Every overnight success we’ve seen has been years in the making. And those overnight successes are rarely because of an amazing idea or a stroke of luck. We asked some of our favorite folks from the community about what characteristics are at the heart of their success story?

Jillian Ziska | Creative Director & Designer

The key to success is your people. The people you choose to fill your bus seats with is ultimately going to be the key ingredient to a successful outcome. By that, finding not just the most qualified people, but the people who are more excited about the potential than the destination. Meaning, if the company changes course or the end destination, that the employee is on board because they ultimately know their future and the future of the company is in good hands. As a business owner who has seen exponential growth in the last few years, I honestly have to attribute a good bit of that success to the team behind me! This company wouldn’t be half of what it is without the endless efforts of those who not only invest their time and talents to the company, but do so with an incredible attitude and positive outlook. Read more>>

Phil Kelly | Chief Adventurer

There are several factors behind the success of Malo’o. • Great Products • Awesome Prices • Outdoor Adventurer Attitude • Responsiveness Responsiveness is one I’ll expand upon. Amazon has shaped today’s consumer commerce environment in the USA, and before them, it was Nordstrom. Consumers today expect fast delivery, free returns, and someone available all the time. These are high bars to meet. Since I first founded Malo’o, we have put a premium on customer service, specifically responsiveness. We respond to every email, web, or social inquiry within 24 hours, most of the time within 12 hours. We can’t ship everything in one day or take returns on a whim, but we also don’t charge people $100 / year for the pleasure of shopping with us. We’ve found that if you respond quickly, in a friendly manner, that people appreciate it, especially in the COVID days. Read more>>

Mario Mancini | Doctor of Acupuncture

One of the key elements of the success of our Functional Medicine Center is a very clear vision integrating into the traditional paradigm of medicine. How we have done that has adapted and evolved overtime. The element of flexibility in our approach has been one of the most valuable skills, as we never really know how it’s going to unfold, but to always have an end in sight of integrating the best of all medicines has been the end game. Providing empowering education to the patients and communicating to the medical community by utilizing science-based language of an ancient medicine, such as acupuncture has also been one of the pillars of our success. At the end of the day, our intention is to serve the community! That has played a very important role, as it has given the patient a better sense of their part in their health journey. Read more>>

Yolanda Brionez | Founder & Owner

Consistently showing up. Everyday I am working on exposure, marketing, up-leveling my brand or even myself. In order for any of it to work I have to stay consistent by simply showing up for my business. Read more>>

Michael Sangiolo | Fine Art Photographer & Artist

I feel that we provide quality Fine Art Images that are affordable. Our Fine Art Images are unique and most of our customers are repeat customers. The relation that is formed in the first interaction or purchase goes a long way with towards our success. Read more>>

Julie Marriott | Fine Artist

Consistency. As a mother of young children, I create my art and run my business in the pockets of “in-between” time throughout my day. Setting goals that I feel passionate about and showing up consistently, even for a few minutes at a time, has allowed me to accomplish more than I ever thought possible. Read more>>

Stan Lieberman | Design and Develop Custom Websites

Almost every college kid can offer to build a website for a client. What we offer is to first understand what the client’s business is all about, and how the website will help the business. Only then do we start creating a custom website for our client. And after we complete the website, we work with the client to market the website using digital marketing, SEO, social media, etc. We keep the website updated and supported for the life of the business. We help the client really get a return on his or her investment in that website. Read more>>

Stan Hayduk | Painting Contractor

Honestly, it answers the last question as well; Colossians 3:23, “And whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters” The accountability in working this way means that every client receives the same product in the end. Working from this perspective gives me a sense of freedom that allows me to not only be fair and equal but also allows me to experience the joy that comes with each job. Read more>>