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Mike Gruwell is a skydiving entrepreneur, master rigger, and industry leader whose journey in the sport began with a single jump in 1995. What started as a passion quickly turned into a career, leading him to become an FAA Master Rigger, AFF Instructor, Tandem Instructor, and 4-way competitor.

In 1999, he founded ChutingStar, which began as a small rigging loft and grew into one of the most recognized skydiving gear suppliers in the world. Over the years, it expanded to include online gear sales in 2005, a DeLand, Florida storefront in 2011, and an international online presence serving skydivers worldwide.

His entrepreneurial drive didn’t stop at skydiving. In 2012, inspired by his twin sons, he ventured into skateboarding, opening a skate shop and park, blending extreme sports culture with his deep commitment to quality gear and expert support. Throughout it all, his wife, Stephanie, has played a vital role in growing and structuring the business.

Outside of skydiving and business, Mike is also a freelance drummer, proving that his love for rhythm extends from music to freefall. His journey is one of passion, innovation, and building a career in an industry he never originally planned to join—but now helps lead.

Join us as we dive into Mike’s journey from jumper to entrepreneur, his insights into the skydiving industry, and how he’s shaped ChutingStar into what it is today.

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Ashley Marquardt is a pilot, skydiver, and adventurer whose journey in aviation has been nothing short of remarkable. In just five years since earning her commercial pilot’s license, she went from flying a Cessna 172 at Skydive Cross Keys to piloting a Twin Otter at Skydive Dubai. Along the way, she served as the main pilot at Cross Keys and flew critical cargo across the Pacific from Saipan to Guam.

Her passion for aviation runs deep—growing up on a military base in South Korea, she eventually discovered skydiving in 2008 under the guidance of Kirk Knight. Since then, she’s become a tandem instructor, wingsuiter, BASE jumper, and accomplished free flyer. Beyond the skies, she’s an avid scuba diver and former instructor.

From the cockpit to freefall, Ashley’s fearless approach to life is an inspiration. In this episode of The 20 Minute Call, she shares her journey through the world of aviation and skydiving.

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Stephen "Hatz" Hatzistefandis is a true adventurer and a standout personality in the world of skydiving. With over 3,500 jumps—including more than 2,000 tandems—Hatz has built a reputation for orchestrating skydives in some of the most breathtaking locations on the planet. From the Great Pyramids of Egypt to the Great Blue Hole in Belize, his expertise in planning and logistics has taken skydiving to new heights.

Beyond his accomplishments in the sky, Hatz is also a helicopter and airplane pilot, a PRO-rated demo jumper, and the founder of Pegasus Skydive Center in Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, creating a new home for skydivers in a time when many drop zones are closing.

With a passion for aviation, adventure, and community-building, Hatz continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in the sport.