2019 | 40 Under 40 | The Daily News | 3Eleanor Barton ........................................4Monty Boltinghouse .................................4Amber Booth ...........................................5Summer Chapman...................................6Johnny Chappell ......................................6James & Sasha Clark ..............................7Clayton Collins ........................................8Gina Conklin ...........................................8Michael & Ashley Cordray .........................9Shannon Doyle ......................................10Brent Farmer .........................................11Christopher Filidei .................................11Amanda Flannery...................................12Jim Foreman .........................................12Geoffrey Gainer .....................................13Gardy Garcia .........................................13Hillary Gramm .......................................14Ross Hill ...............................................14Amie Hufton-Louchouarn ........................15Anthony Jensen .....................................16Mandy Jordan .......................................16Morad Kabiri .........................................17Jason Keeling .......................................17Alice Kent .............................................20Laura Koehler .......................................20William Kreuzer .....................................21Emily Krone ..........................................21Lindsay Lell ...........................................22Antoinette Lynch ...................................23Becky Major ..........................................23Colleen Martin Merritt ............................24Leslie Ornelas .......................................25John Prochaska .....................................26Joseph Ray ...........................................16Urs Schmid ...........................................26Jeremy Silva ..........................................27Sara Smart ...........................................27Jason Tabor ..........................................28Zach Williams .......................................29Elise Ott Worthen ..................................30CONGRATULATIONS TO THE 2019 40 UNDER 40 HONOREESThe Daily News is shining the spotlight on the best and brightest young professionals in Galveston County who are making a difference in their professions and in the community. To make the list, The Daily News solicited nominations from the public for men and women who are 40 years old and younger and live and/or work in the Galveston County area. An expert panel of judges not affiliated with The Daily News evaluated each nominee based on their professional accomplishments, growth and community service. These men and women represent a broad range of occupations and highlight the diversity of businesses in the Galveston County area. MEET THE DAILY NEWS’ 40 UNDER 40 CLASS OF 20194 | The Daily News | 40 Under 40 | 2019 LIVES: LEAGUE CITY WORKS: ROSENBERG LIBRARYEleanor Barton, 38Museum curatorWHY DID YOU GO INTO YOUR PARTICULAR FIELD? I not only enjoy history myself, but I enjoy sharing what I’ve learned with others. Working in a museum allows me to not only preserve pieces of Galveston history, but to share these artifacts through exhibits and educational programs.AS A CHILD, WHAT DID YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GREW UP? From an early age, I enjoyed learning about ancient civilizations in school, and I had some wonderful history teachers in middle school and high school. I really wanted to be an archaeologist when I grew up.WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST JOB? I did lots of babysitting as a high school student.WHAT’S THE BEST ADVICE YOU’VE EVER RECEIVED? Never put off until tomorrow what you can do today.WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOUR JOB? I learn something new every day and get to work with a wonderful team of passionate employees at Rosenberg Library.WHAT DO YOU KNOW NOW THAT YOU WISH YOU KNEW WHEN YOU FIRST STARTED YOUR CAREER? It’s not possible to please every person all of the time. Don’t let negative criticism keep you from feeling good about what you’ve worked hard to accomplish.WHO DO YOU CONSIDER TO BE YOUR GREATEST MENTOR AND WHY? My husband works in a completely different field, but he is able to offer to great insight and career advice whenever I need it.WHEN YOU’RE NOT AT WORK, WHAT DO YOU DO TO RELAX? I enjoy going to the gym, watching movies with my kids and cooking with my husband.WHAT IS SOMETHING ABOUT YOU THAT MOST PEOPLE DON’T KNOW? I’m afraid of heights.HOW DO YOU HOPE TO GROW IN YOUR CAREER? I hope to continue figuring out new ways to make learning about history fun, especially for kids in the technology age.IF YOU COULDN’T DO WHAT YOU’RE DOING NOW, WHAT WOULD YOU BE DOING? I’ve always thought I would enjoy being a teacher. LIVES: LEAGUE CITY WORKS: HOLIDAY INN CLUB VACATION SEASIDE/GALVESTON BEACH RESORT/GALVESTON BEACH RESORT WESTMonty Boltinghouse, 36General managerWHY DID YOU GO INTO YOUR PARTICULAR FIELD? Originally, I was an aviation major, obtaining my private pilot license while still in high school. During my freshman year of college, 9/11 happened and it looked as if flying might not be an option. I love to travel and had become very familiar with being the son of a pilot. It only seemed fitting that my next step would be entering the hospitality and lodging portion of the travel industry.AS A CHILD, WHAT DID YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GREW UP? A pilot.WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST JOB? Bagging groceries at the local grocery store in my hometown of Harlan, Iowa.WHAT’S THE BEST ADVICE YOU’VE EVER RECEIVED? “Winning is not a sometimes thing: It’s an all the time thing. You don’t win once in a while; you don’t do things right once in a while; you do them right all of the time. Winning is a habit.” From a plaque that my dad placed in my room when I was a kid of a speech by Vince Lombardi.WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOUR JOB? Interacting with our guests from different regions of the world.WHAT DO YOU KNOW NOW THAT YOU WISH YOU KNEW WHEN YOU FIRST STARTED YOUR CAREER? The difference between empathy and sympathy. When you really understand a guest, you can really begin to make the memorable vacation.WHO DO YOU CONSIDER TO BE YOUR GREATEST MENTOR AND WHY? My mom and dad. They have always been there to support me no matter what.WHEN YOU’RE NOT AT WORK, WHAT DO YOU DO TO RELAX? Golf, watch sports and cheer for anything that has to do with Houston sports teams.WHAT IS SOMETHING ABOUT YOU THAT MOST PEOPLE DON’T KNOW? That I have a pilot’s license.HOW DO YOU HOPE TO GROW IN YOUR CAREER? To possibly become the youngest vice president in our company.IF YOU COULDN’T DO WHAT YOU’RE DOING NOW, WHAT WOULD YOU BE DOING? I would love to re-enter the aviation industry as a pilot or fixed-base operator.PHOTOS BY JENNIFER REYNOLDS/THE DAILY NEWSAMBERBOOTHDIRECTOR OF STUDENT ENROLLMENT SERVICESCongratulations Amber!T hank you for your support and dedication in helping our Aggies reach their dreams. Your tireless work and success, both on campus and in the community, is an inspiration to everyone! 2019 | 40 Under 40 | The Daily News | 5 LIVES: GALVESTON WORKS: TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY AT GALVESTONAmber Booth, 37Director of Student Enrollment ServicesWHY DID YOU GO INTO YOUR PARTICULAR FIELD? As an undergraduate, I was focused on my planned career of teaching in a K-12 setting, but I had an advisor I visited each semester to plan my schedule and sequence of courses. She was very thoughtful and had great insight into classes, instructors and life transitions. I always enjoyed our visits, and remember thinking at the time how great her job seemed. After teaching for a few years, I decided to pursue a graduate program in higher education and transition to higher education, thinking I would go into academic advising. I did not go into advising, but admissions and records is a perfect fit for me. Higher education turned out to be an ideal match to my professional skills and interests.AS A CHILD, WHAT DID YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GREW UP? More than a specific profession, when I was a little girl, I remember telling my Aunt Karen I wanted to be just like her when I grew up. She got dressed each day for work, perfect hair and makeup, beautiful clothes. I wasn’t even sure what she did at work, but I knew I wanted to get up each day, dress professionally, go into an office ... and I do, most days. Summer casual is one of my weaknesses!WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST JOB? My very first job was working at a snow cone stand on the beach. It was before I could drive, and Aunt Karen would pick me up every single day. I was not grateful enough at the time ... I need to thank her right now for waiting each afternoon, driving me home with my sandy little feet, and never complaining about the sand in her car and my moody, teenager one-word responses to her attempts at conversation.WHAT’S THE BEST ADVICE YOU’VE EVER RECEIVED? I have been fortunate to have many incredible professional role models, each of them selflessly sharing time and wisdom. One piece of advice that resonates with me, often repeated by Donna Lang, a dear friend and mentor: One day at a time. “One day at a time” reminds me that even when times are difficult, just get through this day; it reminds me that slow progress on projects is still progress; it provides fortitude in the knowledge that the pain of life’s struggles lessens over time.6 | The Daily News | 40 Under 40 | 2019 LIVES: TEXAS CITY WORKS: UTMB GALVESTON – SEALY CENTER ON AGING & MOTRPAC STUDYSummer Chapman, 37Clinical Research Nurse CoordinatorWHY DID YOU GO INTO YOUR PARTICULAR FIELD? My mom was a nurse and said that being a nurse is the best job in the world, so naturally my sister and I became nurses. My brother even considered it for a while, but ended up choosing a career with a cooler uniform and a gun.AS A CHILD, WHAT DID YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GREW UP? When I was young, I was voted Mayor for the Day and Most Likely to be President of the United States. Everyone knew that I wanted to be the mayor of Texas City.WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST JOB? My first job was working for the Texas City Police Department. The crash course in human behavior I received has benefited me every day since.WHAT’S THE BEST ADVICE YOU’VE EVER RECEIVED? “Pull the Goalie” – Malcolm GladwellWHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOUR JOB? It is my pleasure to work for a first rate institution that attracts and sustains some of the world’s most prestigious and important research studies. In my last research study, STRIDE, I acted as one of only 10 Falls Care Managers in the country, evaluating the effectiveness of evidence-based strategies to reduce serious fall-related injuries in older adults by implementing individually tailored interventions. My newest study, MoTrPAC, is the most expensive and the most complex exercise-focused study to ever be funded by the NIH. The goal is to study the molecular changes that occur during and after exercise to advance the understanding of how physical activity improves and preserves health.WHAT DO YOU KNOW NOW THAT YOU WISH YOU KNEW WHEN YOU FIRST STARTED YOUR CAREER? I now know that what they say is true, being a nurse affords you limitless options. I’d like to tell my younger, graduate-nurse-self to hang in there, you’ll find your niche and it’ll be fun, fulfilling and unique beyond your wildest dreams.WHAT IS SOMETHING ABOUT YOU THAT MOST PEOPLE DON’T KNOW? I am a veracious reader, but I read with my ears. I am obsessed with audiobooks. I go through about a book a week. Because of this, I love my work commute. LIVES: TIKI ISLAND WORKS: INDUSTRIAL MATERIAL CORP.Johnny Chappell, 32Director of Operations, Procurement and ITWHY DID YOU GO INTO YOUR PARTICULAR FIELD? In high school, I knew I wanted to do something in either business or engineering but didn’t know which. While attending school at Texas A&M, I heard about a major (Industrial Distribution) that included both engineering and business classes.AS A CHILD, WHAT DID YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GREW UP? Michelangelo from the Ninja Turtles. He was funny, fought crime with his friends and ate lots of pizza — what child wouldn’t want to be him?WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST JOB? Being from Galveston, naturally I bussed tables at Yaga’s Cafe. Thanks Mike!WHAT’S THE BEST ADVICE YOU’VE EVER RECEIVED? My pops always told me, “Work hard. Do good in school, to get a good job, to make good money, to have a good life.” It can be more complex than that, but for most, and for me, it was the best advice.WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOUR JOB? The challenges of working at a small business — every day is something new. There is always a hurdle to overcome, a problem to solve, an idea to implement; it’s never boring.WHAT DO YOU KNOW NOW THAT YOU WISH YOU KNEW WHEN YOU FIRST STARTED YOUR CAREER? If you work hard, keep a good attitude and care about others, it will all work out. The immeasurables are invaluable.WHO DO YOU CONSIDER TO BE YOUR GREATEST MENTOR AND WHY? My pops, Bill Watson. I wouldn’t be who I am today without him.WHEN YOU’RE NOT AT WORK, WHAT DO YOU DO TO RELAX? Watch movies, spend time with my family, boat around Offatts Bayou and Tiki Island, listen to music and play the occasional video game.WHAT IS SOMETHING ABOUT YOU THAT MOST PEOPLE DON’T KNOW? My wife and I are expecting our first child, Max Henry, in July. I am very excited about being a dad. I love my family and can’t wait for everyone to meet him.IF YOU COULDN’T DO WHAT YOU’RE DOING NOW, WHAT WOULD YOU BE DOING? I always tell my wife that if I had a million dollars, I would open a sports bar in Galveston. Since I don’t know a single thing about opening a bar and, more importantly, a million dollars to gamble with, I’m glad I have my job.CHAPPELL AND CLARK PHOTOS BY JENNIFER REYNOLDS/THE DAILY NEWSFrom Kyla, Ron, Stephen, Patriciaand the entire crewat Mosquito Café andPattyCakes Bakery!James & SashaClark!Congratulations!We at Industrial Material Corporation would like to congratulateJohnny Chappell, Director of Operations, Procurement & IT as a recipient of the Galveston Daily News 40 UNDER 40 Award celebrating young professionals in Galveston County. 2019 | 40 Under 40 | The Daily News | 7 LIVE: GALVESTON WORK: MOSQUITO CAFE & PATTYCAKES BAKERYJames & Sasha Clark, 38Co-Owner and director of operationsWHY DID YOU GO INTO YOUR PARTICULAR FIELD? We were offered an opportunity to join the family business of owning and operating Mosquito Cafe and to help launch PattyCakes Bakery. James’ background in construction management and Sasha’s background in veterinary medicine both had aspects that could contribute to the success of operating businesses. We both love good food and Galveston, so it was a perfect match.AS A CHILD, WHAT DID YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GREW UP? Sasha wanted to be a veterinarian or an engineer. James wanted to be an engineer.WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST JOB? Sasha’s first job was an attraction hostess at Disneyland, where she learned to perform at Disney’s high expectations of excellent customer service, interacted with visitors from all over the world, and learned the importance of safety for guests. James’ first job was in a pizzeria, where he started as a dishwasher, and in a short period of time learned how to perform every job in the kitchen. At age 17, he was asked to be one of the kitchen managers.WHAT’S THE BEST ADVICE YOU’VE EVER RECEIVED? James’ best piece of advice he was ever given was “Don’t sweat the small stuff and it’s all small stuff.” Sasha’s best piece of advice she was ever given was “Don’t stress out about things that are beyond your control ... just move forward.”WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOUR JOB? Our favorite thing about this career is that it’s dynamic. There are never two days that are the same, and we are always interacting with new people, whether they’re new to Galveston, or just new to the restaurant or bakery. We also enjoy seeing regulars of the restaurant and bakery, and catching up with them.WHAT DO YOU KNOW NOW THAT YOU WISH YOU KNEW WHEN YOU FIRST STARTED YOUR CAREER? We wish we knew how satisfying and grounding it would be to work for ourselves and be completely invested in the success of a business.WHEN YOU’RE NOT AT WORK, WHAT DO YOU DO TO RELAX? We spend a lot of time with our children, making sure they have a lot of great childhood experiences and participate in several extracurricular activities.8 | The Daily News | 40 Under 40 | 2019 LIVES: GALVESTON WORKS: SHRINERS HOSPITALS FOR CHILDREN – GALVESTONClayton Collins, 32BSN, RN, clinical education coordinatorWHY DID YOU GO INTO YOUR PARTICULAR FIELD? My mother is a pharmacist and has a selfless disposition that carried over to me. She encouraged me to enter the nursing field so that I could make a career out of a desire to help people.AS A CHILD, WHAT DID YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GREW UP? A movie star.WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST JOB? Sales associate at RadioShack.WHAT’S THE BEST ADVICE YOU’VE EVER RECEIVED? Measure twice, cut once.WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOUR JOB? Education affords me the opportunity to enrich the practice of other clinicians. When I have relayed complex topics to practitioners of all levels in a way they understand, there is definitely a eureka moment.WHAT DO YOU KNOW NOW THAT YOU WISH YOU KNEW WHEN YOU FIRST STARTED YOUR CAREER? Appreciate feedback, even when it isn’t what you want to hear.WHO DO YOU CONSIDER TO BE YOUR GREATEST MENTOR AND WHY? There are many individuals who have served as a mentor throughout my personal and professional life; however, there is one I recognize as my greatest. As a staff nurse, I received regular support from our hospital’s administrator, Mary Jaco. Even in her busy role, she made time to recognize me as I was advancing in my career. She has offered me guidance and helps to empower me to make the most of my talents. There are many ways in which she mentored me. One of the most powerful sentiments I carry is reflecting on a letter that she penned to me a few years ago regarding the first project I had ever submitted to a national conference. I still read that letter from time to time as a reminder of her long-standing support and of how far I’ve come professionally.WHEN YOU’RE NOT AT WORK, WHAT DO YOU DO TO RELAX? I love running in Galveston (especially Seawall!) with my two dogs and find cooking to be a therapeutic experience.WHAT IS SOMETHING ABOUT YOU THAT MOST PEOPLE DON’T KNOW? Most people don’t know that I am an Eagle Scout. LIVES: LEAGUE CITY WORKS: ENGRACE IT HARDWARE SOLUTIONS AND HUBCAP GRILL – SEABROOKGina Conklin, 38Owner and managing ownerWHY DID YOU GO INTO YOUR PARTICULAR FIELD? I love people! I am around people all day long and I love to interact with others, hear their stories, their advice, words of wisdom and I love to give the same fellowship back in return.AS A CHILD, WHAT DID YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GREW UP? I wanted to be a teacher or a behavioral mental health psychologist. Again, my drive to help people learn and/or better themselves.WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST JOB? The first job I had was at 16, after school, I was an administrative assistant to a general manager of a big generator company, Aggreko.WHAT’S THE BEST ADVICE YOU’VE EVER RECEIVED? My own self advice and what I instill in others has been “Always lead a selfless life over a selfish life, live by grace and love unconditionally.”WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOUR JOB? The flexibility no doubt. With having a 4-year-old, I get to be there to support school functions, baseball and soccer practices and games as well as swim lessons.WHAT DO YOU KNOW NOW THAT YOU WISH YOU KNEW WHEN YOU FIRST STARTED YOUR CAREER? Employees! Don’t take it personal when working relationships don’t work out. Everyone is different and has their own chapters in life and it’s OK to let go if they don’t want to help themselves.WHO DO YOU CONSIDER TO BE YOUR GREATEST MENTOR AND WHY? I don’t have just one; I have a few. Teenager growing up days, my prior teacher Ms. Glenda Dawson. Today currently as an adult, Chris Reed was a big impact of mentorship for me. His recent passing was hard and I’ll always remember his words of wisdom. Also, no doubt Ann Hammond, former CCISD Board of Trustees. Also Dee Scott, Community Advocate and Leader. I’ve said many times that I want to be Ann Hammond and Dee Scott when I grow up.WHEN YOU’RE NOT AT WORK, WHAT DO YOU DO TO RELAX? My son Blake is 4 and, yes, I still rock him to sleep, so my favorite, most relaxing part of the day is when I’m rocking my baby to sleep at night.WHAT IS SOMETHING ABOUT YOU THAT MOST PEOPLE DON’T KNOW? I never take showers. I only take baths. I must have a bathtub when traveling.HOW DO YOU HOPE TO GROW IN YOUR CAREER? I believe that growing in your career is when you are able to take more time off to spend with your children and family. It shows that you have successfully succeeded in staff and operations of your business that you are able to take some downtime to yourself with the peace of mind that your business is still being ran successfully with out you physically there.IF YOU COULDN’T DO WHAT YOU’RE DOING NOW, WHAT WOULD YOU BE DOING? Working with innocent underprivileged children who just want some attention and someone to love them.“Always lead a selfless life over a selfish life, live by grace and love unconditionally.” 2019 | 40 Under 40 | The Daily News | 9 LIVE: GALVESTON WORK: SAVE 1900 / SAVE 1900 REALTYMichael, 37, & Ashley, 32, CordrayOwnersWHY DID YOU GO INTO YOUR PARTICULAR FIELD? MICHAEL: A passion for old homes and a passion for Galveston. ASHLEY: To solve a need. There are so many homes in Galveston in need of some love.AS A CHILD, WHAT DID YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GREW UP? M: Sell baseball cards. A: Circus performer (also something most people don’t know about me).WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST JOB? M: Selling coins with my dad. A: Worked at a snow cone stand.WHAT’S THE BEST ADVICE YOU’VE EVER RECEIVED? M: There’s no substitute for hard work. A: Just before filming, the Property Brothers — Jonathan and Drew Scott — told us “not to sweat the small stuff.”WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOUR JOB? M: The end result. Seeing a house in terrible shape turn back into a home. A: Having full creative control.WHAT DO YOU KNOW NOW THAT YOU WISH YOU KNEW WHEN YOU FIRST STARTED YOUR CAREER? M: It’s OK to step outside of your comfort zone. A: House flipping is stressful, but in the end it always works out.WHEN YOU’RE NOT AT WORK, WHAT DO YOU DO TO RELAX? M & A: Enjoy our island. The water, the restaurants, just act like a tourist.WHAT IS SOMETHING ABOUT YOU THAT MOST PEOPLE DON’T KNOW? M: Old houses are in my blood. The Cordray family was building houses in Galveston in the 1800s. I hope to work on one someday. A: I’m an old soul — I love to sew, crochet and quilt.HOW DO YOU HOPE TO GROW IN YOUR CAREER? M & A: We will certainly work on more houses, but if we can transform the way other people look at old houses — to respect their historical charm, respect the old floors and windows — that’s the real victory.IF YOU COULDN’T DO WHAT YOU’RE DOING NOW, WHAT WOULD YOU BE DOING?M & A: We’re just not ready to give away our business plan yet on that one. You’ll have to wait and see what’s coming next.Next >