From boardrooms to backyards, these Saddleback gentlemen are led by something deeper than titles or success. Their insights reveal the motivations that keep them grounded and the hard-earned wisdom they rely on when life accelerates, slows down, or changes course.
Dr. Duc Nguyen
Owner
Refined Radiance Aesthetics
What drives you or keeps you grounded?
What drives me is being able to provide financial stability and freedom for my family. Not having to worry about debt and having my son live a comfortable life without any financial burden in the future. I had a childhood witnessing how hard my parents struggled and stressed to be financially comfortable. It has instilled in me the value of good work ethics.
What is one piece of advice or life lesson you live by?
The one life lesson I live by is to live life to the fullest and give your full commitment and effort. Live without any regrets.
Travis Shields
Video & Photo Producer
Shields Films
What drives you or keeps you grounded?
My family—especially my three kids—are what keep me grounded and focused. Everything I do professionally ties back to creating stability, setting an example, and building something meaningful for them. They’re a constant reminder to stay disciplined, present, and intentional with how I spend my time and energy.
What is one piece of advice or life lesson you live by?
Work hard and stay consistent—things tend to work out. Not always exactly how you planned, but effort compounds over time. I’ve found that showing up, doing the work, and staying adaptable matters more than trying to control every outcome.
Garry Olson
Sole Owner
Garry Olson Interventions and Counseling Services
What drives you or keeps you grounded?
Ever since getting sober in 2010 I have had this intense desire to help people find their way out of the darkness of addiction and find hope again so they can go on to live their best life. What keeps me grounded is my faith in God and the peace that comes from conscious contact with him.
What is one piece of advice or life lesson you live by?
“Live in the solution.” We will always be confronted by problems. We have a choice to unpack and live there and be miserable or we can acknowledge the problem and immediately start looking for the solution. I choose to live in the solution.
Azat Amirkhan
Licensed Electrical Contractor and Owner
Summit Electrical Services
What drives you or keeps you grounded?
My family. They rely on me, and that keeps me focused. It’s the reason I show up every day, work hard, and try to build something stable for our future.
What is one piece of advice or life lesson you live by?
We’re all just people at the end of the day. I’m still learning to be more honest and kind, and honestly, I’ve learned a lot from my clients and the people here in California. I just try to be a little better than yesterday.
Nick Dinu
Head Coach and Owner
Laguna Fencing Center
What drives you or keeps you grounded?
Seeing my students grow into the best version of themselves, on and off the fencing strip.
What is one piece of advice or life lesson you live by?
There is no "I try". You either do or you don't.