To The Point - Home Services Podcast From the Trenches to $30M and Enduring Loss No Parent Is Ready For
Aug 19, 2025
Charles 'Charlie' Sanders, Co-founder of Arizona Trench Company, shares his incredible journey from a tough upbringing in Morristown, AZ, to building a $30M business. He discusses the essential leadership lessons he's learned about team culture and client relationships, along with the profound impact of losing his daughter to suicide. Charlie emphasizes the importance of mental health advocacy and the strength found in community support. His story is a powerful testament to resilience, hope, and the human spirit's ability to overcome tragedy.
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Desert Childhood Forged Resilience
- Charlie grew up in Morristown, AZ, living in a tiny house on leased BLM land and doing heavy chores as a kid.
- He drove fourth-grade bus runs and cared for his brothers while living with an abusive stepfather, which forged his toughness.
Hard Work Became His Competitive Edge
- Charlie credits relentless hard work and early physical labor for mental toughness and grit.
- He argues that enduring real hardships makes nine-to-five jobs feel easier and builds persistence.
ATC Began With All-In Commitment
- Charlie and Kelly launched Arizona Trench Company in September 2013, pooling skills: Kelly on finance and Charlie on operations.
- They poured retirement savings into the startup and took no vacations while focusing on survival.