30 Under 40
Thirty local people younger than 40 with notable talents.
We asked them to select preferences: • Camping, hotel or bed & breakfasts? • Beer, wine, coffee or orange juice? • Coke, Pepsi products or Sports drinks? • PC or Macintosh? • General Motors, Ford, Chrysler or imports? • Beatles or Rolling Stones? • City, country or suburban living? • Facebook, Twitter Pinterest, LinkedIn, Google Plus or Tumblr?
Wednesday, July 31, 2013
Page 2 • 30 UNDER 40 • Albert Lea Tribune • Wednesday, July 31, 2013 What would you eat if you could have only one kind of food for the rest of your life? I am a major food snob. I would not accept this. Age: 37 Family: wife, Angela; dog, Maverick City: Freeborn Livelihood: manager at Freeborn Lumber, Albert Lea What is your favorite movie line? “Surprised, Eddie? If I woke up tomorrow morning with my head sewn to the carpet, I wouldn’t be more surprised than I am now.” — Clark Griswald from “Christmas Vacation” If you could have a superpower, what would it be? Mind reading. I would avoid arguments with my wife and understand my dog.
What is your favorite latest technological gadget? A microwave. It makes lunch a snap. What was the most challenging aspect of your childhood? I was a runt with asthma.
Age: 30 Family: mother, Renae; father, Jim brother, Tony; sisterin-law Melissa; nephews Dylan and Logan; niece, Hailey; a cat named Cat City: Albert Lea Livelihood: residential designer and drafter at Freeborn Lumber, Albert Lea
What turn of events What is your favorite movbrought you to the Albert ie line? Lea area? We had a fire in 2007 at In the movie, “The Saint,” Dr. Freeborn Lumber in Freeborn. Emma Russell is asked how We relocated to Plaza Street in it is she still believes in the Albert Lea. goodness of people: “The gift What is your song? of faith. To see, well, to believe “I’m Still a Guy” by Brad in something that’s all around us, but hidden from our sight.”
Brandon Kroeger
If you could have a superpower, what would it be? The ability to read minds. I have always been interested
Congratulations Brandon & Holly! We are glad you are a part of our team. New Homes • Remodels • Outdoor Living Renovations • Kitchens • Ag Buildings 971 Plaza St., Albert Lea 507-377-4284 www.freebornlumber.com
in trying to understand what makes people tick. What would you eat if you could have only one kind of food for the rest of your life? I’d have to go with pizza. Not only is there breakfast pizza, but then for lunch and supper you can always switch up your choice of toppings. What was the most challenging aspect of your childhood? Never being able to reach my mittens on the top shelf of my locker at school! I have always been short. What turn of events brought you to the Albert Lea area? My family lives in the area, so when I had to find a place
Holly Herr
Age: 28 Family: father, Craig Gavle; mother and stepfather, Traci and Jeff Bennett; siblings Cody Bennett, Heather Johnson, Jasmine Gavle, Jared Gavle City: Albert Lea Livelihood: administrative assistant at Thorne Crest Retirement Community in Albert Lea What is your favorite movie line? “There is no crying in baseball.” — Jimmy Dugan in “A League of Their Own” If you could have a super power, what would it be? Ability to fly, so you could travel for free. That’s costly these days. What would you eat if you could have only one kind of food for the rest of your life? Wendy’s french fries with cheese sauce What is your latest technological gadget?
Albert Lea Tribune • Wednesday, July 31, 2013 • 30 UNDER 40 • Page 3 Fresh Amana My Apple iPprime T-Bone hone. You can do steaks from anything with it: Hy-Vee call, text, surf the Internet. An anWhat is your swer to any quesfavorite latest tion is always at technological your fingertips. gadget? What was the I don’t know most challenghow anyone ever ing aspect of survived without your childhood? a smartphone. Being left-handed What turn of events brought What turn of Age: 36 you to the Albert Lea area? events brought you to the Family: wife, Destiny; chilI transferred here for a great Albert Lea area? dren Will, 10, Hannah, 8, Gab- job opportunity with Hy-Vee Born and raised here. by, 4, and Betsy, 1 — twice! City: Albert Lea What is your song? Livelihood: manager of perWhat is your song? “Shooting Star” by Owl City. ishables, Hy-Vee of Albert Lea “When Mercy Found Me” by It talks about letting yourself Rhett Walker Band. shine, and I like that message. What is your favorite movie line? Where do see yourself 10 Where do you see yourself “The one constant through years from now? 10 years from now? all the years has been baseA Hy-Vee store director, Not sure. Try not to think that ball. America has rolled by somewhere in the Midwest. like an army of steamrollers. far into the future. Go day by It’s been erased like a blackday. How are you involved in board, rebuilt and erased charitable or community How are you involved with again. But baseball has service? marked the time. This field, charitable or community I do a lot of volunteer work this game, it’s part of our past. with service? Knights Baseball and AlIt reminds us of what once I’m really involved with the bert Lea Community Baseball. was good, and what could Moose. I am on the women’s I have also been involved with board of officers. I really enjoy be again.” — Terrance Mann, the Juvenile Diabetes Reit and enjoy knowing funds we “Field of Dreams” search Fund, Hy-Vee Triathlon, raise help kids and seniors. United Way and other charitaIf you could have a super ble organizations. power, what would it be? Preferences: I think it would be awesome to be able to throw a 100 mph fastball. That’s a real life super power!
Kayla Thompson
What would you eat if you could have only one kind of food for the rest of your life?
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Page 4 • 30 UNDER 40 • Albert Lea Tribune • Wednesday, July 31, 2013 What was the most challenging aspect of your childhood? Trying to figure out which career path to choose. What turn of events brought you to the Albert Lea area? This is where my family was, and I’ve grown to like it here. Age: 33 Age: 29 Family: mom, Cherie; stepFamily: wife, Meredith; son, What is your song? father, Andy Seuser; father, “Starting Over” by MackGriffin, 12, Devin, 6; dog, Chris Balfe; sisters Charlie, lemore and Ryan Lewis beSophie Morgan and Jordan; brothers cause I am starting over. Alex and Forest; dog, Candy City: Albert Lea City: Albert Lea Where do see yourself 10 Livelihood: new car manLivelihood: inventory manyears from now? ager at Dave Syverson Auto ager at Dave Syverson Auto Hopefully I will have built Center at Albert Lea Center in Albert Lea upon my foundation in the What is your favorite mov- auto industry and will be an integral part of Dave Syverson What is your favorite movie line? “I feel the need, the need for Auto and a great citizen of the ie line? Albert Lea community. speed.” — Maverick in “Top “Of course, I can get a hell Gun” of a good look at a T-Bone How are you involved in If you could have a super charitable or community steak by sticking my head up power, what would it be? service? a bull’s a**, but I’d rather take To be invisible, to be able to I think just being close with the butcher’s word for it.” — just get away at times. my family makes all of our lives better. Big Tom Callahan in “Tommy What would you eat if you Boy” could have only one kind of Preferences: food for the rest of your life? Tootsie Frooties, by Tootsie If you could have a super Roll power, what would it be? To be able to read people’s What is your favorite latest technological gadget? minds. It would reSiri on my iPhone. She tells ally help out in the me everything. car business.
Chris Balfe
of Home 2.95 the $1 ge an oil ch
What would you eat if you could have only one kind of food for the rest of your life? It would have to be tacos. What is your favorite latest technological gadget? Streaming audio Bluetooth in cars. What was the most challenging aspect of your childhood? To not have all of the wonderful things that my children have today, but it has made me a much stronger person today. What turn of events brought you to the Albert Lea area? My father took a job farming in Hollandale, which brought us to Albert Lea. What is your song? “Hey Porsche” by Nelly. I
George Gonzalez
Thank you George & Chris for your outstanding work ethic!
1-800-423-6663 • 507-373-1438 • 2310/2320 E. Main • Albert Lea, MN
Albert Lea Tribune • Wednesday, July 31, 2013 • 30 UNDER 40 • Page 5 What would you eat if you could have only one kind of food for the rest of your life? Steak.
Age: 33 Family: husband, Matthew; son, Kavan, 9 City: Alden and Houston, Texas Livelihood: sales and marketing with The Unbridled Boutique, Northbridge Mall, Albert Lea, and independent consultant at Rodan and Fields Dermatologists What is your favorite movie line? “Sometimes, I guess there just aren’t enough rocks.” — Forrest Gump in “Forest Gump.” If you could have a super power, what would it be? To fly, then I could avoid airports and crowded flights.
What is your favorite latest technological
gadget? My iPad. It never leaves my side. It keeps me in contact with my suppliers and my customers at once. What was the most challenging aspect of your childhood? I spent a lot of time on the road at horse shows. It always presented particular challenges when it came to birthday parties and school dances. All the other kids would be there, and I would be off at a horse show. It taught me a lot about sacrifices you must make to
Jennifer VanHal
What was the most challenging aspect of your childhood? Wait, when did childhood end?
Age: 27 Family: wife, Brooke. City: Hollandale Livelihood: manufacturing engineer at Lou-Rich Inc., Albert Lea What is your favorite movie line? “Doctors say that Wordberg has a 50/50 chance of living, even though there is only a 10 percent chance of that.” — Ed in “The Naked Gun” If you could have a super power, what would it be? X-ray vision. Why not? What would you eat if you could have only one kind of food for the rest of your life? French fries. What is your favorite latest technological gadget? HTP Inverting 221. TIG Welder, building a jet boat.
job.
What turn of events brought you to the Albert Lea area? Birth, and then my family and
What is your song? “Boys Round Here” by Blake Shelton, ’cause I don’t take no lip. Where do see yourself 10 years from now? Living in the country, maybe a kid or two. How are you involved in charitable or community service? Help with the food drives at work. Preferences: 1. Camping 2. Beer 3. Pepsi products 4. PC 5. General Motors 6. Rolling Stones 7. Country living
Lee Gulbrandson
CONGRATULATIONS, Lee! We appreciate your outstanding team effort Northbridge Mall Albert Lea 507-383-9818
Facebook.com/TheUnbridledBoutique
505 W. Front Street, Albert Lea, MN 56007 • 507-377-8910
Page 6 • 30 UNDER 40 • Albert Lea Tribune • Wednesday, July 31, 2013 an early age because of my parents being separated.
Age: 25 Family: single City: Emmons Livelihood: car sales associate at Vern Eide Chevrolet in Albert Lea What is your favorite movie line? “Say hello to my little friend.” — Tony Montana in “Scarface” If you could have a super power, what would it be? To fly and to be free and soar high. What would you eat if you could have only one kind of food for the rest of your life? Pizza. You can eat it at anytime with anything on it. What is your favorite latest technological gadget? I don’t play with or have any gadgets.
on a laptop only I can carry it in my purse.
What turn of events brought you to the Albert Lea area? I was looking for a change, and I have wanted to sell cars since I was a kid. When the opportunity came at Vern Age: 24 Eide Chevrolet, I took it and Family: husband, Tony; never looked back. daughter, Layla City: Hollandale What is your song? Livelihood: administrative “I Won’t Give Up” by Jason assistant at Vern Eide ChevroMraz, because you should let in Albert Lea never give up in the things you love. What is your favorite movie line? Where do see yourself 10 “Your weirdness is actually years from now? affecting my vocal cords, so I see myself at the top of my I’m gonna need you to scoot! profession in whatever I am Skedaddle.” — Bumper in doing. “Pitch Perfect” How are you involved in charitable or community service? I am involved in helping the American Legion and the city of Emmons in any events they have. Preferences: 1. Camping
Matt Vermedahl
What was the most challenging aspect of your childhood? Having to grow up at
If you could have a super power, what would it be? The ability to read minds, so I knew what everyone was thinking. What would you eat if you could have only one kind of food for the rest of your life? Chicken. What is your favorite latest technological gadget? Samsung Galaxy Tablet. I can do everything I could do
What was the most challenging aspect of your childhood? I was never able to play sports due to asthma. What turn of events brought you to the Albert
Lea area? I grew up here my whole life. What is your song? I have lots of songs I would say are my songs. It’s hard to choose one.
Where do see yourself 10 years from now? Having my family completed and still residing in Hollandale. How are you involved in charitable or community service? I love to donate items I don’t need to places that can help others who need them. Preferences: 1. Bed & Breakfast 2. Beer 3. Coke products
Angela O’Connell
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Albert Lea Tribune • Wednesday, July 31, 2013 • 30 UNDER 40 • Page 7
What turn of events brought you to the Albert Lea area? Born and raised here.
What would you eat if you could have only one kind of food for the rest of your life? Buffalo Wild Wings boneless honey barbecue wings.
What is your song? “Wanted” by Hunter Hayes. I just like it.
Age: 31 Family: wife, Ashley; children Presley, 6, Hattie, 2, Raegan, 2, Lia, 2, Shay, 2 City: Geneva Livelihood: sales, service and manual labor at Broskoff Structures Inc. in Geneva If you could have a superpower, what would it be? Be able to fly so I could go places faster. What would you eat if you could have only one kind of food for the rest of your life? Beef steak.
Where do see yourself 10 years from now? I hope to own the family business. How are you involved in charitable or community service? Geneva first responder, Geneva Fire Department Preferences: 1. Camping 2. Beer 3. Sports drinks 4. PC 5. Ford Motor Co 6. Beatles 7. Country living 8. Facebook
What is your favorite latest technological gadget and why? Smartphone, so I can get emails and Internet anywhere. What was the most challenging aspect of your childhood? Growing up with three older sisters.
Travis Broskoff
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507-256-7501 or 507-383-5384 601 Central Ave • Geneva, MN
Age: 22 Family: father, Lee; mother, Shelly; sisters Abbey and Sadie; brother, Ben City: Albert Lea Livelihood: firefighter with the Albert Lea Fire Department What is your favorite movie line? I have many favorites, but I will have to pick one from my favorite movie sagas, “Star Wars.” “Do or do not, there is no try.” — Yoda in “Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back” If you could have a superpower, what would it be? Flight, then I could travel without it costing any money
What is your favorite latest technological gadget? My iPhone 5. It has everything I need right at my fingertips, and I never leave home without it. What was the most challenging aspect of your childhood? I was never a very serious about school until I got to college. Up until then I wouldn’t do any homework or just not turn anything in so I made it hard on myself. What turn of events
Jordan DeVries
Jordan, we appreciate your dedication to serving our community. 221 E. Clark St. Albert Lea, MN 507-377-4300 www.cityofalbertlea.org
Page 8 • 30 UNDER 40 • Albert Lea Tribune • Wednesday, July 31, 2013 challenging aspect of your childhood? Making time to do everything I want to do. (Still is.)
Strawberries.
What turn of events brought you to the Albert Lea area? The purchase of PC Doctor in 2012. Age: 39 Family: wife, Jill; daughters, Cameron, 7, Kaiya, 5, and Tyler, 2 City: Waseca Livelihood: own and operate Pantheon Computers and PC Doctor in Waseca, Faribault and Albert Lea What is your favorite movie line? “You can’t handle the truth.” — Col. Jessep in “A Few Good Men” If you could have a super power, what would it be? To fly, that would be cool. What would you eat if you could have only one kind of food for the rest of your life? I sound like a kid, but I love great pizza. What is your favorite latest technological gadget? The new rip and flip laptop. A full-blooded Windows PC that one can handle as a tablet, also. What was the most
What is your song? “Do Everything” by Steven Curtis Chapman because it’s about everyday life and why I do it. Where do see yourself 10 years from now? I love being a dad. I’ll be raising teenagers in 10 years. My goal is to still be very connected with my kids as they get older and grow and mature through life. I also love running our business. I plan to continue to grow. In 10 years I’d project we’ll have made a few more acquisitions, started a few more locations and cover the greater part of southeast Minnesota. How are you involved in charitable or community service? I’m involved in our communities through our church,
Jon Stagman
Age: 31 Family: husband, Chad; daughter, Cloe, 4 City: Hollandale Livelihood: works at Floors 4-U in Ellendale What is your favorite movie line? “Nobody puts Baby in the corner.” — Johnny Castle in “Dirty Dancing” If you could have a super power, what would it be? I would want to have super energy. Because then I would be able to get all the things done that I needed.
What is your favorite latest technological gadget? My favorite is the telephone, because you can use a phone to call and talk to anyone. You hear their voice. You can make conversations a lot more personable. What turn of events brought you to the Albert Lea area? I was from Ellendale and through a dear friend I met my husband who was from Hollandale, were my mother grew I really don’t up. So when we got married have a song. If we moved to Hollandale. it was six years What is your song?
Allison GrothMuilenburg
What would you eat if you could have only one kind of food for the rest of your life?
Helping people in business make better use of their computers. 507-373-0402 pantheoncomputers.com
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Age: 24 Family: father, Mark Runden; mother, Susan Runden; sisters Natalie Runden, Samantha Klukow; significant other, Martha Conway City: Hayward Livelihood: accountant at Albert Lea Seed House, Albert Lea What is your favorite movie line? “At age 11, I audited my parents. Believe me, there were some discrepancies, and I was grounded.” — Allen Gamble in “The Other Guys” If you could have a super power, what would it be? Teleportation; I could go anywhere in the world for my lunch break.
Albert Lea Tribune • Wednesday, July 31, 2013 • 30 UNDER 40 • Page 9 What would have to type what I want to say you eat if you when sending could have only text messages. one kind of food What turn of for the rest of events brought you to the Albert your life? Lea area? Shrimp pasta I was born in dish Albert Lea. I love it here. I think Albert Lea has a What is your lot of fun things to do all year-round. favorite latest technological What is your Age: 27 song? gadget? Family: husband, Matt; “Awake and Alive” by Skillet. Computers. They may not be daughters; Lauren, 6, Lillian, I love listening to this song 1 1/2 the latest gadget, but they are every time I run. It’s empowerCity: Albert Lea ing! I think the girl who is the Livelihood: part owner handy for almost any task. drummer is so cool! of Raleigh’s Ace Hardware and workout instructor at the Where do you see yourself YMCA, both in Albert Lea What was the most chal10 years from now? lenging aspect of your Three or four kids and doing What is your favorite movthings together like camping. childhood? ie line? “I just like to smile, smiling’s I don’t remember childHow are you involved in my favorite.” — Buddy in “Elf” hood as being particularly charitable or community service? If you could have a super challenging. I like to run in races that dopower, what would it be? nate part of the registration fee I wish I could be like Spito different charities. I would der-Man and crawl up walls What turn of events like to run more but with a and hang from ceilings. brought you to the Albert family with young children it’s a little hard to get away. I have Lea area? What would you eat if you also done the local Relay for could have only one kind of I was born in the area. I food for the rest of your life? Life with family and friends. came back here after finishing Potatoes. I love potato chips. Preferences: college, and I’ve stayed in the I could eat them every day. I also love potato pancakes, French fries, baked and mashed potatoes.
Phil Runden
What is your favorite latest technological gadget? iPhone 5! I really like speaking into it and having it record my words. I never
We are proud to have you on our team!
Ellen Raleigh
Intersection of W. Main and Hwy 13 (across from Nelsons) 373-3161 Hrs. Mon.-Fri. 8 to 5, Sat. 8 to 4
Page 10 • 30 UNDER 40 • Albert Lea Tribune • Wednesday, July 31, 2013 What would you eat if you could have only one kind of food for the rest of your life? Crab legs.
Age: 28 Family: fiance and a dog City: Albert Lea Livelihood: Housing manager at Ecumen Country Neighbors in New Richland What is your favorite movie line? “I came here tonight because when you realize you want to spend the rest of your life with somebody, you want the rest of your life to start as soon as possible.” — Harry Burns, “When Harry Met Sally” If you could have a super power, what would it be? Omnilingualism, the ability to understand any language. Then I could travel around the world and never have to worry about a language barrier.
What is your favorite latest technological
gadget? The iPhone. It keeps me in touch with work, family and friends and keeps me organized.
What was the most challenging aspect of your childhood? While not very interesting, my childhood was fortunately pretty happy and care-free. What turn of events brought you to the Albert Lea area? I’m from Apple Valley, but we moved to Albert Lea to
Kelly Hanson
through all of the tedious tasks of the day and have more time to spend with my family and friends.
What would you eat if you could only have one kind of food Age: 39 to eat for the rest of your Family: husband, Joel; life? stepdaughter, Kayli, 22; son, Pizza, because there are Ian, 14; daughters Ferran, 2 1/2, and Paisley, 1 1/2; parents so many variations of it, and I love the majority of them. Marlin and Sharon Herfendal City: rural Hayward What is your favorite latest Livelihood: buy, sell breed technological gadget? and show award-winning My Kindle Fire. I like being alpacas for Guardian Angels able to take an entire library Ranch in rural Hayward of books with me everywhere What is your favorite mov- I go. ie line? “Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.” — Ferris Bueller in “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off”
What was the most challenging aspect of your childhood? Moving to a new town and changing schools at age 16.
Kristi Hantelman
If you could have a super power, what would it be? Super speed, so I could zip
Guardian Angels Ranch 113 1st St SW New Richland, MN
507-463-3565 countryneighbors.org
Raising only the highest quality alpacas for show, breeding stock, fiber and pets. Joel and Kristi Hantelman
Hayward, Minnesota • (507) 402-1600 www.guardianangelsranch.com
Age: 24 Family: mother, father, brother, sister, brother-in-law, niece, nephew City: Albert Lea Livelihood: quality assurance clerk at Ventura Foods in Albert Lea and assistant to U12 girls’ hockey coach What is your favorite movie line? “Roads? Where we’re going, we don’t need roads.” — Dr. Emmett Brown in “Back to the Future” If you could have a super power, what would it be? Fly. I could get places faster. What would you eat if you could have only one kind of food for the rest of your life? Definitely cheese! There are Jennifer VanHal: Continued from Page 5 How are you involved in charitable or community service? I have spent years serving on the Minnesota Paint Horse Association Board of Directors and as the Minnesota Junior Paint Horse Association youth adviser, through that I enjoy organizing many
Albert Lea Tribune • Wednesday, July 31, 2013 • 30 UNDER 40 • Page 11 so many different kinds, such What would as mozzarella, you eat if you could have only cheddar, muenster, and ways one kind of food it is made, like for the rest of cottage, string, your life? Chocolate … in shredded. any of its forms. What is your favorite latest What would technological you eat if you Age: 39 could have only one kind of gadget? Family: husband, Tom; food for the rest of your life? IPod fifth generation. I love stepson, Sam; stepdaughter; music and I use my iPod a lot Rachel My wireless Bose speakers throughout the day. because I can have music at City: Clarks Grove an impromptu yoga anywhere Livelihood: payroll & fiWhat was the most chalI am with my phone. nancial accountant at Freelenging aspect of your born-Mower Cooperative childhood? What was the most chalServices, Albert Lea When my parents had to put lenging aspect of your my dog Fluffy to sleep. At the What is your favorite mov- childhood? time it was a devastation beAlthough as an adult I love ie line? cause we had him my whole living in the country it was “Nobody puts Baby in a life up to age 10. not nearly as enjoyable as a corner.” — Johnny Castle in pre-drivers licensed teenager. “Dirty Dancing” What turn of events brought you to the Albert What turn of events Birth. If you could have a super Lea area? brought you to Albert Lea power, what would it be? I graduated from college area? What song is I’m not sure what super power, but I’d like a giant bag of fairy dust that I could sprinkle on pessimistic, negative people so that they might be a life-enhancing force in the world rather than life draining.
Sarah Jensen
different fundraisers. Most recently I took a pie in the face to raise money for the youth scholarship fund. I also enjoy volunteering at local 4-H events when around southern Minnesota. Preferences: 1. Camping 2. Wine 3. Coke products 4. Macintosh
Judy Jensen
Page 12 • 30 UNDER 40 • Albert Lea Tribune • Wednesday, July 31, 2013 Chips. There are so many flavors so I wouldn’t get bored with the same one.
Age: 30 Family: mother, Barb; father, Bruce; brother, Clint; sister, Whitney City: Albert Lea Livelihood: human resources assistant at Mrs. Gerry’s Kitchen in Albert Lea What is your favorite movie line? “Do or do not. There is no try.” — Yoda from “Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back” If you could have a super power, what would it be? I would be able to fly; it would save money on gas and plane tickets. What would you eat if you could have only one kind of food for the rest of your life?
It would have to be pasta. It’s hard to beat good pasta dishes.
What is your favorite latest technological gadget? My smartphone. I’m still trying to Age: 27 figure out how to do some Family: mother, Carilee; things. grandpa, David; grandma, Lucy; brother, Andy What was the most chalCity: Albert Lea lenging aspect of your Livelihood: varsity socchildhood? cer coach in Albert Lea and I think the most challenging Mason City, substitute teacher, aspect of my childhood was Albert Lea Area School Disthe same as most people: trict, Mason City Community finding people you can be School District totally yourself with. What turn of events brought What is your favorite movyou to the Albert Lea area? My parents moved us here ie line? when I was young. “You don’t know about real loss, ’cause it only occurs What is your song? “I’ve Got You Under My when you’ve loved something Skin” by Frank Sinatra. It is my more than you love yourself.” favorite and it always puts a — Sean Maguire in “Good Will smile on my face when I hear Hunting”
Erin Sauer
If you could have a super power, what would it be? Invulnerability. I’d be able to endure anything and protect others from harm. What would you eat if you could have only one kind of food for the rest of your life?
for your dedication & hard work as our Human Resource Assistant 2110 Y.H. Hanson Ave Albert Lea 373-6384 Fax 373-5617
What is your favorite latest technological gadget? The iPhone. I use it every day and it has everything I need on it. It’s obviously a phone, has email, Internet and Facebook. What more would I need? What was the most challenging aspect of your childhood? Overcoming my asthma and as with about all children, finding a place where people accept you for who you really are. What turn of events brought you to the Albert Lea area? My parents and grandparents are from Albert Lea. After college, I came back to Albert Lea and was offered an assistant coaching position for the high school soccer team and I
Joseph Squires
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Age: 31 Family: husband, Michael; dog, Bella; eight nieces and nephews City: Albert Lea Livelihood: administrator at Good Samaritan Society, Albert Lea What is your favorite movie line? “The greatest thing you’ll ever learn is just to love and be loved in return.” — Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec in Moulin Rouge If you could have a super power, what would it be? Time travel. I would love to go back in time and see family members and friends who have passed away. I would also love to see myself in five, 10 and 15 years. What would you eat if you could have only one kind of food for the rest of your life? Salty snacks (chips, crackers, popcorn, etc). What is your favorite latest technological gadget? I love my new iPhone, which enables me to “Facetime” with my nieces and nephews in
Albert Lea Tribune • Wednesday, July 31, 2013 • 30 UNDER 40 • Page 13 South Dakota. What was the most challengWhat was the ing aspect of your childhood? most challengThe divorce of ing aspect of my parents. your childhood? As a child, I What turn of seemed to always events brought physically be you to the Albert Lea area? hurting myself. At My wife and the age 5, I fell 15 I believed that feet from the top God was leading Age: 31 us here to serve the church of Family: wife, Kristy; son, of our outdoor playhouse and Albert Lea. Jairus received a concussion. The City: Albert Lea next year I fell off my bicycle What is your song? Livelihood: associate pas“Ain’t No Sunshine” by Bill tor at Crossroads Church in causing the handlebar of the Withers, because things are Albert Lea bike to protrude into my mouth. always better when my wife is This resulted in my upper lip What is your favorite mov- with me. ie line? tearing apart. Not only did Where do see yourself 10 “You’ve taught this city how I lose a few teeth, but I also years from now? to trust the soul of a man have a nice scar to prove that Preaching God’s truth, loving rather than the look of him.” my little bicycle totally dominat- — Coach Yoast in “Remember my family and teaching my son how to play guitar. the Titans” ed me! At the age of 7, I became very ill with pneumonia If you could have a super How are you involved in power, what would it be? charitable or community and was hospitalized for one I already do have super service? week and experienced my first powers. Supporting World Missions, spinal tap during my hospitalparticipating in Shinefest, What would you eat if you helping my neighbors, paying ization. At the age of 11 I broke could have only one kind of taxes, ha ha. my pinky finger while playing food for the rest of your life? Cucumbers. basketball, which resulted in Preferences: a bright, neon pink cast for six What is your favorite latest weeks. In eighth grade during technological gadget? Google Glass because I can gym class I slipped on the floor have video calls, look up diin the girls’ locker room causrections and gather any other ing my knee to hit the corner of info just by giving voice commands and looking in front of the wall. After the fall I looked me into my Google Glasses. at my knee and could see my white kneecap bone, which is a sight I will never forget. I now brought you try to stay away from wet floors. to the Albert Lea area? What turn of events
Kaleb Hurley
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Page 14 • 30 UNDER 40 • Albert Lea Tribune • Wednesday, July 31, 2013 eat if you could have only one kind of food for the rest of your life? Pasta. I love Italian food!
Name: Kara Ibberson Age: 25 Family: husband, Paul; dogs, Ella and Lola City: Glenville Livelihood: personal banker, loan officer at Wells Federal Bank in Albert Lea What is your favorite movie line? “You must always remember, you are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.” — Christopher Robin, “Winnie the Pooh” If you could have a super power, what would it be? To be able to go anywhere in the world with the snap of a finger. What would you
What is your favorite latest technological gadget? iPhone 5. There are so many uses for it and it is very user-friendly. What was the most challenging aspect of your childhood? My brother passed away when I was 12 years old, and that was very hard to overcome being in my childhood years. It was very hard for me to understand why things are the way they are. What turn of events brought you to the Albert Lea area?
Kara Ibberson
Congratulations, Kara! Bridge Avenue Location: 2630 Bridge Avenue 373-7227
Nelson’s County Market Location: 1619 W. Main Street 373-9889
Age: 24 Family: father, Bill; mother, Ann; sister, Lana, 21; brother, Logan, 12; dog, Nora. City: Albert Lea Livelihood: pre-school teacher at The Children’s Center in Albert Lea What is your favorite movie line? My favorite movie is “A Walk to Remember.” I do have a favorite quote, and it is what I try to live my life by and also what I try to teach to my students, no matter their age and grade level: “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” — Eleanor Roosevelt If you could have a super power, what would it be? This is a hard question because there are so many amazing super powers, but I guess I would choose to have the power of healing. I would love to be able to heal all children from the troubles they face on a day-to-day basis in our society today. I would like to be able to provide them all with a safe home and a loving and supporting family. I also feel this power would allow me
to heal the adults and children alike that are suffering and struggling with illnesses. What would you eat if you could have only one kind of food for the rest of your life? Now this is a hard question because it would all depend on where I was living, but after doing a portion of my student teaching experience in Australia, I would have to say Tim Tams. They are a cookie “biscuit,” and they are absolutely amazing and addicting. What is your favorite latest technological gadget? I would have to say a Smart Board because there are so many fun and creative ways that you can use them to teach children. I really miss having one in my classroom. What was the most challenging aspect of your childhood? While I was in second grade, my teacher noticed something out of the ordinary about me. She was one to try new ideas in the classroom, and when I could read better upside down than right side up, she brought it to the attention of my parents. After various tests
Mariah Howe
Age: 29 Family: husband, Barnes; daughter, Ivy, 3 City: Northwood Livelihood: licensed massage therapist at Dinah’s Style, Albert Lea What is your favorite movie line? “Wait, we can’t stop here. This is bat country.” — Raoul Duke in “Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas” If you could have a superpower, what would it be? The power to heal any and every disease, it breaks my heart to see people suffering from various conditions, especially children. What would you eat if you could
Albert Lea Tribune • Wednesday, July 31, 2013 • 30 UNDER 40 • Page 15 have only one hurting. kind of food for the rest of your What would life? you eat if you Taco salad from could have only Taco King. one kind of food for the rest of What is your your life? favorite latest Ice cream! technological gadget? What is your The Square favorite latest Name: Amber Yaw credit card reader. It actechnological gadget? Age: 27 cepts credit card/debit card The iPhone. I can do so Family: mother, Patti Yaw; payments straight from my many different things on the father, Bob Yaw; sister, Tricia iPhone. phone. Yaw What was the most challenging aspect of your childhood? Losing my father, Lowell Stumo, when I was 13. His death is considered a cold case to this day so it has now become the most challenging aspect of my adulthood as well.
City: Albert Lea Livelihood: fitness instructor at Fab Z Fitness Studio and para-educator at Lakeview Elementary School, both in Albert Lea
What is your favorite movie line? It’s from “Sweet Home Alabama,” where Melanie says: What turn of events brought north-central Iowa“What do you want be married you to the Albert Lea area? area. to me for anyhow?” Jake reI was born and raised in the plies: “So I can kiss you anytime I want.”
Emily Toresdahl
What was the most challenging aspect of your childhood? Moving around. I was a military brat, and we moved every four years. Although I would never change it now, as a child it was hard leaving people behind and not really ever knowing extended family members.
If you could have a super power, what would it be? To heal, I would love to help people who are sick and
Thank you, Emily Toresdahl!
Full Service Salon & Spa for the Entire 405 E. William St. Albert Lea, MN 507-373-3822
Family 146 W College St. • Albert Lea, MN 56007
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What turn of events brought
Amber Yaw
Page 16 • 30 UNDER 40 • Albert Lea Tribune • Wednesday, July 31, 2013
time, to stop or slow it down because time goes by way too fast.
What would you eat if you could have only one kind of food for the rest of your life? Sushi.
Age: 21 Family: mother, father, step-mother, step-father, 3 step-sisters City: Albert Lea Livelihood: acupuncturist and owner at Healing Focus Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, Albert Lea What is your favorite movie line? “You treat a disease, you win, you lose. You treat a person, I guarantee you, you’ll win no matter what the outcome.” — Hunter “Patch” Adams in “Patch Adams”
What is your favorite latest technological
gadget? My phone because it does almost everything. What was the most challenging aspect of your childhood? Learning to play the violin! Learning to read music was the hardest part. What turn of events brought you to the Albert Lea area? My mother worked at the schools as a social worker, so we moved here from Blue Earth so she could be closer
Cierra Anderson
If you could have a super power, what would it be? Animal communication. I’ve always liked to know what my pets are thinking. Kristi Hantelman Continued from Page 10
How are you involved in charitable or community service? I foster cats and kittens for the Humane Society of Freeborn County. My favorite thing to do is taking in special needs kittens and nursing them back to health. My husband calls me the Cat Whisperer because, so far, they have all done very well.
Kara Ibberson: Continued from Page 14 Preferences: 1. Camping 2. Beer 3. Pepsi products 4. Macintosh 5. Ford Motor Co. 6. Rolling Stones 7. Country
Age: 30 Family: wife, Sara; daughter, Kinley, 3 City: Glenville Livelihood: assistant manager at the Trading Post in Gordonsville What is your favorite movie line? It’s not from a movie, but my favorite quote is: “Never give up, never back down, never lose faith.” — drag race car driver and owner John Force If you could have a super power, what would it be? Ability to control
What would you eat if you could have only one kind of food for the rest of your life? Prime rib. What is your favorite latest technological gadget? My phone because you have whatever info you want/need just about anywhere you are. What was the most challenging aspect of your childhood? Putting up with my two little brothers. What turn of events
Mike McGuire
Mariah Howe: Continued from Page 14
What is your song? “Find Your Wings” by Mark Harris. I just think it is an inspiring song and as a child I could always picture my parents singing it to me. I so often just want the message within it to touch those around me.
Where do see yourself 10 years from now? In 10 years I hope to be happily teaching in an elementary school with a great and enthusiastic team of teachers. I want to be active in the community that I live in and possibly take on coaching or advis-
ing roles in the district I teach in. I would love to be married and possibly have children of my own. How are you involved in charitable or community service? I am the youth chairwoman of my church (Zion Lutheran). I also teach our pre-confirmation classes at church, sing on our praise team and act for our drama team. I am a member of our wellness committee at work, and also help with the childcare program for MOPS