upbringing to his own athletic endeavors to the choice to guide young minds over his 37+ year career—is a reminder of the ripple effect one person can have in the lives of many.As we journey with Steve, from...2024-04-181h 32
Tell Us Your StorySolidarity in Service: The Unseen Bonds & Trauma of War with Danny O'NeelEvery life story has its shadows and peaks. In this week's episode our latest guest, Army Veteran, business owner of Kinetic Ink, and co-founder of the non-profit Warfighter Overwatch, Danny O'Neel takes us through his journey to some of those darkest shadows and some of those highest peaks. From the trials of a fractured family to the tribulations of poverty, his journey is a testament to human resilience. As a child, he learned to navigate the tumultuous waters of a life split between a drug-addicted mother and a disciplined, military father, emerging with a fortitude that would later...2024-04-041h 27
Tell Us Your StoryFrom Go-Karts to Growth: Joel Tilford's Entrepreneur Blueprint for Building a Multimillion-Dollar BusinessOur latest guest's narrative is nothing short of a masterclass in the relentless pursuit of entrepreneurial success, starting from the tough lessons learned amidst the financial crisis. Joel Tilford captivatingly recounts his early days in Lincoln, California, where the fusion of his parents' resourcefulness and his own young ambition set the stage for a future defined by business ventures and financial growth. Joel’s journey is as educational as it is interesting, detailing how a teenage pastime of flipping go-karts evolved into strategic business decisions and a passionate aversion to complacency. Dissecting his path from a budding entr...2024-03-281h 04
Tell Us Your StoryFrom Adversity to Healing: Troy Goings' Journey of Resilience and TransformationWhen life throws curveballs, some strike out while others, adjust. Our latest episode features Troy Goings, whose faced life's adversities and has allowed them to shape him into a beacon of resilience and transformation. Troy's story, which he narrates with disarming honesty, takes us from his turbulent military childhood to a redemptive arc that saw him finding his footing post-prison, blossoming into an entrepreneur, healer, and a source of laughter. His reflections are a masterclass in converting life's low points into stepping stones for success.Have you ever wondered how stumbling blocks can be turned into stepping...2024-03-211h 08
Tell Us Your StoryThe Art of Bouncing Back and Building an Empire with Adrian BoyselImagine overcoming a childhood marred by instability and transforming that pain into a catalyst for entrepreneurial success. Adrian Boysel is living proof that even the most tumultuous beginnings can lead to a life of passion, purpose, and professional triumph. Today's episode takes you through Adrian's incredible journey, from his early years of loss and family turmoil to his ascent as a top sales professional and brand strategist, all while navigating the complexities of personal development and restoring family ties. Witnessing Adrian's narrative unfold, you'll be captivated by his raw honesty as he discusses dropping out of high sc...2024-03-141h 02
Tell Us Your StoryForging a Legacy: Jonathan's Journey from Court to Career to Family!Sitting down this week with Jonathan Lopez, our conversation traverses his journey. Starting with early memories of basketball to his college games, moving to the profound impact of his marriage, bringing us to where he is at today in his career journey and family life. We peel back the layers of Jonathan's experiences and the gravity of experiences and decisions that shaped his path to adulthood.Jonathan shares the profound impact the game of basketball has had on his life. A narrative interwoven with family, friends, hard work and life decisions. Tune in as he reflects on...2024-03-071h 01
Tell Us Your StoryThe Heart of the Game: Jason Adams on Coaching, Community, and the True Value of FootballWhen the whistle blows and the stadium lights blaze, it's not just a game that unfolds on the field—it's the culmination of life lessons, passion, and a community. Join us as we sit down with Jason Adams, the revered head football coach and educator from Rocklin High School. Through Jason's eyes, we traverse the terrain of mentorship, the essence of servant leadership, and the personal devotion that fuels a triumphant football program. His reflections connect the dots between the influence of his father's mentor, his own coaching philosophy, and the invaluable lessons that extend far beyond the game's fi...2024-02-291h 19
Tell Us Your StoryShaping Society Through Service: Holly Andreatta on Education, Politics, and Grounded LeadershipJoin us for an enlightening and uplifting conversation this week with special guest Holly Andreatta. When the paths of education and politics converge, extraordinary stories emerge. Holly, a beacon of committed service within the Lincoln, California community and beyond, joins us to share her narrative that weaves through classrooms and council chambers alike. The former Mayor and current council member, who also shapes minds as an Advancement Officer at Jessup University, brings to the table a rich tapestry of experiences, reflecting the profound impact of faith, leadership, and community engagement.This episode is not simply an interview...2024-02-151h 04
Tell Us Your StoryInking Life's Stories: Artistry, Veterans, and Community with Tattoo Maestro Sonny BattenThis week's guest is tattoo maestro Sonny Batten from Kinetic Ink. Sonny unravels his life's tapestry, inked with stories of artistry and service to veterans and first responders. There's a raw grace in Sonny's recounting of his childhood in Hartford City, Indiana, shaped by a family of artists and the lessons from "Rich Dad, Poor Dad." His narrative doesn't shy away from the turmoil of divorce or the teenage rebellion that charted his course towards the buzzing tattoo guns instead of the military drumbeat.Imagine a world where the ink on your skin is more than a...2024-02-081h 01
Tell Us Your StoryChoosing Your Trajectory and How It Is Possible with Laurie & Aaron Rollins of Wallbeds "n" MoreThis week we host Aaron and Laurie Rollins, the entrepreneurial duo behind Wallbeds “n” More, join us to unfold their story of weaving together the threads of marriage and business. Their tale is not just about love and business, but also a testament to the resilience found in a blended family and the triumph over conventional wisdom that says you can't have it all. They debunk myths about the necessity of college degrees and shine a light on the value of mentorship and sales experience in carving out a successful career path. Strap in for a narrative roller...2024-02-011h 15
Tell Us Your StoryAthletic Mindset and Entrepreneurial Adventures with Donovan Lopez and Handre ReineckeThis week we bring you the inspiring stories of Donovan Lopez and Handre Reinecke, the dynamic duo affectionately known as DLO & DRE! In our sit down, Donovan and Handre unravel their intertwined narrative, from growing up together as teammates in the basketball community to becoming lifelong friends. They've taken the principles of teamwork and discipline learned in the gym and applied them to their lives post-graduation. Their stories are a masterclass in pivoting passions, embracing growth, and transforming sportsmanship into a business acumen that transcends athletics. Listen in as they detail three key areas of their story:2024-01-251h 07
Tell Us Your StoryHeard It Through the Grapevine: Chasing Dreams and the PaZa Winery Experience with Zane DobsonWe may have been cloaked in darkness and down poured with rain while recording this episode, but the story shined a light that trumped it all as we sat down with PaZa Winery Owner, Zane Dobson. His story, woven from Oklahoma roots to the fertile slopes of Auburn, California, is a toast to passion, precision, and the pursuit of dreams. Journey with us through the intimate evolution of PaZa Winery, a tale brimming with dedication, community spirit, and the meticulous artistry of cultivating vineyards and crafting wines. Imagine trading the adrenaline rush of Porsche track racing for th...2024-01-181h 08
Tell Us Your StoryFinding Fulfillment on Life's Winding Road: Adaptability in Tech and Ties to Community with John KosteckiJoin our conversation with John Kostecki, a Director of Product Strategy at Oracle, whose journey reminds us that the roads we take in life can lead to unexpected and fulfilling destinations. From changing career paths to the highs and lows of young love with his wife Susan, John's personal anecdotes are as rich and layered as the product strategies he crafts. His transition from a budding geologist to a tech titan is not just a study in adaptability but a testament to the serendipity of life's twists and turns.As we navigate the ins and...2024-01-1157 min
Tell Us Your StoryOvercoming The Odds, Figuring Out Who You Really Are, and Balancing Work and Wellness with Yvonne Pire.The airwaves come alive with the season two premiere of Tell Us Your Story Northern California! This episode isn't just a chronicle; it's a voyage through the formidable life of Yvonne Pire, whose journey from a turbulent childhood to a distinguished Air Force career and onto entrepreneurial success embodies the spirit of our community. Yvonne, with her blend of tenacity and grace, illustrates not only personal triumph but also the wisdom she's gleaned from a life that's been anything but ordinary. Her story is one of grit and the transformative power of embracing the full spectrum of life's experiences.2024-01-041h 20Tell Us Your StorySeason 2 Introduction: The Evolution of Our Podcast!Welcome back to Season 2! Your favorite hosts are back at it, with some exciting changes. In this episode we reflect on season 1 and share some exciting changes for season 2 along with a sneak peek of what is to come.Our conversations have evolved into profound explorations of vulnerability and triumph, weaving through the stories of influential business owners, local influencers, and champions of the Northern California community. This season, we offer an intimate glimpse into their journeys, unlocking the essence of what propels someone from everyday to extraordinary. Prepare to be inspired as we share a...2023-12-2822 minTell Us Your StoryLeading with Values, Staying Curious, and Seeking Discomfort with Randy StoneIn this enlightening episode of Grandpa & The Millennial, we sit down with Randy Stone, a seasoned Vice President of Strategy and Operations. With over 25 years of experience he shares lessons learned throughout his tenure with companies like Oracle, Salesforce, and Slack. Randy's challenge to name our top 5 values sparks a profound conversation that delves into the core of leadership and personal growth.Our engaging discussion centers around three pivotal topics:1. The Power of Curiosity: Randy emphasizes the importance of curiosity as a driving force in both personal and professional growth. We explore how nu...2023-10-191h 09Tell Us Your StoryLeaders Are People Too: From Lessons to Law Firm, Sacrifice & Support, And the Devastating Fentanyl Epidemic with Tracy HuncklerIn this compelling episode of Grandpa & The Millennial, we have the privilege of sitting down with Tracy Hunckler, an accomplished attorney and Partner at her own law firm. Tracy's remarkable journey takes us from her early life's hard-earned lessons through her experiences in law school and her flourishing career that ultimately led to her becoming a partner. In this heartfelt conversation, we explore three pivotal themes that shape Tracy's narrative from both a personal and professional lens. 1. The Power of Support Systems: Tracy's journey underscores the significance of having a...2023-10-121h 24Tell Us Your StoryThrowback Thursday! Learning & Earning Leadership with Guest Number 1 - Jason WoodwardThis week is a bit of a throwback! We have revamped the conversation with our very first guest Jason Woodward. In this riveting episode, we invite you to join us for a captivating conversation with Jason Woodward, a seasoned leader with an illustrious 30-year career, and our first official guest of G&M.Jason's journey commences with his very first job at the tender age of 12. From there, we delve deep into his experiences, learnings, and the transformative relationships that have sculpted him into the remarkable leader he is today. The heart of our conversation r...2023-10-051h 06Tell Us Your StoryIntention, Adaptability, and Life Changing Travel with Richard ConnerJoin us as Richard Connor takes center stage to share his remarkable journey, spanning over 17 years in marketing and management roles, both domestically and internationally. An inspiring episode that highlights the pursuit of becoming better. Richard's story is one of determination and continuous development. He's navigated through challenging leadership positions, emerged stronger with each challenge, and thrived by embracing change. All while having a passion for family, running, engineering, electronics, and travel. In this episode, you'll gain invaluable insights from Richard's wealth of experiences, including:The Power of Adaptation: Le...2023-09-2853 minTell Us Your StoryHow to Elevate Performance: Operational Excellence, Incentives That Work, and Building A Culture of High PerformanceGet ready for an electrifying episode of Grandpa & The Millennial as we continue our captivating Elevate series. In this third installment, we're delving into the intricate world of elevating performance through strategic processes, meaningful incentives, and a culture of high expectations.Join your dynamic duo hosts as they uncover the keys to unlocking peak performance in your team. This episode is a blueprint for operational excellence, motivating your team in a way that truly matters, and fostering a culture where high expectations are the norm.Here's what you can expect:Operationalizing Excellence...2023-09-2145 minTell Us Your StoryHow to Elevate Teams by Having a Vision, Setting Stretch Goals, and Holding Them Accountable!In the second installment of our three-part series on elevation, we focus on three essential keys to elevating teams. We share ideas, personal anecdotes, real-world examples, and actionable tips around 3 key topics: having a clear vision, setting ambitious yet attainable goals, and holding your team accountable for success. This episode is packed with actionable takeaways for leaders of all generations and stages. In this episode, you'll discover: Crafting a Vision: The value of developing a compelling and inspiring vision for your team that aligns with your organization's mission. We provide practical steps to h...2023-09-1455 min