How does someone go from the corn fields of Illinois to becoming a businesswoman and a world traveler? What are the risks involved and how does one factor in the calculations needed to assess them?

Meet Trina Mitchell. Born and raised in East Moline, IL, she enlisted in the US Army at the age of 17. After a 3-year tour, she enrolled in UMass Lowell to complete her Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. During her career in Investment Finance/Client Management, she received her fitness certification in order to develop her passion for health and wellness, which resulted in the start of a small fitness coaching business. Named Personal Best, Trina’s business incorporates the Army’s boot camp principles, along with standard strength training and cardio combinations. Since then, she has also moved into real estate investing.

In this conversation, Trina details her motivations and shares anecdotes of the people along the way who counseled, warned, and shared their own stories with her. Together, they present an eye-opening cocktail of experiences that will leave you wondering whether you would do the same thing if put in the same position.