Connect Who or what is your inspiration in business?

My inspiration has always been the desire to take all of the ways martial arts training has changed my life for the better --physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually-- and do my part to ensure those same skills, lessons, and values reach the next generation of eager students. My mindset has always been "we're a school first and a business second." I believe it's necessary for every person to learn some form of self defense and I am blessed to have the chance to share what I

How do you stay motivated?

In 2011 a peer of mine went missing. She was never found and it haunts me to this day. My primary goal is to do what I can to ensure that my students are the least "kidnappable" people in any room. My hope is to prevent this from happening to even just one more person. While my day-to-day often leaves me physically and mentally depleted, I stay motivated by reflecting on the little victories and signs of progress of each day.

What would you do with the $25,000?

My hope is to establish a solid understanding of investment strategies so that it could grow. I would like to donate a portion and find ways to work more closely with organizations that are leading the fight against human trafficking and child exploitation.