While it’s inspiring to read high level summaries of success stories, we think it’s just as important to learn about what drove the success and made it possible. We’ve asked some of the brightest folks we know to open up about what they believe was the most important factor behind their success.

Shawn Thornton | Firearms and Tactics Instructor | CEO: Private Security, Personal Protection Operations

Our brand is recognized as a reality-based firearms and tactics training company that encourages clients to train in the realm of realism versus benign artificial flat range firearms training. Paraclete Consulting Group is a brain-based fundamentals training company that teaches the 8 fundamentals of shooting while pushing students to progress into reality-based training. No gunfight has even been fought standing static at the 3-yard line shooting a static target or threat. Gunfights are fought in many positions, situations and environments and our training must replicate that. If we train in these unconventional situations, when we find ourselves there, it won’t be the first time. Read more>>

Maybe Stewart | Theatre Artist, Writer, HR Specialist, & Tarot Reader

I believe it was Seneca that said “Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity.” Sometime shortly after undergrad, I began adding a second part to that phrase: Opportunity is what happens when those in a position of privilege hold the door open behind them. By these definitions, I am an incredibly lucky person indeed. I would not be where I am without the love and support of too many artists and local leaders to count. People that believed in me when I had no faith in myself. People who cleared the way to new opportunities for me at every turn, and taught me how to recognize and negotiate my worth. Read more>>