The homeless epidemic in Los Angeles is hard to ignore. I’ve been volunteering at soup kitchens since I lived in New York City. I even taught cooking classes at shelters, and I try to make time to do the same here in LA. While the other volunteers network with each other, I always make it a point to talk to the clients at the shelters. There was an overarching theme I kept hearing. Now, I know this perspective is just one of many, but I noticed a correlation between who you surround yourself with and how your foundation can make or break your success.