< Previous20 | The Daily News | 40 Under | 2021 LIVES: GALVESTON WORKS: TRINITY EPISCOPAL SCHOOL Shannan Pfeifer, 35 Director of Development Why did you go into your particular field? I always say this particular field chose me. I have tried to get away from it over the years and pursued various other projects, but fundraising always finds me and reels me back in. I love the creative energy and marketing aspect of it. I love how it encompasses storytelling, and I love bringing people together to create a sense of ownership and pride over a cause. As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? A large part of my youth was spent wanting to be a foreign diplomat or special agent in the CIA. What was your first job? Working at the Lubbock County Courthouse file room. What’s the best advice you’ve ever received? “Gratitude is everything.” Several years ago, I implemented a daily gratitude practice in my life, and I believe it is life-changing. All day long, I try to walk around, staying mindful and grateful. I thank God for the ability to walk, that all my organs are functioning, that I live in a beautiful place, have somewhere to call home and that I have the family I always wanted. It’s an endless list, and I have found it to be the cure for any ailment as well as the ultimate habit for living a joyful life. What’s your favorite thing about your job? I feel so fortunate that my job revolves around building relationships and being invested in the Galveston community. I love having the opportunity to get to know our students and their families, while also hopefully optimizing their experience at Trinity. What do you know now that you wish you knew when you first started your career? I wish I knew that it’s okay to evolve and change and that every previous job experience is preparing you for something else down the road. I also wish I had adopted an abundance mentality at an earlier point in my career, knowing that scarcity and fear are unproductive, and there is enough success, resources and opportunities to go around for everyone. What is something about you that most people don’t know? It usually surprises people that I lived in Mexico after I graduated from college and that I’m bilingual. LIVES: LEAGUE CITY WORKS: CHICK-FIL-A (HWY 96 AND SOUTH SHORE BLVD.) Travis Powell, 39 Franchisee Why did you go into your particular field? I partnered with Chick-fil-A as one of its franchisees because of the unique dedication Chick- fil-A and I share with our communities. Despite having a degree in computer science, I quickly realized that I wanted an opportunity to care for and impact my community in a profound way. As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? A Dallas Cowboys football player. What was your first job? A factory line worker in a warehouse at the age of 15. It allowed me to get 40 hours of work a week in the summer and taught me the value of hard work. What’s the best advice you’ve ever received? Always maximize your current opportunity, and prepare for the future. By the time new opportunities arrive, it’s usually too late to prepare if you haven’t already. What’s your favorite thing about your job? Growing and developing our team. Watching a high school team member grow into leadership and learn the positive impact they can have on those around them is fantastic. What do you know now that you wish you knew when you first started your career? Don’t stress so much about the small things. The small things are important but a good team will overcome all obstacles. Who do you consider to be your greatest mentor and why? It’s hard for me to pick one. Gene Barfield, my Boy Scout leader and man who gave me my first job, had a genuine care for me that I will never forget. Rafael McLeod, for seeing the potential in me with Chick-fil-A and encouraging me to pursue this career. Finally, Chuck Gussler and Jimmy McGregor for the ways they’ve shown me how I can put my talents and business to serving our community in profound ways. When you’re not at work, what do you do to relax? I’m very competitive and channel most of that energy into disc golf. My wife would tell you it’s one of the few times I truly forget about the business, which is important for work/life balance. If you couldn’t do what you’re doing now, what would you be doing? Something serving people, whether it’s in the service industry or non-profit. CONGRATULATIONS PASTOR AARON SANDERS 2021 40 UNDER 40 RECIPIENT THANK YOU FOR 10 YEARS OF SERVICE TO COASTAL AND GALVESTON Congratulations to our Son Aaron Sanders 40 Under 40 honoree Love, Mom & Dad Myra Sanders Realtor® Alan Sanders Attorney at Law 281-714-0684409-882-1706 MooreLandrey, LLP 2021 | 40 Under 40 | The Daily News | 21 LIVES: GALVESTON WORKS: COASTAL COMMUNITY CHURCH Aaron Sanders, 39 Founding Pastor Why did you go into your particular field? I first felt called into ministry as an eighth-grader living in Orange. I knew I wanted a job where I could serve my community and utilize my gifts. But, most importantly, I wanted to spend my life helping others know and follow Jesus. As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? My family is full of lawyers and teachers. I definitely considered both of those professions along the way. What was your first job? I worked the front desk at Blockbuster Video. I love movies and wanted VIP access to all the new releases. My kids don’t know it, but we used to have these things called VHS tapes and DVDs. It was a fun summer job, but I worked so many hours that I didn’t really have the chance to watch many films. What’s the best advice you’ve ever received? I’ve really been impacted by the concept of life rhythms. Most people strive for work/ life balance, but true balance is a myth. Real life rarely cooperates with our structured little boxes. Instead, I’ve found it extremely helpful to understand the seasons of your life and adjust your activity level appropriately. There are weeks when the wise way to spend your time is to concentrate a little more on work; while other times, it is better to lean in at home. As a pastor friend of mine says, “Blessed are the flexible, for they will never be bent out of shape.” Just don’t get stuck in one season for too long. That’s not a season, that’s a climate. What’s your favorite thing about your job? I absolutely love watching God transform lives. Over the past 10 years, we have watched hundreds of people experience God’s love and grace. Galveston is a better place than it was in 2012, and I think Coastal Community Church is part of that story. What do you know now that you wish you knew when you first started your career? I love my job, and I love my various leadership roles in the community. But, one day, someone else will fill those shoes. Nobody else can be a husband to Holly and a father to my three kids. I’m extremely driven, but I refuse to sacrifice my family on the alter of success.22 | The Daily News | 40 Under | 2021 LIVES: GALVESTON WORKS: GALVESTON ISD William Schuster, 33 Teacher, coach, city council member for District 2 Why did you go into your particular field? I have always had a strong passion for history and government. The stories in these subjects can be inspirational, fascinating, but also they can tell a story of a turbulent past that can be used to lean from today. As a teacher, you get to try to inspire others daily to take an interest in these subjects, while keeping your interest in learning strong at the same time. As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? As a child, my biggest desire was to play for the Houston Astros or to become a firefighter. What was your first job? My first official job was in high school when I worked at Stewart Beach renting chairs and umbrellas, which I still do today in front of the Hotel Galvez during the summer time. What’s the best advice you’ve ever received? Always make sure to make time for family and friends. What’s your favorite thing about your job? My favorite thing about my job is definitely the people. I love waking up every day, the energy my students give me, the excitement that I get to teach them an important moment from our history. I love being around my amazing coworkers, who I not only look at as friends but also as family. It’s an amazing atmosphere at Ball High School, and it’s all the people in it that make it a great place to be and work. What do you know now that you wish you knew when you first started your career? Before I became a teacher and coach, I always knew about the long hours that came with the job. What I didn’t know is how much I would enjoy every minute of it. Late night road trips with the team, exciting games, practices and so much more have made the hours worth it, and I never knew how enjoyable it would be. Who do you consider to be your greatest mentor and why? My greatest mentor is all the coaches and teachers who I have had the privilege to work with in my years in education. From my time is an assistant coach, I have had the opportunity to work under some amazing coaches, especially the ones in our community today. Their knowledge, passion and leadership always has inspired me to want to excel in the program. LIVES: GALVESTON WORKS: GALVESTON HISTORICAL FOUNDATION Mark Scibincio, 39 Port captain/director Why did you go into your particular field? Like many good adventures, I found it by happenstance and then fell in love with it. I had no idea that you could make sailing on historic ships into a career. I’m one of the lucky ones, keeping history alive and teaching it to others is a great way to spend your days. As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? A writer. What was your first job? My first job was cutting photo negatives out at my grandfather’s printing shop. They were used to make the plates for the two machines in that small town shop. What’s the best advice you’ve ever received? You can only keep one thought in your head at time, so you should make it a positive one – my mother. What’s your favorite thing about your job? The people. Ships are great equalizers and they are places where people naturally put aside their differences to work toward a common goal. Its an awesome thing. What do you know now that you wish you knew when you first started your career? I wish I had know about maritime academies or really any of the other paths through the maritime fields. There are lots of ways to make the journey easier than mine was. Who do you consider to be your greatest mentor and why? Capt. Michael “Jake” Jacobson. He was a person who had the most amazing skills and talents but knew how to be humble about all of them. He taught me to be proud of my work and to let it stand on its own merits. When you’re not at work, what do you do to relax? Spending time with my lovely wife. Fishing, billiards and good books are high on the list. I keep a lot of hobbies, and, ironically enough, most sailors enjoy going sailing even on their days off, so we find other ways to be on the water. How do you hope to grow in your career? The great part about ships is you can never learn it all. I hope to keep refining my own skills and improve on methods to teach them to others. The Galveston Historical Foundation is developing new ways to tell the maritime story of Galveston, and I’m excited to be a part of that. 2021 | 40 Under 40 | The Daily News | 23 LIVES: DICKINSON WORKS: DICKINSON ISD Jenna Simsen, 33 Director of Marketing and Digital Media Why did you go into your particular field? Drawing, writing and photography have always been my favorite subjects and hobbies. My dad and nana were both in public relations, so it’s a Simsen thing. As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? When I was young, I wanted to do graphic design and work for a big advertising agency. I wanted to create ads for magazines. What was your first job? Game attendant for the Kemah Boardwalk Arcade. What’s the best advice you’ve ever received? Throughout my life in times of fear, doubt or anxiety, my late grandmother would recite 2 Timothy 1:7 to me. “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind.” The sentiment of this scripture always has stuck with me and reminded me that I’m in control, I can face my fears and I should fill my heart with love. What’s your favorite thing about your job? My favorite thing about my job is interacting with students and staff when filming or taking photos. I always learn something new or hear a new perspective. I love being able to creatively interpret someone’s experience. What do you know now that you wish you knew when you first started your career? Making time to care for your mental and physical health is just as important as any job or task you may have. When we care for ourselves, we can give the best version of ourselves to our jobs, families and communities. Who do you consider to be your greatest mentor and why? My former City of League City PR teammates, Kristi Wyatt and Jaree Fortin. Even after we’ve all moved on to bigger and better things, I still can rely on Kristi and Jaree to help me brainstorm new ideas, offer creative input or discuss the latest social media trends. I am thankful for their friendship and mentorship. When you’re not at work, what do you do to relax? I love being at the beach, taking photos, spending time with my family and friends and traveling with my partner, Jazz. What is something about you that most people don’t know? I took lessons and learned how to play guitar as an adult. I’ve been singing and playing for eight years now. LIVES: GALVESTON WORKS: GALVESTON COCARE AND GALVESTON CENTRAL CHURCH Chad Smith, 36 Executive director and youth director Why did you go into your particular field? My parents exposed me to ministry with the underserved when I was really young, and something just stuck. As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? As a child, I wanted to be a missionary because in my young perspective, missionaries were the ones helping others. It wasn’t until my 20s that I saw how even bagging groceries at a store has the power to transform another person’s life. As Mother Teresa said, “We can do no great things, only small things with great love.” What was your first job? When I was 14, I started mucking stalls at a horse stable in north Houston. The owner, Sam, would pay me $5.25 an hour. Then at 17, I started working at Academy Sports and Outdoors on West Road in the hunting and fishing department. What’s the best advice you’ve ever received? “Let.” – “The Book of Genesis,” Kei Miller What’s your favorite thing about your job? Getting to build relationships between people in the community. When we work together, the whole community is made a better place. What do you know now that you wish you knew when you first started your career? That my perceptions of success would change and that I should be more gracious and accepting about not becoming who I wanted to be when I was younger. Who do you consider to be your greatest mentor and why? Definitely Don Brewster. He went from running a business in America to running an anti-child sex trafficking organization in Cambodia that has helped to see more than 1,000 girls rescued from the sex industry. I worked under him for almost six years, and he taught me about leveraging power for the justice of the marginalized, but also he showed me to take time to enjoy a good cigar and scotch. He is a great listener, a sharp thinker and an excellent leader. When you’re not at work, what do you do to relax? I enjoy turning off my phone and getting into nature. Galveston affords such a great outlet to the ocean, but I also love camping in the Hill Country or southwest Texas. Congratulations! On 40 Under 40 To Our Son and Son-in-Law Clifford Snyder, PA-C UTMB LSTAR & Dickinson Volunteer Fire Department Constable Justin West Galveston County Constable Precinct 4 League City, Friendswood, Dickinson J o hn ! C o n g r a t u l a t i o n , C o n g r a t u l a t i o n , Congratulations, John, on being recognized as one of The Daily News’ 40 Under 40. We’re so proud of you! John Snow Assistant Banking Center Manager 24 | The Daily News | 40 Under | 2021 LIVES: LA MARQUE WORKS: TEXAS FIRST BANK John Snow, 36 Assistant Banking Center Manager Why did you go into your particular field? Banking experience + amazing people person skills + positive mental attitude + serving the community = A great asset to Texas First Bank. I enjoy the family-oriented business, the strong communication and teamwork throughout all the departments; it made me feel right at home. As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? Both successful entrepreneur, as well as a shooting guard for the Houston Rockets wearing the jersey number 35. What was your first job? Oh gosh‚ Popeyes. What’s the best advice you’ve ever received? Actions have reactions, don’t be quick to judge. You may not know the hardships people don’t speak of. It’s best to step back, and observe with couth, for we all must meet our moment of truth. What’s your favorite thing about your job? Continuing the company’s motto: “Helping Texans Build Texas.” I like being there for my clients, providing proper resolutions to their banking needs. I love being that positive, humbled energy to my team as well the La Marque location. What do you know now that you wish you knew when you first started your career? Not everyone has positive mental attitude; some choose to be negative because it’s easy, and misery loves company. Space yourself away from small-minded individuals. Who do you consider to be your greatest mentor and why? Percy “Master P” Robert Miller. A well-known quote from this successful entrepreneur is “If you want something out of life, you got to put the work in. Everybody’s got 24 hours – the question is, what are you doing with yours? Your destination is determined by the choices you make. Do not be afraid to cut off negative individuals. You have to do what’s needed in order to become successful.” I looked up to Percy Miller as a positive role model, and seeing what he’s been through and turning it all around with hard work, vision and dedication, is beyond motivating to me. When you’re not at work, what do you do to relax? Meditate, exercise, play with my turtle, vibe-out to music, cook a gourmet meal as if I was on “Chopped” on the Food Network, nurse my vegetable garden. 2021 | 40 Under 40 | The Daily News | 25 LIVES: DICKINSON WORKS: UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS MEDICAL BRANCH Cliff Snyder, 37 Educational & Administrative Director; Physician Assistant and Adjunct Assistant Professor Why did you go into your particular field? Growing up with a father who is a physician initially spurred my desire to go into health care. I always have had a passion for helping others. My career as a physician assistant and medical educator has allowed me to carry out that passion. As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? Pilot, doctor, architect and firefighter. What was your first job? Besides cutting neighbors’ lawns, I was an interpretive naturalist at Moody Gardens Aquarium. What’s the best advice you’ve ever received? Always look for the positives in situations. What’s your favorite thing about your job? In my role as the Educational Director of the Surgical Simulation Lab, I have the opportunity to train and mentor our future health care providers. I enjoy passing down clinical knowledge into easier-to-understand concepts. What do you know now that you wish you knew when you first started your career? Make sure you enjoy who you work with and collaborate often. Also, challenges are inevitable. Make the best out of the situation because those challenges can be opportunities for growth. Who do you consider to be your greatest mentor and why? My grandfather was one of my greatest mentors. As a U.S. Air Force pilot and having many years of service in the military, he had a commitment to his country and always seemed to know how to handle any situation. He also knew the importance of family and loved to have a good laugh. I valued his outlook on life and calmness in situations – something that I try to model today. When you’re not at work, what do you do to relax? Spend time with my wonderful family and doing anything that involves the outdoors. What is something about you that most people don’t know? Most people at work may not know that I am an active volunteer firefighter and first responder in Dickinson. LIVES: GALVESTON WORKS: JON OF ALL TRADES Justine St. Cyr, 29 Operations Manager Why did you go into your particular field? I’m actually working for my partner’s handyman business to help it grow while I focus on finding my next role in the mental health field. My passion is in helping people and hearing their stories. I received my master’s degree in counseling and am waiting for all the required pieces to fall into place to start my counseling internship. As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? I wanted to be a veterinarian, but alas I have dander allergies! What was your first job? A hostess at Pappasito’s in Houston next to Memorial City Mall. What’s the best advice you’ve ever received? To not accept limitations set by the status quo and to constantly try to make positive change. What’s your favorite thing about your job? That my partner and I get a chance to work together and support each other’s dreams. Plus my boss is pretty great. What do you know now that you wish you knew when you first started your career? How important it is to love what you do and work somewhere you feel supported and even with a case of the Monday’s know that your team has your back. Who do you consider to be your greatest mentor and why? I have always looked up to my Uncle Brad, who owns his own successful vending machine company in Houston. He worked hard since childhood to be financially independent and able to live life beyond work – using his earnings to travel and live comfortably! When you’re not at work, what do you do to relax? Either through volunteer work with Young Gardeners or in my own backyard, I love to garden. It fills me with peace and a sense of accomplishment that I am able to help them thrive. What can beat the taste of things grown on your own land? What is something about you that most people don’t know? I am an avid reader and go through at least two to three books a month, most from Rosenberg Library’s digital collection. How do you hope to grow in your career? I hope to work either for myself as a counselor or for an agency that holds my same values. It is important to me that there is a work-life balance and a team that feels like family with similar passions. 26 | The Daily News | 40 Under | 2021 LIVES: GALVESTON WORKS: TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY AT GALVESTON Lisa Stewart, 36 Director, Center for Academic Learning Support Why did you go into your particular field? Like many who work in higher education, I just wanted to stay in school forever. It really feels like a life hack that I am getting paid to be at college rather than the other way around. College was a very transformational experience for me, and I love that I now get to help others going through that experience. As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? Growing up, I always knew I wanted to do something creative. The specific career shifted around (artist, fashion designer, architect), but the opportunity to create really captivated me. Once I was heading to college (at University of Notre Dame – go Irish), I settled on graphic design for my major. While I no longer work primarily in design, I am so incredibly thankful for the skills I developed in that area. I have found creative problem solving, design and systems thinking, and communication skills to be valuable tools no matter the professional field. What was your first job? I got my first job at age 16, as a sales associate at Hastings Entertainment in my hometown of Ardmore, Oklahoma. I already spent a lot of my free time hanging out there, so it was great getting paid for it. I had several other part-time jobs through high school and college, including stints at The Gap, Sbarro, the Tulsa Zoo and several summers as a camp counselor. Following college, my first “professional” job was as a visual editor for an online publishing firm. What’s the best advice you’ve ever received? Give everyone the benefit of the doubt. What’s your favorite thing about your job? College students are universally in a place of transition. The circumstances might be very different from student to student, but they are all in school working to get somewhere different from where they started. I love that I get to be a small part of their journey. It is exciting every time I help a student discover a major they are excited for, plan out their courses or just fix some small problem they walked in with. I work with a lot of students right as they are starting on campus, and it is sometimes shocking to see those same students a few months later. The way many students really grow into themselves over the first year or two of college is a delight to see! LIVES: TEXAS CITY WORKS: CITY OF TEXAS CITY Darcie Valenzuela, 33 Marketing & Tourism Coordinator Why did you go into your particular field? I wanted to make a difference, and I felt like I could make the biggest impact by going into communications. As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? When I was younger, I wanted to work in animation for Pixar or be a Spice Girl. What was your first job? I taught swimming lessons for a few summers, but my first official job was working at Hollywood Video, and I loved every second of it. What’s the best advice you’ve ever received? Treat everyone how you want to be treated. What’s your favorite thing about your job? Seeing families attend the events that my team and so many others behind the scenes help to organize. We want everyone to have a great time and to enjoy all that Texas City has to offer. With the new city administration, there are a lot of changes coming that I’m super thrilled about. For starters, we are getting an entirely new website that will completely change how our citizens get information and interact with us. What do you know now that you wish you knew when you first started your career? I wish I knew I was going to be OK. When I applied for my current job, I felt like I had imposter syndrome, like I wasn’t qualified and that I had no business being a marketing coordinator. I think that’s a big reason so many people stay at one job or in the same position because they are afraid to try and fail. Change is uncomfortable, but it’s how you grow. You can do it! Start a new career, go back to school, apply for a new job. You’re going to be OK. Who do you consider to be your greatest mentor and why? Jenny Senter, retired president of the Texas City-La Marque Chamber of Commerce. She was a true definition of Girl Boss. She uplifted other women, she got me a seat at the table and she taught me how to navigate the mainly male-dominated business world with grace. Also, if anyone knows Jenny, they know she has an impeccable sense of style, so she did it all in heels! What is something about you that most people don’t know? As of right now, most people do not know I’m expecting baby No. 2, but they will know by the time this publication comes out! 2021 | 40 Under 40 | The Daily News | 27 LIVES: GALVESTON WORKS: GALVESTON ISD EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION Brittany Viegas, 31 Executive director Why did you go into your particular field? Before becoming the executive director of the Galveston ISD Educational Foundation, I served on GEF’s fall and spring event committees as a volunteer for several years. It was an organization I already was extremely passionate about. Although it was hard to picture switching careers at eight months pregnant, the opportunity presented itself, and enough of my friends and family convinced me to apply. I did, and it was one of the best decisions I have ever made. Raising money to improve education in my hometown is incredibly rewarding and fulfilling. I am thankful every day. As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? A TV news reporter, and I made it happen. After nearly two years working for the ABC/NBC affiliate (yes, both) in Beaumont, Texas (KBMT Channel 12), I quickly realized that career is actually a lifestyle. I knew I wanted a family and couldn’t picture life with kids and that crazy schedule. What an incredible, invaluable experience though. What was your first job? My very first job was lifeguarding at Jungle Surf at age 15 and by 16 I was managing Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream shop. I’ve never not had a job since then. What’s the best advice you’ve ever received? You can do it all – just not all at the same time. As a full-time, working mom, mentoring my 16-year-old brother and 5-year- old niece, running a nonprofit, a home and still finding time for a social life, I have learned to focus on the task at hand. When you start to think about everything you have to do, it is easy to get overwhelmed. One thing at a time! What’s your favorite thing about your job? My job serves such a happy purpose. After covering death and destruction for local news and being on the front lines of Hurricane Harvey in 2017 when I was public information officer for the county, I have never had a job so uplifting and positive. Most importantly, I enjoy making a real impact and having the opportunity to give back to a community that has invested so much in me. Witnessing students participate in a global competition, perform with new instruments or choose a career based on their involvement in a program that was funded by one of our grants – it’s an amazing feeling.28 | The Daily News | 40 Under | 2021 LIVES: LEAGUE CITY WORKS: GALVESTON COUNTY Justin West, 39 Constable Precinct 4 Why did you go into your particular field? When I was young, my oldest brother was a police officer in my hometown. Aside from it being “cool” and seeing him in his uniform, I saw him interact with people and make positive change. I continued my interest in law enforcement, always striving to have a career where I could make a difference in my community. As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? I wanted to be so many things – from an astronaut to a fighter pilot. As a child, the world is anything you want to imagine it to be, and as I grew up, I tried to maintain that idea of the world around me. What was your first job? As the youngest of six kids, I had more liberty to go out and do odd jobs, including yard work. My first job was working for Dairy Queen, and when the owners of the Dairy Queen purchased the Subway franchise, I began working at the two Subway locations. During the summers, I was working sometimes 12-hour days between the three locations. I also had a position at my local church, where I did odd jobs and worked on the technical aspects of things for several years. What’s the best advice you’ve ever received? Do your best at everything you do, and rest knowing you did your best. This has been how I approach projects. Regardless of the outcome, I have done my best and trust the outcome to God. What’s your favorite thing about your job? I have an opportunity to engage with the community and work with great people who share a common mission. What do you know now that you wish you knew when you first started your career? Starting out, I wanted to change the world all at once. I have discovered, over time, that sweeping changes are best made one small step or change at a time. Who do you consider to be your greatest mentor and why? I have been blessed with many mentors – from mentors in ministry, business and law enforcement. I am able to pick up my phone and make a call to trailblazers for mentorship and guidance. I would say Pastor Walter Hallam from Abundant Life Christian Center in La Marque is one person who has taught me the lessons of excellence in everything I do. LIVES: LEAGUE CITY WORKS: UTR TEXAS REALTORS Crystal Williams, 32 Real estate agent Why did you go into your particular field? I graduated from college and worked for a local real estate broker, and she took me under her wing and really gave me a great foundation to start my own career as a Realtor. As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? I wanted to be a teacher as a young child, but in my teenage years I really wanted to be in business or entrepreneurship. What was your first job? My first job was being a lifeguard my freshman year of high school. What’s the best advice you’ve ever received? Hustle beats talent when talent doesn’t hustle. This has been useful in every aspect of my life. What’s your favorite thing about your job? I love that it’s constantly changing, but also you get to go through life phases with your clients. Getting to be a part of my clients buying their first home or growing their family and buying a larger home is just really special. What do you know now that you wish you knew when you first started your career? Starting your career in real estate will be an asset one day. I heard “you are so young” a lot my first few years. I found my niche with first-time homebuyers, and now I get to help all of those first-time homebuyers buy their second homes. Who do you consider to be your greatest mentor and why? My dad; he has always had an incredible work ethic. He instilled in us at a young age that we can do whatever we set our minds to, but we have to be willing to do that work to achieve those goals. When you’re not at work, what do you do to relax? I love going on vacation with my family and spending time with our friends. What is something about you that most people don’t know? I am very good at ping pong. My brother and I actually started a ping pong club in college. How do you hope to grow in your career? I would love to attain my broker’s license and help young agents grow in this competitive business. If you couldn’t do what you’re doing now, what would you be doing? I would probably work for a nonprofit or be a coach for volleyball or soccer. Congratulations CATHIE WOITENA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST ACUTX.ORG | 281.479.3441 2021 | 40 Under 40 | The Daily News | 29 LIVES: FRIENDSWOOD WORKS: ACU OF TEXAS Cathie Woitena, 39 Community Development Specialist Why did you go into your particular field? I love working with the community and giving back. I had an account with ACU of Texas and knew they truly cared about their community. I had the opportunity to work with them on the Tour de Braz, and I fell in love with the whole team and what the company stood for. As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? As a child I wanted to be an actress. Being on stage allows you to give people the opportunity to connect with a character and escape the world, if only for a minute. What was your first job? My first job was at Smoothie King when I was 16. I remember a line in the training manual explaining franchises that said you too can own a Smoothie King one day. I immediately began planning and, at 23, I was able to introduce Smoothie King to my parents’ hometown of Corpus Christi as the youngest franchisee. It was a blessing to own my store for four years, and it still gives me pride to go back and visit. What’s the best advice you’ve ever received? To not give up, and that the plan is always bigger than me. It has helped me see the light in darkness and reminded me to step back and see the bigger picture. What’s your favorite thing about your job? I love working with others to better something. There are days I work with companies to help their customer receive a loan and better their living situation and others I work with nonprofits to improve the quality of life in our communities. I love helping and giving back while assisting in the continued growth of ACU of Texas. What do you know now that you wish you knew when you first started your career? That weaknesses can be strengths and strengths can be weaknesses. You have to balance yourself and then you can grow. When you’re not at work, what do you do to relax? I love to spend time with my husband, Josh, and our beautiful daughters, Jessica and Katniss. Watching the Astros and cuddling with the family and our two rescue dogs (Rugsby and Bucee) is my idea of the perfect down time.Next >