Through our work we have been constantly amazed at the incredible things people in every neighborhood are working on. What’s even more exciting is that they all have different stories, backgrounds, strengths and weaknesses. That there isn’t a single formula for success means that everyone can take their unique set of strengths and characteristics and turn it into a success story. We recently reached out to some folks we admire and asked them what characteristics they feel are responsible for their success.

Brett Byers | Executive Recruiter/Entrepreneur

My authenticity sets me apart. While I’m driven and ambitious in business, my natural curiosity and love for connecting with people fuel my success. I’m a conversationalist at heart, always eager to ask questions and learn about others—their personal and professional journeys, their passions, and what motivates them. Since I work in the people business, building meaningful connections and uplifting others is key to what I do. It’s these genuine relationships that drive my success. Read more>>

Cinthia Quinones | Real estate agent

This is actually a combination of things . When I enter the real estate world it was already flooded with agents; so I needed to figure out how to stand out & have people trust me to make some of their most important purchases, sells or investments .. so I came up with first branding and marketing myself that’s where “homesbycinthia “ came to play .. then I started networking with some of the most affluent & powerful people from real estate who had been doing this for decades , under their wings I learned what took others 30 plus years to learn .. Read more>>

Dingding Hu | Dingding Hu | Founder of NOMOREHURT Foundation

The most important factor behind the success of the NOMOREHURT Foundation is the sense of connection and safety we’ve built, where people feel comfortable sharing their vulnerability. Our mission is to help individuals heal from trauma through art and rediscover themselves in the process. In our community, every voice is heard, respected, and valued. This authentic, supportive environment encourages people to open up, express their pain, and find healing through creative outlets. The foundation thrives because it’s a space where no one has to suffer in silence — they can transform their pain into something beautiful and empowering. Read more>>

Dr Rady Rahban | Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

One would think that as a doctor transparency and educating would be a given but unfortunately especially in the specialty of cosmetic surgery, it’s a lot of showmanship and sales. I am an information driven person and hence I always want to understand why something is being done or what other options exist. Therefore when I see patients, I spend almost 1 hour with each of them which is essentially unheard of in today’s fast paced medical world. I go over every little detail that I would want to know if I were having a procedure especially everything that can go wrong. Read more>> 

Matty Whitmore | Fitness Professional

Through the 22 years I have been teaching yoga and group fitness classes and personal training as well, I think the most important factor for me has been consistency and perseverance. I have watched the shape of this niche change over the years, and have adjusted how I teach and when, but one thing that stays the same is that I keep showing up for my students every day no matter if there are 2 students or 52 students. When you love what you do, it’s easy to be persistent-it is the key. Read more>>

Rafaela Goncalves | Actress and Producer

For me, the most important factor behind my success is for sure – and it may sound cheesy but it’s just the truth – is the people in my life. First of all, I would be nothing and nowhere without my family and their immense support. I’m an only daughter, you can only imagine what my parents had to let go and sacrifice in order for me to move to the US so young and by myself to follow a dream I’ve been dreaming since I was 5. Next comes my friends for sure, the ones I grew up with and heard me say everyday I’d be here today, the ones I made along the way in college or working, the ones who became my family outside of Brazil… I’m so grateful to all of them, they give me the strength to keep going and reaching higher and higher every time. Read more>>

Kimberly Atwood | Content Creator

The most important factor behind the success of Duck My Life is my unwavering love for hockey, particularly for the Ducks. This passion fuels my commitment to creating real, honest content that resonates with Ducks fans. I strive to differentiate my content from what’s typically seen in our small community, aiming to grow the fanbase and foster a genuine connection with fellow fans. Additionally, the support of my family has been instrumental in encouraging me to step outside my comfort zone, and the new friendships I’ve made this year have enriched my experience and motivated me to keep pushing forward. Read more>>

MARIE SANDOVAL

The most important factor behind my success is consistent dedication to understanding people’s needs and providing value that resonates with them. For a brand, it’s about authenticity, staying true to its core mission, and building meaningful connections with the audience. When you create a service or product that not only meets needs but also builds trust, success naturally follows. For your brand, focusing on community, service quality, and adapting to feedback would be key pillars of success. Read more>>