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Great leaders are defined by more than their wins, they’re shaped by the roads they’ve traveled and the challenges they’ve overcome. In this episode of To The Point, host Chris Yano talks with his close friend, Charles Sanders, president and co-founder of Arizona Trench Company about his journey from dirt roads in rural Arizona to leading a $30M company… and the strength it took to keep going after unthinkable loss.
Leadership Born From Life’s Toughest Lessons
By fourth grade, Charles was carrying responsibilities far beyond his years. He was driving his brothers to school, running the household, and navigating a rocky home life. Those early lessons in grit and responsibility shaped everything to come.
After years in the underground utility industry, he and his wife, Kelly, launched Arizona Trench Company from their garage in 2013 with a team of five. Built on hard work and a people-first mindset, they grew it into a $30M-plus company serving major clients like APS.
When they sold in 2021, they chose Fortune 500 giant Quanta Services, not for the biggest check, but for the right fit. The deal gave them the resources to expand beyond Arizona while keeping the name, the culture, and the heart of the company intact.
Leading Through Unimaginable Loss
But nothing could prepare Charles for 2021, when his daughter, Hope, passed away. With raw honesty, he shares how that moment changed everything — and how faith, family, and friends became his lifeline. Leading a business through grief wasn’t easy, but Charles believes in showing up for his people, even when the weight feels unbearable.
Some of the biggest takeaways from the episode:
- Mental toughness can come from hardship
- Complementary partnerships fuel success
- Culture and relationships matter more than contracts
- Picking the right buyer is more important than the highest offer
- Grief never disappears, but it can be carried
- Family priorities can shift in an instant
- Helping others helps you heal
The Mark of a True Leader
Charles’ story is proof that success is more than revenue; it’s the legacy you build and the people you impact. As he puts it: “It doesn’t matter what hand you’re dealt; hard work will get you through anything.”
That same relentless drive and people-first mindset are at the heart of Steve Holland’s story, a powerful look at how building culture, caring for your team, and leading with heart can set you apart in business and life.
Until next time… No. Zero. Days.
