Stories are incredibly powerful – their ability to teach, inspire, and create understanding is why we are so in love with storytelling. Most stories have a defining moment and so we’ve asked some of the most talented, insightful folks across a broad range of industries and markets to tell us about a defining moment in their story.

Allison Martzolf

Friends in Tents & Community Outreach is a 503c nonprofit organization based out of Summit County, Ohio. Our physical building is located in Barberton, but we provide services to individuals experiencing hardship all over the county. FIT’s mantra, “Get a friend in a tent! It not only changes their life, it changes yours!” is a testament to the organization’s mission and vision: To make the maximum positive effort in our community by sharing resources with lower income families and homeless communities and to be part of a world where no one goes hungry; a world where everyone attains the right to survival without judgment. Our hope is for all communities to be treated with respect and kindness and that every heart is full after being in contact with our outreach. Read more>>

Anthony Cruz

The defining moment of my career came from going to a seminar that was hosted by Katie Dabrowski, the knowledge and shift in perspective of my role as a coach was altered and changed my trajectory, but also what had lead up into that moment was the defining portion of my career in the fitness/health space. I grew up in a Mexican household and there are certain pressures and ideas that come from that in a great way but also not in a great way. What I mean is I learned how to work hard, family values and being persistent. However, being one of the first to in my family to pursue education in the states came with the idea of valuing more of the idea of ” making money to survive ” as oppose to creating myself and finding my passions. Being 15-24.. I mean kind of a tall task to figure out who you are with so little experience in life but having huge life moments. Read more>>

Shawn Clifford

The turning point in my life came when I found myself at 325 pounds, feeling disconnected from who I was and who I wanted to be. It wasn’t just about the weight—I knew something had to change, and that change had to come from within. That realization set me on a journey of self-discovery through fitness. Losing 125 pounds wasn’t just a physical transformation; it was a complete shift in how I saw myself and my purpose. Along the way, I learned that the real power of fitness isn’t just in the workouts or the nutrition plans—it’s in the mindset and the clarity you gain when you understand the “why” behind what you’re doing. Read more>>

Susan Singer

You always hear, when you get older you will be wiser and understand life more. You have to have experiences before you can truly embrace who you are. The good and the bad. I have always, deep in my heart, known the path of what I was meant to create in my life. For as long as I can remember, my flame revolved around using my voice. However, I allowed fear, self doubt, lack mentality, and loved ones devour my own trust in myself and spirit.  Read more>>

Dr. Kimberly Kimbrough-edwards

I can remember finishing up my undergrad year and trying to figure out my life as a young married mother of three. One thing I had vowed was to never accept a job as a teacher. I wanted to write amazing stories and travel the world. A year later, I became a teacher after going through an alternative certification program at Letourneau University. Over the years I had grown to love the opportunity to change lives. On one particular day I came across a student who was suicidal. I hadn’t had much information or knowledge about the topic, but I did have a teenage son who was depressed at that time, so that give me a little insight. I was able to convince the student to give her life a chance, and many years later she lived on. Unfortunately, shortly after that incident, I lost my own son. I’ll never forget the call and hearing the words, Josh is gone. I’ll never forget reading the death certificate that said suicide death by firearm to the head. I’ll never forget telling my children their brother was gone. I’ll never forget sitting in grief counseling and crying every session. This was the moment that forever changed my life. This was the moment I decided to live and not die. This was the moment I became Dr. Kimberly and begun continuing my education to become a licensed therapist. This is my story. This is my Life. It will never be the same again. Read more>>

Beth Howzen Kais

I was always involved in competitive sports and training and swam college. In April of 1991 I was a passenger in a major car accident which left me with multiple injuries from my head down to my feet. One of the more severe injuries to my left knee required surgery. Fortunately my surgeon now performed the ACL reconstruction arthroscopically. This new and less invasive technique removed the center portion of my knee tendon and allowed it to be placed in the back of my knee with screws through two small holes instead of a large incision. Quick and easy… Read more>>