< Previous10 | The Daily News | 40 Under 40 | 2018Mark Dell’OssoAge: 35City of residence: GalvestonCurrent title: OwnerPlace of business: Galveston Island BrewingFamily: Wife, Liesel Dell’Osso; two girls, Zoe, 6; and Gia, 3Why did you go into your particular field? Love of beer and Galveston.As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? Brain surgeon, because I knew they made a lot of money. I grew up to believe the exact opposite. Follow your passion, not money.What was your first job? Scooping ice cream at Baskin Robins. Fired after two weeks because I wouldn’t work a holiday. Then I found my first job of love, cleaning sail boats and learning to sail, which I con-tinued for years.What’s the best advice you’ve ever re-ceived? Swallow your pride and take some help if you need it.What’s your favorite thing about your job? Quality control!What do you know now that you wish you knew when you first started your career? Anything about business...Who do you consider to be your greatest mentor and why? My dad. He taught me great work ethic at a very young age. I’ve never been afraid to work. And he still works circles around me at 73.When you’re not at work, what do you do to relax? Time on the water with my family and friends is my biggest way to unwind and I do it often. And then there’s drinking craft beer, responsibly of course!What is something about you that most people don’t know? I don’t like walking anywhere. Walking is too slow and I don’t have the patience for it. Give me a golf cart, skateboard, bicycle, Uber, anything.How do you hope to grow in your ca-reer? Grow GIB to the perfect size without changing our fundamental beliefs of who we are. Not too big and not too small.If you couldn’t do what you’re doing now, what would you be doing? Your guess is as good as mine...Age: 36City of residence: HoustonCurrent title: Stroke director, neurohospi-talist, vascular neurologist and neuroin-tensivistPlace of business: Clear Lake Regional Medical CenterFamily: Spouse, Dr. Kawal Bir, child and ad-olescent adult psychiatrist at UT Health, LBJ Hospital; Son, Kabir Singh Desai, 2 years oldWhy did you go into your particular field? To diagnose and treat all the com-plex neurological diseases, some of which still have no cure.Kinjal DesaiAs a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? Always wanted to be a physician and follow the footsteps of my mother.What was your first job? First job was as a medical officer in India. First job was as a librarian in the United States.What’s the best advice you’ve ever received? The three As — Be always avail-able, able and affable.What’s your favorite thing about your job? To be the diagnostician and live in the footsteps of Sherlock Holmes at times.What do you know now that you wish you knew when you first started your career? I just graduated last year and start-ed working, so I can probably answer this question in a few years from now.Who do you consider to be your greatest mentor and why? Dr. Jose Suarez. He is extremely knowledgeable and always available, easily approachable for all your questions and concerns.When you’re not at work, what do you do to relax? I love to cook. Cooking gives me the de-stressing that I need in my life after hours and hours of working as a neurologist.What is something about you that most people don’t know? I am a quiet person and usually it takes me a while to lighten up and join the conversation. Once I do, there is no stopping.How do you hope to grow in your career? By continuing to be a stroke and neurocritical care leader and provide the best possible care to the communities of Clear Lake Regional Medical Center.If you couldn’t do what you’re doing now, what would you be doing? I would be doing clinical research as that is my second love.2018 | 40 Under 40 | The Daily News | 11Congrats To All! 40 Under 402018Honorees 2800 Texas Ave.Texas City 409-948-4211www.uwgcm.orgAge: 36City of resi-dence: Texas CityCurrent title: Vice presidentPlace of business: Texas City-La Marque Chamber of CommerceFamily: Wife, Nicole Duckett; sons, Luke, 9, and Blake, 7Why did you go into your particular field? That’s tough for me to answer because the chamber really doesn’t fit my background. I honestly feel like I’ve been led to the careers I’ve had. Each one has opened doors into the next opportunity Derek Duckettfor growth and advancement. My path to the chamber is far from normal, but I’m grateful that path has led me here. I’m passionate about my hometown and the chamber allows me to put that passion to use each and every day.As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? Some type of super hero or spy. But, much like the adult me, my career desires changed with the wind.What’s the best advice you’ve ever received? Be more concerned with your character than your reputation, because your character is what you really are, while your reputation is merely what others think you are.What’s your favorite thing about your job? Making business connections for our members. There aren’t many things better than helping others succeed.What do you know now that you wish you knew when you first started your career? Job satisfaction is far greater than job compensation. Having both is a major plus.Who do you consider to be your greatest mentor and why? I’m blessed to have two parents who modeled what it looks like to be servant leaders and valuable members of society. I also have two amazing older brothers who I’ve leaned on for advice more times than I can count.When you’re not at work, what do you do to relax? I love lazy days on the couch with my family, playing golf and anything in or on the water.What is something about you that most people don’t know? You should never cross a road with me. I nearly died on my ninth birthday when I was hit by a car on my bicycle. I’ve been hit twice more since then. Beware.How do you hope to grow in your career? I want to know that I’m making an impact regardless of what I’m doing. If I can consistently accomplish that, then I’ll be overly content with my career growth.If you couldn’t do what you’re doing now, what would you be doing? Probably something back in the intelligence field or working with at-risk youth.12 | The Daily News | 40 Under 40 | 2018Age: 28City of residence: League CityCurrent title: Council member; business owner; real estate agent and investorPlace of business: City of League City; Kiki Landscaping & Construction, LLC; Brockway Realty, LLCFamily: The oldest of eight siblings, I learned at a young age the importance of Hank Dugiefamily and responsibility. I was called on to guide and coach my brothers and sisters through key life moments — first bike rides, swimming lessons, (SPOILER ALERT) discovering the tooth fairy and Easter bunny are not real, dating, college choices and work conflicts. I was born and raised in League City and know the area as well as anyone. I experienced first-hand the high quality of instruction within Clear Creek Independent School District, attending Ferguson Elementary, League City Interme-diate and Clear Creek High School. I was a multi-sport athlete, a member of PALs and a leader in various other clubs for which I was recognized with countless awards, including a full scholarship to the Universi-ty of Texas at Austin.Why did you go into your particular field? My life mission is to positively change the world. I think one way to do that is by being a selfless servant to as many people as possible and reminding them they are valued, appreciated and loved.As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? President.What was your first job? Baseball umpire, soccer referee, pizza restaurant employee.What’s the best advice you’ve ever re-ceived? If you learn something new every day, by the time you’re old you will know a lot of things.What’s your favorite thing about your job? Meeting people and helping them overcome challenges or achieve personal goals.What do you know now that you wish you knew when you first started your ca-reer? As you learn more, you realize there is so much more you don’t know.Who do you consider to be your greatest mentor and why? My dad. He moved a lot as a kid and had very little formal education yet still managed to create a successful business, support a large extended family and give back to his community.When you’re not at work, what do you do to relax? Hang out with my nieces and nephews, volunteer with the student min-istry at my church and play quidditch.Age: 37City of residence: League CityCurrent title: Pension sales divisionPlace of business: American National Insurance CompanyFamily: Parents, Cleo Etienne and Lincoln Courville; grandparents, Rose and Lumas Etienne; Floyd and Kathy CourvilleDominic EtienneWhy did you go into your particular field? I’ve always had a fascination with num-bers and problem solving. Where science, literature and history can have so much subjectivity in determining a resolution, I loved how mathematical problems tended to have only one finite answer. I loved how Mr. Dickey (my favorite teacher), my high school geometry teacher at Ball High School, would provide us a hypothesis and then work it to its conclusion on a dry erase board while using his bare hands as his eras-er. I’ve always respected and admired the infectious passion he always taught with.As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? I always knew I wanted to do something where I could help others reach their goals. So many folks were always so eager and willing to help me when I was growing up, that I knew one day I wanted to be in a position to do the same for others in some capacity in my community.What was your first job? My grandmother somehow pulled strings and landed me a job at age 14 as a county clerk office assis-tant for the Honorable Penny Pope, Justice of the Peace, Precinct 3.What’s the best advice you’ve ever received? I got in trouble at school one time in what must’ve been second or third grade at Trinity. As punishment, my grandfather made me write lines and post them all over my room and the house as a reminder. The line I had to write like 1,000 times was “Always remember the conse-quences of your actions!”What’s your favorite thing about your job? Helping provide a vehicle not only for small-business owners to save away for their retirement, but the employees who helped them get there as well. In many cases, it’s an opportunity they do not have anywhere else to not only save away for themselves but to also leave something behind for those they love. So it can have a positive financial effect on families, poten-tially for generations.Who do you consider to be your greatest mentor and why? I mean I have so many. But without a doubt, No. 1 would have to be my grandparents. They taught me the value of hard work, having and demon-strating integrity and showing why giving and helping others is more fulfilling than just trying to acquire things for yourself.2018 | 40 Under 40 | The Daily News | 13Age: 39City of residence: GalvestonCurrent title: BSN, RN WOCNPlace of business: University of Texas Medical BranchFamily: My grandfather was Dr. Edward Lefeber who worked at UTMB. My grand-mother was a nurse. My mother, Ann Jennifer HaglundLefeber Botik, retired from UTMB and was a nurse. My aunt Dr. Nancy Hughes started off as a nurse first at UTMB then became a doctor. My brother Brian Botik is a registered nurse at UTMB and I have another brother who works at the blood bank. I had an aunt and uncle who retired from UTMB as social workers. Then I have an another uncle who is a retired doctor. You can say the medical field runs in the family. I’m married to Hans Haglund, who is the manager of Galveston Island State Park. We’ve been married almost 18 years now. We have two children: Heidi, who is 15 and attends Ball High School, and Hunter, who is 12 and attends Austin Middle School.Why did you go into your particular field? It was a calling. I thought I wanted to work with the elderly. While in nursing school, I worked as a nurse’s aide and floated down to the burn unit in which that was my great-est fear. That day changed my life. There happened to be a patient who was nine days older than I was and had some of the worse burns I have seen to this day. But seeing her in that bed and then seeing her picture on the door. It changed my whole perceptive on burns. That day, I overcame my greatest fear and knew that burns was the place for me.What’s the best advice you’ve ever received? It’s never too late to accomplish your goals.What’s your favorite thing about your job? I get to see the patient from the day they get there to the day we get to say “We’ll be here if you ever need us.” I get to develop a special bond with the patient that many get to never do. I even get to do it with their families as well. My job is rewarding for the most part.Who do you consider to be your greatest mentor and why? My mother. I would always hear stories of how compassion-ate my mother was to her patients. Other nurses would tell me, your mother would go into a room not knowing the patient and then come out knowing just about everything about that patient. All the patients loved her. I wanted to be just like her. Compassionate and caring along with a sense of humor.When you’re not at work, what do you do to relax? Sleep! Really, I like my walks on the seawall. Nothing clears my head better than a walk on the seawall or the beach!Age: 24City of residence: GalvestonCurrent title: National marketing directorPlace of business: Moody Insurance Group Inc.Family: I’m a fifth generation islander (at least that’s what my family says) and the Paul Harringtonmajority of my family still live down here. I have two uncles who live on the island, one working for UTMB and the other at Shearn Moody Plaza. My mother and father raised me in Galveston before moving to Friendswood in 1999. My aunt runs a real estate company on the island as well. My grandfather worked for T&T Marine for the majority of his life.Why did you go into your particular field? I had no real desire to go into the insurance industry when I graduated from college but I did know that I love business and economics. I had applied at many businesses around town and around the state with no particular field in mind, just something that I could use my business and economics knowledge toward. I thank-fully was hired as an internal wholesaler for Moody Insurance Group Inc. and became interested quite quickly. The insurance industry and the way the markets function are so fascinating to me. Working on a national level it has been a real treat to see how different trends affect different parts of the country.As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? I wanted to be a meteorolo-gist. Like a lot. My parents bought me this college book about weather with these amazing photographs of different types of weather events around the world. I would stare at that thing for hours. I even would casually watch the Weather Channel. The weather always mystified me growing up. The fact that it could go from a beautiful sunny weekend to full blown hurricane in a week blew my mind.What was your first job? I always like to say my first job was doing whatever Ron Placke-meier told me to do but in reality my first real job was waiting tables at Yaga’s Cafe.What’s the best advice you’ve ever received? There are two rules to life. 1. Do not sweat the small stuff. 2. It is all small stuff.What is something about you that most people don’t know? That I am a farmer at heart. I may have never owned a farm myself but I have always had a sense of connectedness. I have been around them off and on my whole life and I love the idea of growing my own food and raising my own livestock. It’s honest and reward-ing work.14 | The Daily News | 40 Under 40 | 2018CONGRATULATIONSNICKI HUPRICH713-521-0413 40 UNDER 40Nicki Huprich CONGRATULATIONSWe are soproud of you.From all yourfriends atStewart Title,cheers to youand your fellow 40 Under 40 honoreesAge: 33City of residence: GalvestonCurrent title: Broker/co-owner/managerPlace of busi-ness: RE/MAX Leading Edge and DogsBFFFamily: I am the only girl with three broth-ers. I am not a girly-girl to say the least. I have been taught to be competitive and eat fast. I am not a competitive person by nature. My entire family makes a compe-tition of everything, so since I was young I only knew to make everything a competi-tion. My biggest competitor to this day is myself. My family is a huge part of my life and have been my constant motivators by Nicki Hupricheither telling me I can’t do something or being my biggest cheerleaders. They are not always the first ones to say I will be able to accomplish something. Some of my biggest accomplishments have come from them telling me, “you can’t” or “you won’t.” The best part about my family is that even if they don’t think I will accomplish some-thing, they are still my biggest support system. Best example, when I was 23 years old, my mom told me I wouldn’t make it as a Realtor, but she said if you want to try it, I will pay for your classes. She did, and now look at where I am! I do not have children, but I do have two four-legged kids that are my everything.Why did you go into your particular field? As a Realtor, I went into the field because I was surrounded by Realtors working as a weekend receptionist at a lo-cal real estate office and within my family. Seeing their constant day-to-day life and how they helped their clients, I decided it was something I wanted to try. I was pretty fresh out of college and at that time trying anything to find my career was what I was ready for. I started DogsBFF, a pet-sitting and dog-walking service because I love being around animals. I wanted something to add a change of pace in my crazy days.What’s the best advice you’ve ever received? Sleep on it (Thank you, Linda Sivy and Sue Johnson). This was not direct advice to me at the time but rather for clients. I had presented an offer to Sue’s client and it was much lower than the asking price. I spoke to Linda, her assistant, and they said they ad-vised their client to “sleep on it.” It seems like common sense, but often we make impulse decisions out of the immediate emotions we get from hearing news. To this day, I use this in personal and business practices.When you’re not at work, what do you do to relax? Relax? I can’t say that is part of my vocabulary. If I am not working, I am normally training for a race (Ironman 70.3 or a marathon), playing with my dogs or doing work around my house.How do you hope to grow in your career? I am at the point in my career that I have found a very happy balance with work, family and friends. I can say this was a very difficult point to get to in my career and is sometimes challenging to maintain. I just hope to spread what I know and do to others.2018 | 40 Under 40 | The Daily News | 15Age: 35City of residence: Texas CityCurrent title: Attorney, partnerPlace of business: Roberts, Johnson & CainFamily: Spouse, B.J. Johnson, married nine years; children, Claire Joanna, 5 years old in June; Mallory Kate, 2 years oldAmanda JohnsonWhy did you go into your particular field? I chose to specialize in estate planning and probate primarily because of a few courses in law school focusing on this area of the law. Gerry Beyer, a favorite professor and expert in Texas estate planning and probate, taught several of the courses and I took in-terest in the subject matter and application.As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? A writer. I remember writing a lot of short stories, which probably close-ly resembled “The Baby-Sitters Club.”What was your first job? Aside from ba-by-sitting, I taught private piano lessons in high school and worked for a summer in Dr. Acree’s dentist office in Texas City. My first job out of law school was at Sharpe & Associates, PLLC, an estate planning firm in Dallas.What’s the best advice you’ve ever received? Trust the Lord, pray constantly and look for the joy and blessings in life, regardless of the circumstances.What’s your favorite thing about your job? My favorite thing about my job is the probate/guardianship aspect and being able to assist clients going through an emo-tionally painful time. Everyone has a story to tell. I enjoy hearing those stories, sometimes just providing a listening ear and sometimes fighting for the legal rights of clients.What do you know now that you wish you knew when you first started your ca-reer? When I first began my career, I wish I had been more aware of the value of com-munity involvement. Not only am I able to give back to the community that supports my business, I have had the opportunity to reach out to various individuals I have met through the Texas City-La Marque Chamber of Commerce or Rotary Club of Texas City and utilize their expertise. The connections made are invaluable.When you’re not at work, what do you do to relax? When I’m not at work, I’m with my family soaking up as much precious time as possible with my girls as they grow. To actually relax, my husband and I can typically be found watching true crime shows and documentaries on Netflix.What is something about you that most people don’t know? I am obsessively passionate about horror movies, “Dawson’s Creek” and John Travolta.Age: 38City of residence: GalvestonCurrent title: Sports and events manager, Galves-ton film liaisonPlace of business: Galveston Island Convention and Visitors BureauFamily: Jerome Kunz, grandfather, 85, shrimper (active!); Jim Kunz, father, build-ing contractor (retired); Carla Kunz, mother, registered nurse, UTMB Galveston (retired); Kristen and Brian Lepo, sister and brother-in-law, Galveston bar and service company owners; Heidi Kunz, wife, facilities informa-tion associate, UTMB Galveston; Scarlett Kunz, daughter, 2; numerous aunts, uncles and cousins in the Galveston areaWhy did you go into your particular field? I started in the tourism industry working special events. I thought it would Bryan Kunzbe fun and interesting to help plan special events like Mardi Gras! Galveston. It was! I’ve also had a lifelong passion for sports and competition. When the opportunity arose to shift my focus toward the develop-ment of sports tourism, I jumped at it. I’ve loved every minute of it thus far.As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? I wanted to be a profes-sional baseball player. Outside of that, I wanted to be like my grandfather, who is a shrimper. The idea of fishing for a living sounded fantastic!What was your first job? My first jobs were serving customers at Smitty’s Bait Camp and waiting tables at Clary’s Seafood Restaurant. I always recommend to young people that they wait tables at some point. There are so many lessons to be learned that apply to almost any future career path.What’s the best advice you’ve ever received? A wise event planner once told me “Never ask someone to do something you’re not willing to do yourself.” That resonated with me on many levels and has stayed with me throughout my career.What’s your favorite thing about your job? I definitely love the diversity of work that my job entails, but my favorite thing about the job is the team I get to be a part of on a daily basis. The Galveston Island Convention and Visitors Bureau staff is made up of some of the most hard-work-ing, intelligent, creative people I’ve ever been around. I enjoy coming to work every day because of them.Who do you consider to be your greatest mentor and why? I have learned so much from so many amazing people throughout my life and career, but I still consider my parents and my grandfather my greatest mentors. Their greatest strengths — tire-less work ethic, loyalty, honesty and humili-ty — continue to guide me both profes-sionally and personally.When you’re not at work, what do you do to relax? I love being around water, spend-ing time with my wife and daughter at the beach, the Galveston Boat Club or fishing. I’m an avid golfer, and I also enjoy relaxing with my extended family in the Texas Hill Country, our home away from home.16 | The Daily News | 40 Under 40 | 2018Age: 34City of res-idence: La MarqueCurrent title: City council memberPlace of busi-ness: La Marque City HallFamily: Cleveland Lane Sr., Cheryl Lane, Dr. Cleveland Lane Jr., Cavell Lane, Cheneal Lane and Cobe LaneWhy did you go into your particular field? The opportunity to serve and have a positive affect on our community. While at the same time identifying solutions to issues that historically have plagued our town.What was your first job? Papa Johns.Chris LaneAs a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? A marketing director. I have always been fascinated with messaging and motivating individuals with words and concepts.What’s the best advice you’ve ever received? Pray like it depends on God and work like it depends on you. This is my philosophy on life and I implemented into everything that I do.What’s your favorite thing about your job? Building strategic relationships to ad-dress the lack of resources that’s allocated to our youth.What do you know now that you wish you knew when you first started your career? You cannot please everybody; no matter what you do, some people will not support you.Who do you consider to be your greatest mentor and why? The Rev. B.J. Hunter has been a constant if my life from a very young age. Pastor Hunter always carried himself with class and integrity.When you’re not at work, what do you do to relax? I’m an avid reader. I like to learn and to challenge any preconceived notions that I might hold. I utilize books as an instrument to expose myself to information.What is something about you that most people don’t know? Most people will be surprised to know that I’m an introvert.How do you hope to grow in your ca-reer? The continued growth and prosper-ity of La Marque is my only career goal at this time.If you couldn’t do what you’re doing now, what would you be doing? I would still be serving my community, just in a dif-ferent capacity. Politics is the vehicle that I’m utilizing now to have a positive impact. The vehicle might change, but the mission will always remain the same.Age: 36City of residence: GalvestonCurrent title: OwnerPlace of business: BOI Entertainment: The Albatross, Island Pier Club, Ace Music & Amusement Co.Family: Brian is the son of Candie Lepo, Brian and Kristen Lepoand Kristen is the daughter of James and Carla Kunz. They have been married for 12 years and have a 7-year-old son, Reid.Why did you go into your particular field? Brian has been in vending since he was in high school. Shortly after, he purchased his own vending business while simultaneously working as a service and repair specialist for Ace Music. That job introduced Brian to the bar industry.As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? As a child, Brian wanted to be a school teacher like both of his parents. But his entrepreneurial spirit showed early when he would bake cookies to sell to his neighbors. Kristen has always had an interest in serving others and began volunteering at a young age for the Ronald McDonald House.What’s the best advice you’ve ever received? Another business owner once share the advice that there are some people who will never be happy. Just make sure to always treat customers the way you would like to be treated. If they have a problem, try your best to make it right and move on.What’s your favorite thing about your job? Brian and Kristen both enjoy meeting and talking with customers. They both love to entertain and this job helps them to do just that. Getting to know people and learn about their lives really makes it feel like it’s not work.What do you know now that you wish you knew when you first started your career? Be patient. A lot of mistakes are made just because you’re in a hurry. Take the time to do it right the first time instead of having to do it all over again.When you’re not at work, what do you do to relax? Brian and Kristen both love to be on the beach and in the water. Spend-ing time with their son, Reid, usually con-sists of boat rides, swimming or walking on the beach. They also love to spend time with family and friends.What is something about you that most people don’t know? Most people proba-bly don’t know that Brian and Kristen love their Sunday morning routine of coffee and CBS News Sunday Morning followed by church at Coastal Community Church.2018 | 40 Under 40 | The Daily News | 17Age: 30City of residence: GalvestonCurrent title: Manager of operationsPlace of business: Maceo Spice & Import Co.Family: Destin Sims, husband, sergeant with the Galveston Police Department; Ron Maceo, father, president of Maceo Spice & Import Co.Concetta Maceo-SimsWhy did you go into your particular field? When I started officially working for my dad, I was finishing up prerequisite courses to prepare myself for nursing school. I was just helping out in the front on days that I wasn’t in school, and that was it. I started to really see potential in the business, and the lack of retail/lunch business that we saw since Hurricane Ike, and my dad’s transplant. He was still recovering from his surgery and he needed the help. I started doing more and more, learning each piece of the business a small part at a time. When I broke the news to him that I was not going to nursing school, he was pretty upset. I asked him to give me three years. If I couldn’t prove to him that I was dedicated and ready to step up to the plate, then I would go get another job. Here we are, three years have come and gone, and I’m still here loving every minute!As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? From as far back as I can remember, I wanted to be a doctor. My interests varied from general practitioner, to a cardiologist, and nurse practitioner. I even was president of HOSA (Health Occupational Students of America) in high school. It wasn’t until I got into college that I realized I have a personality and skill set for the public.What’s the best advice you’ve ever received? It’s something that I still struggle with, especially with the growth and demands of the business, but the best advice I’ve ever received is to learn balance, because the clock doesn’t stop. Don’t get so caught up in your work that you miss out on life. Take care of yourself, make time for your family and put God first.What’s your favorite thing about your job? My favorite thing about my job is that it’s in my blood. I am the third generation in this business, and I love that I have the opportunity to continue my family legacy. What’s even better is that I get to work with my dad. It’s something that very few people get to do, and I am forever grateful for that blessing, especially since I almost didn’t have the opportunity.When you’re not at work, what do you do to relax? I try not to work all the time (ha!) but if I am not working, I make sure to relax by treating myself to a massage from Martha at Therapeutic Healthworks, and mani/pedi with my girls at the nail salon. Otherwise, just hanging with Destin is my all-time favorite.Age: 23City of residence: GalvestonCurrent title: OwnerPlace of business: Out Cast ChartersFamily: Connie Marquez and Ralph MarquezMichael MarquezWhy did you go into your particular field? I’ve had a passion for the sport of fishing since a very young age. Being out on the water and enjoying God’s creation every day is what keeps me coming back.As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? As a kid, I can recall wanting to be anything from an astronaut to a magician. I had so many different activities and sports that I would bounce around doing but I could never shake my love for fishing.What was your first job? My first job was working at a local Chick-Fil-A. Although this might not sound too challenging, I acquired so many life skills throughout the two years of working there. I was blessed to become the youngest team manager they have had at age 16.What’s the best advice you’ve ever received? The best advice I have ever received is to dedicate yourself to whatever passion you have in life. There are thou-sands of people with the same goals and passions you have, but only very few who will work hard enough to achieve those goals and be successful.What’s your favorite thing about your job? I love meeting new people and getting to share my passion with them. Seeing some-one reel in a fish for the first time and their smile ear to ear is what keeps me going.What do you know now that you wish you knew when you first started your career? That persistence pays off. Some days I felt the struggle of starting my own business and wondering if it was going to be successful some day or not. I wish I could go back and assure myself that everything is going to be okay. I’ve learned that if you ful-ly commit yourself to something and truly give it your all, it’s almost impossible to fail.When you’re not at work, what do you do to relax? I fish! Although I fish for a living, my days off involve even more fishing! The water is my happy place. A place where I learn, grow, relax, talk to God and enjoy life.What is something about you that most people don’t know? I really enjoy playing the guitar and piano. I have always had an ear for music and love writing new songs. I also love staying active and plan to compete in the NPC (National Physique Competition) in October.18 | The Daily News | 40 Under 40 | 2018Age: 31City of residence: La MarqueCurrent title: Executive director, Galveston’s Own Farmers Market; La Marque council-woman; owner/operator, Moon Dog FarmsPlace of business: Galveston’s Own Farm-ers Market, City of La Marque, Moon Dog Farms in Santa FeCasey McAuliffeFamily: Husband, Alex McPhail; mother, Jill McAuliffe; father, Terence McAuliffe; sister, Julia HaugWhy did you go into your particular field? All of my fields, including the actual fields, are about trying to make my little piece of world better than I found it, pre-serving the good around me and connect-ing with other people. Oh, and eating well.As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? “Jem” from Jem and the Holograms — possibly the world’s best cartoon — with a side order of mom, chil-dren’s book illustrator, entymologist and old-world chanteuse in a small nightclub.What was your first job? As a sec-ond-grader, I was hired by my beloved first-grade teacher, Mrs. Mary Brandon, to stay after school on Mondays and grade papers. Except for the math sheets — she knew better. I made $10 and a soda, and I kept every dollar I made (from second to fifth grade) in a cigar box under my bed.What’s the best advice you’ve ever re-ceived? “Listen to your gut,” and “This too shall pass.” My dad and mom, respectively.What’s your favorite thing about your job? Between all of my jobs, I get to be outside and observe the magic of nature and I problem-solve constantly. I’m con-stantly making new friends and running into people I love. Watching things grow — in all senses of that word — is deeply satisfying.What do you know now that you wish you knew when you first started your career? You can’t make everyone happy, and the best way to ensure that fact doesn’t gnaw at you is to know I’ve fol-lowed my integrity and stood up for what I believe is right.Who do you consider to be your greatest mentor and why? Beyoncé, obviously. And Barbara Kingsolver. Her writing has always inspired me to try. Try to work harder, try to live with abandon and try to appreciate the smallest of things.When you’re not at work, what do you do to relax? I’m a huge fan of inordinately long baths, sitting on the porch (outside of summer) doing just about anything, and reading.Age: 34City of residence: GalvestonCurrent title: Senior vice president/mar-keting directorPlace of business: Moody BankFamily: Husband, Joe Millo; son, Adam Millo; daughter, Maggie Millo; dog, Reggie Suderman-Millo; parents, Becky and Don Suderman; in-laws, Wendy and Paul MilloLauren MilloWhy did you go into your particular field? I first fell in love with marketing while I was working on my MBA, but I ended up in banking by chance. Soon after moving back to Galveston County, a friend introduced me to someone at Moody Bank and I began working as a credit analyst. A year later, I moved into commercial lending, and in November 2015, I took over our newly formed marketing department. Although it has been an interesting path to where I’m at today, I wouldn’t change a thing. Having lending experience and knowledge of the banking industry has been incredibly helpful in my current role as marketing director.As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? I was all over the place! My parents (and strangers at the grocery store) thought I should be an attorney because I asked a lot of questions. At one point I wanted to be a news reporter, and I’m sure teaching was in there at some point. It took until my late 20s to finally figure out what I wanted to be when I grew up.What was your first job? My very first job was as a tutor in high school, but my first “real” job was as a caseworker at a foster-adopt agency in Colorado where I worked with kids who were placed in foster care and their biological and foster families.What’s the best advice you’ve ever received? The best advice I ever received wasn’t necessarily given as advice. Growing up, my father owned his own company and I once said that someone “worked for my dad.” I was immediately corrected. Dad told me that no one works “for” him, everyone works “with” him. That comment has stuck throughout my adult life. As a manager, no one works “for” me. We all depend on one another and are all working toward the same goals. Everyone has a job to do and everyone’s job is important. We will always be more successful working together and supporting one another.What’s your favorite thing about your job? I love that no two days are the same. My responsibilities range from managing my de-partment’s budget and strategic objectives to overseeing sponsorships and donations to event planning and internal communication (and lots of other things in between). I’m also lucky enough to have a fantastic group of people in my department and an incredible leadership team at the bank.Kudos, Honorees!Congratulations to Moody Bank’s Lauren Millo and Galveston County’s “40 Under 40” Outstanding Young ProfessionalsMoody Bank salutes all of these young professionals, who distinguish themselves through their outstanding work, talents and community service, including our own Senior Vice President/ Marketing Director, Lauren Millo. “Lauren is outstanding in all areas of her life. Not only does she lead marketing, public relations and advertising for Moody Bank, she is a dedicated volunteer, wife and mother.” Victor Pierson, Moody Bank President, CEOCONGRATULATIONSFrances Moody“40 UNDER 40” OUTSTANDING YOUNG PROFESSIONALDearest Frances, we could not be prouder of you and all that you have accomplished already in 25 years. You give everything you do 110%. Our love for you is beyond measure.Love, Mom, Dad, Robert, Rex, Nobel and Buddy» Galveston Regional Chamber of Commerce Director of Events» Board member, Ronald McDonald House of Galveston & Habitat for Horses» 2018 honoree, Citizens for Animal ProtectionFrances MoodyCongratulations!Lindsay TouchyHONORED AS A “40 UNDER 40” OUTSTANDING YOUNG PROFESSIONAL» Vice President of Marketing and Communications, Galveston Regional Chamber of Commerce» Winner of state and national chambers of commerce media awardsLindsay, we’re so proud of you and all that you’ve accomplished through hard work, dedication and creativity.» Member, Ronald McDonald House of Galveston Advisory Board » Graduate, Texas A&M University, GalvestonLove, Mom, Dad, Laurie, Abby and FrankieNext >