< Previous10 | The Daily News | 40 Under | 2021 LIVES: GALVESTON WORKS: GALVESTON URBAN MINISTRIES (GUM) Josh Dorrell, 38 Executive Director Why did you go into your particular field? Having an entrepreneurial mindset, I really enjoy starting and building new community-based initiatives. Pairing that with my faith and love for serving others was a fulfilling win. When my wife and I arrived in Galveston, we saw the detriment of Hurricane Ike, and we saw the incredible resilience of this island we now call home. My wife and I saw the potential of what could be, but potential is very different than proven-ness. Potential is futuristic, yet to be proven. We did not want to not simply talk about what could be, we were going to invest and be a part of the change. And that’s exactly what we did and do today. As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? A Ninja-Cowboy. My love for the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (TMNT) shaped me my childhood imagination, but I had a granddad who taught me to ride horses, fish and work a farm. Needless to say, my granddad was not thrilled about the TMNT distraction. What was your first job? I was a janitor on the weekends in my dad’s office building. Working from an early age has shaped the way we operate and has developed an ethic that has served me and my family well. What’s the best advice you’ve ever received? “You will be amazed at what you cannot accomplish in a year, but what you can in five.” Take the long look, and do not short change yourself with quick fixes. What’s your favorite thing about your job? Seeing lives transformed. When you see those you have invested in take actionable steps to change, believe in themselves, learn to trust other and see the fruit of their work pay off, it is amazing. What do you know now that you wish you knew when you first started your career? Create pathways that are clear for others to navigate. Delegate to others with clear guidelines. Goal set. It is easy to get caught in the trap of “doing,” focusing only on the urgent instead of investing in the more significant. Who do you consider to be your greatest mentor and why? My parents. They taught me to take giant leaps of faith and to be a “disruptor of chaos.” Instead of running away from the challenges, they modeled meeting the challenge head-on and to spend your life doing something that outlasts you. I want to leave a legacy that has generational impact. LIVES: LA MARQUE WORKS: HOUSTON ISD Amber Ferguson, 33 Teacher Why did you go into your particular field? Never in my wildest dreams would I have ever dreamed that I would be a teacher. I volunteered throughout college at Burnet Elementary in Galveston with its drill team. After Hurricane Ike in 2008, Burnet and Parker combined into one school, forming the Parker Jazzettes. Building a team from scratch and giving students an outlet to express themselves and succeed through the devastation of Hurricane Ike was a driving force in my decision to become a fine arts educator. As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? As a child, I dreamed of either becoming a lawyer or an actress. What was your first job? An administrative assistant at Central Middle School. This was part of the Community Youth Development Program where students worked at an internship and received stipends for work shadowing. What’s the best advice you’ve ever received? “God’s delays are not his denials.” — Commissioner Keith Henry What’s your favorite thing about your job? The light in my students’ eyes when I see them achieve something that they thought was unachievable. Witnessing the glow of success in the eyes of children always will be something that moves my heart. It is also the No. 1 reason I continue to strive to be the best educator possible. What do you know now that you wish you knew when you first started your career? I have learned that when children are challenged to overcome obstacles and motivated to do their best, there is nothing that they cannot achieve. When given the opportunity, children can and will rise to the occasion. I have come to realize that, at the end of the day, it is always about love/passion and being a light of love for others to see and feel. Who do you consider to be your greatest mentor and why? My father because he always gives sound advice without being judgmental. His genuine love and concern for humanity is inspiring. When you’re not at work, what do you do to relax? I enjoy traveling and experiencing other cultures through travel. The world is such a diverse place, and understanding/learning the diversity of the world is something that I truly enjoy doing.CONGRATULATIONS to this year’s 40 Under 40! 409-632-5016 | www.MoodyBank.com At Moody Bank, we applaud all young professionals with the desire to reach higher and achieve more. Your drive to succeed inspires us and is what moves our community forward. MEMBER FDIC 2021 | 40 Under 40 | The Daily News | 11 LIVES: GALVESTON WORKS: GALVESTON CENTRAL CHURCH Michael Gienger, 32 Pastor Why did you go into your particular field? Like most pastors, I experienced a calling from God to pursue full-time vocational ministry. But it was the second calling – an arguably more divine call – that came from the voices of the poor and marginalized that qualified the direction of that vocational pursuit. Not only do I feel called to be a pastor, but it was to be a pastor who is unapologetically inclusive of those the church has historically excluded. As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? As a child, I wanted to be an architect. I received my first drafting table when I was in elementary school. There was something life-giving about pulling forth form and shape from an empty page. My work is markedly different now, but calling forth possibility from spaces of perceived emptiness continues to remain a constant thread in my life. What was your first job? I started my first job in high school working as a carhop at Sonic. Beyond slinging cherry limeades and tater tots, I developed deep empathy for those who are overworked and underpaid. I think everyone should spend time as a fast food worker. What’s the best advice you’ve ever received? One of my mentors once told me that a person won’t care that you can save their soul if you can’t save their ass in the meantime. What’s your favorite thing about your job? When people think about the “treasure of Galveston,” their brains often lead them to images of Jean Lafitte and golden doubloons. Galveston’s true treasure lies not in some long-buried chest in the sand, but in the real residents – often those who are easily despised and readily left out – who make up our community. So, my favorite things about my job include the unlikely friendships that have emerged within these overlooked and underserved communities, challenging the us/them paradigms that permeate our society, and sharing the stories of resilience and ingenuity that walk through our doors every day. When you’re not at work, what do you do to relax? I love spending time with my partner, Moriah and our dog, Crouton. We enjoy traveling, exploring new breweries and spending time outdoors.12 | The Daily News | 40 Under | 2021 LIVES: LEAGUE CITY WORKS: LA MARQUE POLICE DEPARTMENT Calvin Harp, 39 Police officer Why did you go into your particular field? I was enjoying a career in tech sales until someone broke into my house while my wife and I were at home. After the break-in, I felt that chasing purchase orders just wasn’t important, and I wanted to do something more rewarding. I became interested in the law and knew that, as a police officer, I could help people through their worst moments and hopefully make a positive impact on their lives. As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? Growing up, I wanted to be a fighter pilot. I loved movies like “Iron Eagle” and “Top Gun” and became obsessed with jets. I still enjoy going to air shows. What was your first job? My first job was at Electronic Boutique, which later became GameStop. I love video games, so it seemed like a natural fit. What’s the best advice you’ve ever received? The best advice I’ve received came from a quote by Melinda Gates in her book, “The Moment of Lift.” “People can be equal but still be isolated – not feeling the bonds that tie them together. Equality without connection misses the whole point.” What’s your favorite thing about your job? My favorite thing is when you actually get to help someone. Whether we arrest an abuser, stop a violent act, locate someone’s stolen car or revive someone with CPR, every day is an opportunity to improve or save a life. We often interact with people who are in crisis or at a low point, and we have the opportunity to help them weather the storm. There is no greater feeling than knowing you helped. What do you know now that you wish you knew when you first started your career? Looking back, I wish I better understood the dangers of stress and trauma, and the impact of mental health on law enforcement and the citizens we serve. I wish I encouraged more people to speak up and have honest, open conversations to break the taboo surrounding mental health. When you’re not at work, what do you do to relax? To relax, I still haven’t lost my love for video games. In the rare moment I’m not with my wife or our 9-month-old, Marigold (Goldie), you can probably find me on the couch playing my PlayStation5. My wife and I also enjoy traveling anywhere with good food, good drinks, warm weather and a body of water. LIVES: GALVESTON WORKS: MILLS SHIRLEY, LLP Megan Jones, 37 Senior associate Why did you go into your particular field? After graduating college, I knew I could not live on a Broadway salary in New York City. I went to law school and my new stage became the courtroom. On my new stage, I zealously advocate for my clients. As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? Either a shoe salesman, actress or nurse. What was your first job? Summer staff member at John P. McGovern Museum of Health and Medical Science in Houston. What’s the best advice you’ve ever received? To treat challenges as opportunities. What’s your favorite thing about your job? I enjoy helping people through difficult times in their lives. Hopefully, I am able to guide them effectively and with compassion through the legal system. What do you know now that you wish you knew when you first started your career? You can’t change the facts. Who do you consider to be your greatest mentor and why? My dad. He taught me to always listen to others. He showed me what it means to work hard for what you want and to never give up. Additionally, as a new lawyer in Austin, my boss taught me how to be an effective and strong litigator. She gave me my first and only trial briefcase that I bring for good luck to each one of my trials. When you’re not at work, what do you do to relax? I enjoy spending time with my husband and three children, reading, playing games and roasting marshmallows in our backyard. I also enjoy running on the seawall with my dog, Emma. What is something about you that most people don’t know? I can hands down win a watermelon-eating contest. How do you hope to grow in your career? With the assistance of others, I laid the foundation for my practice. Over the next several years, I hope to continue to grow my practice and assist people in my community. If you couldn’t do what you’re doing now, what would you be doing? I would go back to working in theater. CONGRATULATES SENIOR ASSOCIATE MEGAN JONES ON BEING NAMED ONE OF THE 40 UNDER 40 IN GALVESTON COUNTY 2228 Mechanic St., Suite 400, Galveston, TX 77550 409.763.2341 www.millsshirley.com 2021 | 40 Under 40 | The Daily News | 13 LIVES: FRIENDSWOOD WORKS: CHARA CHRISTIAN DANCE ACADEMY Shanna Kirkpatrick, 37 Founder Why did you go into your particular field? I decided to open a dance studio because I love kids and I love my dance experience growing up. I saw ways to enhance that experience for families and became passionate about creating an amazing dance home established on faith and family values. However, what I didn’t realize at the time is how much I would enjoy employing people and providing meaningful and sustainable work for professional artists. As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? I wanted to be many different things growing up, which is why I think it is fitting that I found my lane as an entrepreneur where the possibilities are only limited by your creativity. Specifically, I remember wanting to be a singer as well as a professional dancer; a Radio City Rockette ideally but at 5-foot-1 those dreams were dashed quickly. I also loved the idea of being an interior decorator and rearranged my bedroom about once a week as a kid. What was your first job? My first job at 15 years old was being an assistant dance teacher for the legendary Stacey Willms at Stacey’s Dance Studio in Kingwood. I also cleaned her studio each morning. Stacey was probably the first person who inspired me to one day open a dance studio. I loved the way she gave back to her community, ran a sound business and the amazing tight-knit atmosphere she created with her families. I learned so much from this job and developed my love for teaching preschool dance there. I learned that teaching preschool dance classes well was essential for a successful studio. Through this job, I also learned how to balance work, school and my own dance training by being on time and prepared for each area of my life as a young teenager. What’s the best advice you’ve ever received? While there is no one piece of advice I can recall, I have instead been the benefactor of watching and learning from amazing people living life well. My parents and grandparents’ long marriages, seasoned local business owners serving their community, community leaders making hard decisions through COVID-19, and the elder generation in my church, Friendswood Friends Church, living faithfully. Wisdom is absorbed as we watch those we admire live real, authentic lives.14 | The Daily News | 40 Under | 2021 LIVES: TEXAS CITY WORKS: CITY OF TEXAS CITY Rhomari Leigh, 30 City Secretary Why did you go into your particular field? I love helping people. Being able to expand my legal knowledge and work on the ground level of government is a huge bonus, too. As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? A lawyer or Secretary of State. What was your first job? An associate at Toys ‘R Us. What’s the best advice you’ve ever received? The best advice I received was “always be ethical, and you will never steer wrong.” What’s your favorite thing about your job? I enjoy that no two days are ever alike. What do you know now that you wish you knew when you first started your career? I wish that I had known more about the city and how the city, as a unit, works. I was not raised in this region, so it takes me longer to explain streets or local history than it does a native of Texas City. Who do you consider to be your greatest mentor and why? My Ginas. The Ginas are a group of amazing, intelligent, professional and loving women. The group is an array of people including my Grandmommie, mother, aunts, cousins and daughter. When you’re not at work, what do you do to relax? I spend time with my family, I play adult co-ed sports throughout the county and I travel. What is something about you that most people don’t know? People tend to see the more focused and professional side of me, but I’m a huge jokester. I love to laugh, do TikToks and play outside. How do you hope to grow in your career? I hope to continue to make a positive example from my current position and unlock opportunities for those who want to pursue a career in local government. If you couldn’t do what you’re doing now, what would you be doing? I would still be a senior paralegal. LIVES: GALVESTON WORKS: BLOCK COMPANIES Andrew Leslie, 38 Senior project manager Why did you go into your particular field? Years of watching my dad build and tinker were apparently not lost on me. From go-kart engines and a wooden gooseneck trailer to furniture and fences, it was never show-worthy but usually functional. I always have enjoyed working with my hands and breathing life into a project. Those inclinations have lent well to the construction industry. As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? Early on, I wanted to follow in my father’s footsteps and become a financial advisor. I later traded the idea of a business suit for a flight suit after seeing a Blue Angels show at Ellington Field; I was going to be an Air Force pilot. At around 15, I was immersed in all things cars and wanted to become an automotive journalist. What was your first job? I started a lawn business in elementary school in the Denver Court area with five yards and worked up to about 20 by the end of high school. My first official job was with JW Kelso as a laborer. What’s the best advice you’ve ever received? As a fledgling assistant superintendent, my senior told me in jest, “Don’t not do it.” I have carried this with me and have doled it out over the years. In his way, he was telling me to make it happen, push and see it to completion. What’s your favorite thing about your job? After a project is complete and occupancy begins climbing, I’ll walk the grounds and see the tell-tale signs of life, a patio with a bicycle, potted plant or Christmas lights. Years of construction and planning transform a once empty space into a home. A close second would be the tangibility of construction in general. Decades later, I’ll be driving by a project and say, “I helped build that.” What do you know now that you wish you knew when you first started your career? I have heard it in many iterations over my career, “trust but verify.” Most have the best of intentions, but life happens, things come up and balls are dropped; follow up, put the ball in their hands and finish. Who do you consider to be your greatest mentor and why? Parents, bosses, coworkers and mentors – they have all had knowledge to lend which shaped me into the man I have become. “PEOPLE TEND TO SEE THE MORE FOCUSED AND PROFESSIONAL SIDE OF ME, BUT I’M A HUGE JOKESTER.”CONGRATULATIONS ANDREW LESLIE PROJECT MANAGER AND FORTY UNDER 40 HONOREE 2021 | 40 Under 40 | The Daily News | 15 LIVES: GALVESTON WORKS: UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS MEDICAL BRANCH Samuel Mathis, 33 Assistant Professor, Medical Director of Employee Health Why did you go into your particular field? I went into medicine because of the intellectual challenge of seeing patients as well as the ability to build lifelong relationships with individuals to create a lasting impact in their health and life. I am specifically at an academic medical center to help teach and train the next generation of future physicians. Medicine is evolving at an incredible pace, but we have to maintain our focus and commitment to do what is best for our patients. That focus and passion for excellent quality patient care starts in medical school and residency training. As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? As a child, I wanted to be a writer. In middle school and high school, that dream started to shift toward medicine. I am still a voracious reader and may try my hand at writing some day. What was your first job? My first job was at a tutoring center called Kumon Math and Reading during high school. I worked with elementary, junior high and high school students to improve their reading and mathematics skills. I eventually became an assistant manager and helped to train other tutors. What’s the best advice you’ve ever received? The best advice I received came from my uncle when I told him I was interested in medicine. He sat me down and told me to pick a major in college in something that I was interested in instead of doing the traditional biology or chemistry major. His reasoning was that, in case I didn’t get into medicine, I still had a degree in something I loved and could use that to pursue something else. I chose a degree in English. I’m so happy I did. My degree in English did more to prepare me for the vast amount of reading that was required in medical school than anything else. What’s your favorite thing about your job? My favorite aspect of my job is the people. I enjoy coming to work every day to see patients and interact with our amazing office staff as well as my colleagues here at UTMB. I love stories, and what I have found is that if you listen long enough, every patient has a story to tell. I can’t tell you how many times I walk out of a room in utter amazement at the life some of my patients have lived. 16 | The Daily News | 40 Under | 2021 LIVES: GALVESTON WORKS: FROST BANK Stephen Maxwell, 36 Relationship manager/senior vice president Why did you go into your particular field? Receiving guidance and encouragement from caring friends, family and others. Also, everyone I spoke with at Frost Bank prior to interviewing and through onboarding made me more confident in the decision. Surrounding yourself with good people is key. As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? Tough question. I probably have too many to list. As a toddler, I used to tell my mother I wanted to be a “big, brown horse.” Does that count? What was your first job? I was a bag boy at the Galveston Country Club. Basically, we picked up range balls, cleaned golf clubs and parked golf carts. What’s the best advice you’ve ever received? Try to live in the present. It is easy to dwell on past shortcomings (or successes) and it is easy to get caught up in future preparations. Always work with the present moment, not against it. What’s your favorite thing about your job? Variety. There is quite a bit of variety in my day to day and most days are never the same. What do you know now that you wish you knew when you first started your career? Keep an open mind and learn from others, especially their mistakes. You likely will find yourself in a similar situation down the road. Who do you consider to be your greatest mentor and why? By definition, a mentor is an experienced and trusted advisor. My predecessor and the gentleman who hired me onto Frost, Albert Shannon, probably fits this definition the best. Without his professional guidance and commitment to me (not to mention patience), I would not be where I am today. When you’re not at work, what do you do to relax? I enjoy reading and learning to teach my kids new games and skills. My oldest son recently started playing chess. Most importantly, my wife Jessica and I occasionally have a date night, which is always enjoyable and relaxing. If you couldn’t do what you’re doing now, what would you be doing? Traveling and living out of a backpack — with my family, of course. Congratulations to Aaron Sanders 40 Under 40 honoree Your Family Is Very Proud! Everett & Ann Spencer Jim Sanders Steven & Donna Sanders Drew & Annely Domas Randy & Paula Ragsdale Wes & Michelle McClelland 2021 | 40 Under 40 | The Daily News | 17 LIVES: GALVESTON WORKS: MCLEOD, ALEXANDER, POWEL & APFFEL, PC Lee Mencacci, 30 Associate attorney Why did you go into your particular field? There were several respectable men who I grew up around during the course of my childhood. I admired them and thus had an interest in becoming an attorney. As it turned out, I greatly enjoyed my law classes at Texas A&M University. Next thing I knew, I took the LSAT, graduated from Texas A&M, and began attending South Texas College of Law. As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? I was a huge fan of “Jurassic Park” when I was a boy and still am to this day. So, growing up I always wanted to be a paleontologist to study dinosaurs and dig up a Tyrannosaurus Rex. What was your first job? My first job was a legal assistant/ intern at a local law firm. It was a great experience, and I was happy for it to be a summer job at the end of college. What’s the best advice you’ve ever received? During my first semester of law school, my Civil Procedure Professor Jim Paulsen told our class a story about his experiences while working in a big law firm. That day, he emphasized to our class how critical it was for us to figure what is important to us in our lives. Whether it be making big money in a big firm or spending time in your family, figure out what is important to you. His advice that day is truly the best I have ever received. What’s your favorite thing about your job? The favorite thing about my job is helping local members of our community with their everyday legal needs. Whether it be starting a business, completing a real estate deal or estate planning, it is a great feeling when people have the faith to entrust you with their well-being and livelihood. What do you know now that you wish you knew when you first started your career? I consider the start of my career being the first time I walked into a classroom at law school. I wish I would have known that, although the pressure, academic workload and uncertainly of law school can be daunting, things have a way of working themselves out. I have been fortunate enough that they have for me. Who do you consider to be your greatest mentor and why? The Honorable Judge John Ellisor of the 122nd District Court, who I interned with after my first year of law school, and all of the partners at my law firm who not only have helped me, but who took a chance on me. MAPA Law Firm would like to Congratulate Attorney Lee A. Mencacci, Celebrating 40 Under 40 Galveston County’s Young Professionals and all Honorees!18 | The Daily News | 40 Under | 2021 LIVES: TEXAS CITY WORKS: SMART FAMILY LITERACY Amy Musick, 39 Assistant director Why did you go into your particular field? Education always has seemed like the fastest way to influence forward progress. Influencing others to pursue a life-long love of learning benefits everyone. Because of my personal commitment to this pursuit, I have been fortunate to come as close as possible to experiencing the world through the lenses of others. As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? A Fightin’ Texas Aggie, of course! No, really, in the sixth grade in Biddeford, Maine, I decided that I was going to study Marine Biology at Texas A&M-Galveston and then become a teacher. No one believed me, but here I am. Setting my sights on TAMUG that early in life has allowed me to accomplish so much more than I ever dreamed of. What was your first job? I worked in a small seasonal gift shop called The Robbins’ Nest in Biddeford Pool, Maine, starting at the age of 14. What’s the best advice you’ve ever received? In high school, a friend of mine told me to “Choose happiness.” This has been one of the more difficult tasks in my life, but I have finally embraced the concept that my happiness is my choice and not the consequence of others’ actions. I am me, and I am enough. What’s your favorite thing about your job? I wear two hats. One as the assistant director of SMART Family Literacy, and one as the co- CEO of Sand Star Services. In both roles, my passion is the same. I get to make a difference in people’s lives. With SMART, I get to train and empower other educators. With Sand Star Services, I get to not only support career and technology education, but also I get to mentor students looking to pursue a career in construction technology. What do you know now that you wish you knew when you first started your career? The world is so much bigger than your personal success or failure. Rise above and do the right thing, even when it is hard. Who do you consider to be your greatest mentor and why? We are all flawed. There is so much value in drawing on others’ strengths and positivity that I don’t know that I have ever identified one single individual who has mentored me in an all around capacity. There are far too many people to list who have been positive influences in areas of my life. LIVES: SANTA FE WORKS: SANTA FE ISD Brandon Noto, 30 Agriculture science teacher Why did you go into your particular field? My agricultural teacher in high school had a tremendous impact on me as did raising livestock. They taught me the importance of hard work, perseverance and humility. Sometimes you can do everything right, and things still don’t work out. I think these are important lessons to teach our young people. I decided to become a teacher in hopes of impacting students the way my teacher and many other teachers impacted me. As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? I think I always wanted to be some type of teacher. School has been a positive influence in my life where teachers invested in me, empowered me and convinced me that I had the same opportunities for success as every other kid. What was your first job? My first job was handling cruise customers’ luggage at the airports for my Uncle Dominic’s Galveston Limousine Service. I worked every Saturday and Sunday and during the week in the summer. What’s the best advice you’ve ever received? Write your own story. Oftentimes, we get wrapped up in competing with others or trying to mimic their journey. Success looks different for everybody. Work hard, don’t make excuses and celebrate with those around you when they win. What’s your favorite thing about your job? I get the opportunity to influence the next generation. Working with youth in agriculture gives me the unique ability to teach life lessons in a very relevant and concrete way. Additionally, I am able to teach trades like plumbing, electrical wiring, wood working and welding to students. A traditional university is not the right path for many students and shouldn’t be the only option encouraged. We are surrounded by industry and should be encouraging our students to seek these high wage, in-demand careers. What do you know now that you wish you knew when you first started your career? That I have to be flexible and remember that I teach kids, not lessons. Some days, things need to go off-script to take advantage of learning about a current event or just to allow students to decompress and be kids. Social and emotional learning has to be a part of what I do as well. 2021 | 40 Under 40 | The Daily News | 19 LIVES: TEXAS CITY WORKS: BIG PHIL’S SOUL & CREOLE CAFE Phillip Palmer, 34 Executive chef/ owner Professional Responsibilities: Other than owning my own restaurant, Big Phil’s Soul & Creole Cafe, I am also the owner and pitmaster for Big Phil’s Smokehouse Food Truck. I am the associate minister for Greater St. Mathews Baptist Church in Hitchcock, under the leadership of Dr. William L. Randall Jr. Accomplishments/Honors: • Pi Kappa Delta - National Argumentation and Debate Honor Society • Who’s Who Amongst Houston’s Under 40 Business Owners • 2017 Everyday Hero presented by The Galveston County Daily News Community Involvement: • Active in local politics for the city of Texas City and the city of La Marque • Spearheaded the “Support Small Business” initiative for the city of La Marque to urge residents to shop locally during the COVID-19 pandemic • Active with the La Marque FunFest barbecue cook-off • Annual Juneteenth volunteer for Galveston, Hitchcock and Texas City LIVES: GALVESTON WORKS: KLEEN SUPPLY CO. Steven Pena, 38 Vice president Why did you go into your particular field? I stumbled into the field of hospital environmental services management through contacts at the family business. I was able to shadow the job for a few days and knew it was something I wanted to do. After 15 years of managing the operations from different levels, I decided to take that knowledge and apply it to the product distribution side with Kleen Supply Co. As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? I always wanted to work in an around-the-clock setting, particularly hospitals. The continuous operation and nonstop flow always had an appeal. What was your first job? Selling souvenirs and beach gear at Howard’s Souvenirs on the seawall. What’s the best advice you’ve ever received? Luck is when opportunity and preparation meet. What’s your favorite thing about your job? Getting to interact with so many different people from every aspect of Galveston every day. What do you know now that you wish you knew when you first started your career? Don’t sweat the small stuff. Who do you consider to be your greatest mentor and why? I have been blessed to have myriad great leaders throughout my life, many who I talk with after many years. You can never have too many voices of reason to confer with. When you’re not at work, what do you do to relax? I enjoy exploring the island with my wife and two boys, from learning history in our many museums to discovering new places to eat. What is something about you that most people don’t know? I am a certified OSHA Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response technician as well as a Global Biorisk Advisory Council trained technician. How do you hope to grow in your career? I want to continue to transform our family business to serve the needs of our growing community by both honoring the past from which we came and embracing the future. If you couldn’t do what you’re doing now, what would you be doing? I would want to work for a philanthropic cause whose mission and vision resonate with me. THE NEWS YOU WANT DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX SIGN UP TODAY! GALVNEWS.COM/NEWSLETTERSNext >