What does it take to build a successful career when the odds are against you? Sandy Finley's remarkable journey from Southern California surfer to innovative real estate broker-manager reveals powerful lessons in resilience, mentorship, and finding purpose through life's most devastating challenges.

Sandy's story begins in the beachside communities of Southern California, where she balanced high school with surfing Huntington Beach and racing cars—unusual pursuits for young women in the 1980s. With no family emphasis on higher education and feeling she had something to prove, Sandy's path took unexpected turns: from opening (and losing) a restaurant in her early twenties to working multiple jobs while raising three daughters and supporting her ex-husband through his MBA.

When Sandy finally entered real estate in 2006, just before the market crash, she turned what many would consider terrible timing into an advantage. The slower market allowed her to master fundamentals that would serve as her foundation for the next 20 years. Her approach—combining door-knocking persistence, client advocacy, and an unwavering commitment to honesty—contrasts sharply with industry stereotypes.

The heart of Sandy's story lies in how she's redefined success. From initially measuring achievement through financial gain, she now finds fulfillment in mentoring agents and creating a collaborative brokerage culture at her newly-opened REMAX Dream Homes. The beautiful facility, complete with a communal kitchen and podcast studio, reflects her vision of real estate as a people-centered profession built on relationships rather than transactions.

Perhaps most compelling is how Sandy built this dream while navigating unimaginable personal tragedy. Through this devastating loss, Sandy found that focusing on her professional vision provided crucial purpose and an opportunity to create meaning from suffering.

Ready to hear how resilience, mentorship and personal growth can transform both challenges and opportunities? This episode offers wisdom for anyone navigating their own journey through adversity, whether in business or life.

Ever wonder how someone discovers their true career calling? In our conversation with Hunter Rappleye from InterWest Insurance Company, we explore exactly that journey—from competitive collegiate golfer to thriving commercial insurance agent.

Hunter's story begins as the youngest of five in a bustling household, where his competitive spirit was forged chasing his older siblings' accomplishments. Those early experiences shaped his approach to golf, which became his pathway to higher education. Though initially focused on potentially playing professionally, Hunter eventually recognized his natural affinity for numbers and business problems—talents that led him to the insurance industry.

What makes Hunter's approach to commercial insurance particularly refreshing is his client-first methodology. Rather than overwhelming business owners with insurance terminology, he prioritizes understanding their specific challenges. "If they don't have a problem or if you don't know what their problem is, it's just jargon to them," Hunter explains. This perspective transforms the traditional sales approach into genuine problem-solving.

Perhaps most remarkable is Hunter's redefinition of success through the lens of family. As a father to two young daughters (who occasionally paint his nails before client meetings!), he measures accomplishment not by sales targets but by his ability to provide while remaining present for life's important moments. Starting his family during the pandemic brought unique challenges that further crystallized these priorities.

Whether you're contemplating a career change, seeking to improve client relationships, or struggling with work-life balance, Hunter's journey offers valuable insights about finding fulfillment through alignment of personal values with professional choices. His story reminds us that sometimes our greatest strengths emerge from unexpected places—and that success looks different for everyone.

Becky Jansen's path to owning Blissful Beauty by Becky exemplifies the resilience, adaptability, and courage required to build a fulfilling career on your own terms. From her early days as an academically-gifted but directionless high school graduate to becoming an Air Force veteran and successful business owner, Becky's journey reveals the power of perseverance and self-discovery.

At 19, lacking clear career direction and determined to create better opportunities, Becky enlisted in the Air Force. As one of the first women at Fort Drum, a predominantly male infantry base, she faced significant challenges that tested her resolve but strengthened her character. When she candidly recalls supervisors telling her she'd "need to work twice as hard and complain half as much," we glimpse the fortitude that would later serve her entrepreneurial endeavors.

After military service, Becky spent 21 years as a dental hygienist while also building experience in real estate. But the most inspiring chapter begins at 48, when newly divorced and seeking a fresh start, she pursued her long-held dream of becoming an esthetician. Balancing school with part-time work in both real estate and dental hygiene, she worked seven days a week to build her future – a testament to her determination and work ethic.

What distinguishes Becky's approach to business is her refreshingly authentic perspective on success. Rather than chasing rapid growth or conforming to others' expectations, she's built a practice focused on meaningful client relationships and maintaining the flexibility to live life on her own terms. Her definition of success – "having a life that you love, that your work supports" – offers a valuable counterpoint to conventional metrics of achievement.

Whether you're considering a career pivot, starting a business, or simply seeking inspiration from someone who's navigated significant professional transitions with grace, Becky's story delivers powerful insights about finding your path, even when it isn't straightforward. Listen now to discover how sometimes the most rewarding journeys are those that take unexpected turns.

Daniel Baarns sits across from us, his energy infectious as he recounts his journey from childhood in Los Angeles to owning Baarns Detailing in Sacramento. What unfolds is not just a business story, but a testament to intentional living and the courage to pursue dreams.

Growing up homeschooled as one of five siblings, Daniel developed an early entrepreneurial streak. By age 12, he was working as a background actor on shows like iCarly and films like Hancock, managing his own bank account with surprising maturity. This foundation of financial independence would later serve him well when testing business ideas and funding his dreams.

The conversation takes a fascinating turn when Daniel reveals how he launched his detailing business using a methodical approach. Rather than investing in supplies first, he knocked on 30 doors to gauge interest—a practical application of advice he'd received: "Every idea is a bad idea until it's been tested in the marketplace." This test-first mentality has guided his business decisions ever since, helping him detail over 600 vehicles in just three years.

Perhaps most compelling is Daniel's story of pursuing a seven-year dream to immerse himself in Spanish-speaking culture. Despite having the financial means to visit Ecuador, he still had to overcome the fear of taking the leap. This experience eventually inspired his upcoming book "Someday is a Lie," exploring how the decisions we make in our twenties and early thirties shape our future success. The central message resonates throughout our conversation: "If you think it's going to be easier later, you're wrong. It's actually easiest today."

As Daniel defines success through his core values of love, adventure, and growth, we're left inspired by his practical wisdom: start something today, however small. Whether you're launching a business, pursuing a dream, or seeking personal growth, the time to begin is now.

Meet Emilia Navedo, a woman whose life reads like an adventure novel spanning continents, careers, and cultural experiences. Her story begins in Mexico City, where she grew up as the youngest in a family that balanced high expectations with unwavering support. This foundation gave her the confidence to make a decision that would change everything: at just 20 years old, she moved to Milan with barely any Italian language skills and only the vaguest outline of a plan to pursue fashion photography.

What followed was eight transformative years in Italy, where Emilia thrived professionally with prestigious publications. She mastered Italian, added French to her linguistic repertoire, and traveled extensively throughout Europe. Her philosophy—"Life is like sailing, you just have to move with the wind"—guided her as she navigated this chapter with remarkable adaptability and openness to opportunity.

Everything changed when her sister had children. The realization that her nephew didn't know who she was created a profound shift in priorities. Following her intuition once again, Emilia returned to Mexico and launched a high-end baby furniture franchise, designing custom spaces for children based on their personalities and needs. This venture evolved into a successful tile business, showcasing her ability to pivot while maintaining her creative vision. Later relationships and opportunities would take her to Hong Kong, Thailand, and ultimately Sacramento, California, where she now runs Floor Coverings International, bringing her global aesthetic sensibility to help customers find perfect flooring solutions.

What makes Emilia's story so compelling isn't just her professional accomplishments but her perspective on success. "Success isn't about knowing where you're going, but who you're going with—the people around you, the love that you have, the friendships you maintain." Recently certified as a life coach, she's now helping others embrace change and possibility as she has throughout her remarkable journey. Her advice? "Trust your heart and don't be scared." Join us to hear how one woman's fearless approach to life created a path uniquely her own.

Ever 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 remarkably well, allowing her to build a thriving marketing consultancy that has weathered economic storms including the 2008 recession and the recent pandemic.

What truly distinguishes Kim's approach is her passionate commitment to small businesses. Having witnessed countless entrepreneurs waste precious marketing dollars on ineffective strategies, she's made it her mission to protect them from predatory marketing tactics. Her consultations begin with education rather than sales pitches, often showing potential clients how to handle certain marketing tasks themselves before discussing paid services. This transparency builds the trust that has become her business's foundation.

Kim's journey hasn't been without challenges. From balancing single motherhood with entrepreneurship to temporarily closing her agency during economic downturns, she's faced numerous obstacles. Yet her unwavering belief that "it always works out" has carried her through. Her definition of success—"waking up every day excited to see what the day will bring"—reflects a holistic approach to life and business that inspires everyone she meets.

Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur or just beginning your business journey, Kim's insights on authentic marketing, resilience, and defining success on your own terms will leave you with valuable perspectives to apply to your own path. Connect with Kim Hummel to learn how her psychology-informed marketing approach might transform your business outcomes.

Justin 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 foundation: "People hate to be sold, but they love to buy."

When COVID disrupted the fitness industry, Justin pivoted to solar sales where he immediately recognized both tremendous opportunity and fundamental problems with traditional marketing approaches. The intrusive nature of door-knocking—what Justin aptly calls "human pop-up ads"—created negative experiences for everyone involved, despite solar being a financial necessity for homeowners in high-utility regions.

Share Soleil emerged from Justin's desire for business autonomy and his vision to revolutionize solar marketing. Rather than deploying aggressive sales tactics, his platform empowers real estate professionals, loan officers, and insurance agents to seamlessly incorporate solar offerings into their existing client relationships. Customers receive instant quotes through a streamlined digital process while trusted advisors earn revenue by providing genuine value.

Justin's entrepreneurial philosophy centers on identifying problems worth solving and positioning yourself where customers naturally want what you offer. Though still early in his business journey, his framework for success combines strategic relationship-building, technological efficiency, and authentic customer service.

For those considering their own entrepreneurial path, Justin's advice rings clear: "Bet on yourself. We live in a great country with plenty of opportunity for people who bet on themselves." Ready to transform your energy costs or add solar to your service offerings? Visit sharesoleil.com to experience Justin's revolutionary approach firsthand.

Imagine 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 compelling is his consistent ability to reinvent himself while building meaningful connections in every community he joins. His networking prowess led him to a fateful interview where, when asked about failure, his bold response – "I have never failed because failure is not learning from experience" – launched a 17-year corporate career.

The most powerful moment comes when Brando reflects on his definition of success. After achieving corporate status and traveling to conferences in Hawaii, he realized something was missing. The birth of his son in March 2020, just before pandemic lockdowns, triggered a profound reprioritization. Today, as owner of Made in the Shade NorCal, Brando measures success not by titles or finances but by ownership of his time – being present for morning breakfasts with his children rather than early corporate meetings. Hear about his local business and all things shades, shutters, and blinds that Made in the Shade can help you with.

His parting wisdom for entrepreneurs facing challenges resonates deeply: "Whatever obstacle you face, if you truly believe in what you're doing, do not give up." Listen now for a conversation that might just change your own definition of success.

What 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 lifelong dream of business ownership, she discovered this path through a franchise matching survey that unexpectedly identified water damage restoration as an ideal fit. Despite early challenges and a steep learning curve, Amanda and her husband took the plunge. Now five years into business ownership, she brings a refreshing perspective to the restoration industry, combining technical expertise with genuine compassion for customers experiencing property emergencies.

The podcast reveals fascinating insights into the water damage restoration business, from the surprising ways tiny water lines can cause massive damage to the hidden dangers of improperly remediated toilet overflows. Amanda's background in insurance proves invaluable as she helps customers navigate complex claims while ensuring their homes are properly restored.

What truly distinguishes Amanda's story is her philosophy that growth happens when we step outside our comfort zones. "Always do things that are uncomfortable," she advises. "It means you're learning and growing." Her definition of success centers not on financial achievements but on happiness – both her own and what she can bring to others through acts of kindness and service.

Ready to be inspired by a journey of embracing change, adapting to challenges, and finding fulfillment through helping others? Listen now and discover why Amanda believes we should never limit ourselves – because we never know what opportunities await on the other side of that door.

Kevin 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 personal transformation. College life opened new horizons as he formed friendships with students from Chicago who introduced him to experiences far beyond his California upbringing.

Kevin's entry into the insurance industry was entirely accidental. Drawn to Lincoln National Corporation during campus recruitment simply because of their impressive Abe Lincoln silhouette logo, he found himself launched into the world of group health benefits. What followed was a dizzying series of company transitions through mergers and acquisitions – from Lincoln to Take Care, FHP, MetLife, MetraHealth, UnitedHealthcare, and beyond – forcing him to develop remarkable adaptability.

The most powerful chapter in Kevin's career came after eight months of unemployment in 2009, when his confidence was deeply shaken. His brother John, whom Kevin describes as his biggest cheerleader, bought him a new suit for an interview at Humana. After giving himself a determined pep talk in his car, Kevin secured the position and proceeded to outwork everyone around him, eventually landing major accounts that transformed his career trajectory.

Throughout his journey, Kevin has mastered the art of relationship building. Inspired by his brother John's extraordinary generosity in the entertainment industry, Kevin became a passionate advocate for others, particularly using LinkedIn to help HR professionals find new opportunities during difficult transitions. His story demonstrates how seemingly random career paths can become meaningful through persistence, adaptability, and a genuine desire to help others succeed.

Looking for ways to streamline your benefit offerings? Connect with Kevin to learn how Claremont Insurance Services can support your brokerage with quoting, provider comparisons, enrollment support, and technology integration that makes you the hero in your clients' eyes.