2012 40 Under Forty

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20 12

INTRODUCTION We live in a region that is rich in countless ways – natural beauty, history, resources, cultural diversity – and, as we are here to celebrate, raw human talent.

Harry Truman said, “In periods where there is no leadership, society stands still.

Progress occurs when courageous, skillful leaders seize the opportunity to change things for the better.”

Here in the South Sound, we are not standing still.

So, we celebrate young professionals who call the South Sound home. They bring their very best every day to improve quality of life for their families, neighbors and community as a whole. They go so many extra miles beyond “enough,” because they know in their hearts that their work will have true impact.

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS PRESENTED BY

We are grateful for the contributions made by these young leaders who help to make our community vibrant, and remove any danger of “standing still.”

The 40 Under Forty program recognizes outstanding South Sound business and community leaders under the age of 40. It recognizes up-and-coming young professionals who show promise as the next generation of business community leaders.

Every nominee is worthy of the spotlight today.

Thank you to Business Examiner Media Group for its recognition of business successes and the young leaders who are making it happen. Thank you to every 40 Under Forty nominee. Your work raises the bar and keeps this community moving forward.

CONTRIBUTING SPONSORS

Finally, thank you and congratulations to the 2012 40 Under Forty honorees who represent our very bright future.

Phil Jones CEO/President Harborstone Credit Union

EVENT PARTNERS

Photos by Dane Gregory Meyer - DG Studio Stories by Business Examiner Media Group

Business Examiner Media Group delivers information dedicated to business success in multiple platforms, including the only newspaper in its coverage area dedicated solely to informing and supporting the South Sound business community. Reach us at BusinessExaminer.com, by calling (253) 404-0891 or by mail at PO BOX 1575 Tacoma, Wa. 98401-1575.

DANE GREGORY MEYER PHOTOGRAPHY

2012 40 Under Forty | 3

ANNIE ARBENZ

SUSAN BARBEAU

Attorney/Partner Kampbell, Andrews & Arbenz, PLLC

Community Engagement Associate KBTC Public Television

What have you done that has made you most proud?

I am extremely proud that my law practice is busy, that my clients appreciate what I do for them and their families, and that my jump into partnership has been a financial and personal success. I would be remiss if I did not mention how proud I am of recently being appointed by the Dean of Gonzaga Law School to serve on the Law School’s Board of Advisors. I am the youngest board member and one of the few females serving on the board.

What have you done that has made you most proud?

I am most proud of the work we are currently doing at KBTC with the Ready to Learn in the Hilltop Neighborhood project. The purpose of the RTL initiative is to strengthen the math and literacy skills of lowincome children living within the Hilltop community of Tacoma.

It is a project funded by the U.S. Department of Education, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and local donors. Together with community partners, we have developed a 360-degree approach to informal learning using PBS transmedia content.

How did you earn your first dollar?

I was a pretty creative entrepreneur when I was a kid, but my business endeavors weren’t always successful.

My first dollar was probably earned by selling lemonade, which I began doing as soon as I could count coins.

What would most people be surprised to learn about you?

I’m only 5’3”. I wear pretty tall heels all the time, so in the rare event that I’m wearing flats or running shoes, I’m significantly shorter than when people typically meet me at the office, where I’m more, like 5’7” or 5’8”.

What are you most passionate about?

I can confidently say that I am passionate about people. If someone needed help, I would be there to help.

How would you describe success?

How will you know when you’ve made it?

I used to joke in law school that I’ll know I’ve made it when I have a wine holder that is filled with wine and a Roomba (the robot discshaped vacuum). I guess that was because both seemed completely unnecessary but pretty cool to have.

Suffice it to say, “making it” now means that I have a good work-life balance, time to give back to my community, and a reputation for being a trustworthy and reasonable attorney.

4 | 2012 40 Under Forty

How did you earn your first dollar?

I made my first dollar at the age of 8 with my neighbor kids selling lemonade in our neighborhood. It cost 10 cents a glass. We used the money to buy candy at the corner store.

What would most people be surprised to learn about you?

Honestly, probably nothing. I’m pretty much an open book. What you see is what you get.

What are you most passionate about?

I am passionate about education.

More specifically about providing educational opportunities to those students who fall in the gap. Every child, regardless of income, deserves the opportunity for success. They also deserve encouragement, so they know that someone cares about them and they’ll be supported along their journey.

How would you describe success?

How will you know when you’ve made it?

I describe success as making a positive impact. If your actions help improve the world in some way, then you’re successful – however big or small those achievements may be.

RYAN BOONE

ALICIA CARTER

Certified Financial Planner/ Financial Advisor Morgan Stanley Smith Barney

Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor Strategic Consulting Services

What have you done that has made you most proud?

In my 14 years at Morgan Stanley Smith Barney, I’ve had numerous opportunities to recruit, hire and mentor young interns at the beginning of their careers. What makes me most proud is watching many of them go on to have successful careers in our firm and industry. I’ve also been so privileged for several years to be involved in speaking to high school students interested in careers in finance through the National Academy of Finance.

What have you done that has made you most proud?

Recently, I served on a fundraising committee for the United Way of Pierce County’s Project-U Get Involved Gala.

Project-U had never held a large-scale fundraising event. The committee developed the Get Involved Gala from the ground up as a pilot fundraiser.

Our team partnered with businesses in the community to procure more than $7,000 in goods and services, promoted the event for a first-year turnout of more than 300 people, and raised over $14,000 for the UWPC.

How did you earn your first dollar?

I earned my first dollar scooping ice cream at Baskin Robbins in Seattle at age 16. That first dollar became my first deposit into my “France Trip Fund.” My high school French class was planning a trip to Paris and southern France the following year. I took the job and hid it from my parents for several months to be able to pay for the trip.

How did you earn your first dollar?

I earned my first dollar working as a swim instructor. It was a great first job!

What would most people be surprised to learn about you?

I’m a Jane Austen geek. My two favorite books and movies are “Sense & Sensibility” and “Pride & Prejudice” (the Colin Firth movie, not Keira Knightley).

What are you most passionate about?

My greatest passion is helping young people prepare for their retirements.

I’ve always found it troubling that our industry largely focuses too much on older investors whom they perceive have more money. However, it’s really younger investors at the beginning of their careers that can benefit the most from a little planning and direction.

How would you describe success?

How will you know when you’ve made it?

Success to me is when you no longer have a “job,” but are paid to do what you love. I almost hate to write this because it sounds so cliche as I reread it, but I really enjoy what I do. For that I consider myself extremely successful.

I’m not sure I will have ever necessarily “made it.” It seems like there is always something new to learn or challenge to react to. I guess that’s one thing I love about our industry – it’s never static, and impossible to completely master.

What would most people be surprised to learn about you?

I think people would be surprised to learn that I’m fairly sensitive. I’m outgoing and confident, but I definitely take people’s opinions and critiques to heart.

What are you most passionate about?

I am most passionate about community involvement. I think it’s important to give back to the community.

Community involvement is a great way to connect with others while developing a deeper understanding of the issues that face your community.

Being involved in something that contributes positively to social, economic and/or environmental change provides one with a sense of ownership in the community’s growth and improvement.

How would you describe success?

How will you know when you’ve made it?

I believe that success is a journey, not a destination. Throughout my life, I have set and met goals. In achieving those goals, I feel a sense of accomplishment but primarily view them as benchmarks.

For me, I’ve felt the “made it” moment each time I’ve met a major benchmark: graduating from college, finishing my thesis and grad-school, world travels, successfully planning and executing major fundraising events. For me, success is like running a race or climbing a mountain: your hard-work pays off in the moment but the true reward is how it prepares you for future challenges.

CONGRATULATIONS TO JEFF STALLINGS

for being a 40 Under Forty Honoree!

KATHLEEN CASPER

NICK COUGHRAN Owner Cork A Wine Bar

Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Pierce County Prosecutor’s Office

JOHN CUMMINGS

BRITTANY ELLSWORTH

What have you done that has made you most proud?

Having children at a young age and still being able to succeed in business and in the rest of my life has been difficult. But I am so proud of my kids and they are all doing so well in life. I think I’ve been a pretty good role model for them. They are all leaders in their schools. I’m also very proud to be adopting an amazing kid from the Florida foster care system who has struggled in that system for many years and is thriving in our home.

And career-wise, I am proud to be teaching students about the community in ways that make civics real to them and brings the world into our classroom.

What have you done that has made you most proud?

A year ago, I had the challenge of relocating Cork to a new location. To make the long story short, the previous location was not allowing us to grow efficiently. I was nervous about the move because our budget was tight, there were several suspicious questions about the new location and the risk felt higher than ever. However, none of that mattered to me. A few short words from my father put my fears to rest. In the moments leading up to reopening the new location, I gave a tour to my father who just said to me, “You did good.” That was all I needed.

What have you done that has made you most proud?

I came out of the closet as a gay man. I thought that coming out would be an end to a lie I’d been telling myself for years. In truth, it was the beginning to a string of amazing experiences. Since coming out, my parents have started the first PFLAG (parents, friends and family of lesbians and gays) chapter in Butte, Mont. I’ve learned to mentor LGBTQ youth and I’ve formed more meaningful friendships than I could ever have imagined!

What have you done that has made you most proud?

I’m very proud of earning my MBA last year. Making the choice to go back to school was difficult. I was working full time and enjoying being done writing papers and taking tests. I remember going to the UWT information night about the program and thinking I would never stack up against the other people in the room, or against the average qualifications an accepted student holds. I was so excited to just get accepted that I overlooked the fact that the real challenge was still ahead.

How did you earn your first dollar?

My first official job was as a lifeguard in Olympia at the local YMCA. Of course, I always did a lot of babysitting, car washes and lemonade stands as a kid, too!

How did you earn your first dollar?

My first dollar was earned by selling my mother the first glass of wine that was ever rung up through the new Cork.

That dollar is sitting in a frame behind the bar to this day.

What would most people be surprised to learn about you?

I think many people would be surprised to learn that I was a foster child when I was younger and many are surprised to learn I have a son who is in college, who I had when I was 17 (and that I now have five children!).

What would most people be surprised to learn about you?

I always turn a lot of heads, and get several confused looks when I admit to people that I also train and compete in Mixed Martial Arts.

Highly Capable Program Educator Tacoma Public Schools; Attorney/Owner, Law Offices of L. Kathleen Casper

What are you most passionate about?

I get most passionate about children’s issues. I love kids and want what’s best for them. I feel responsible for helping kids from all different families and backgrounds in many different situations.

How would you describe success?

How will you know when you’ve made it?

I succeed every day that a child tells me I’ve made a difference to them in any way. The best success for me is hearing my own children say that they are doing exciting things in their lives because I’ve inspired and encouraged them. I feel like I’ve already made it because I am excited about my own life and feel I’m doing what I should be doing.

6 | 2012 40 Under Forty

What are you most passionate about?

I am very passionate in teaching, educating and coaching – something else others may not know about me.

When given an opportunity I enjoy taking my experiences and helping others become successful. I know that later in life, in some fashion, I will pursue a teaching career. In the mean time, I will learn and study myself and build a knowledge through my experiences.

How would you describe success?

How will you know when you’ve made it?

I will know that I have made it when I am happy, satisfied and in a position where I can help others around me.

Success is a perception, and you gain that perception by working hard toward your goals and being happy with the result. I know that if I work hard, try my best, and pursue life with honor and integrity, then I will be successful and I will accomplish all my goals.

How did you earn your first dollar?

I watered plants at St. John’s Catholic Church for $4 an hour.

What would most people be surprised to learn about you?

I was very shy and insecure when I was young. I was lucky to have a sensitive and inspiring teacher (Betty Lalanne) to help me navigate that difficult time.

What are you most passionate about?

Celebrating, supporting, and mentoring LGBTQ youth. Everyone needs to feel loved and accepted, and every queer youth should be surrounded by the people who love and support them. Also, poetry – I love poetry.

How would you describe success?

How will you know when you’ve made it?

Success is loving what you do and serving others while you do it. In many ways I have made it. I have wonderful, supportive friends, an amazing family and a job I love. I want to one day serve as a judge in Pierce County, but I am very happy right now, too.

Marketing Manager TrueBlue Inc

How did you earn your first dollar?

For all technical purposes, I earned my first dollar in a rather traditional way: by getting my first job working at the Tacoma Mall. I worked as a cashier and sales associate at Victoria’s Secret.

What would most people be surprised to learn about you?

I think most people view me as being very “girly-girl” when they first meet me. In reality, that’s only one aspect of my personality. I love to joke around and be a smart-mouth, I’m very opinionated and stubborn. While I love clothes and sparkles, I also love to watch UFC and listen to classic rock.

What are you most passionate about?

I am passionate about my friends and family. They are the center of my world and spending time with them, sharing their successes and sorrows, and making memories means everything to me. I consider them the center of my world. I am also equally passionate about what I would call world cultures – learning about other people and places, reading, traveling and history.

How would you describe success?

How will you know when you’ve made it?

I describe success as being fulfilled and happy – whether that is in your job, your personal life or whatever path you’ve chosen for yourself. For me, that translates into being an independent, capable young woman who is content with herself, her job and her personal life. I don’t necessarily think you achieve success as a onetime event or milestone.

I think it is on-going and something you need to continually re-evaluate.

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MATT ENLOE

Executive Director The First Tee of South Puget Sound

CHRIS FREE

KATE FRISBIE

Principal Rapport Benefits Group

Architectural Designer McGranahan Architects

How did you earn your first dollar?

My father, ever the entrepreneur, helped my brother and I put up door hangers around the neighborhood for mowing – with our own name and logo that he designed.

What have you done that has made you most proud?

There is no question in my mind that creating Rapport Benefits Group has filled me with more pride than anything I have ever done. I have witnessed hundreds of instances where Rapport was able to make someone’s life better. Even more importantly, Rapport has provided the opportunities our employees need to earn a living and put food on their families’ plates. I can’t imagine what I could be more proud of than creating that opportunity. I love our employees.

What would most people be surprised to learn about you?

That I was voted best dancer in high school. People just can’t imagine that I have the moves like Jagger (or getting jiggy with those unaware of this cultural parlance).

How did you earn your first dollar?

Believe it or not, I sold candy in sixth grade. I used my allowance to buy a box of 48 lollipops for less than $5.

Then sold them for 25 cents each – $12.

I more than doubled my allowance every week.

What have you done that has made you most proud?

Over the past few years, in my career, there have been a few accomplishments that stand out as my proudest moments. The first was in 2000 while working as an intern at my first job in an architectural firm. I had been given the opportunity to design a high impact project with a small budget, converting an existing school district bus barn to a Boys & Girls Club. This was my first design project to get built and I looked forward to every construction meeting to see my vision become reality, and to see a smile on the happy owner.

What are you most passionate about?

I’m passionate about generative leadership. In other words, investing our time and energy into our future – which is to say our young people.

Never in our country’s history have so many young people had to grow up in adverse circumstances. Simultaneously, there has never been so many adults with college educations. We have an incredible opportunity to reach the highest level of leadership, which is the stage when we stop acquiring/ protecting and start giving away (which ironically is when we receive the most). This is community to me.

What would most people be surprised to learn about you?

I think most people know that I work very hard at Rapport and on legislative matters. I think many people would be surprised to find out how much I work on and love electronic dance music. I love composing and remixing. It may make me happier than anything else in the world.

What have you done that has made you most proud?

Ask for help. This is always a challenge because I would rather be “self-made” and “independent.” But, I wouldn’t be where I am without asking for help from mentors, community members, partners, friends and family.

How would you describe success?

How will you know when you’ve made it?

Success is finding peace. When I can let go of control and rivalry and power, then I would have made it. However, it’s not possible – but the pursuit of this end is enough for me.

8 | 2012 40 Under Forty

What are you most passionate about?

While I love music, I think I am currently most passionate about improving the political and business climate in Washington and the United States. I love this state and this country, and am saddened by the current state of political discourse.

How would you describe success?

How will you know when you’ve made it?

Success, to me, is the ability to help others with little to no impact to my life. I want to leave behind an endowment that provides necessities, like food or shelter, to people around the world. Success is doing permanent good for vastly more people than just myself, for far longer than I’m alive.

How did you earn your first dollar?

Throughout my childhood, my family spent a lot of time working and playing in the yard. To motivate me and to help with the cleanup, my dad paid me a penny a pinecone to collect and dump them in the woods. The whole process also helped me to practice counting!

What would most people be surprised to learn about you?

Most people that I work with on a daily basis were unaware of the turmoil and conflict I experienced last year going through separation and divorce. Many were surprised when I announced my last name and contact information were changing.

What are you most passionate about?

I have two close family members who are physically unable to do all the things they want to or use to be able to do. They inspire me to go out and experience life while I am able.

How would you describe success?

How will you know when you’ve made it?

Success to me is happiness and fulfillment in life, relationships and what you do every day. It’s more about the experience, education and the climb than the end product. I hope I never feel like I have made it – there is always room for growth and new challenges.

MARGUERITE GIGUERE Realtor Windermere Professional Partners

What have you done that has made you most proud?

Helping people through the process of qualifying for and buying a home.

The majority of my clients are firsttime home buyers purchasing homes that are well under the median home price for our county. Their loans can be complex, and oftentimes we have to kiss a lot of frogs before they find just the right house. Being given the opportunity to support people through the home buying process and beyond is incredibly rewarding. I’m lucky!

How did you earn your first dollar?

My very first job was as an actress in a musical adaptation of Ray Bradbury’s “Fahrenheit 451” when I was 13. I know, it sounds impossible, but Google it – it really happened and was awesome. I even met Ray Bradbury at our opening night party!

What would most people be surprised to learn about you?

I can rap in Italian!

What are you most passionate about?

While I’m a Realtor first, a big part of my business has evolved into working with other Realtors and other small business owners to be more successful in their marketing. I am passionate about helping my marketing clients identify their ideal clients and figure out a way to tailor their business systems and marketing to attract more of the clients they work best with.

How would you describe success?

How will you know when you’ve made it?

I’ll know I’ve made it when I’m no longer afraid of failure and making mistakes. Looking back, I believe the “failures” I’ve had so far have been the key to getting to my next opportunity.

That said, I seem to forget that when things get hairy – and that’s where I’m grateful for all the wiser businesspeople in my life who remind me that failure is always followed by opportunity.

MARY GRANT

MICHAEL GRAYUM

Director of Camp Fire USA Orca Council’s Teen Outreach Program Camp Fire USA Orca Council

Director of Public Affairs Puget Sound Partnership; Mayor, City of DuPont

What have you done that has made you most proud?

Several years ago, I had the opportunity to travel to Romania with Medical Teams International (formerly Northwest Medical Teams) on a humanitarian project to work with children living in extremely poor villages and in placement centers. That trip began the first of many returns to Romania. On one of those returning trips, my two friends and I developed a meal program to feed the many young children who live in the underground tunnels of the train station and in the surrounding streets.

What have you done that has made you most proud?

As a newly elected mayor, I created a youth council to effectively involve the youth in the activities and decision making of our community. Mentoring students in civics has been a long standing passion and priority for me and I’m honored to lead an effort that will benefit a whole city of future leaders.

How did you earn your first dollar?

My first dollar was earned babysitting.

What would most people be surprised to learn about you?

Most people are surprised to learn that I come from a large family. I am the ninth of 11 children, with seven brothers and three sisters.

What are you most passionate about?

I am passionate about making my community and my world a better place for everyone. I want to be a part of a community that builds awareness to the issues that go unnoticed by many. I want to be a part of a community where even those without a voice are heard. I want to be a part of a community that takes care of the disadvantaged and protects the vulnerable.

How would you describe success?

How will you know when you’ve made it?

To me, success is not the achievement of great financial wealth but the living of a meaningful and purposeful life.

Success means that you are generous and kind. Although I came from a family of limited means, my parents instilled in my siblings and me the importance of sacrifice and hard work. Education was a priority. Solid character was a requirement. In the weeks I spent with my mom while she was dying from cancer, it became clear to me that I had “made it.” Taking care of her in her last days left a lasting impression on me. As I had relied upon her to nurture me and care for me when I was growing up, she relied upon me to comfort her and care for her in her final days.

How did you earn your first dollar?

At age 10, I substituted as a carrier for a paper route on behalf of my neighbor, Broddie Bergeson, to prove to my parents that I could handle the responsibility.

What would most people be surprised to learn about you?

I hate politics.

What are you most passionate about?

Strengthening communities.

How would you describe success?

How will you know when you’ve made it?

I’m a strong believer that success is a journey, not a destination, and is something we “make” every day. I have the most amazing wife and child, an occupation that helps leave a positive lasting legacy for generations to come and the privilege of serving and actively strengthening the community we call home. I will continue to make every day a success with the opportunities I create and am given.

ERIC HELLER

Geotechnical Engineer GeoEngineers

What have you done that has made you most proud?

My positive community involvement makes me most proud. Simply being a member of the community is not enough for me. I want to make the community I live in, Tacoma, a better place to live – for everybody. In the last nine years, I have been privileged enough to meet people and become involved in improving Tacoma, through YPN, DASH Center and Project U, as well as projects through GeoEngineers.

How did you earn your first dollar?

Mowing lawns in the neighborhood,. as encouraged by my dad.

What would most people be surprised to learn about you?

I am an Eagle Scout. I would have said huge science fiction fan, but that is not really a secret.

What are you most passionate about?

Learning. I love to learn. This really began as a desire to understand how the world works, i.e. science. And while I still love to learn new things, I also like to meet and learn about new people.

Everybody has new experiences and points of view that I want to learn about and try to understand.

How would you describe success?

How will you know when you’ve made it?

Success is being a positive force in the community and affecting positive change. And since this is a never ending task, I am not sure that “making it” is a goal. Making it for me is continuing to find new ways to improve the world.

CEDRIC B. HOWARD Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs UW Tacoma

What have you done that has made you most proud?

I am most proud of breaking the “Chain of Poverty” off of my family and future generations. I was born to a teenage mother, who lived in governmentcontrolled rent apartments known as “The Projects.” In 1994, I became the first member of my family to attend and graduate from college.

How did you earn your first dollar?

My first dollar was earned by taking advantage of my limited resources in “the projects.” On Friday of each week, members of my community received their weekly job compensation and used their discretionary income to purchase alcoholic beverages. I provided large trash bags to each apartment in my complex to only deposit cans each weekend. Each Sunday evening, I would walk around and retrieve trash bags filled with aluminum cans. On Monday after school, my grandfather would load his pick-up truck with my trash bags and take me to our local recycling place to “cash in” my cans.

What would most people be surprised to learn about you?

The most surprised thing to learn about me is my ability to enjoy the game of golf. I am an avid golfer, with an 18-handicap.

What are you most passionate about?

I am most passionate about raising my two children to have meaningful, productive lives as adults. I want my kids to view their parents as their greatest supporters and role models.

How would you describe success?

How will you know when you’ve made it?

Success is best described in relation to a person’s expectations. I have often stated, “If you do not know where you are going, how do you know that you are heading in the right direction.”

Success is a relative term based in part by a person’s ability to assess where they are starting, where they are going and how will they get there.

Your ability to “make it” is related to your understanding of what you are attempting to accomplish.

SETH KIRBY

ERIN HUNTER

JUDI HYMAN Owner TwoKoi

Director of Oasis Pierce County AIDS Foundation

What have you done that has made you most proud?

In my career, the thing that I am most proud of is that with every position I have been able to make a positive impact and give back to the community that I grew up in. Hopefully the contributions I have made to all of these local projects have made a difference in Pierce County.

What have you done that has made you most proud?

Staying true to myself makes me most proud. I find that even though I am constantly learning and growing as a person. I do not compromise my values and goals.

What have you done that has made you most proud?

In 2010, with the help of many community leaders, I helped found Oasis Bridge-Builders, an innovative community action council. Oasis was started by community leaders 25 years ago. Over time, it became a program under the local health department, and 15 years ago, a program of the AIDS Foundation. Our goal with BridgeBuilders is to help advance community ownership of Oasis and the needs of LGBTQ youth in our community.

South Corridor Outreach Lead Sound Transit

How did you earn your first dollar?

I earned my first dollar at 14 working for Pt. Fosdick Cleaners. The family who owned the business did not speak English very well and needed someone who could communicate with their customers. They hired me to work the front counter after school and on weekends. It was an amazing experience.

What would most people be surprised to learn about you?

People quickly learn that I am very direct, honest, driven and strong in my opinions of how things should be done. I think people would be surprised to learn how much I internally contemplate or toil with an issue or decision.

What are you most passionate about?

Professionally, I am most passionate about accuracy in the construction information provided to the public.

People plan around the information we provide, and when it is inaccurate, it affects people’s lives. In my opinion, inaccuracy is inexcusable and only causes problems for everyone.

How would you describe success?

How will you know when you’ve made it?

Obviously success means different things to different people. I would describe success by accomplishing whatever goals you have set out to accomplish at the beginning of a “task.”

I will feel successful when people in the public see me as an effective resource for them within Sound Transit to utilize.

10 | 2012 40 Under Forty

How did you earn your first dollar?

I earned my first dollar working for my father in his scrap metal yard. As a child, I would go to work with my dad on Saturdays. He would always give me chores to do for the day – and then pay me for my days’ work. I learned to drive and operate a forklift while in elementary school!

What would most people be surprised to learn about you?

Most people would be surprised to learn that I am shy when it comes to public speaking. I am fine talking oneon-one or with small groups, but put a microphone or podium in front of me and I am a nervous nelly!

What are you most passionate about?

I am most passionate about life and living! Remembering to stop and smell the roses, whatever it is that I am doing.

Family experiences have taught me how short life can be and that every moment counts. You might as well enjoy all that life has to offer.

How would you describe success?

How will you know when you’ve made it?

Success for me is living with true and unconditional happiness. I am fully aware that needs, wants and desires change over time. However, whatever those needs, wants and desires may be, I want to be able to truly enjoy them wholeheartedly.

How did you earn your first dollar?

I grew up on a farm in rural Nebraska and attended a one-room country school until I was 10. It wasn’t a reality to get paid for chores or farm work – that’s just what you did at home. When I was about 12, I took a job walking beans in the summer. It involved getting up at 4:30 a.m., and because I was too young to drive (legally), I was picked up by my good friend’s older brother. We walked up and down rows of bean fields, measured in acres, hoeing every weed we could find. Pay day did not come soon enough.

What would most people be surprised to learn about you?

My favorite genre to read is autobiographies.

What are you most passionate about?

I am most passionate about issues and causes that further civil rights. In short, issues that advance equality and allow people to more fully present as who they are in the world.

How would you describe success?

How will you know when you’ve made it?

For me, success is not only about achieving goals and having fulfilling work, but also enjoying life – including work, community and home. I like the definition of success by Joshua Fields Millburn and Ryan Nicodemus: Happiness + Constant Improvement + Contribution = Success. I am so happy in Tacoma and I love my work and volunteer/civic activities. While I will always have pieces of myself to improve, I feel like I’ve “made it” in the areas that really matter.

KRISTOPHER KITZ

Director of Strategic Planning & Business Development MultiCare Health System What have you done that has made you most proud?

First and foremost, I am most proud of the life my wife and I have built together.

With the birth of our son, Cayden, nearly two years ago, we have a family life that fills us with joy. My second proudest moment was when we were awarded a Certificate of Need from the Department of Health to build a new hospital in the underserved community of Covington.

This is probably the highlight of my professional career so far.

How did you earn your first dollar?

When I was even 13, my buddy and I opened a coffee stand in my parent’s front yard using my mom’s espresso machine and a makeshift stand we stayed up late one night building. I tried to sell beer, but my dad said that probably wasn’t a good idea.

What would most people be surprised to learn about you?

I am a member of the Cowlitz Indian Tribe.

What are you most passionate about?

Namely my family and my work. My family is the most important thing to me, and each day I enjoy spending time with them more. I am also blessed to have a terrific immediate family, and am very close to my parents. Through their support over the years, I am fortunate to have become the person I am today. Health care has been my chosen career for over a decade. I find satisfaction in knowing the work I do impacts our communities access to care and services they need in the most efficient way possible.

How would you describe success?

How will you know when you’ve made it?

For me, success is ultimately defined as a balancing act between family and work. My professional career needs to complement my home life with my family and vice a versa. Ultimately, I want to know that I’m making a difference and having an impact on the health care and services provided to our communities. I don’t think I’ll ever technically “make it,” because there will always be more work to do and more communities to serve.

We are honored to be partnering with Business Examiner Media Group on this year’s 40 Under Forty event and congratulate this year’s honorees!

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TONY LINDGREN

Division Manager Tacoma Public Utilities

What have you done that has made you most proud?

I made a goal of becoming a dentist, and worked to attain that goal – while allowing myself to explore other possibilities. It took 11 years of posthigh school education.

What have you done that has made you most proud?

I’ve had the opportunity to work on a variety of interesting projects for Tacoma Water, from recruiting efforts to new technology. Earning my employer’s trust has made me proud.

How did you earn your first dollar?

In my family, we were expected to work at an early age. We worked at my dad’s office buildings doing ground maintenance and other work. There was no allowance. I was bidding the job against other businesses and submitting the bill to his office. At the time, I thought he was crazy, but it ended up teaching me a ton about business.

How did you earn your first dollar?

When I was 9, my brother and I built a lemonade stand and I designed an intricate piping system that delivered cold, fresh, tasty lemonade to our customers. The first part is true, the second part is a lie – but I was thinking it.

What would most people be surprised to learn about you?

I was an actor on a TV show.

What are you most passionate about?

My family. I love my family! I have a great wife and three amazing children.

How would you describe success?

How will you know when you’ve made it?

I would describe success as being happy for today. As a businessperson, you are always able to do more and be better, so there is no clear finish line.

Success is planning for tomorrow while being happy for today.

What would most people be surprised to learn about you?

I’m actually taller than I look – and I prove it on the basketball court.

What are you most passionate about?

Family, friends, basketball, the Cougs and water – Tacoma Water that is.

In regard to my professional life at Tacoma Water, I am passionate about delivering clean, affordable drinking water to our customers. People don’t understand the size of the problem sneaking up on us. Turning on the faucet is taken for granted. We need to educate our customers, plan and budget for the future of our water system. Communities across the country are being impacted by aging infrastructure of all kinds. I want to be part of the solution and the designing of a system that meets the needs of our customers.

How would you describe success?

How will you know when you’ve made it?

Success is achieving happiness – there is absolutely no universal external measure. My happiness is health, a genuine smiling reflection, gratitude, service, challenge, pride and honesty.

As long as I am actively working toward these things, then I have “made it.”

12 | 2012 40 Under Forty

ZEBULAR MADISON

Assistant Attorney General Washington State Attorney General’s Office What have you done that has made you most proud?

I’m most proud of my work in the local community. I have recognized various needs and committed myself to addressing them. A good example is my involvement with Centro Latino (Centro), a local nonprofit agency that creates opportunities for the Latino Community to contribute to the success of Pierce County. The agency provides youth services to students, family outreach for victims of domestic violence, and facilitates employment opportunities through education and life skills.

How did you earn your first dollar?

Mowing grass at a cemetery: I’m not sure that it was the very first dollar I earned, but it’s an experience that I think about often.

What would most people be surprised to learn about you?

Most people who know me on a professional level would be surprised to learn that I have an amazing collection of “Tacoma” themed T-shirts. In fact, my wardrobe seems to consist exclusively of suits and T-shirts – nothing in between. I began buying them in college as a way to display a little hometown pride among my classmates in Seattle. Since that time, the collection has taken on a life of its own.

What are you most passionate about?

I’m most passionate about the work I do on behalf of my alma mater, Bellarmine Preparatory School. For me, Bellarmine provided the things I consider crucial to my development and success – mentors/role models, intellectual curiosity, exposure to the world around me and a sense of community. I’m forever grateful for the gifts I took away from the school and have always felt an obligation to repay that debt.

How would you describe success?

How will you know when you’ve made it?

I would describe success simply as this: Making a difference to the people and things you deem important. By that standard I feel I’ve already “made it” in the sense that my life reflects my values.

CHRYSTAL MORISETTE Marketing Services Manager Weekly Volcano

What have you done that has made you most proud?

I started as a mentor for Big Brothers Big Sisters in 2003, not quite realizing how it would impact my life. My original goal was to start giving back in some capacity, but I received so much more in return.

I was matched with a bright, intelligent little girl who struggled with opening up and trusting people. Over the course of nine years, I’ve seen her grow into a well-adapted, outgoing, friendly young lady who loves volunteering and looks for ways to give back to others.

How did you earn your first dollar?

When I was in elementary school, I noticed the majority of my friends were given an allowance every week.

My parents did not freely give money away. Knowing this, I worked out a deal with my parents. I provided a list of 10 chores to be completed every week in exchange for $5.

What would most people be surprised to learn about you?

I think people would be surprised to learn I’m one of four founders of CASTINGS (Communities Actively Strengthening Tacoma In Neighborhood Gardens and Schools), a nonprofit organization.

What are you most passionate about?

I am most passionate about helping people. I love when the opportunity presents itself to connect people within the community and help align similar interests. I feel we all have a responsibility to give back to our community and provide acts of service.

How would you describe success?

How will you know when you’ve made it?

I think success is setting goals, no matter how small or how overwhelming they are, and attempting to achieve them at full force. There are learning opportunities in both achieving and failing. I don’t believe I’ll ever be at a point where I feel I’ve “made it.” I believe there’s always something for me to improve upon. I think, ultimately, my only form of measurement would potentially be watching my future children grow into adulthood with a passion for life and an internal motivation to keep striving to achieve and accomplish more.

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MATT PERRY

District Director, U.S. House of Representatives, Office of Congressman Adam Smith What have you done that has made you most proud?

Nothing would have been possible in my career thus far without hard work.

It hasn’t been easy, and sacrificing weeknights and weekends is common in this career. But it makes me proud to know that I’ve earned every accomplishment and I’m grateful to wake up every day knowing that I am doing work I love with people that I admire and enjoy.

How did you earn your first dollar?

When I was in junior high, I had the opportunity to serve as a page for State Sen. Jim Horn in Olympia. I spent a week during the legislative session running messages to senators on the floor and doing other related tasks.

What would most people be surprised to learn about you?

Even though I usually get carded at R-rated movies, my wife, Jamie, and I are actually the proud parents of two girls, Bailey (22 months) and Sloan (9 months).

What are you most passionate about?

Working with my fellow staffers to make Congress more accessible to the public. Our federal government is often viewed as an obscure, far-away entity. Connecting people to their representatives and helping them find solutions to community issues are the most rewarding aspects of this job.

How would you describe success?

How will you know when you’ve made it?

I have wrestled with this throughout my career and have not yet discovered my personal definition of success.

That’s partly due to my desire to always find new ways to serve and to aim higher. Perhaps someday I will look back and say to myself, “I made it when ….” But I may never get that feeling because I never stop setting new goals and reaching for something more.

DAN RAHE

EMILY REITER

TIA SONG ROBERTS

What have you done that has made you most proud?

Of the hundreds of articles I’ve written over the past three years, I am most proud of a piece I wrote about the once tenuous position of the Washington State History Museum. On short notice, I was able to sit with the museum director for an hour-long interview, during which the impact of community engagement was very deeply impressed upon me. With enough energy, audacity, skill and dedication, anyone can have a strong voice in Tacoma – and add something valuable to the community discussion.

What have you done that has made you most proud?

Until I was in my mid-20s, public speaking or performance of any kind was like kryptonite. I knew this was an area I had to improve in, so I just kept trying and trying. Finally, a barrier broke down and I could at least get through introducing myself without feeling like I was going to pass out. Slowly, I started looking forward to opportunities to challenge the adrenaline, and eventually actually began to enjoy harnessing it.

What have you done that has made you most proud?

I would have to say, the birth of my first son! If it wasn’t for him, I would have never experienced learning what life/career balance is all about.

Of course, there’s also the birth of my “accident second born,” Luv Handles and truly living out my dreams and my full potential! I am also so honored, humbled and blessed that I have inspired other individuals to live out their dreams as well! Can’t beat that!

How did you earn your first dollar?

I’m certain my first dollar was earned through household chores or selling lemonade and popcorn on the corner of our street. But the first dollar I received a W-2 for was from Franke Tobey Jones retirement home, where I worked in the dining room.

How did you earn your first dollar?

My first dollar was made when I babysat at the age of 12. The second I was legal to babysit, I jumped right to it.

Editor in Chief Post Defiance

How did you earn your first dollar?

I earned my first dollar picking rocks out of the corn and soybean fields on neighboring farms in the townships surrounding Norwood, Minn., where I grew up.

What would most people be surprised to learn about you?

I’m very passionate about music. Ten years ago, I played a concert in a truck stop outside Denver. There was a smoke machine behind me, belching pink bubblegum-scented smoke during my performance. I have never felt more out of place in my life.

What are you most passionate about?

I am most passionate about writing, in all its forms. I enjoy writing songs, technical documents, news reports, interviews, short stories, prose. I am constantly trying to learn the craft and sharpen my skills.

How would you describe success?

How will you know when you’ve made it?

I would describe success as relentless curiosity. And I don’t think I will ever know that I’ve “made it,” because I intend to be constantly challenged.

Principal iii Consulting

What would most people be surprised to learn about you?

Perhaps it would be my need for speed!

I love fast cars and motorcycles. I credit my dad’s side for this particular trait.

My grandmother had a lead foot well in to her 80s. It’s really hard to go 60 mph – no car I’ve ever driven was meant to go that slow. There’s nothing better to me than accelerating. This is much to the chagrin of my risk-manager husband!

What are you most passionate about?

For the past 10 years, I’ve been involved with the American Cancer Society’s Camp Goodtimes, a week-long summer camp on Vashon Island for pediatric cancer patients and their siblings. The kids and staff changed me forever. The thing that I became most convinced of is that attitude and laughter have powerful healing powers.

How would you describe success?

How will you know when you’ve made it?

Success to me is being known for being good at what I do. Third party endorsements, unsolicited references and being sought after for my knowledge or skills shows me I’m successful in my work.

As for having “made it,” I think that being nominated for a program I helped create is pretty cool!

Owner Luv Handles

What would most people be surprised to learn about you?

I was once a ballgirl for the Seattle Mariners. The reason why I add this is because I am truly the worst athlete in the world. But when you put your mind to something, set a goal and really want it, you can get it. You can do whatever you set your mind out to do!

Other than that, I think I live an open life and what you see, is what you get.

What are you most passionate about?

Of course, the obvious, family, friends and Luv Handles. What I have truly been amazed at is the fact that I have inspired so many people to go after their dreams and live out their creativity. I am so humbled after some of the e-mails I receive that say I have inspired them to live out their passion.

That is truly what it is all about, being able to give back in ways I never ever could have imagined. That is priceless and feels so wonderful.

How would you describe success?

How will you know when you’ve made it?

One of my favorite quotes has to do with success. I truly believe “failure is the tuition you pay for success.”

Anyone who is successful, has taken leaps of faith, believed in themselves, taken risks. Some may or may not have paid off. It is the risk-takers who are successful because they learn and keep going after their failures. Magical things happen after you keep on trucking on after life’s hits.

2012 40 Under Forty | 15

PROVEN ADVOCATES Ð PROVEN RESULTS

Pictured from left to right: (Back) Micah LeBank, Jack Connelly, Lincoln Beauregard, Nathan Roberts; (Front) Julie Kays, Anna Price

TRUTH  JUSTICE  ACCOUNTABILITY  EQUAL ACCESS

Congratulations to the Award Recipients of the Business Examiner Media GroupÕ s Ò 40 Under 40Ó Event 2301 North 30th Street Tacoma, WA 98403 (253) 593-5100 | (855) 593-5100 | (206) 816-3002 www.connelly-law.com

RYAN RUTLEDGE

DON SANDRIDGE

Business Development ThurstonTalk.com

Vice President of Operations Gardner Trucking, Inc

What have you done that has made you most proud?

What I have done that I am most proud of is work with OBEE Credit Union in 2008 on a financial literacy campaign using the corn maze theme and design to educate local students and community members around financial literacy – all while having fun! A large portion of proceeds went to a new and forming nonprofit. The money that we were able to raise for the Thurston County Asset Building Coalition allowed them to get their 501(c)3 status and go on to fulfill their mission and serve low income individuals in Thurston County.

What have you done that has made you most proud?

In terms of my professional career, the team I have assembled and developed during my time with Gardner and the growth we have achieved together under my leadership is by far the accomplishment that has made me most proud.

How did you earn your first dollar?

I think I “earned” my first dollar as a paperboy at 11 years old. I had a paper route – and sometimes two at the same time – until I was 16. I acquired a job bussing tables at the Elks Lodge the day I turned 16.

What would most people be surprised to learn about you?

Most people would be surprised to learn that I have 75 percent hearing loss in one ear and 50 percent in the other. I recently found this out. I will be getting hearing aids soon! Amazingly, my adversity has resulted in much deeper and meaningful relationships because I have been unconsciously compensating for my hearing by creating more face-to-face and one-on-one interactions.

What are you most passionate about?

I am most passionate about seeing ideas come to fruition. Coming up with an idea and seeing that idea turned in to reality in the form of a corn maze design and then leveraged to honor, educate, raise money and serve our local community all in the name of “wholesome family fun” has been a privilege, and I thoroughly enjoy it every year.

How would you describe success?

How will you know when you’ve made it?

I would describe success as being able to look myself in the mirror at the end of the day, think through the Rotary Four Way Test, and with confidence know that I passed. I was truthful, the things I did were fair to all concerned, built goodwill and friendships and were beneficial to all concerned.

How did you earn your first dollar?

I earned my first dollar washing cars in my neighborhood. One of my weekly household chores was washing my parents’ cars, so to earn my first dollar (and many more over the summers growing up) I would go house-tohouse in my neighborhood, washing cars.

What would most people be surprised to learn about you?

Many people are surprised to learn I spent a semester traveling abroad while in college. It was an accredited program through Westmont College called “Europe Semester.” I spent almost five months traveling with a small group of professors and students, visiting numerous countries and cities across Europe and Israel.

What are you most passionate about?

Two areas of life that I am most passionate about go hand-in-hand: giving back to my community and teaching my two children to be upstanding young men. Since I was a young adult, I set a goal and made a commitment to volunteer my time in order to give back to my community, and I am proud to say that every year since I have accomplished that goal.

Since the birth of my sons, I recognized what an amazing opportunity a coach and mentor has to influence the development of a child, so I have focused on volunteering my time to coach children.

How would you describe success?

How will you know when you’ve made it?

Success to me is setting goals, both personal and professional, and working hard every day to achieve them. However, success is not simply achieving your goals. More importantly it is the development of the process that leads to achieving them.

TAMI SCHEIDT

NATHAN SCHLICHER

What have you done that has made you most proud?

I am very proud of all that my family has accomplished as a whole – and how many people we have been able to touch in our community. I believe if you make a single person proud of who you are you can then give them the confidence and drive to be better for others. It is possible to change our community one by one.

What have you done that has made you most proud?

This year, as the legislative affairs chairman for the Washington Chapter of the American College of Emergency Physicians, I led the fight to overturn the Health Care Authority’s planned Zero Tolerance and Three Visit Rules for limiting emergency care for Medicaid patients. Instead of a draconian policy that would have just not paid those providing service, we crafted an alternative plan to improve the quality and reduce the cost for all patients.

Convention Sales Manager Greater Tacoma Convention and Trade Center

How did you earn your first dollar?

I grew up with parents who owned a construction company and I would get paid a penny for every nail I collected on each job site.

What would most people be surprised to learn about you?

While in school, my teachers were pushing for me to go to counseling because they feared I was too shy and would never be able to socialize and make friends. How wrong were they?

What are you most passionate about?

Giving back to our community. Whether it’s through the organization I founded to benefit homeless and abused children, supporting friends in their endeavors to support leukemia lymphoma, working on the many projects we have in my own neighborhood with my family helping to create beautiful parks (McKinley Park) and a community garden (Dometop Community Garden), or in my daily job of helping the many conferences and fundraisers put together events at the Greater Tacoma Convention & Trade Center and sharing ideas, tips, and experiences so they too can be successful for their cause.

How would you describe success?

How will you know when you’ve made it?

When I have reached happiness in my personal life and comfort in my professional life. The ability to truly give to those around as it is needed with selflessness. I believe that success is continuously evolving in stages of our lives. We have success in one moment when another challenge or opportunity arrives which creates further effort to again become successful.

Assoc Med Director for Emergency Services St Joseph Medical Center

How did you earn your first dollar?

My first real dollar was made after my freshman year in college. I was only 15 at the time and there were not a lot of places that would hire a kid, no matter their background. A local bed and breakfast that also was a llama farm hired me as a jack of all trades.

I learned the value of hard work that summer making minimum wage and doing manual labor. I also learned to appreciate the opportunities that were given to me when others were not willing to take a “chance on the kid.”

What would most people be surprised to learn about you?

Most people would be surprised to know that I do not have a specific life plan. Instead, I have a goal: to be a lifelong problem solver. Most people have a plan of what they want to accomplish.

My goal is to be an asset to any group that needs a problem solver and when opportunities arise to conquer them.

What are you most passionate about?

I am most passionate about advocacy and the active need for participation in the legislative and regulatory process to protect our patients and our business.

The role of physicians as advocates is critical and too often overlooked as an essential business task.

How would you describe success?

How will you know when you’ve made it?

Success to me will be when I am a recognized problem-solver and an asset known for that in the community. I am not certain if I will ever arrive, but the journey is the joy – not the destination.

2012 40 Under Forty | 17

President Lynnae’s Gourmet Pickles

Captain West Pierce Fire & Rescue

Partner/Sales Manager PRINT NW

JEFF STALLINGS

EDDIE SUMLIN

What have you done that has made you most proud?

What makes me most proud is being able to balance a successful business and home life. My kids and husband are my priority, and so I work my schedule around what is best for them. I get up at 4:30 and work until my kids wake up at 7:30. Then we spend some time together in the mornings getting ready, playing and eating breakfast. I typically work from about 8:30 to 3. My afternoons are almost always for them, to play and be able to make dinner for my family. We eat together every night. After they go to bed, I do more work if it needs to be done. I work over 40 hours a week, but my kids don’t feel like it because of my schedule. That is something that is such a benefit to owning my own business.

What have you done that has made you most proud?

It may sound funny, but when I was in eighth grade, I graduated from a small private school. At the graduation ceremony, I was given the “Most Inspirational” award for my class. It was unexpected and I was absolutely honored to have received it. To think that I was seen by others as “inspirational” at such a young age really has stuck with me as I became an adult.

What have you done that has made you most proud?

As I have gotten older, I realize the value of providing jobs and what it does for people. And not only providing the jobs, but being a mentor to help them grow. Also, it goes without saying, being a father to my three boys, Johnnie, Dylan, and Logan, and a husband to Tiffany.

What have you done that has made you most proud?

There have been several moments of being most proud. I could cite being the first in my family to graduate college. I can cite starting a nonprofit organization, I could cite opening my arts education center, etc., etc., etc. All of these are definitely proud moments in my life, but my philosophy is that I’m always trying to strive to be better and never rest on my laurels. As long as there’s work to do on this planet, my work is incomplete. However, anytime I inspire someone to follow his or her dreams, that is my most proud moment.

LYNNAE SCHNELLER

How did you earn your first dollar?

I have always loved to work and make money. My first dollar was made when my I was 5 and my dad opened his first physical therapy clinic. I used to ask him for jobs like folding towels.

What would most people be surprised to learn about you?

I spent three months traveling in India.

I backpacked around the country first, and then spent six weeks volunteering in the operating room of a rural mission hospital.

What are you most passionate about?

I am most passionate about family, business and serving others. My family always comes first, and I love being able to grow my business and make it something that started out as nothing. Outside of that, my passion is really for serving others, specifically women and children.

How would you describe success?

How will you know when you’ve made it?

To me, success isn’t defined solely monetarily, although I have to admit that is a huge motivation for me! I already feel successful. I am blessed to be able to get up each day and run my own business and take time with my family. I will feel like I’ve “made it” when our brand is a known name and is readily available at specialty stores, such as Whole Foods, around the country.

18 | 2012 40 Under Forty

JENNY SHARP

How did you earn your first dollar?

My very first dollar was made babysitting.

What would most people be surprised to learn about you?

No one is too surprised that I love to cook and bake. However, I’ve turned that love into a food blog that I enjoy updating and sharing with others.

Eatsnacklove.com was created at the end of 2011 and now has a coinciding Facebook page. I am able to offer tips, suggestions, recipes and even dessert donations for events.

What are you most passionate about?

I am extremely passionate about giving children a chance. Not just a chance in terms of if they fail at something, try again, but truly giving them the opportunities to be successful throughout their lives. I work closely with the Clover Park School District as we teach safety lessons in preschool through fifth grade. I also work as the Safe Kids Pierce County Coordinator through our local coalition and our entire focus is children’s safety. I believe offering children opportunities to succeed is imperative, as we are giving them tools for their future.

How would you describe success?

How will you know when you’ve made it?

Success is what you make of it. Goals are not set at the same level for everyone, but for what works for the individual. I also think that success should be considered enjoyable. If you’ve hated the journey, odds are you will not be as happy with the outcome.

I will know when I’ve “made it” when I’m retired, have a family of my own and am able to look back and say, “now that was fun!”

How did you earn your first dollar?

Selling candy during recess in third grade to all the kids who had to take the bus and couldn’t stop at the store on the way to school.

What would most people be surprised to learn about you?

The last music tape/CD I bought was the sound track to “Top Gun.” What are you most passionate about?

Family, work and golf.

How would you describe success?

How will you know when you’ve made it?

Success is being happy, but never content. Success must be maintained, not achieved.

Director Fab-5

How did you earn your first dollar?

When I was very young (age 13ish), I spent my summers starting microbusinesses. I lived in a close-knit neighborhood, so a friend and I who was around the same age went door-to-door offering yard work/lawn care services to my neighbors. After we finished going through the 25 or so houses (which took a few weeks in most cases because most houses “hired” us for work) we’d swing back to the beginning of the list and instead of offering yard work services, it was car washing.

What would most people be surprised to learn about you?

I’m really all about the simple things in life – good music, good food and good company. I love to cook/eat, and I’m always trying to learn new and alternative cooking lifestyles, like vegan/vegetarianism, gluten free diet, etc. Food is fuel.

What are you most passionate about?

Service. I’m here on Earth to serve. I love people. I have a simple code that I live by: I strive to leave each situation I’m in a better place than it was before.

How would you describe success?

How will you know when you’ve made it?

Success is when I know I can look myself in the mirror and be honest about putting my 100 percent effort into something. No matter the results, if I’ve put every bit of myself into a idea or project, it will be successful in my mind.

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TOM SWANSON

Assistant to Joyce McDonald, Pierce County Council, Tacoma & Puyallup City Council Member

What have you done that has made you most proud?

As the husband of the wonderful Meredith and a father to the amazing Henry, I am most proud of the fact that I have and will put my family first.

Whether it was possible opportunities to go work in the U.S. Congress or more lucrative private sector opportunities which would have taken us away from family, we’ve chosen to make Puyallup our home because it is the best place for our family. I’m proud that I’ve been able to put my family first.

How did you earn your first dollar?

Before I could remember, my grandfather owned greenhouses in Yelm. Underneath the benches he grew the flowers on, weeds obviously grow quite well, due to all the fertilizers.

My first job was to crawl under those benches and pull out the weeds. From there I moved up to filling planting pots and, eventually, he let me go on his delivery route with him.

What would most people be surprised to learn about you?

I barely graduated high school. When people find out I went through four years of college with honors in two years and finished graduate school with honors while working full time, they are usually surprised that I was not always a good and motivated student.

What are you most passionate about?

You can measure what people are most passionate about by where they spend their time and money. Our family puts our time and resources into Puyallup.

Beyond the City Council, I serve on the board of several nonprofits. Meredith and I also have committed our finances to several other organizations in our community.

How would you describe success? How will you know when you’ve made it?

I try not to think about “success.” Success is a trick complacency uses to get you to stop trying. I don’t think I’ll ever “make it.” Any challenge I’ve ever faced, be it a success or failure, I only consider it in terms of how it will help me face the next, maybe greater challenge.

Greater challenges lead to greater accomplishments.

20 | 2012 40 Under Forty

JUSTIN WELLS

JASON WINNIFORD Managing Partner JW Restaurant

Conference Services Manager The Inn at Gig Harbor

What have you done that has made you most proud?

Really, to date, other than marrying Zoe, it’s been the miracle that allowed us to buy La Petite Maison and restore it to its former glory. When I decided to do this project, it meant I’d have to throw pretty much everything we had into it to get it off the ground. The risk was enormous – over 80 percent of restaurants fail in the first year and most never make a profit.

What have you done that has made you most proud?

What I’m most proud of professionally has to be opening my very own business. It wouldn’t have been possible without the support of my family and friends – and they never would have supported me if they didn’t believe in me. They’ve seen what I’m capable of. I’m honored to have their respect!

What have you done that has made you most proud?

Some of the little programs that I have started here make me proud of where the building evolved. I realized that we were throwing away thousands of partially used shampoo, conditioner, lotion, and shower gels a year. We now have a collection program. Once a month, I visit FISH Food Bank of Gig Harbor, where they are distributed to families in need. I initiated recycling programs in our building and we will be expanding those programs in the coming year to further reduce our waste.

Chef/Owner La Petite Maison

How did you earn your first dollar?

I used to do chores, really hard physical work, for my grandmother’s neighbor.

She raised horses and had barns and stalls that needed to be cleaned regularly. Not a fun job for a kid, but it did teach me discipline and the value of a dollar earned through hard, backbreaking labor.

What would most people be surprised to learn about you?

I’m actually somewhat shy and reserved in person. In the real world I’m more of an introvert. In public, people see my extroverted side. Being in the food-service business, of course I have to be out there, meeting customers, getting feedback, etc. But I really enjoy my time alone, reading about my passions, trying to come up with what’s next.

What are you most passionate about?

The obvious, literal answer would be my passion for food and wine. Really, for me, it’s about the “aha!” moment when I find a new taste or a new way to re-think a classic dish that will surprise and delight our guests. The deeper you get into a passion, the harder it is to find those moments. So, the quest to keep experimenting, tasting new ingredients, traveling to see what other chefs are doing is what keeps me going. It’s what keeps me driven.

How would you describe success?

How will you know when you’ve made it?

I was raised with a strong sense of humility that keeps my ego in check whenever I sit back and think about all that I’ve accomplished. The reality is that I feel like I have so much more to do on a personal, as well as a professional, level.

How did you earn your first dollar?

My first dollar earned as an owner happened a few months before I opened the doors to JW. A nice lady came by while we were in the construction phase of our restaurant.

She took a $100 bill out of her purse and asked to buy a gift certificate. I told her, “Ma’m, we won’t be open for another month or two and we do not have gift certificates ready.” She said, “Here’s my address. Keep the money and send me one when they’re ready. I want to be your first sale!”

What would most people be surprised to learn about you?

That a dream of mine is to live in Hawaii.

What are you most passionate about?

Service, Service, Service! Delivering a personal experience that creates a predictable, repetitive and appreciative base of clientele.

How would you describe success?

How will you know when you’ve made it?

I view success as a surface trait.

Everyone has a different notion or level of what successful really is. For me, the individual has to feel comfortable with their own achievements. “Making it,” I don’t really believe in. I don’t believe in complacency or settling. I try to always push forward and grow. Now, if I retire in Hawaii … then maybe I’ll say I’ve made it!

KATHERINE WRIGHT

How did you earn your first dollar?

Picking up gravel out of my parents’ lawn. My dad paid me a penny a rock.

There were a lot of them. I probably earned about a dollar and then decided there were better, faster ways of making a buck!

What would most people be surprised to learn about you?

I have an avid interest in turtles and tortoises. I’ve owned three tortoises and two box turtles (the turtles for the last 20 years!). I’m a member of the Seattle Turtle and Tortoise Club and the Pacific Northwest Herpetological Society. Right now I’m “mom” to Harvey, a lop-eared bunny rabbit.

What are you most passionate about?

Food and beverage! I love this career, both in and out of the office. I’m a selfdescribed foodie. At any given moment, my office is full of industry and cooking magazines. I’m constantly reading and learning about all things hospitality, catering and culinary. I learn a lot from my peers. I take a lot of ideas home.

How would you describe success?

How will you know when you’ve made it?

I think I’ve already been blessed with modest success. I don’t aspire to be a famous party planner or event coordinator – you lose too much of the hands on. That’s the part I enjoy the most. Connecting with people and helping the vision they have for an event come to life. While I do wish to hold a position as director of catering in a larger operation (hotel or offpremise company), I’m content to let that come when the timing is right.

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Congratulations to the 2012 40 Under Forty Honorees!

Annie Arbenz, Attorney/Partner, Kampbell, Andrews & Arbenz, PLLC, Tacoma Susan Barbeau,, Community Engagement Associate, KBTC Public Television, Tacoma Ryan Boone,, Certified Financial Planner/Financial Advisor, Morgan Stanley Smith Barney, Federal Way Alicia Carter, Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor, Strategic Consulting Services, Lakewood Kathleen Casper, Highly Capable Program Educator, Tacoma Public Schools; Attorney/Owner, Law Offices of L. Kathleen Casper, Tacoma Nick Coughran, Owner, Cork A Wine Bar, Tacoma John Cummings, Deputy Prosecuting Attorney, Pierce County Prosecutor’s Office, Tacoma Brittany Ellsworth, Marketing Manager, TrueBlue Inc, Tacoma Matt Enloe, Executive Director, The First Tee of South Puget Sound, Tacoma Chris Free, Principal, Rapport Benefits Group, Tacoma Kate Frisbie, Architectural Designer, McGranahan Architects, Tacoma

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22 | 2012 40 Under Forty

Marguerite Giguere, Realtor, Windermere Professional Partners, Tacoma Mary Grant, Director of Camp Fire USA Orca Council’s Teen Outreach Program, Camp Fire USA Orca Council, Tacoma Michael Grayum, Director of Public Affairs, Puget Sound Partnership, Tacoma; Mayor, City of DuPont Eric Heller, Geotechnical Engineer, GeoEngineers, Tacoma Cedric B. Howard, Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, UW Tacoma, Tacoma Erin Hunter, South Corridor Outreach Lead, Sound Transit, Seattle Judi Hyman, Owner, TwoKoi, Tacoma Seth Kirby, Director of Oasis, Pierce County AIDS Foundation, Tacoma Kristopher Kitz, Director of Strategic Planning & Business Development, MultiCare Health System, Tacoma Eric Kvinsland, Dentist/President, Kvinsland Dentistry, Gig Harbor Tony Lindgren, Division Manager, Tacoma Public Utilities, Tacoma Zebular Madison, Assistant Attorney General, Washington State Attorney General’s Office, Olympia Chrystal Morisette, Marketing Services Manager, Weekly Volcano, Lakewood Matt Perry, District Director, U.S. House of Representatives, Office of Congressman Adam Smith Dan Rahe, Editor in Chief, Post Defiance, Tacoma Emily Reiter, Principal, iii Consulting, Mercer Island Tia Song Roberts, Owner, Luv Handles, Bonney Lake Ryan Rutledge, Business Development, ThurstonTalk.com, Olympia Don Sandridge, Vice President of Operations, Gardner Trucking, Inc, Olympia Tami Scheidt, Convention Sales Manager, Greater Tacoma Convention and Trade Center, Tacoma Nathan Schlicher, Assoc Med Director for Emergency Services, St Joseph Medical Center, Tacoma Lynnae Schneller, President, Lynnae’s Gourmet Pickles, Fircrest Jenny Sharp, Captain, West Pierce Fire & Rescue, University Place Jeff Stallings, Partner/Sales Manager, PRINT NW, Tacoma Eddie Sumlin, Director, Fab-5, Tacoma Tom Swanson, Assistant to Joyce McDonald, Pierce County Council, Tacoma & Puyallup City Council Member, Tacoma Justin Wells, Chef/Owner, La Petite Maison, Olympia Jason Winniford, Managing Partner, JW Restaurant, Gig Harbor Katherine Wright, Conference Services Manager, The Inn at Gig Harbor, Gig Harbor

Congratulations to Emily Reiter, Principal, iii Consulting for being a 40 Under Forty Honoree! www.totemocean.com

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Franciscan salutes 40 exceptional leaders ++

thank you dr. nathaniel schlicher for helping us create a healthier community.

We celebrate Dr. Nathaniel Schlicher’s recognition as among the 40 leaders under 40 years of age who are making a difference in our community. As Associate Medical Director of the St. Joseph Medical Center Emergency Department, he provides expert clinical care. In addition, for the past two years he’s championed efforts to ensure that patients covered by Medicaid receive appropriate medical care in emergency departments throughout the state.

dr. nathaniel schlicher

We are glad that Dr. Schlicher is on the Franciscan team and we extend our congratulations to all the nominees and winners.

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