Rooted in Faith, Rising in Purpose: Carmen Maendel’s Story

Some lives are built through linear paths of steady progress, while others are defined by bold leaps of faith, unexpected detours, and a deep reliance on God’s guidance. Carmen Maendel’s story is one of courage, creativity, and persistence—a woman who has worn many hats as an entrepreneur, writer, photographer, financial advisor, and fitness leader. Across every endeavor, her faith has been the steady anchor guiding her through challenges, breakthroughs, and blessings.

Carmen’s entrepreneurial journey began with Genoa Denim and Leather Apparel, a business she co-founded with Tracy Galles. For a year, the pair built a thriving company rooted in quality and affordability. They purchased high-end designer handbags and jeans wholesale, passing savings directly to customers by eliminating the middleman. Success at trade shows around the state fueled their momentum, and soon Genoa’s inventory expanded to include dresses, jewelry, hats, matching purse and wallet sets, and more. Their growing reputation for style and value eventually led them to make an offer to Underground Apparel in Brainerd. By that time, Carmen and Tracy had cultivated not only a wide-ranging product line but also a loyal following of customers who appreciated their unique and desirable collection. The venture showcased Carmen’s natural drive for building businesses and her talent for connecting people with products that brought joy.

Even before her business pursuits, Carmen’s heart was drawn to words. Her mother reminded her of poems she had written as early as eight years old, planting seeds of a lifelong love for poetry. Years later, she felt led by God to return to writing, producing “Enigma,” the poem that earned her a place in The International Library of Poetry’s collection Timeless Voices. The recognition affirmed what Carmen already sensed—that God had placed a writer within her. That revelation gave her the confidence to take a leap into authorship, beginning with her first anthology chapter in Pray Don’t Panic with She Rises Studios. From there, the writing poured forth. Titles and opportunities continued to emerge, and Carmen contributed to multiple anthologies, each one building on the last. Her solo book, Courageous Woman: Casting Cares Upon Jesus, became the culmination of her writing journey thus far. Every project, she says, has been covered in prayer, with each message pointing back to Christ. For Carmen, the words are not hers alone—they are an offering, a way of helping others cast their cares on Jesus and embrace their God-given identity.

Carmen’s creativity is not confined to the page. Photography also holds a treasured place in her life, and one image in particular stands as her masterpiece: A Little Loony.

The photograph captured a protective male loon charging toward her camera while guarding his baby on the water’s surface. The lighting, timing, and motion aligned in a way Carmen calls a gift directly from God. For her, the image became more than just a picture—it was a metaphor for divine protection, a reminder that God stays “on top of the water” to shield His children, no matter the circumstances. The photo’s beauty and symbolism opened new opportunities for Carmen in photography, earning recognition and feedback online. Yet, true to her nature, she deflects credit, giving God the glory for every award and open door.

Faith has also been central to Carmen’s fitness journey. In 2022, she launched her online program Rock Hard Body: Power Strength & Fitness, but not without overcoming personal hurdles. Live video and computer technology once felt overwhelming and intimidating. Here, two key figures shaped her path forward: James Allen, her productivity coach, and Mercile Martinsen, her videographer. James pushed her gently but firmly through her fears, encouraging her to record videos, practice with tools like Canva and Loom, and expand her technical confidence. Mercile not only filmed and guided her on video production but also prayed with her, offering spiritual and emotional support. Both became more than mentors—they became cherished friends. Their encouragement and God’s provision gave Carmen the tools and courage to expand Maendel Fitness into the online space, reaching more people with her program.

Whether in fitness, finance, or entrepreneurship, Carmen and her husband Nate share a core philosophy: relationships come first. Together, they built a business with the tagline, “Where Service is More than a Transaction.” For them, it is more than a slogan—it is a lived value. The Maendels invest in deepening connections with clients, often socializing outside of professional settings. One Fourth of July, for example, they spent the day at a client’s beach home, eating, swimming, and playing games, creating memories that went beyond work. This same relational approach extends to their team at NPM. Carmen believes that mutual understanding fosters stronger collaboration. No matter how much their company grows, she and Nate remain grounded in gratitude, respect, and community.

One of Carmen’s boldest leaps came when she entered the financial world as a stockbroker and financial advisor. Though mathematics had never been her strongest subject, she pushed through the challenge, studying intensely for the Series 7 and 63 exams. 

Her preparation was unconventional—memorizing formulas, writing them down before the test, and reviewing flashcards while biking at the gym. Prayer guided every step, and she credits God with the strength to succeed. She passed the exams with an impressive score of 89 and began an eight-year career with Edward Jones. Though the role required her to step outside her comfort zone—cold calling, door-to-door conversations, and navigating a male-dominated industry—she persevered. Looking back, she sees that season as a testament to God’s sustaining power.

Behind Carmen’s achievements lies a disciplined daily routine anchored in prayer. Her mornings begin at 5:50 a.m. with vitamins, a green smoothie, and exercise. But the workout is not just physical—it is spiritual. During her 30–45 minutes of fitness, she prays for her husband, son, family, church community, and anyone in need. Afterward, she devotes another half hour to Bible reading and devotionals, grounding her heart in Christ before stepping into the demands of her day. This rhythm, she says, is what allows her to show up as a better wife, mother, businesswoman, and follower of Jesus.

For women considering entrepreneurship, Carmen offers simple yet profound advice: “Discover your identity in Jesus Christ and your spiritual gifts first, and then share them with the world. Everything will flow from there. And never, never, never, never, never give up! Keep on swinging the bat!”

From running a denim and leather business to writing poetry and books, from photography to fitness, from finance to ministry, Carmen Maendel’s journey has been anything but ordinary. Yet the common thread is unmistakable—every step has been bathed in prayer, rooted in resilience, and guided by God. For Carmen, success is not defined by awards, profits, or recognition. It is measured by obedience, service, and the courage to keep saying “yes” to the paths God lays before her. Her life is a living testimony that faith, paired with perseverance, can lead to extraordinary outcomes—each one pointing back to the Creator who makes it all possible.

Connect With Carmen

www.natespropertymaintenance.com