How did Call Christina Now begin? 

I saw that there was a missing piece in bridging the help for car accident victims. I saw that need, I saw the hole, and I wanted to fill it because car accident victims are super stressed out, and life can already be hard without adding the car accident. And so, I saw a need to be able to advocate, to be a resource, so that a person who's stressed out can really take care of themselves since they only have one body, right? And what happens sometimes is responsible adults, people, they care more about providing for their family. What does that look like? It means that even if they're hurting, they might care more about the car because if they don't fix the car, they can't go to work. If they don't go to work, they can't pay bills, they can be homeless.

So there's all these things where I said, you know, people deserve the right kind of help. And if they can have someone to go to that can be trusted to direct them to the right people, then that will be huge. Because if you take a stressed out person and they'll maybe Google, they'll find a million lawyers, but is that necessarily the best? No. They just have the best ads or have the money to have ads.

What we do as non-lawyers is really navigate that for them. We want to make sure that the lawyer is really a vetted lawyer. They take their oath seriously, they know that they're there to help these people. We get them the lawyer, the doctor, the body shop. We stay with them until they have all of that, even a rental car. We don't come off until we know, okay, they have every single thing taken care of—the lawyer, the doctor, the body shop, even a rental car. Then we hand off the baton and say, okay, please take care of our client. We've chosen you, so we know they're going to be in good hands. But we of hold their hand until they can go back to life, and that's a real thing.

What Did You See Happening to Accident Victims that Concerned You Most?

There is a lot that goes on, and it can change case to case, but I would say I want people to know their rights and their options. I want them to know that there's help available to them. A lot of times they don't know that in the area of practice of law, personal injury, there is no retainer up front. Everything's a contingency. A lot of people, they think they have to pay the doctors, the lawyers, so they don't get seen and they endure pain that will hurt them throughout their life or come back and really be a chronic issue rather than an acute issue.

So we're there to say, hey, you can actually get help. You can get the lawyer with a contingency that they only get paid after they win and only if they win, so there's no risk. A doctor that's trained in motor vehicle accidents so they can kind of understand the body head to toe, the mechanism of the accident, put the notes to advocate for them. And same thing, these doctors will not get paid until the case is done and only when the case is done.

Well, as you know, there's people who get pressured or they get sort of taken advantage of by an insurance company where they might even send, $2,000–$2,500 directly into their bank account, and not knowing that that means, like, oh, I settled. And so we try to save these people and say that's malicious. You don't even know what's wrong with them. What is $2,500 going to do?

Those are just a few things. All the way down to property damage, we step in and help so that they're, taken care of for personal injury and property damage. Property damage isn't just a car. It's, is your car going to be repaired properly? Are you going to have issues 8 months later after you release it? Did they check the frame, the computer, the calibration? Is the bill that's $2,800 really $11,000? You won't know unless you have us.

If the vehicle is a total loss, then are you sure they're paying you the right value for it? Typically, no. It's like $2,000–$8,000 that they're stealing because you don't have us to say, wait a minute, this car is a year, make, model of this car, and we have comparative reports for you to look at. Please, they didn't ask to be in an accident, pay them the appropriate amount because they now have to buy a new car.

But without us, no one's doing that. No one's advocating. They'll just accept what they get, and that's not okay because people work hard and we have to protect them.

What was Missing in the System Before Call Christina Now Existed?

What I saw most was the gap between good people and getting connected to quality lawyers, experienced top peer doctors, and trusted body shops. That is the hole we filled, because without that, they have to take a risk on, did I hire the right people? With us, you are guaranteed that you have the best care, and we also advocate alongside you.

Why was it Important to Create a Free Accident Helpline?

Because our help is always free, and our intention is always to help them, and our interest is always what's in their best interest, not ours.

We don't see a dollar on their forehead. We see people who need help. We see single mothers and fathers. We see a new mom who can't carry their baby or a family who can't afford to pay bills if they are kept away from working.

So all of these people we help have stories, and we individualize that, and we care about them individually and tailor our help to what they need.

What does “Helping People” Truly Mean to You?

For me personally, I would say my number one thing would be that it's that character of doing something, helping someone who can never do anything for you.

And that we rise by lifting others. And for me personally, that's how I fuel my soul, and I know that it's part of the purpose that I'm here.

So I take that seriously, and any opportunity, big or small, I see as an opportunity to help. And it's not always money. It's a lot of your time—volunteering, helping, being a listening ear.

Obviously, in the space we're in, it's finding, you know, solutions, because for every problem, there's always a solution.

And for me as a person, it's definitely how I refuel and fuel my soul and how I give my life purpose.

What Values Guide How Call Christina Now Operates?

That we are here to be of service to others. So what that means is whether they're the victim of an accident or they are at fault, we will help them.

We don't hang up the phone just because you're the adverse driver, meaning you're at fault. Guess what? Accidents happen to the best people, to the best drivers. If you call us, we will help you.

Obviously, we can't help with a claim if you're at fault. However, if you call us, we are never going to just hang up on you and tell you to figure it out on your own. We will guide you on what to expect, how to protect yourself, what to prepare, how to also get medical care, and even help you for the future of understanding the right coverage to have.

And in the case that you get sued, we want you to know what to do for that. So yes, we help the plaintiff, which is the accident victims, get back to life, but we also help anyone that calls us. That's our rule, we are of service to others. Whoever calls us, if we can't help, we will find someone who can.

In addition, that we do mean that it is definitely people over profit for us. So again, even if we don't make money on things that we help people with, we will do it. For example, we don't monetize things like family law or bankruptcy or eviction law or trust. Well, we don't care. If you call us, we will make sure we direct you to the right people because we are in business to help others.

What Do You Want People to Feel After Calling Call Christina Now?

That they were heard, seen, and valued, that we are there to help them get through their challenging times, that we don't just care about trying to make a penny, that we are very sincere and genuine, and that allows us a platform to help with things that a law firm might not be able to help necessarily. But we're non-attorney agencies, so we're really here for the people. I wish I could keep that slogan, that slogan already belongs to someone amazing, but that is definitely it for us.

That they made the right call, and that we were really able to bridge the gap again during their hard times, and that they feel good that there's a free accident injury helpline, really dedicated, intentionally to help them go through these dark times and never question any moment of their journey, because this is an experience. We want to make sure that they know we are here and they can lean on us. It is already traumatizing depending on the accident, being small or big. Sometimes people don't even make it, and therefore we're there for their families.

I'll give you another example—wrongful death cases. We are there to the full extent. You know, if they need help facilitating a car wash, if they need help setting up a GoFundMe, those are the things we will do. Whatever they need, if they need a job, if they need a new apartment. So those are not normal things that a law firm does. We're not a law firm. Again, we're in the business of helping others, so we don't limit ourselves to what we can do. We try our best to help as much as we can.

What's Something You Wish Every Accident Victim Knew Immediately After an Accident?

To protect their interests, the second call needs to be made to either us, Call Christina Now, after they call 911 or a law firm, so that they can get guidance from day one. Because the interest of insurance companies is to mitigate and diminish claims and to pay them as little as possible. But where we stand, we want to make sure that they are made whole again.

The law says they have the right to feel better, their health to be better, and so we want to make sure that that right is protected, and we are able to guide people from the start, be proactive rather than reactive. For example, if they get to us first, we can let them know that it's not in their best interest to post on social media, that they should turn off their location if they have the insurance app, um, what to watch out for, for potential PTSD or traumatic brain injury. There's all of these things that without our help, they can miss. And the problem with car accidents is, no matter how old you are, young or old, it will haunt you, it'll show up. But if you have the right people on your side, we can make sure that you get the help that you need from the start. And that's not just on the legal side. It's also on the medical side and property damage.

How Do You Personally Define Success?

Success is measured in so many different ways. For me, it's my family first, my faith. I do believe in God, I do believe in the universe, and that my character stays intact. That it's the things you say and do when no one's looking. That money isn't the root of all evil—it's actually a tool, but it doesn't define you. You use it to help others. And I would rather give more than take.

What Kind of Outcomes Make this Work Feel Worth It?

Our job is so fruitful and fulfilling because when we come into the picture of our clients, they are lost, stressed, and challenged. They are needing the right guidance from people who truly want the best for them and care for them, and not all about just trying to make a dollar.

There are so many stories I could share, but basically the concept of being there for people when they need us most, and finding the best help for their, you know, bodies, their vehicle, and also getting compensated for their trauma and their experience, and making sure that whatever compensation they were, um, due or owed, that the people we refer to also care about these people the same way we do.

And therefore, the result of every step we make to get them to the place where they are whole again is absolutely fulfilling to us. And again, that covers having the right attorney by your side, having honest doctors by your side through your journey, and making sure that your vehicle of life, which is your property damage, your vehicle, is also taken care of, and that you can really go back to life. And we take such pride in that.

Is There a Moment or Story That Stays With You?

Yes, plenty. But I would say one of my greatest lessons and heartaches was when I lost my dear friend, Sherry. She was turning 40, and I was new to my industry. She was celebrating her birthday with her new boyfriend in Catalina Islands. And she'd actually shared a video with a mutual friend of her, you know, having fun on the golf cart, just like we all do playing around. And she fell out of that golf cart and hit her head just right. So she was in a coma, and she left 3 kids behind. She was in California, so this was a case of a wrongful death. Very sensitive, and I tried my best to educate the family, especially the daughter who I saw grow up, about the wrongful death statute of limitation, which is 2 years. But I can only do so much of making sure that I educate her. I let her know I definitely don't want it to feel forced or that I'm trying to make money on them. I even said, hey, even if you don't hire us, just do not forget that, you know, the statute. It's just a sensitive thing. But then she ends up calling me, and mind you, I called her, texted her a week prior. Well, she... I understand, she's grieving her mother, all the things. When she finally called, it was a day too late, and there was nothing I could do. And that meant a college degree for the son, the house they didn't have to take care of. So, wrongful death, it never brings the people back, but it sure helps the ones left behind.

And in that, I felt like I questioned myself—did I do enough to remind her about the statute? Because I do blame myself for that. Because in that case, and it all changes whatever insurance is available, that one was around $250,000 that they could have had for the family. But instead, they missed the statute, and guess what? The insurance company gets to keep that money.

In addition, my deep why for Call Christina Now is, again, helping those victims that don't know who to turn to, and that includes my mother. She would still be here today if it wasn't for a left hand car accident. She had just had a surgery, kidney transplant, and the one thing she was not supposed to do was have any type of fall or impact, and that's exactly what happened through a car accident, being a passenger in a vehicle. That's something that sticks with me, and I use that as a why in the depth and length that I go through to help people.

Why is Supporting Arizona Businesses Important to You?

Because I grew up here, this is my spot. I love Arizona very deeply. I have a lot of friends, and the little bit of family I have is here, and I just feel like alongside with BNI, Giver’s Gain, that’s what life is about. You really take seriously the opportunity you have every day because every day is a gift, and if every day you have a chance to help other people, that’s what you do. And I’m surrounded by people who believe in that. And so, for being a small company, I think that’s why we exist—it’s from the love, trust, and support of the community. And so we always want to take care of them right back.

What Qualities Do You Admire Most in Successful Arizona Businesses?

I would say when I see companies give back. When I see companies do well but remember where they come from, and that they take their success and platform to help others, lift up others. It's not the idea of once you get up to the mountain, you kick people down. The first thing you do is to lend a hand and bring more people up with you. And I love the owners and business owners who are successful, who understand that they can't climb the ladder of success with their hands in their pockets, because we are supposed to help other people also be successful.

How Do Strong Local Businesses Strengthen Communities?

I think I'm always going to go back to the giving aspect of this, to going back to remember where we come from, to finding a passion, whether that's helping the homeless, the less fortunate, helping our furry babies. For me personally, I definitely want to save as many Frenchies as I can, Beagles, now that I'm aware of what's going on with that. And again your success is to be shared, and I think it really is a responsibility. When you're doing well, the first thing you need to remember is not to go buy new fancy things or luxury items. It is to remember to give back to the people who need that.

Why Do You Believe Collaboration Matters More than Competition?

Because the only competition you should really have is with yourself, to try to be a better person every day, and collaboration is more important because everyone is stronger in some things, and everyone has their own weak points. And so together, you're stronger, and because we all believe we rise by lifting others, it only makes sense to collaborate, to find ways to support each other, have synergy rather than competition, which means you would be trying to tear people down. And that abundant mindset is what will take you from good to great.

How Does Your Personal Mission Align with Call Christina Now’s Mission?

I don't feel like I work. I feel like my grandma was right—if you find something you love, you never work a day in your life. And so I think it's hand in hand, because in life, I feel that we all have a purpose. And for me personally, my purpose is actually what I do every day at Call Christina Now, which is to find solutions to problems, to give light in darkness, and to genuinely care for people, to help them in their darkest times.

What Role Do You Play Day to Day in the Business?

Every hat I need to play. If I need to be a counselor, to listen, if I need to be a therapist, to give a little advice when asked, to be a financial advisor to my clients who have never handled a substantial amount of money. And, you know, we care enough to say, hey, maybe you should, um, you know, get financial classes or get with people like Jake Isaac from Edward Jones and secure your settlement. If they need jobs, we help them find jobs. We really go above and beyond for our clients, and that's not the hard part of the job—that's the best part of the job.

What Makes Call Christina Now Different from Other Resources People Might Find Online?

That our mission really is to be of service to others, and we take that so seriously that when you make the call to us, we will not let you go until we know everything you need is done, that you have everything, all the resources, so that you can go back to life. That’s why we say our tagline is that we're more than a lifeline, we’re your helpline. Whatever you think you can imagine of what you might need, that's around your situation, we can have that. And like I said before, even if it's things we don't monetize, if you're someone going through a divorce and you can't afford a $2,500 retainer, it doesn't matter. You call us, we will find you help, and for example, that would be a $350 hard cost. Because again, life is already hard enough, so we're here to find all the resources possible, and we have taken the time and years to build a community that we can make available to our clients. Also, another example would be like a DUI case, you know, people do make mistakes. The retainer for those could be up to $5,000 to $10,000, but with us, we have created a community. We know that's expensive, so we have resources where you can make payments.

What Do You Hope Call Christina Now Becomes Known for in Arizona?

The go-to for not just car accidents and personal injury, but for anything legal and for things that really matter in life. If they need a job, we’ve created a community where we can help you get a job. It has nothing to do with a car accident, dog bite, or personal injury—it’s that you have an extra spot or resource to go to. If you need a flying horse, you can come to us and we will find it. So whatever it is that you need, we're working our way to where we can just be that—where you can go to us and we have everything for you and avoid you having to learn by making a mistake or hiring the wrong people. We want to create more additional resources, whether that's for addiction, for help for animals, for homelessness—it doesn't matter. If you're a human being and you're going through a hard time, we want to be part of the resources available to you so you can get back on your feet and know that there's hope. And that you don't get to give up because you have, you know, a team and group of maybe strangers, but we care about you.

How Do You Want This Platform to Grow Over the Next Few Years?

We don't want to be the biggest in the Valley or in Arizona. We just want to be the one who cares the most. And we do—we are growing, and we're proud of that, but we want to be overstaffed. We want to be able to never compromise the quality, care, and concern we provide each and every person who calls us. Because even right now, when they call us and we don't help them, we still, make the connection with them, to make sure they know that we're here for the time we can help. Otherwise, we just find them the resources they need. They still get the same email, thank you card, a gift at their door, even when we can't help them.

What Kind of Legacy Do You Want to Build Personally and Professionally?

I would say that to go through life, never stop learning. That you learn, and it doesn't matter what age that is—you keep growing. And through your hard times, be thankful for those, because those offer you lessons. And my other favorite thing to say is that things happen for us, not to us. And if you know that during hard times, it'll take you to the place where it's meant for you to be.

And that life is full of givers and takers, and I choose to be a giver. And you will inevitably come across people who will take advantage of that, hurt you, not be happy for your wins, and try to take you down, but you don't allow those people to change who you are.

If a time comes and false things are made of you, but you know who you are and you have enough people to speak on your character, that eventually the truth always prevails. And I mention that just because it doesn't matter who you are. Sometimes if you're successful, it really does upset other people, and you're not going to apologize for your success or dim your light, because that is the same light you will use to help bring other people up with you.

What Message Would You Want Someone in Crisis to Hear Right Now?

That you matter, that you are enough, that you are seen, that you have value, and that you have purpose. So no matter what, as long as you have breath in you, you do not give up, and that you're not alone. We're humans, so there's no one out in this world that never has a bad day. But your bad days are okay—just don't unpack there. And know that again, as long as you have breath in you, there is hope, and this too shall pass.