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.

Will Nieves | Pastor, Husband, Father and Reentry Advocate.

The most important factor behind our success is Jesus Christ, I want everyone to know that without Jesus Christ in my life, there would be no GATE Outreach Ministries. Read more>>

Aaron Reina | Marketing Manager

The most important factor behind our success has been the way we treat our team and guests. Of course, our product is important and we strive to serve delicious coffee and crepes, but we’ve learned that if that product is not served with great hospitality, then it will not taste the same. That is why we came up with a phrase as our mission statement which is: “To Make Your Day”. Our goal is to have a positive impact on our guests and we believe that starts with treating our team right. That includes closing on Sundays to allow time with family, and also offering professional counseling to our leaders. Read more>>

Desiree Bustos | Portrait & Wedding Photographer

I think the most important factor behind my success and the success in my brand is making connections and building relationships with my clients. Most of my clients over the past 10 years have become more then just people I take pictures of, but have become very close friends of mine. I have watched some of my client go from graduating high school to getting married and starting a family and I was there to capture all of it. I believe it is very important to get to know and make connections with my clients because they are entrusting in me to capture such important moments in their lives not only for them but for their family and friends to look back at years and years from now. With making these connections I am able to create a playful, fun and stress free environment during their photoshoot that way when they look back at them they can really remember the moment and how they felt in that moment in time. Read more>>