< Previous20 | The Daily News | 40 Under 40 | 2024 LIVES: LEAGUE CITY WORKS: UTMB SCHOOL OF PUBLIC & POPULATION HEALTH William Pate, 39 Associate Vice President, Environmental Health & Safety, and Adjunct Assistant Professor Why did you go into your particular field? I went into the environmental health and safety field because I saw the first-hand effects of a workplace injury and wanted to try and prevent other people and their families from experiencing the same pain. My stepfather fell off a roof and could no longer work as a commercial roofer and needed surgery, physical therapy and retraining to recover. Twenty years later, he still experiences pain from his injury. That shouldn’t happen to anyone. As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? I grew up wanting to be a physician, specifically a pediatrician. What was your first job? My first job was working at Wendy’s during high school. This actually turned into my first exposure to the safety and health field where I was promoted to “safety marshal” and given training and responsibility in that area. What’s the best advice you’ve ever received? One piece of advice that my mom told me and that has stuck with me: “Never go to bed angry.” What’s your favorite thing about your job? I can’t pick one thing. I work with a fantastic team of safety and health professionals who are experts in their field and they make my job easy. I also love how there is always something new to learn or do, especially at an academic medical center like UTMB. Finally, I love how our work is directly supporting the vitally important education, research, health care and innovation missions of the university. What do you know now that you wish you knew when you first started your career? Work-life balance is important, not only for you but for your family and colleagues. I wish I knew earlier that you’re never really “done” with work, so it is okay to stop and disconnect until the start of the next work day. Who do you consider to be your greatest mentor and why? My first boss at UTMB, Luz Cheng, was my greatest mentor as she took the time to listen and share her opinions and ideas, and also truly cared for her colleagues. She exemplified great leadership and served as a great role model. When you’re not at work, what do you do to relax? I enjoy spending time with my family; my two daughters both play in orchestra and my eldest plays golf, so it’s great to be able to see them exhibit their talents. I also enjoy traveling, listening to music and reading. I’m a big Star Trek nerd so if I’m ever bored, I will find an episode and relax. I’ve also gotten more involved in local League City politics and enjoy attending city council meetings. What is something about you that most people don’t know? I have a bad habit of buying books, reading a chapter or two, and then putting it down forever. I tell myself that I will pick it back up and finish it, but then another book catches my eye and I start to read that one. The good thing is that I will have plenty of books ready to read when I retire. Read full profile at galvnews.com. LIVES: GALVESTON WORKS: UTMB HEALTH Hannah Peterson, 38 Assistant Professor of Pediatrics Why did you go into your particular field? At the risk of sounding cliche, my motivations were a combination of a fascination with medicine and the human body, wanting to help others and in particular to work with kids and families in a meaningful way. My first career as a civil engineer didn’t give me those human connections I was craving. As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? Apparently in kindergarten I said I wanted to be a pediatrician. I got away from that some being drawn into architecture and engineering but came back full circle in the end! What was your first job? My very first job other than babysitting was as a lifeguard and swim instructor at the Galveston Racquet Club. What’s the best advice you’ve ever received? My grandmother advised all of us grandkids to go to Rice University and, honestly, I think it was one of the best decisions of my life for so many reasons. Glad I took that advice! What’s your favorite thing about your job? My favorite thing about my job is my patients! They’re the best and always brighten my day. What do you know now that you wish you knew when you first started your career? There’s a lot of BS in medicine and it takes a lot of advocating for your patients and for yourself but it’s worth it. Find a niche and/or passion within your job to get you through and be kind to everyone. It really pays off. Who do you consider to be your greatest mentor and why? I have a lot of great mentors, particularly strong women in my life. But, honestly, the best ones have been my parents. They are there for moral support and life advice at any moment and I appreciate them immensely. Career-wise, I’d like to give a shout-out to Dr. Patricia Beach and Dr. Virginia Niebuhr who have been excellent mentors there as well. What wonderful people they are! When you’re not at work, what do you do to relax? I enjoy spending time with my wife, Erin, and my kiddos (Rowan and Grady) as well as the rest of our family and friends. I particularly love spending time outside and/or on the water. I also very much enjoy reading! What is something about you that most people don’t know? People may not have known that I used to be a civil engineer before I went into medicine. Something more superficial: I enjoy matchmaking and have a few successful marriages under my belt! How do you hope to grow in your career? I hope to continue to find joy in my work and find new ways to improve myself and how I treat patients and educate students. I’m also hoping to grow the foster care clinic at UTMB into something notable. If you couldn’t do what you’re doing now, what would you be doing? Realistically? Probably something in the field of child psychology. But in my dreams I wouldn’t mind being an artist or maybe one of those travel influencer people who just get paid to go stay in pretty places. I’d take my wife and kids with me and we could just all have the best time! 2024 | 40 Under 40 | The Daily News | 21 LIVES: GALVESTON WORKS: UTMB JOHN SEALY SCHOOL OF MEDICINE / ST. VINCENT’S VISION SCREENING PROGRAM Sruti Rachapudi, 26 Medical Student / Founder Why did you go into your particular field? Restoring vision as an eye surgeon is incredibly rewarding because it drastically enhances patients’ quality of life. Additionally, the field is rapidly evolving with challenging and exhilarating research opportunities. Intraocular surgery, in particular, is so elegant and fun to perform. The tools we get to use to examine the eye create beautiful up-close images as well. Sometimes I feel like these images are abstract art that belong in the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)! As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? As a child, I loved science and math and thought about being a doctor. However, the journey to become a physician is an uphill challenge. I wasn’t confident enough to commit to medicine and I thought I wasn’t smart enough. But when I boiled it down, I said, why should I shortchange myself? I should do what I want to do and become a physician. What was your first job? My first job was being a docent at the Thomas Edison museum in Edison, New Jersey, where I grew up. It was short-lived, but I first learned about the art of speaking to people with clarity of thought and expression while teaching. It’s easier said than done to learn how to speak to strangers, especially as a shy teenager! What’s the best advice you’ve ever received? Stay positive and open- minded. With so many different career paths and professional development opportunities, it’s essential to be fluid and flexible. Ignore the noise and cut the weeds out. Lean on your mentors and friends when making pivotal decisions. Constantly ask yourself if your decisions align with your core values. What’s your favorite thing about your job? As cliche as it sounds, the people. Over 90 percent of ophthalmologists are happy and confident in their careers. Even the patients express immense gratitude when they regain one of their crucial five senses, vision, that improves the way they interact with the world around them. What do you know now that you wish you knew when you first started your career? Many people often do not have the self-confidence they deserve to have when first starting to navigate their path. It’s okay to feel scared. And it’s normal to be scared and still have the confidence to pursue challenges. Former Liberian President Ellen Sirleaf sums this up perfectly: “The size of your dreams must always exceed your current capacity to achieve them. If your dreams do not scare you, they are not big enough.” Who do you consider to be your greatest mentor and why? My mom and dad, Lakshmi and Ranga. They are easily the most caring people I know. They conduct themselves with the utmost integrity and charity in every aspect of their lives. As immigrants, they impressed upon me the value of education and good character. If it wasn’t for them, I wouldn’t be where I am today. Read full profile at galvnews.com. LIVES: TEXAS CITY WORKS: BAYLOR ST. LUKE’S MEDICAL CENTER (BSLMC) Tanya Scott, 39 Director of Patient Care Why did you go into your particular field? I chose to pursue a career in nursing because I have a deep-seated desire to care for people and positively impact their lives. My decision was profoundly influenced by a personal family tragedy; my parents lost a child when I was young. This heartbreaking experience exposed me to the medical field at an early age, and our interactions with nurses left a lasting impression on me. As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? When I was growing up, I dreamed of becoming a pediatrician. The idea of working with children and making a positive difference in their lives captivated me from a young age. I was inspired by the pediatricians I encountered, who not only provided medical care but also offered reassurance and comfort to both their young patients and their worried parents. What was your first job? My first job was as a cashier at Gerlands, a local grocery store in Galveston. This experience was invaluable as it introduced me to the workforce and helped me develop essential skills such as customer service, patience and professionalism. What’s the best advice you’ve ever received? The best advice I ever received was to give myself grace. In the demanding field of nursing, we often have a tendency to prioritize the needs of our patients, colleagues and even the health care system itself over our own well-being. This selfless approach, while noble, can lead to significant stress, anxiety and ultimately burnout. The intense pressures and emotional challenges of the profession make self-care important and essential for maintaining our health. What’s your favorite thing about your job? The best thing about my job is the ability to mentor nurses within our profession. This role allows me to guide and support the next generation of health care professionals, helping them navigate the complexities and challenges of nursing. I find immense satisfaction in sharing my knowledge and experience and offering insights and advice that can make a significant difference in their careers. It is incredibly fulfilling to see new nurses grow into confident, competent leaders. What do you know now that you wish you knew when you first started your career? As a novice nurse, I wish I had known more about the critical role of research in nursing. At the beginning of my career, I focused primarily on developing my clinical skills and learning the day-to- day responsibilities of patient care. However, I quickly realized that a deep understanding of research and evidence-based practice is essential for providing the highest quality care and advancing the profession. Who do you consider to be your greatest mentor and why? Throughout my career, I have been fortunate to encounter many great mentors. Still, there are two women who have been exceptionally impactful for me: Dr. Ruth Owusu and Dr. Lillian Pryor. Both of these individuals embody the qualities of transformational and servant leadership, serving as powerful role models and sources of inspiration. Both of these individuals have unique talents for fostering a culture of innovation, continuous improvement and encouraging those around them to embrace change. Read full profile at galvnews.com. CONSTANTLY ASK YOURSELF IF YOUR DECISIONS ALIGN WITH YOUR CORE VALUES. 22 | The Daily News | 40 Under 40 | 2024 LIVES: GALVESTON WORKS: UTMB DEPARTMENT OF INTERNAL MEDICINE Quincy Seigel, 28 Intern Why did you go into your particular field? As a teenager, my mom suggested my personality would fit well in medicine, and she was right! I started shadowing physicians when I was 17 and was immediately hooked. In my senior year of high school, I also researched at Shriner’s Hospital for Children. The burn patients there inspired me and made me more optimistic and empathetic. I loved using knowledge and science to restore and maintain patients’ livelihoods. As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? I wanted to be a famous singer and actress. I also wanted to be the first female president. What was your first job? I was a pool waitress at the Galveston Country Club. What’s the best advice you’ve ever received? “Take it all in on your stride.” This is a lyric from the song “Feel Good Inc.” by Gorillaz. It reminds me to remain steadfast, poised and level-headed in the ups and downs of life, especially in challenging situations or situations outside of my control. What’s your favorite thing about your job? I love providing comfort and hope to patients in frightening, vulnerable situations. Connecting with patients and hearing their experiences fuels me. Additionally, seeing medications and treatments make a tangible difference in patients’ lives is incredibly rewarding. I especially love any time I get to perform procedures and work with my hands. What do you know now that you wish you knew when you first started your career? I was surprised by how physically challenging medical school and hospital work is. My rotations have involved standing or walking around most of the shift, working nights and holding tools in place for hours. Fortunately, I enjoy being active and love the days I walk 5 miles in a shift. Who do you consider to be your greatest mentor and why? Becoming a physician often takes a village, so three mentors stand out. Dr. Brent Kelly and Dr. Erica Kelly are UTMB dermatologists who inspired my love of the field and have encouraged me every step of the way. Dr. Guillermo Foncerrada, a burn surgeon from Mexico City, helped me attain my six-month internship at CENIAQ burn hospital in Mexico City after college. Because of him, I am proficient in Spanish. When you’re not at work, what do you do to relax? I love doing yoga, running on the seawall and attending dance or high-intensity interval training classes at the UTMB Field House gym. I also enjoy stand-up paddling, hot-tubbing and spending time with friends and family. What is something about you that most people don’t know? I am training to become a yoga instructor. My dream is to teach stress-relieving yoga classes to health care students and professionals. I have been fortunate enough to lead some classes already; they have been so much fun! How do you hope to grow in your career? Over the next year, I want to gain the ability to care for multiple medically complex hospitalized patients at a time. I eventually want to graduate from residency and become an attending physician. I want to be the kind of physician that patients trust to care for them and navigate their health challenges with them. Read full profile at galvnews.com. LIVES: LEAGUE CITY WORKS: KINGDOM SECURITY, LLC Natalie Sharp, 39 Co-Owner Why did you go into your particular field? My husband and I have a family- run business that we have grown, from the initial foundation started from my industrious father-in-law, Michael Sharp. Kingdom Security has grown into an industrial security integration solution, but none of it would have been possible without the guidance and expertise of Michael Sharp. As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? I wanted to be a doctor or own my own business when I was growing up. What was your first job? My first job was as a waitress at King Food, a bustling local restaurant known for its delicious cuisine and friendly atmosphere. It was a fantastic learning experience that taught me valuable skills in customer service, multitasking and teamwork. I quickly learned how to manage a busy dining room, handle orders efficiently and ensure that every customer left with a smile. What’s the best advice you’ve ever received? The best advice I ever received was from my dad, Rey Balderas: “Be better today than you were yesterday.” What’s your favorite thing about your job? One of my favorite things about working in the security integration field is the dynamic and ever-evolving nature of the job. Every project presents a unique set of challenges and requires innovative solutions, which keeps the work engaging and stimulating. It’s incredibly rewarding to see the tangible impact of our work in enhancing security and providing peace of mind for clients. What do you know now that you wish you knew when you first started your career? I wish I knew that women have a place in male-dominated fields, and we do not have to fade our femininity nor personalities to fit in. Who do you consider to be your greatest mentor and why? I would have to say that my greatest mentor is my dad, Rey Balderas. His life lessons of meticulousness, excellence and genuine love of all cultures shaped my unwavering tenacity and also curiosity for what makes others “tick.” When you’re not at work, what do you do to relax? I love to immerse myself in the world of books. Reading has always been a passion of mine; it’s a fantastic way to unwind and escape into different stories and perspectives. To share this love for reading, I started a book club where friends and I get together regularly to discuss our latest reads. It’s incredibly relaxing and fulfilling to engage in lively discussions about various books and explore new genres. What is something about you that most people don’t know? English is actually my second language! How do you hope to grow in your career? Our goal for 2024 is to complete our GSA profile to successfully bid on government contracts. If you couldn’t do what you’re doing now, what would you be doing? I believe I would be in the medical field. My love of helping others has always driven me in one form or fashion.Congratulations to all those recognized and especially to our esteemed Vice President Ian Smith, recognized among the 40 under 40 in Galveston for their exceptional leadership skills and unparalleled ability to unite teams towards common goals. Your dedication and vision inspire us all. Here’s to many more achievements ahead! With pride and love, Logica Ratio and your family Dr. Ian Smith 2024 | 40 Under 40 | The Daily News | 23 LIVES: GALVESTON WORKS: LOGICA RATIO, LLC Ian Smith, 36 Vice President Why did you go into your particular field? I entered the field of medical- legal expert consulting somewhat serendipitously. I had the privilege of meeting Dr. Allen Deutsch, who extended me the chance to engage in science and analytics while also playing a pivotal role in a burgeoning start-up. Recognizing this as an avenue to harmonize my scientific expertise with my entrepreneurial inclinations, embrace a fresh challenge with significant potential for growth, and remain in proximity to my family, I eagerly seized the opportunity. As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? As a kid, I harbored a deep passion for sports of all varieties and aspired to become a Sports Center anchor akin to icons like Dan Patrick and Stewart Scott. What was your first job? Apart from mowing lawns in my neighborhood, my first job was as a dishwasher at La King’s Confectionery on The Strand in Galveston when I was 14 years old. What’s the best advice you’ve ever received? “Never sell yourself short, Ian.” — Dr. John Rimar What’s your favorite thing about your job? My favorite aspect of my job is the chance to foster the growth of a start- up company and actively contribute to shaping our business and culture. What do you know now that you wish you knew when you first started your career? It is often better to wait to make a decision rather than blazing ahead without all of the information. Who do you consider to be your greatest mentor and why? I have been fortunate to have exceptional mentors throughout my life, education and career. Dr. Wesley J. Thompson and Dr. UJ McMahan shaped my expertise in neurobiology. My sister, Lauren Desormeaux, guided me on workflow logistics and company culture. Dr. Allen Deutsch mentored me in the medical- legal consulting industry, enhancing my business acumen and entrepreneurial pursuits. Their influence has been pivotal in my development. When you’re not at work, what do you do to relax? I enjoy spending time with my family, especially my kids, Clark and Camryn. Beyond that, I love to play golf, basketball, poker and hunting. What is something about you that most people don’t know? Although I am not nearly as talented as some other members of my family, I am still a talented artist. I do enjoy sketching and painting; however, I am best at sculpting clay. How do you hope to grow in your career? We launched in Houston with just a few employees and a modest roster of experts. In the span of the last five years, our growth has been remarkable. Today, we cater to clients and handle lawsuits across seven states. My aspiration is to expand both Logica Ratio and our latest venture, Pre-Litigation Expert Reviews, into nationwide enterprises. If you couldn’t do what you’re doing now, what would you be doing? I would likely be a professor at a university teaching and conducting my own research on synaptic development and spinal cord injury.24 | The Daily News | 40 Under 40 | 2024 LIVES: LEAGUE CITY WORKS: BAY AREA TURNING POINT Katherine Swanson, 33 Development and Community Engagement Coordinator Why did you go into your particular field? I entered the nonprofit sector, focusing on domestic and sexual violence, inspired by the stories my high school students shared. As a former English teacher, I felt compelled to ensure these services were accessible to those in need. I now help raise funds for Bay Area Turning Point to meet community needs and expand our reach and services offered. As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? As a child, I wanted to be a marine biologist because I loved animals and being in the water. During a school trip, we met marine biologists, and I quickly realized I liked swimming more than studying fish and other creatures. What was your first job? My first job was with a will and trust attorney, handling administrative tasks and learning the ropes. I also assisted a real estate attorney, who trained me and let me help with research. What’s the best advice you’ve ever received? The best advice I ever received distinguished the difference between character and reputation: Character is who you are, while reputation is who people think you are. It spoke volumes to me. What’s your favorite thing about your job? My favorite part of the job is engaging with the community. I enjoy learning about people and finding ways for others to partner with Bay Area Turning Point. Through these connections, I’ve helped raise awareness of BATP’s work and discovered the wonderful contributions others make to our community. What do you know now that you wish you knew when you first started your career? I wish I knew how much work goes into running a nonprofit. Before joining one, I donated items and hosted drives, thinking I understood how a nonprofit functions. Now, I see the extensive effort needed to provide services and support the community. It’s crucial to have community support to rally around nonprofits and spread the word. It’s truly a team effort extending beyond the agency’s walls. Who do you consider to be your greatest mentor and why? My greatest mentor is my closest friend, Robin Elgart. Over a decade of friendship, she’s provided unwavering support and level-headed advice. I deeply respect and admire her. I’ve learned a lot just from knowing her and observing the person she is. When you’re not at work, what do you do to relax? When I’m not at work, I find relaxation in connecting with others. Whether spending quality time with my son, working on crafts or baking together, I cherish these moments. For quieter times, I enjoy delving into a good book. What is something about you that most people don’t know? In my senior year of high school, my English teacher had us write letters to our future selves. While most of my plans haven’t unfolded as expected, I successfully predicted that I would have a child at 28 years old. How do you hope to grow in your career? In my career, I am dedicated to advancing into leadership roles such as manager and, ultimately, director. I am eager to take on new challenges that align with my aspirations, contributing to the growth and impact of the organization. Read full profile at galvnews.com. LIVES: GALVESTON WORKS: GALVESTON’S OWN FARMERS MARKET Caitlin Townsend, 33 Community Engagement Coordinator Why did you go into your particular field? Being part of a community that makes a positive difference is very important to me. When I took the position at Galveston’s Own Farmers Market, I was drawn to its focus on bettering the lives of Galvestonians, particularly through initiatives like our food access programs. I believe in GOFM’s mission to improve the quality of life for Galvestonians, and I’m honored to be a part of it. As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? My childhood experiences instilled in me the value of self-sufficiency. I became determined to become someone who could provide the type of security and stability that I craved throughout childhood but could not find. I wanted to be independent, and able to make my own way in the world. What was your first job? At 15, I started bagging groceries at Crestview Minimax. One year later, I started working at Wheatsille Co-op in Austin and worked there full-time throughout high school. What’s the best advice you’ve ever received? “Fake it till you make it.” Although a cliche, there is a lot of truth to it! Projecting confidence can boost your courage to try new things, and with a willingness to learn, you can turn those attempts into real, transferable skills. What’s your favorite thing about your job? I love the people I work with and the work that we do. We’re a team of passionate problem-solvers. We listen to the community’s needs and then find creative solutions that make a real difference on our island. What do you know now that you wish you knew when you first started your career? Not everyone is going to love you, and that’s okay! Do the best that you can do, act with integrity and keep moving forward. Who do you consider to be your greatest mentor and why? I’m a patchwork of influences, shaped by many amazing people. Casey McAuliffe and Mercedes Pang are my two greatest mentors, and learning from them has been a true honor. But my biggest champion has always been my brother Hunter. His love and support push me to be my best self, both professionally and personally. When you’re not at work, what do you do to relax? More often than not, you can find me walking around Galveston with my dog, Taco, listening to one of my favorite podcasts, or catching up with my friends somewhere. I also love live music, and I’m always down to catch a show. What is something about you that most people don’t know? I can be painfully shy, but you would never know it! I love meeting new people and learning about their experiences. How do you hope to grow in your career? I’m committed to my career at GOFM and eager to contribute further to our success. We’re dreaming up bigger and better ways to serve our community and I’m excited to see how far we will go. If you couldn’t do what you’re doing now, what would you be doing? If GOFM wasn’t in the picture, event planning would be my calling. I love creating memorable experiences for people, and at GOFM I’ve honed my skills in organization, budgeting and working with vendors. Plus, I have a natural talent for throwing fun parties — just ask my friends and family. 2024 | 40 Under 40 | The Daily News | 25 DON’T LEAVE YOUR BESTIES HANGING! Time is running out to nominate your favs in more than 200 categories YOU COULD WIN $100! Nominations close July 16, 2024 at 11:59 p.m. Scan the QR code or visit galvnews.com/readerschoice For advertising opportunities, call 409.683.5202 LIVES: GALVESTON WORKS: AMERICAN NATIONAL INSURANCE COMPANY Stephanie Waltman, 34 HR Generalist Why did you go into your particular field? I have always loved helping people. When I was 15 years old, I heard about human resources and was immediately intrigued. I worked at Schlitterbahn and loved interacting with my HR manager at the time and she really inspired me to go to school for HR and join the profession. As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? I’ve always loved helping people and wanted to be in HR from an early age. Before I was of working age, I just wanted to be a cowgirl and ride horses all day! What was your first job? Lifeguard at Jungle Surf in Galveston. What’s the best advice you’ve ever received? To assume positive intent and lead with empathy. Brene Brown said, “Empathy is the antidote to shame.” So often people assume the worst and we need more compassion in the world for what others may be experiencing and not showing. What’s your favorite thing about your job? I truly love helping people work through a situation or provide coaching that leads to growth. What do you know now that you wish you knew when you first started your career? That it’s okay to be yourself. People will respect you for being clear and direct and unapologetically authentic. This takes intention and practice, so be patient and forgiving with yourself and others. Who do you consider to be your greatest mentor and why? Julie Eklund, one of my first leaders who has taught me so much over the years. She inspires me to be better, helps me see life through a different lens, has developed my skill set and leads with compassion and empathy. Julie has continued to be a mentor and inspiration to me throughout my life and guides me, personally and professionally. God truly blessed me with her presence in my life! When you’re not at work, what do you do to relax? I have three young children and they are the center of my universe. I also co-chair the annual Hike for Hope 5K walk for mental health and suicide prevention in Galveston, which is a year-long planning effort. The next hike will be March 22, 2025 at Menard Park and we’d love to see you there. When I’m not chasing toddlers or planning the Hike for Hope, I enjoy reading and quality time with family. What is something about you that most people don’t know? I am incredibly proud to be a first-generation American and a first-generation college graduate. My family has overcome many obstacles and each generation we do better for our children. I strive to continue this legacy of growth and accomplishments for my children. How do you hope to grow in your career? I hope to continue to positively impact peoples lives. So often a little kindness during challenges can leave a lasting impact with people. I strive to help people see through a different lens and hope to continue to hone this skill. If you couldn’t do what you’re doing now, what would you be doing? I’d still love to be a full-time cowgirl! GENERALCONTRACTING,REMODELS, HOMERENOVATIONS,&MORE BWILHELM1985@GMAIL.COM|(660)349-7185 DICKINSON,TEXAS 26 | The Daily News | 40 Under 40 | 2024 LIVES: DICKINSON WORKS: WILHELM CONSTRUCTION & DESIGN, LLC Brad Wilhelm, 38 Owner Why did you go into your particular field? After moving here, I realized that a lot of companies don’t treat their customers and their business in line with my values. I worked for a company where I had a supervisor who told me, “This area is heavily populated. We don’t need repeat customers. As long as we can advertise and generate new leads, we will stay in business.” I just remember thinking, “That’s just all wrong. I could do this so much better.” As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? Rich and successful. I saw myself wearing a suit and tie and making big moves. I knew I didn’t want to have to worry about money all of the time. People say, “Money doesn’t buy happiness.” I agree. What money does buy is freedom. The freedom to choose what to do in life and live your life any way that you want. I don’t wear a suit and tie to work, but my dreams haven’t changed. What was your first job? I started working for my grandfather at a very young age. I filled and carried buckets of water for his carpet cleaning business. This taught me a lot of valuable lessons early in life, most importantly, hard work, responsibility and dedication. What’s the best advice you’ve ever received? • Do today what others won’t, so tomorrow you can do what others can’t. • Never let being outworked be the reason you didn’t succeed. • You get a second chance every single second. It’s your responsibility to make it happen. • Half of the work is showing up. • Never make a promise that you can’t keep. What’s your favorite thing about your job? Providing for others. This comes in several forms, from taking care of my family, to contributing to my employees and subcontractors being able to take a check home to their families, to providing an excellent product and service to my clients. I always strive to create a better byproduct of every aspect of anything that I commit to. What do you know now that you wish you knew when you first started your career? Most people are willing to help you out if you’ll only take the initiative to ask and pursue it. I always thought people wouldn’t want to give the time to a “new guy” in the industry, a young business owner or someone just starting out. I have learned that, more often than not, it’s quite the opposite. Knowing that earlier on would have been a huge benefit to my career. Who do you consider to be your greatest mentor and why? I can’t say that I have just one mentor. I have always gravitated toward individuals who started with nothing, put their absolute all into it and have become successful. For me, it’s not a specific person, it’s an attitude, a history or a lifestyle that draws me in to listen and take advice and opinions from someone. When you’re not at work, what do you do to relax? One thing that I am committed to every day when I get home is I finish up a couple of odds and ends from the day and I make time for my kids. I may block everyone else out, but I always make personal time for my children every day. They are my world and I always strive to make sure they know that I cherish them and am here for them each and every day. Read full profile at galvnews.com. 2024 | 40 Under 40 | The Daily News | 27 LIVES: LEAGUE CITY WORKS: FAMILY SERVICE CENTER Jared Williams, 36 Chief Executive Officer Why did you go into your particular field? I entered the nonprofit world not only because I had a passion for the cause, but because I desired to make a tangible difference in the lives of individuals across various communities. By utilizing my experiences and skills, I aim to enhance the quality and continuity of care, ensuring that those in need receive consistent and comprehensive support. As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? As a child, I wanted to be a medical doctor. As I grew older, I got my first job in the business field and became fascinated with understanding what makes companies tick. Since then, I have been a sponge, absorbing as much knowledge and experience as possible. This unique combination of interests and skills led me to the nonprofit sector, where I can blend my passion for helping others with my business acumen. What was your first job? My first real job was in high school and was an internship for the City of Port Arthur. I worked at the media center under Mrs. Mouton and learned about records and database management. What’s the best advice you’ve ever received? It’s OK to say “I don’t know.” What’s your favorite thing about your job? My favorite aspect of my job is my diverse responsibilities. I enjoy handling a variety of tasks and duties, from strategic planning and financial oversight to stakeholder engagement and public relations. What do you know now that you wish you knew when you first started your career? I wish I had understood the significance of fostering a healthy work-life balance from the outset of my career. Prioritizing time for personal well-being, relationships and leisure activities not only enhances overall happiness but also boosts productivity and prevents burnout. Learning to set boundaries and manage time effectively has become a crucial aspect of my professional journey, and I encourage others to prioritize balance from the start. Who do you consider to be your greatest mentor and why? While both of my parents serve as mentors, my father, Gerald L. Williams, stands out as my greatest mentor. His lessons on hard work and resilience have profoundly shaped my character and approach to life’s challenges. When you’re not at work, what do you do to relax? I enjoy grilling, fishing and playing golf for outdoor fun, while indoors, I like watching YouTube and taking naps. Sometimes, I simply enjoy sitting outside and taking in the surroundings. What is something about you that most people don’t know? I have a twin brother, Jonathan. How do you hope to grow in your career? I aspire to grow by continually improving my abilities and expanding my knowledge base. Through ongoing learning and development, I aim to enhance my skills and deepen my understanding in order to excel in my career. If you couldn’t do what you’re doing now, what would you be doing? I would go back to school to become a nurse practitioner or medical doctor. LIVES: LEAGUE CITY WORKS: GALVESTON COLLEGE Kavica Williams, 34 Program Coordinator and Instructor for Psychology and Sociology Why did you go into your particular field? My journey into the field of psychology is a testament to my curiosity about the human mind and a deep- seated desire to make a positive impact on others’ lives. From a young age, I’ve been captivated by the human behavior, finding solace in understanding the motivations behind actions and emotions. This fascination, coupled with a natural inclination to help those in need, led me to pursue psychology as both mental health advocate and instructor. As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? As a child, I dreamed of becoming a doctor. It wasn’t until my first psychology course that I found my calling in mental health and becoming an instructor. What was your first job? My first job was working at Palais Royal. Working at Palais Royal provided me with practical experience in customer interactions, where I learned to listen actively and empathetically. These skills have been invaluable in my work within mental health and as an instructor, allowing me to effectively communicate and support individuals facing challenges. What’s the best advice you’ve ever received? The best advice I ever received was to see failure as a stepping stone to success. Embracing setbacks as opportunities to learn and grow has been transformative. It has shifted my perspective from fear to resilience, empowering me to keep pushing forward, no matter the obstacles. What’s your favorite thing about your job? My favorite part of being an instructor and mental health advocate is seeing the impact of education and support firsthand. Whether in the classroom or advocating in the community, empowering individuals to understand and improve their mental well-being brings me immense joy and motivation. What do you know now that you wish you knew when you first started your career? Before now, I wish I had understood the significance of self-care. While I was eager to invest in my students’ learning and development, I underestimated the toll that constant availability and emotional investment could take on my own well- being. Recognizing the importance of setting boundaries and prioritizing my own mental health would have allowed me to sustainably support my students while also nurturing myself. I now make sure self-care is in my routine. Who do you consider to be your greatest mentor and why? My greatest mentor is Ms. Molly. Working with her has helped push me to where I am today. When you’re not at work, what do you do to relax? Relaxation for me includes being outside. I enjoy fishing, golfing or 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’m actually quite introverted. Despite my outgoing demeanor in social situations, I recharge best in solitude and thrive on deep, meaningful connections. While it may surprise some, my introverted nature allows me to approach my work as a mental health advocate with empathy and sensitivity, as I understand the importance of creating safe, nurturing spaces for individuals to share their struggles and find support. Read full profile at galvnews.com.28 | The Daily News | 40 Under 40 | 2024 Toallofthe40Under40who makeourlocalcommunity greatfromtheTCLM ChamberofCommerce! www.TCLMchamber.com 2024 | 40 Under 40 | The Daily News | 29Next >