< PreviousCongratulations to Shannon Doyle, Business Development Representative and second generation in the family business. We recognize your outstanding contribution of time, dedication, and expertise.SHANNONDOYLEwww.SouthLandTitle.net10 | The Daily News | 40 Under 40 | 2019 LIVES: HOUSTON WORKS: SOUTH LAND TITLE, LLCShannon Doyle, 25Business development representativeWHY DID YOU GO INTO YOUR PARTICULAR FIELD? I have always been inspired by the way my family conducts business and their dedication to the community, so working for South Land Title, a family-owned business, was a no-brainer!AS A CHILD, WHAT DID YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GREW UP? A singer, however, getting me on stage alone is a big challenge!WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST JOB? A marketing internship at South Land Title back in high school. Six years later, I became a business development representative for the company.WHAT’S THE BEST ADVICE YOU’VE EVER RECEIVED? Failure, not success, is what propels you forward.WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOUR JOB? That every day is a different day and building work relationships that evolve into friendships.WHAT DO YOU KNOW NOW THAT YOU WISH YOU KNEW WHEN YOU FIRST STARTED YOUR CAREER? That there is no right or wrong way when it comes to marketing. Be confident and know the ins and outs of how the company operates. If you trust the ability of what your company can do, your clients will, too.WHO DO YOU CONSIDER TO BE YOUR GREATEST MENTOR AND WHY? Definitely my dad. He is the founder/president of South Land Title and has built the company from the ground up. In the last 20 years, he has grown the company from one office in Texas City to over 20 across the state of Texas. He sees potential with every employee and strives to see them succeed. He has not only shown me the importance of hard work, but to always give back to the community where you came from.WHEN YOU’RE NOT AT WORK, WHAT DO YOU DO TO RELAX? I am a Pilates fanatic, but spending the day on Moses Lake with friends and family has been my favorite since I was a little girl.WHAT IS SOMETHING ABOUT YOU THAT MOST PEOPLE DON’T KNOW? I have an album on iTunes that I recorded with my singing group, Chosen, in high school.IF YOU COULDN’T DO WHAT YOU’RE DOING NOW, WHAT WOULD YOU BE DOING?An event planner! I have always enjoyed planning whether its personal or for business. 2019 | 40 Under 40 | The Daily News | 11 LIVES: TEXAS CITY WORKS: FARMERS COPPER, LTDBrent Farmer, 28Vice President WHY DID YOU GO INTO YOUR PARTICULAR FIELD? I grew up in the copper distribution business and worked many summers before heading off to college, but it wasn’t until I attended the McCombs School of Business at The University of Texas in Austin that I really decided it was a profession I would be interested in. Professors would constantly make you think about business, best practices and how to make organizations succeed. Each time we were learning a new concept or expanding on a traditional one, I would end up thinking about how these concepts could apply to Farmers Copper, Ltd. I was certain there would be ways I could help grow the business and continue promoting the success of the organization, so I was more than happy to come to work full time at Farmers Copper.AS A CHILD, WHAT DID YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GREW UP? As a child I really wanted to be an inventor.WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST JOB? The first job I ever had as an employee was selling snow cones at Stewart Beach in Galveston. It was really great.WHAT’S THE BEST ADVICE YOU’VE EVER RECEIVED? The best advice I ever received is to think before you speak.WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOUR JOB? I’ve grown up in the company and many employees I work with have been here long enough to have seen it firsthand. The heightened sense of belonging that I get while being at the company, working with family and family of employees, really keeps me engaged and excited to come to work every day to help the organization and its members be successful.WHAT DO YOU KNOW NOW THAT YOU WISH YOU KNEW WHEN YOU FIRST STARTED YOUR CAREER? I frequently learn new things that I wish I had known before, but I do wish I had realized how often and to what extent fear can paralyze an organization.WHO DO YOU CONSIDER TO BE YOUR GREATEST MENTOR AND WHY? My father, Bob Farmer, has been my greatest mentor. He is incredibly smart, patient and is always able to make decisions that result in everyone’s best interest, even above his own. He is a great leader, a great friend and is respected by everyone he meets. Throughout my life, he has set expectations that I strive to achieve, and I appreciate him for his admirable guidance and counsel. LIVES: TEXAS CITY WORKS: HITCHCOCK INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICTChristopher Filidei, 36Chief of police, Hitchcock ISD Police Department WHY DID YOU GO INTO YOUR PARTICULAR FIELD? I went into my field because someone very close to me was abused at a young age by someone who was supposed to be their protector. I always wished I could have done more; I can now, and have. Finding this greater meaning and a purpose makes up for all the hard times that come with this job.AS A CHILD, WHAT DID YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GREW UP? I wanted to be a lawyer, but there weren’t enough doughnuts involved.WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST JOB? My first real job was working at a bank and later a credit union. I always talked to the officers who came in about their job and getting into the academy.WHAT’S THE BEST ADVICE YOU’VE EVER RECEIVED? “You may encounter many defeats, but you must not be defeated. In fact, it may be necessary to encounter the defeats, so you can know who you are, what you can rise from, how you can still come out of it.” – Maya AngelouWHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOUR JOB? My favorite thing about my job is everything! This is a noble profession that is enhanced by being able to make an impact on kids before it’s too late and they’ve became hardened adults.WHAT DO YOU KNOW NOW THAT YOU WISH YOU KNEW WHEN YOU FIRST STARTED YOUR CAREER? I never truly understood a parent’s concern, anger or disappointment; nor did I understand their reassured smile, nod, wave or thank you as they drove away leaving their child in my care. I understand this now all too well as a father.WHO DO YOU CONSIDER TO BE YOUR GREATEST MENTOR AND WHY? My greatest mentor would be Billye Trader. She taught me the many different aspects of school districts, administration, special needs, and to be well rounded you have to know everyone’s job. She will always be my best junior deputy.WHEN YOU’RE NOT AT WORK, WHAT DO YOU DO TO RELAX? I enjoy spending time with my daughter and wife, as well as jogging and going to the gym.WHAT IS SOMETHING ABOUT YOU THAT MOST PEOPLE DON’T KNOW? Something people don’t know about me is that I secretly watch Hallmark Christmas movies.FARMER PHOTO BY JENNIFER REYNOLDS/THE DAILY NEWS12 | The Daily News | 40 Under 40 | 2019 LIVES: LEAGUE CITY WORKS: DICKINSON EDUCATION FOUNDATION/ DICKINSON INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICTAmanda Flannery, 33Executive directorWHY DID YOU GO INTO YOUR PARTICULAR FIELD? I saw an opportunity to work for the district where I graduated from in a capacity that would allow me to interact with the Dickinson community and make an impact on the students and teachers of Dickinson.AS A CHILD, WHAT DID YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GREW UP? As a child, I would play “teacher” all of the time. Now, I am able to support teachers so they have the tools to they need to teach our children. I think my 5-year-old self would like where I am today!WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST JOB? Bath & Body Works at Mall of the Mainland.WHAT’S THE BEST ADVICE YOU’VE EVER RECEIVED? Whatever you do, give it 100 percent. If you want something, go for it!WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOUR JOB? My favorite thing about this job is seeing the impact that my efforts have made on students and teachers when they are awarded funds from the foundation. The hard work that goes into fundraising, networking and planning all becomes worth it when I can see first-hand how our students are affected by the funding in the form of new programs, new equipment and tools to make them successful.WHAT DO YOU KNOW NOW THAT YOU WISH YOU KNEW WHEN YOU FIRST STARTED YOUR CAREER? People everywhere want to help make a contribution in some way, but they need to be given the opportunity to do so.WHO DO YOU CONSIDER TO BE YOUR GREATEST MENTOR AND WHY? My parents. They instilled in me at a young age that it’s important to love where you work and love what you do. They both have been with their companies for over 25 years, and I learned how it feels to have pride in your career by their example.WHEN YOU’RE NOT AT WORK, WHAT DO YOU DO TO RELAX? When I’m not at work, I’m cheering on my two boys (Brayden, 9 and Brackstin, 8) at their baseball or football practices and games. I love to soak up the sun by the pool and watch my favorite shows on HGTV. LIVES: FRIENDSWOOD WORKS: VENTURI OUTCOMESJim Foreman, 34Senior project managerWHY DID YOU GO INTO YOUR PARTICULAR FIELD? It’s never boring. Boredom is my kryptonite. At Venturi Outcomes, we work with nonprofits like the Houston Zoo and the Houston Botanic Garden. Every construction project brings new, unique challenges.AS A CHILD, WHAT DID YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GREW UP? Even now I’m not really sure I know what I want to be when I grow up, but when I was a kid, I wanted to be a professional baseball player.WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST JOB? My first real job was a delivery driver for Stefano’s Pizza. Nearly 20 years later, it’s still my favorite pizzeria and I can always count on my old boss, Steve, to be behind the counter night after night.WHAT’S THE BEST ADVICE YOU’VE EVER RECEIVED? When I was a teenager, I joined the restoration effort of a World War II boat, the PT-309, and the commanding officer of the crew was Capt. Tim Kelley. One day while cleaning up, he turned to me and said “Always leave the place better than you found it.” I’m not sure if he meant it to be a pearl of wisdom or if he was just politely telling me to scrub harder, but those words stuck with me. Everything I do for my community I do with the intention of leaving it better than I found it.WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOUR JOB? I help build things that have brought joy to millions of people. I can’t think of a more fulfilling job description than that.WHAT DO YOU KNOW NOW THAT YOU WISH YOU KNEW WHEN YOU FIRST STARTED YOUR CAREER? Don’t fret about what other people are thinking and don’t be afraid of failure. Most of us are just making it up as we go and that’s totally okay as long as you learn from your mistakes and keep moving forward.WHO DO YOU CONSIDER TO BE YOUR GREATEST MENTOR AND WHY? My parents. They’ve both been remarkably successful in their careers while also raising three kids. They set the bar pretty high and still push me every day to be better.WHEN YOU’RE NOT AT WORK, WHAT DO YOU DO TO RELAX? I enjoy working with my hands and trying to pass those skills on to my two little girls. Whether it be a new LEGO set or their homemade Halloween costumes or a DIY project, I’ll always jump at the chance to make a mess with my kids.FOREMAN PHOTO BY JENNIFER REYNOLDS/THE DAILY NEWS 2019 | 40 Under 40 | The Daily News | 13 LIVES: BACLIFF WORKS: GALVESTON POLICE DEPARTMENTGeoffrey Gainer, 34Officer, president of GMPA, chairman and executive director of the city of Galveston Employees Retirement Plan for PoliceWHY DID YOU GO INTO YOUR PARTICULAR FIELD? I chose law enforcement for the same reason I chose the Marine Corps, because I could never picture myself doing something else. I chose to be on the pension board and the GMPA board because there is no reason to want something if you are not willing to put in the work to get it.AS A CHILD, WHAT DID YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GREW UP? My first-grade drawings were almost always of soldiers. When I was old enough to understand the different branches, I wanted to be a Marine.WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST JOB? My first job that was not working for my dad was as a dog washer for a place called Pet Tub. I was 14 years old.WHAT’S THE BEST ADVICE YOU’VE EVER RECEIVED? “You have got to get up and make the doughnuts.” There is a story that goes with it, but the point is, responsibilities don’t take sick days or vacations.WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOUR JOB? Nothing can beat the excitement of a chase, the intensity of a SWAT callout, the challenge of Marine/Dive callout, but lately I have enjoyed the opportunity to train officers in a variety of subjects.WHAT DO YOU KNOW NOW THAT YOU WISH YOU KNEW WHEN YOU FIRST STARTED YOUR CAREER? Patience.WHO DO YOU CONSIDER TO BE YOUR GREATEST MENTOR AND WHY? My dad, of course.WHEN YOU’RE NOT AT WORK, WHAT DO YOU DO TO RELAX? Mowing the yard and listening to an audiobook.WHAT IS SOMETHING ABOUT YOU THAT MOST PEOPLE DON’T KNOW? When I was in high school, I won UIL best actor for playing John Wilkes Booth in the play “Assassins.”HOW DO YOU HOPE TO GROW IN YOUR CAREER? Promoting is the obvious route, but I would like to go to law school eventually.IF YOU COULDN’T DO WHAT YOU’RE DOING NOW, WHAT WOULD YOU BE DOING? I would go to law school. LIVES: LEAGUE CITY WORKS: KHEA RADIO/ABUNDANT LIFEGardy Garcia, 33Radio station managerWHY DID YOU GO INTO YOUR PARTICULAR FIELD? I went into this field by what seemed like accident at first. I have a background in music, and radio seemed to make sense. Now I know that it was meant to be.AS A CHILD, WHAT DID YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GREW UP? As a child, I had the desire to go into something that had to do with science. As I got older, I wanted to become a rock star.WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST JOB? My first job was being a lifeguard in a subdivision in League City.WHAT’S THE BEST ADVICE YOU’VE EVER RECEIVED? Just because you can do something, it doesn’t mean you should.WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOUR JOB? No two days are the same. I get to meet different people every day and learn their stories.WHAT DO YOU KNOW NOW THAT YOU WISH YOU KNEW WHEN YOU FIRST STARTED YOUR CAREER? Don’t be afraid to try new things. If something doesn’t work, it’s okay to adjust and keep moving forward.WHO DO YOU CONSIDER TO BE YOUR GREATEST MENTOR AND WHY? My dad has been the best example for me throughout my life. He led by example and has worked extremely hard every day of his life.WHEN YOU’RE NOT AT WORK, WHAT DO YOU DO TO RELAX? When I am not at work, I am usually asleep, or hanging out with my beautiful wife and amazing kids. Even when I am out of town, I’m usually itching to get back so I can get back to work. I love my job. When I’m relaxing, I’m usually thinking and planning KHEA Radio things.WHAT IS SOMETHING ABOUT YOU THAT MOST PEOPLE DON’T KNOW? I have won national competitions for cloth doll making.HOW DO YOU HOPE TO GROW IN YOUR CAREER? I hope for my career to move onward and upward. Spreading positivity and a message of hope around the world.IF YOU COULDN’T DO WHAT YOU’RE DOING NOW, WHAT WOULD YOU BE DOING? I would be writing, recording and playing music full time.14 | The Daily News | 40 Under 40 | 2019 LIVES: LEAGUE CITY WORKS: HIGHER UP TEXASHillary Gramm, 35Executive directorWHY DID YOU GO INTO YOUR PARTICULAR FIELD? “What you do today is important, because you are exchanging a day of your life for it.” – Unknown. The nonprofit sector has been my career path and will be my home until I retire. My belief is that we are purposed to leave the world a better place than how we found it. There is no better way to do that than through serving others.AS A CHILD, WHAT DID YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GREW UP? A meteorologist on TV or a housekeeper.WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST JOB? Working floor security for Broadway Antique Market in Chicago throughout high school.WHAT’S THE BEST ADVICE YOU’VE EVER RECEIVED? Drop the armor and be vulnerable. People appreciate authenticity over hardness.WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOUR JOB? Introducing young adults to new ideas and concepts in hopes that they will do more in their lives than they ever imagined possible in spite of their surroundings or backgrounds.WHAT DO YOU KNOW NOW THAT YOU WISH YOU KNEW WHEN YOU FIRST STARTED YOUR CAREER? Be yourself. You’re more memorable that way.WHO DO YOU CONSIDER TO BE YOUR GREATEST MENTOR AND WHY? My sister, Lisa. She is 15 years older than me and has already navigated where I have been. She taught me to be honest and direct. She is creative and kind. She is a successful self-taught artist and has done it all while raising a daughter who has special needs. She is more than a mentor. She is a hero to me. I owe who I am to her.WHEN YOU’RE NOT AT WORK, WHAT DO YOU DO TO RELAX? I enjoy going on dates with my husband Paul, cooking with my daughter Millie, running with friends, volunteering with my Little Sister Emily, and spending time with my three rescue cats.WHAT IS SOMETHING ABOUT YOU THAT MOST PEOPLE DON’T KNOW? I have run two full marathons and will probably not do that again. I should have learned my lesson the first time.IF YOU COULDN’T DO WHAT YOU’RE DOING NOW, WHAT WOULD YOU BE DOING? Philanthropist. LIVES: HOUSTON WORKS: GALVESTON COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY’S OFFICERoss Hill, 29Assistant criminal district attorneyWHY DID YOU GO INTO YOUR PARTICULAR FIELD? I chose to become a prosecutor so I could advocate for victims and the community at large.AS A CHILD, WHAT DID YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GREW UP? When I was little, I wanted to be a park ranger. While that didn’t exactly work out, I am an Eagle Scout and enjoy visiting national parks and getting outdoors as much as possible.WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST JOB? I still have my first job! I joined the Galveston County District Attorney’s Office directly out of law school.WHAT’S THE BEST ADVICE YOU’VE EVER RECEIVED? When you’re wrong, admit it. When you’re right, be quiet.WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOUR JOB? No two days at my job are the same, which means it is never boring. I get to spend time in court, discussing cases with police officers and preparing witnesses for trial.WHAT DO YOU KNOW NOW THAT YOU WISH YOU KNEW WHEN YOU FIRST STARTED YOUR CAREER? I wish I had truly understood how important your relationships are at work. Working with people in a seemingly adversarial system is often more productive than taking a hard-line approach to solving a problem.WHO DO YOU CONSIDER TO BE YOUR GREATEST MENTOR AND WHY? My long-time friend and mentor Jack Cagle. A lawyer himself and retired judge, he was also one of my first football coaches. He has been there for every major milestone in my life, from learning to love football to swearing me in as a lawyer and officiating my wedding. He doesn’t always give me the advice I want to hear, but it’s the advice I need and he has always been a great example of how to conduct myself personally and professionally.WHEN YOU’RE NOT AT WORK, WHAT DO YOU DO TO RELAX? My wife and I love to relax with our family on Galveston Bay. We are expecting our first child any day now, and are looking forward to many weekends with him at the beach.WHAT IS SOMETHING ABOUT YOU THAT MOST PEOPLE DON’T KNOW? I played defensive line for the Rice Owls and try to go to every home game. I think playing collegiate football is one of the things that taught me the discipline and focus I use daily at work.HILL PHOTO BY JENNIFER REYNOLDS/THE DAILY NEWSCongratulations Amie!T hank you for your support and dedication to help shape our Aggies into future leaders. Your tireless work and success, both in the classroom and the community, is an inspiration to everyone! AMIEHUFTONINSTRUCTIONAL ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR, LIBERAL STUDIESGalveston County’s outstanding professionals under the age of 40GALVESTON ASSOCIATION OF REALTORSCONGRATULATESMICHAEL CORDRAY,ANTHONY JENSENAndJASON KEELING!40 UNDER 40Award Recipients in theClass of 2019Your Professionalism and Dedicationis an Inspiration to Us All 2019 | 40 Under 40 | The Daily News | 15 LIVES: GALVESTON WORKS: TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY AT GALVESTONAmie Hufton-Louchouarn, 39Instructional associate professorWHY DID YOU GO INTO YOUR PARTICULAR FIELD? Twelve years ago, I was recruited from NASA’s Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory into a faculty position at Texas A&M University at Galveston to support and build the dive program, which has grown dramatically in the last decade. I started out as a practitioner, focused on teaching scuba diving and physical activity courses, with an emphasis on the health of the body and mind. The post-Hurricane Ike recovery work that I performed during my master’s degree influenced me greatly, and I began focusing more on the connectivity between human health and the natural and social environment. I then transitioned into population health and social epidemiology because this field combines so many of my research interests and addresses such complex issues.AS A CHILD, WHAT DID YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GREW UP? I was interested in the life sciences from a very young age, and was always outside catching or observing some creature. By the time I was 12, I was pretty set on becoming a marine biologist because it was a combination of my two great passions in my youth: water and nature.WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST JOB? I became a lifeguard as soon as I was eligible at age 16, and started guarding and teaching swimming lessons at a local pool right away. It’s crazy to think that there hasn’t been a summer since that I haven’t been on the water in some way, either guarding, coaching swimming or diving. Water safety and hazard mitigation has definitely been a continuous thread throughout my life.WHAT’S THE BEST ADVICE YOU’VE EVER RECEIVED? “Imagine the worst it could be. Imagine the best it could be. Now understand it will probably be in between.” A very wise woman, Marilee Garza, shared this with me in college, and it has stuck with me as a way to remember that life is unfolding exactly as it should. We waste so much time worrying about how poorly something might go, or setting ourselves up for disappointment by expecting only the best, but few things are as bad as we imagine them to be, and learning to be content in the moment allows you to be pleasantly surprised by life.16 | The Daily News | 40 Under 40 | 2019 LIVES: GALVESTON WORKS: ZAPP REALTY / JENSEN MANAGEMENT GROUP INC. / COASTAL CHARM LLCAnthony Jensen, 33Real estate broker, investor, builderPROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES: 1. Real estate broker of Zapp Realty, established in 1899 by the Zapp Family (one of the oldest real estate companies in Texas); 2. President of Jensen Management Group Inc., a company Anthony started in 2009 that focuses on investing, remodeling and flipping homes in Galveston County; 3. President of Coastal Charm LLC, Anthony’s most recent endeavor, a construction company concentrating on building homes throughout GalvestonACCOMPLISHMENTS/HONORS: 1. In 2004, Anthony received a scholarship to play baseball at Weatherford College; 2. In 2008, Anthony received his BBA in Finance from Texas State University; 3. In 2011, Anthony earned his Texas real estate broker’s licenseCOMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: Secretary, Galveston Housing Finance Corporation and City of Galveston Property Finance Authority, Inc (2015-2018); Galveston Association of Realtors MLS Committee (2015-2017) LIVES: SANTA FE WORKS: KEEP SANTA FE BEAUTIFUL AND CITY OF THE SANTA FE RESILIENCY CENTERMandy Jordan, 36Executive director and community engagement specialistWHY DID YOU GO INTO YOUR PARTICULAR FIELD? I’ve always been connected to nature and helping people, but after my community experienced an extreme tragedy, I wanted to use my specific skillset to help my own community heal. This lead to the revitalization of Keep Santa Fe Beautiful and leading a Community Engagement program with the City of Santa Fe Resiliency Center.AS A CHILD, WHAT DID YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GREW UP? When I was little, I told people I wanted to be an archaeologist. However, what I really meant was I wanted to be a paleontologist. I didn’t know the difference between the two back then. Funny how I ended up in anthropology though, after all, archeology is a subfield of anthropology.WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST JOB? When I was 13, I worked the buzzer for the 8-second bull ride at my uncle’s place a few times, and I also did some babysitting jobs. But my first real job was working at Garfield’s at Mall of the Mainland as a waitress.WHAT’S THE BEST ADVICE YOU’VE EVER RECEIVED? Keep a notebook full of things you like and dislike about your supervisors; that way, when you’re on the top, you’ll be able to reflect back and not make the same mistakes they made and continue and build upon the things that made you feel valued as an employee.WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOUR JOB? My favorite thing about the work I do with both Keep Santa Fe Beautiful and the City of Santa Fe Resiliency Center is doing my part to improve the quality of life for my community.WHAT DO YOU KNOW NOW THAT YOU WISH YOU KNEW WHEN YOU FIRST STARTED YOUR CAREER? I wish I would have ensured I set aside enough time for myself and my family. As a young professional, you can get carried away with getting each big project complete, but maintaining a healthy work-life balance is essential to your career, yourself and your family.WHO DO YOU CONSIDER TO BE YOUR GREATEST MENTOR AND WHY? I have an array of mentors in the professional world; however, my children are my greatest mentors. My boys have taught me more than anyone ever could and their love and encouragement keeps me going every day. LIVES: HOUSTON WORKS: UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS MEDICAL BRANCHJoseph Ray, 39Director, Division of Medical Genetics and MetabolismPROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES: As the director of our division, I manage a 10-person team of physicians, genetic counselors and ancillary staff to cover our clinical and educational responsibilities, as well as our outreach programs.ACCOMPLISHMENTS/HONORS: Top Doctors of 2017 Award recognized by Houstonia, 2017; UTMB Employee Appreciation Award, 2017; Outstanding Performance in Clinical, 2017; featured in “Empowering Knowledge” article in Change Magazine, 2014COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT:Metabolic Consultant, 2016-present; Metabolic Continuing Education, 2016-present; Medical Mission Trip to Nepal, April 2017; Praise and Worship Leader, 2003-2012; Choral Singer, 2016-present; Medical Missions Primary Care Provider 2009-2016; Camp PHEver Counselor and Doctor, 2009-presentTHE NEWS YOU WANTDELIVERED TO YOUR INBOXSIGN UP TODAY!GALVNEWS.COM/NEWSLETTERS 2019 | 40 Under 40 | The Daily News | 17 LIVES: FRIENDSWOOD WORKS: CITY OF FRIENDSWOODMorad Kabiri, 38City ManagerWHY DID YOU GO INTO YOUR PARTICULAR FIELD? To serve others. Whether it is citizens, volunteers or team members, working with folks with a variety of backgrounds to solve the problems that face our community is truly rewarding.AS A CHILD, WHAT DID YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GREW UP? As a child, I wanted to be an engineer.WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST JOB? My first job growing up was a soccer referee at the age of 12. Little did I know it would help shape facilitation skills that would serve me for years to come.WHAT’S THE BEST ADVICE YOU’VE EVER RECEIVED? To listen first, speak second.WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOUR JOB? Working with an outstanding city (Friendswood) staff that truly embodies the phrase “servant leadership.”WHAT DO YOU KNOW NOW THAT YOU WISH YOU KNEW WHEN YOU FIRST STARTED YOUR CAREER? The shear complexity of managing an organization responsible for providing a wide variety of services; at times contrasting service models.WHO DO YOU CONSIDER TO BE YOUR GREATEST MENTOR AND WHY? My predecessor, Roger Roecker. Despite the challenges at hand, he always maintained a calm demeanor and approached every situation with a humble heart.WHEN YOU’RE NOT AT WORK, WHAT DO YOU DO TO RELAX? Spending time with my wife and twin boys. Whether it is traveling with them, attending University of Houston football games, or simply playing in the backyard, they refresh me and allow me to recharge.WHAT IS SOMETHING ABOUT YOU THAT MOST PEOPLE DON’T KNOW? Most folks probably don’t know that I can play the guitar. I do not claim to be any good, but I do enjoy playing and have for a number of years.HOW DO YOU HOPE TO GROW IN YOUR CAREER? I hope to continue to learn from others. Whether it’s my colleagues or volunteers, there is always a challenge to tackle. In my 19 years of working for municipalities, I’ve learned expanding my toolbox is essential for dealing with the pressures that arise every day; both internal to the organization or serving the community. LIVES: GALVESTON WORKS: RYSON REAL ESTATE AND VACATION RENTALSJason Keeling, 36Broker/ownerWHY DID YOU GO INTO YOUR PARTICULAR FIELD? When I was in college at Texas A&M Galveston, I became a personal trainer at a local gym. I ended up training several brokers on the island and we always talked real estate. It helped get me motivated to get my license before I graduated.AS A CHILD, WHAT DID YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GREW UP? I wanted to be a pilot in the Air Force. My grandfather was in the Army Air Corps and then the Air Force.WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST JOB? You would have to go all the way back to when I was 14 and started working at the local grocery store. I ended up with every position there from sacker, checker, stocker and assistant managerWHAT’S THE BEST ADVICE YOU’VE EVER RECEIVED? My grandfather was a Texas real estate broker, and he shared several stories about real estate, including buying a home and getting money back at closing from the escrow account.WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOUR JOB? I have come to enjoy helping my employees and real estate agents grow and be successful. I enjoy the training classes I lead, especially the real estate agents where I can help them with my 14 years of experience.WHAT DO YOU KNOW NOW THAT YOU WISH YOU KNEW WHEN YOU FIRST STARTED YOUR CAREER? I bought my first house in 2006 when I was first licensed as a real estate agent. I wish I had bought 100. That home has almost tripled in price, while it’s almost paid off now, and has been a great home and then rental over the last 14 years.WHO DO YOU CONSIDER TO BE YOUR GREATEST MENTOR AND WHY? I had a great mentor in my grandfather. He was a true American hero. He was also a leader, a broker, owned his own bushiness, and was skilled in everything, including construction, mechanics, building watches, family life, a great fisherman, rod builder, woodworking and much more.WHEN YOU’RE NOT AT WORK, WHAT DO YOU DO TO RELAX? I try to get out on the water or do landscaping. I really enjoy the outdoors and fishing. I have been getting back into reading. 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