It started by taking a chance...
After a seven-year career in consulting and corporate finance, founder Ashley Ahner realized she was living an unfulfilling life. On a whim, she decided to put a hard stop to a mundane career train that was barreling full speed ahead. A token type-A planner, this was a very uncharacteristic move for Ashley, but her drive and passion to make the most out of life motivated and supported her decision to make a change -- and a big one at that.
Ashley packed up or sold off her belongings in Atlanta and relocated to the windward side of Oahu in Kailua, Hawaii with nothing but three bags, her golf clubs and a triathlon bike. To anyone who asked, Ashley was taking a break to live out her first retirement; but her personal goal was to take the time to assess her values and passions.
As luck would have it, Ashley found a studio apartment on Craigslist and moved into the 'Ohana House' of a family local to Kailua for over 60 years. After a few months of casual conversation, the opportunity presented itself for Ashley to help her landlord, Richard Drake, develop his photography passion project into a new career after over 40 years in the movie and art directing industry.
Ashley's previous professional career and educational background gave her the confidence to adapt to unfamiliar environments. Armed with professional business experience, a "can do" attitude and an insatiable intellectual appetite, Ashley helped Drake establish a website and online presence to market and sell his Hawaiian photography. The result was shocking sales leading up to the holiday season. Drake's continued success unintentionally recruited a swath of new clientele from a variety of backgrounds and markets seeking Ashley's services. In response, Ashley jumped headfirst into research on Search Engine Optimization (SEO), social media campaigns, website construction, and any other issue new clients brought to the table. Each client was a new puzzle, a new challenge and a way for Ashley to do what she did best -- help others realize their potential to fulfill their passions.
After a year of retirement, Dream Catalyst Company was officially incorporated in July 2019 and the fun has only just begun. For DCC, the excitement and success is manifested in our ability to make dreams come true. Everyone has goals and ideas, but what they are often missing is the catalyst, motivation and professional business expertise to take those dreams and make them a reality.
Ashley's lifelong motto rings true even as she starts this new career with her team --- #DREAMBIG
Ashley was recently interviewed about her story by the Auburn University Harbert College of Business which can be heard here: Harbert Podcast
Ashley packed up or sold off her belongings in Atlanta and relocated to the windward side of Oahu in Kailua, Hawaii with nothing but three bags, her golf clubs and a triathlon bike. To anyone who asked, Ashley was taking a break to live out her first retirement; but her personal goal was to take the time to assess her values and passions.
As luck would have it, Ashley found a studio apartment on Craigslist and moved into the 'Ohana House' of a family local to Kailua for over 60 years. After a few months of casual conversation, the opportunity presented itself for Ashley to help her landlord, Richard Drake, develop his photography passion project into a new career after over 40 years in the movie and art directing industry.
Ashley's previous professional career and educational background gave her the confidence to adapt to unfamiliar environments. Armed with professional business experience, a "can do" attitude and an insatiable intellectual appetite, Ashley helped Drake establish a website and online presence to market and sell his Hawaiian photography. The result was shocking sales leading up to the holiday season. Drake's continued success unintentionally recruited a swath of new clientele from a variety of backgrounds and markets seeking Ashley's services. In response, Ashley jumped headfirst into research on Search Engine Optimization (SEO), social media campaigns, website construction, and any other issue new clients brought to the table. Each client was a new puzzle, a new challenge and a way for Ashley to do what she did best -- help others realize their potential to fulfill their passions.
After a year of retirement, Dream Catalyst Company was officially incorporated in July 2019 and the fun has only just begun. For DCC, the excitement and success is manifested in our ability to make dreams come true. Everyone has goals and ideas, but what they are often missing is the catalyst, motivation and professional business expertise to take those dreams and make them a reality.
Ashley's lifelong motto rings true even as she starts this new career with her team --- #DREAMBIG
Ashley was recently interviewed about her story by the Auburn University Harbert College of Business which can be heard here: Harbert Podcast