Under 40 tab 5.28.14

Page Eight

Under 40 to Watch

Wednesday, May 28, 2014

Justin Goetten: Farm Credit Service Justin Goetten, a 2002 Jersey Community High School graduate, has no intentions of leaving the community where he was born and raised. And after receiving a Bachelor’s degree in 2006 from Illinois College, Goetten embarked on a career in banking that is allowing him to achieve success in his home town. At just 30 years old, Goetten has ascended to the position of Vice President of Ag Financial Services at Farm Credit Illinois.

Q& A

Journal: How have your skills of the trade evolved?

Goetten: I have had the benefit of working with many great co-workers and customers. When I see the successes that they have experienced, it allows me to build more confidence in the job I am doing.

Journal: What were your goals coming out of school?

Goetten: I wanted to create a successful and happy life for myself and those around me.

Journal: Where do you picture yourself in five years?

Goetten: Being the best ag lending partner I can be for my customers. I intend to do a good enough job for them that they are excited about telling their friends and neighbors.

Journal: What steps have you taken to achieve those goals?

Goetten: I am now happily married with two children. I work for a great company that is dedicated to the communities it serves.

Journal: Is Jersey County a place you can make that happen?

Goetten: Of course! I feel very fortunate to able to live in a community where we all care about one another. This truly is a great place to work and raise a family.

Journal: How have your goals evolved as you have achieved success?

Goetten: While the day-to-day goals are always different, my overall “life” goals have not changed. I still strive to be the best I can be for myself and the people in my life.

Journal: What advice would you give to other young people wanting to fast-track their careers?

Goetten: Surround yourself with good people and always do what is right. Accept constructive criticism and challenge yourself to get better. Remember that listening is the most important part of good com-

munication.

Journal: Does achieving success at your age have any special significance?

Goetten: I am proud that I have been given the chance to succeed. I still consider myself to be a work-in-progress and I am committed to being a life-long learner.

Journal: Who in your life has been your biggest inspiration and why?

Goetten: My father, Gary Goetten. He taught me some simple, yet important lessons about “right vs. wrong.” He also taught me that you have to show respect to others before they will return the favor.

Farm Credit Illinois Regional Manager Luke Fraley said Goetten is valuable member of the Farm Credit’s team, serving customers in Jersey, Greene, Calhoun and Macoupin counties out of the Jerseyville office.

“Justin develops strong relationships with his customers by being honest and reliable,” Fraley said. “He is willing to do whatever it takes to help customers, as well as fellow employees. Justin has customers in all of our counties and a diverse knowledge of what is happening in our area.”

Justin goetten

“ Surround

yourself with good people and always do what is right. Accept constructive criticism and challenge yourself to get better.

”

Q& A

People under 40 to watch

A special Jersey County Journal supplement

Page Two

Under 40 to Watch

Wednesday, May 28, 2014

Zachary Crawford: Crawford Funeral Home Funeral Director Zachary Crawford is already ascending the ranks of the family business, Crawford Funeral Home. Crawford, 23, graduated from Jersey Community High School in 2009 and has since attended classes at Lewis and Clark Community College, as well as Worsham College of Mortuary Science. He has earned an Associate’s of Applied Science degree, in addition to certification as a cremation operations specialist and funeral pre-planning certification.

Q& A

Journal: What were your goals coming out of school?

Crawford: My goals coming out of school were to come back to Jersey County, where I was born and raised, and use my education to give back to the community that had been so wonderful to me growing up.

Journal: What steps have you taken to achieve those goals?

Crawford: Since graduating from college I returned to Jersey County and began working at Crawford Funeral Home where I have been fortunate enough to work hands-on in all facets of the day to day operations of the funeral home. In doings so, it is my hope that I have had just a sliver of an impact on the families that we are so privileged to serve that they have all had on me.

Journal: How have your goals evolved as you have achieved success?

Crawford: My goals still remain the same today as they did when I pursued this career.

I feel compelled to maintain the highest moral and ethical standards in the services I provide, and to provide a meaningful service to the families I serve that is deserving of their confidence. And, as a caregiver by nature, I find great satisfaction in seeing others have more meaningful death experiences because of my efforts. I enjoy serving.

Journal: How have your skills of the trade evolved?

Crawford: It is my hope that each day I am here I am getting better at what I do. As I said earlier in my regards to my goals not changing, but rather improving, that is how I feel my skills have evolved. With each day and each family, I hope that I am expanding my knowledge base and my expertise. Being told “You’ve had this so much easier for us

or Mom hasn’t looked this beautiful since she was sick” or “You guys are like family to us” means a lot to me. It’s important to know that what you’re doing is meaningful for the person you’re doing it for. That verbal affirmation is a big motivator that helps keep me in check and remind me of why I am working so hard.

Journal: Where do you picture yourself in five years?

Crawford: Having the opportunity to use what I have learned to continue to serve the people in my community is something I would feel privileged to be continuing to do in five years and many more years to come. I, like my father, take pride in the family business. Our neighborhood is the same neighborhood as those we serve. Building on the principles that my father has instilled in me, I feel as though I can be someone who people can trust and rely on in their times of need.

Journal: Is Jersey County a place you can make that happen?

Crawford: The independent funeral profession has a long and proud history of personal service in Jersey County and many others like it. Growing up, I always dreamed of moving away to some big city. However, as it turns out, there is nowhere else I would rather be. This is a community with tremendous people who genuinely care for and support one another. I am prepared to give a long-term commitment to my community.

This is where I live, where I grew up, and where I work. It is a place where I plan to stay and raise my own family, and when my community needs me I will be able to answer to them. I believe that I will do well as long as I continue to serve my community well.

Journal: What advice would you give to other young people wanting to fast-track their careers?

Crawford: The best advice I could give them would be that there is no “fast-track” – an education is invaluable, as is experience, and with those two things you can go anywhere and do anything that you set your mind to, but both will take time, hard work and dedication.

Journal: Does achieving success at

Kyle Allison: J.L. Nash Enterprises, Inc.

Q& A

Journal: Who in your life has been your biggest inspiration and why?

Crawford: I don’t mean to sound cliché in saying that my family and my friends have been my inspiration, but it is true. It is invaluable to have a good support system and my family, friends and teachers throughout school have most definitely been a huge asset to me that I will forever be grateful for. In terms of my work, my father has obviously been a huge inspiration for me and being able to learn and work under his leadership is an honor. I continue to draw inspiration from those I meet and have the distinct pleasure of serving each and every day.

Journal: What were your goals coming out of school?

Allison: My main goals after school were to apply what I had learned to my job in order to achieve success not only personally but also for my employer.

Journal: What steps have you taken to achieve those goals?

Allison: One of the main steps I have focused in on is transitioning the company into the digital age, evaluating what technology will work for us, without just being a gimmick or fad but trying to find the ones that will add value.

Zachary Crawford

“...there is no “fast-

track” – an education is invaluable, as is experience, and with those two things you can go anywhere and do anything that you set your mind to, but both will take time, hard work and dedication.

”

Journal: How have your goals evolved as you have achieved success?

Allison: Some of the goals I thought would be long term happened rather quickly and some of short term goals I’m still working on, priorities and responsibilities change over time so it’s important to evaluate your goals often.

Journal: How have your skills of the trade evolved?

Allison: I’ve been very blessed over the years to learn from coworkers who were very skilled and who didn’t mind helping me.

Journal: Where do you picture yourself in five years?

Allison: In five years, I hope to continue to grow this established family business in this community and beyond.

Journal: Is Jersey County a place you can make that happen?

Allison: Jersey County has supported our

business for almost 40 years. I know we can definitely continue to grow in this community. It has made it a little easier stepping into an already established business since I did not grow up in this community. Jersey County has been a wonderful community to transplant to and a great place to raise a family.

Journal: What advice would you give to other young people wanting to fast-track their careers?

Allison: I would tell other young people to work for a company that allows them to make a difference by implementing their thoughts and ideas. Sometimes you have to fail to learn and that is ok as long as you are moving forward.

Journal: Does achieving success at your age have any special significance?

Allison: There is no particular significance for me in achieving “success.” I think the definition of success is a progression over a life time, the sum of all the parts.

So when I’m 80 we can decide if I’ve been successful or not.

Journal: Who in your life has been your biggest inspiration and why?

Allison: My wife is my biggest inspiration. She also has achieved success in a very short time in her career. We share ideas and learn from each other’s mistakes.

Kaye Nash, Vice President at J.L. Nash Enterprises Inc., said Allison’s up-to-date technology and computer skills have helped the company become more efficient.

“He also has excellent people skills and knows how to treat his customers. He has been a great asset to our company,” Nash said.

She also said Allison has a bright future with J.L. Nash.

“As a family run business it has been nice to bring Kyle in and help us transition into retirement,” Nash said. “We know Kyle will continue to make this business a success.”

“I’ve always thought of my father as a teacher...”

“From how to tie my shoes to the wisdom of helping familes, my father has taught me everything.

Having the honor of joining him and using what I have learned to continued to serve the people of our community is something I feel privileged to do.”

Crawford Funeral Home is a locally owned and operated funeral home serving Jerseyville and the surrounding communities. Offering funerals, memorial services, burial and cremation. We also provide advanced funeral planning, memorial video tributes, personalized life tribute brochures and permanent granite and bronze monuments.

CRAWFORD FUNERAL HOME

Page Seven

Thirty-four-year-old Kyle Allison may have received the majority of his education in Michigan, but most of his career accomplishments have occurred in Jersey County. Allison graduated from Temple Christian Academy in Madison Heights, Mich., in 1997 and then attended Oakland Community College in Southfield, Mich. He has also attended classes at Fontbonne University in Clayton, Mo. He is currently the Operations Manager for J.L. Nash Enterprises Inc.

your age have any special significance?

Crawford: The fact that I am able to wake up every morning and go to a job that I genuinely love doing holds a tremendous amount of significance to me. I remember reading a quote from Albert Einstein in school that has always stuck with me, it was “Try not to become a man of success.

Rather become a man of value.” So that is what I am trying to achieve, not success but to be a man of value.

Carl Crawford, fellow funeral director and owner of Crawford Funeral Home, said his son, Zachary, is compassionate and has a sincere desire to help people in their time of sorrow.

“In addition to fresh ideas and boundless energy, the most important attribute that Zachary brings to the funeral home in his honesty and his incredibly sincere desire to help those families that have found themselves in a position of loss,” Carl Crawford said. “He takes to heart the emotions and needs that each family requires at such at horrible time in their lives” Carl Crawford went on to say Zachary has made the family extremely proud.

“As parents, Shawnna & I take great pride in knowing that Zachary not only understands, but values the importance of honesty and compassion, in the particular field that he has chosen,” he said. “We feel he is an enormous asset to not only the funeral home, but to the families we are honored to serve.”

Under 40 to Watch

Wednesday, May 28, 2014

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Kyle Allison

“I would tell other young people to work for

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”

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Under 40 to Watch

Page Six

Wednesday, May 28, 2014

Hannah Hutchinson: The SweetLife Spa and Salon At just 27 years old, Hannah Hutchinson is one of Jersey County’s youngest new business owners. In addition to owning and operating Sweet Life Spa and Salon, Hutchinson is a esthetician, nail technician and a massage therapist.

Hutchinson graduated in 2005 from Jersey Community High School. Afterward, she studied esthetic’s nail technology and massage therapy having attended classes at New Image Cosmetology Technical Center, as well as Lewis and Clark Community College, earning certificates in 2006, 2007 and 2010. She opened Sweet Life at the beginning of 2014.

Q& A

Journal: What were your goals coming out of school?

Hutchinson: My ultimate goal was to build a strong clientele base in a top tier salon within my own local community.

Journal: What steps have you taken to achieve those goals?

Hutchinson: I spent over 7 years cultivating relationships with clients and building a reputation of excellence in the Spa industry.

The majority of that time was spent at my place of employment and making sure I was always available to serve my customers.

My name is my brand and I never lost sight of that. I am a huge advocate for continuing education as well. If I would have stopped going to school after I got my certification in Esthetics I would not be here speaking with you today.

Journal: How have your goals evolved as you have achieved success?

Hutchinson: When I first began my goal was to build up a strong book of business. I wanted to make sure that I would have work to do every single day, and I am still building that book of business now; however, after establishing myself in the industry I set my sights on management and business ownership. My goals in the beginning focused on me and my own career goals but now my goal is to serve our community by providing the ultimate Salon and Spa experience without the need to travel 45 minutes to the city.

Journal: How have your skills of the trade evolved?

Hutchinson: My trade skills have evolved with experience. I am capable now of separating a sales pitch from what is fact.

Before I offer a new technique or service to my customer’s, I do my research to ensure that this new offering will actually be beneficial and not just a fad.

My industry moves quickly but the foundation of our trade will always remain the same.

I have always felt the key skill set to have in my trade is a very strong work ethic, a desire to learn & grow, and most importantly the want to serve the customer.

Journal: Where do you picture yourself in five years?

Hutchinson: In five years I picture myself right here in Jersey County serving the clients that I care so much about. There is always room for growth and I am certain that my business will

Journal: What advice would you give to other young people wanting to fast-track their careers?

Hutchinson: My advice to anyone looking to fast-track their career in any industry is be relentless. Don’t give up on an opportunity if you don’t achieve it on your first try. You need to be able to bring your absolute best in order to fast-track a career. Always remember to be realistic too, because the fact of the matter is you have to pay your dues in order to achieve success, so don’t be let down if your first job isn’t your dream job.

Samantha Foster, who works as a stylist at Sweet Life Spa and Salon, said Hutchinson is amazing person to work with.

“She is positive and supportive and those qualities are greatly reflected in her work ethic,” Foster said. “Hannah not only owns and operates this business, but she is hands-on in ensuring that all of her employees stay just as passionate. We are so lucky to do what we do, and do it in an environment as friendly and fun as Hannah. Stop by sometime, and you will know exactly what we mean.”

Hannah hutchinson

“My

advice to anyone looking to fast-track their career in any industry is be relentless.

Don’t give up on an opportunity if you don’t achieve it on your first try. You need to be able to bring your absolute best in order to fast-track a career. Always remember to be realistic too, because the fact of the matter is you have to pay your dues in order to achieve success, so don’t be let down if your first job isn’t your dream job.

”

618-639-8101 205 N. State St. Jerseyville, IL 62052 Like us on Facebook!

Hair Services • Nail Care • Facials • Massage Therapy • Spray Tanning • Facial & Body Waxing • Airbrush Makeup • Chiropractic Care.

Angela Sullivan: City of Jerseyville

Q& A

Journal: How does Jersey County fit into your plans?

Hutchinson: Jersey County is often overlooked as a market for business growth. Word spreads quickly in a small community and that is why Sweet Life has experienced so much success.

Every member of my Salon cares about not only their own reputation but the reputation of our Salon as well. We get clients from neighboring counties and I have had customers that come all the way from Missouri to visit our salon. I don’t need a big city to realize my career goals, Jersey County has charm that the city just doesn’t.

Journal: Who in your life has been your biggest inspiration and why?

Hutchinson: I come from a family of hard workers, from which I attribute my work ethic and integrity. Growing up I was taught to finish what you start and to do it right, no matter what the task. Today, as an adult I am still constantly asking their opinions and listening to their advice.

Page Three

Angela Sullivan is the 29-year-old Director of the Jerseyville Parks and Recreation Department. She graduated from Jersey Community High School in 2003, and then pursued a bachelor’s degree in Recreation, Sport and Tourism from University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana. After graduating from U of I in 2007, she continued her education and in 2009 received a masters degree in Public Administration and Policy Analysis from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.

continue to grow and expand.

Journal: Does achieving success at your age have any special significance?

Hutchinson: I cannot say that I set out to own a business by the age of 27;however, I did know that one day I would be a business owner, so I guess my age does not carry much significance personally. I do have time-frames that I like to set for myself in order to ensure I am always striving for completion of a goal but those goals never have much to do with my age. Really, I try to make the most of every opportunity that presents itself and fortunately for me multiple elements of determination, luck, and opportunity coalesced at the right time and I am here with a fantastic salon today

Under 40 to Watch

Wednesday, May 28, 2014

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Journal: What were your goals coming out of school?

Sullivan: My goals were fairly basic after graduation.

Coming out of undergrad, I knew I wanted to immediately take on graduate school to further my education. When I completed graduate school, my first goal was to land a career at an amazing municipality, working within the parks and recreation department, to enhance the knowledge I had developed in school and strengthen my skills and experience in the field. Since successfully completing my initial goals, I am now working on other goals which are to build and improve on the City of Jerseyville’s parks, recreation facilities and programs. By building on these three core areas of the department, it has been and will be a tremendous benefit for citizens and visitors of the community.

Journal: What steps have you taken to achieve those goals?

Sullivan: I have worked hard to improve the department’s facilities and expand our program offerings within every age demographic. We have increased our league participation substantially, developed new programs, leagues and special events. I have also built relations within the community to create many cooperative special events and created a sponsorship program that provides quality uniforms for our youth leagues.

Journal: How have your goals evolved as you have achieved success?

Sullivan: My goals have evolved after each success! I am always dreaming bigger and I never get comfortable!

Journal: How have your skills of the trade evolved?

Sullivan: My skills within the parks and recreation field have evolved because I am always looking to continue my education by attending conferences and workshops. I also participate in various association meetings to learn from other professionals in the field. The trends within the field are always changing, so the department has to adapt to those changes regularly.

Journal: Where do you picture yourself in five years?

Sullivan: In five years, I hope to be right here with the City of Jerseyville! I want to do what I love for the city I adore! I hope the department will grow to include at least one additional full-time staff member. With the added staffing, we can continue to grow and produce more programs and activities for the community.

Journal: What advice would you give to other young people wanting to fast-track their careers?

Sullivan: Work hard, never stop learning and always give it your all!

Does achieving success at your age have any special significance?

Sullivan: Each day is a dream for me! I love what I do and I am very fortunate to be able to live my dream in the town I call home!

Journal: Who in your life has been your biggest inspiration and why?

Sullivan: Without getting sappy, my family has been my biggest inspiration! I would not be where I am today without them! My mom (Kathy), dad (Charlie), grandma Betty and grandpa Jack have been beside me every step of the way! Through my younger years, they came to every sporting event I participated in, no matter the distance! I can still remember the four of them moving me into the U of I dorms my first day of freshman year! In the past and present, they volunteer at all the special events to provide a lending hand where it is needed. They are my foundation!

Here’s what Angela’s boss, Commissioner of Public Properties Glen Ketchum, has to say: What is the greatest attribute Sullivan brings to the table?

Ketchum: Angela’s greatest attributes she brings to the department is her passion for her job and endless creativity.

Describe Sullivan’s value to the city: Ketchum: Angela’s value to the department is immense.

She has created so many programs, leagues, activities and special events that have never existed before in the department. Examples include the Daddy & Daughter Valentine Dance, Mom & Son Dance, Itty Bitty and Pee Wee sports programs, Petitie Parties and Adult Trips. The value of Angela’s experience and expertise has sky rocketed the department to being one of the most well rounded and talked about in this area.

City of Jerseyville 115 East Prairie Street Jerseyville, IL 62052 618-498-3312

Mayor: Richard Perdun

Angela Sullivan

“When

I completed graduate school, my first goal was to land a career at an amazing municipality, working within the parks and recreation department, to enhance the knowledge I had developed in school and strengthen my skills and experience in the field.

”

Parks & Recreation Department 401 Mound Street Jerseyville, Illinois 62052 • (618) 498-2222 jerseyvilleparkandrec@gtec.com http://www.jerseyville-il.us/parks.htm JPRD strives to provide quality and enjoyable parks and recreation facilities, programs and services to both City of Jerseyville residents and visitors.

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Page Four

Under 40 to Watch

Wednesday, May 28, 2014

Ever since graduating from Greenville College in 2006 with a bachelor’s in Organization Leadership, Brady Dabbs has been climbing the corporate ladder at Jerseyville Manor and Liberty Village. A 1993 graduate of Jersey Community High School, Dabbs, 39, currently works in the position of Marketing Director in his home town.

Journal: What were your goals coming out of school?

Dabbs: Pursue a career in marketing Journal: What steps have you taken to achieve those goals?

Dabbs: I was fortunate enough to be hired right after I graduated from Greenville College. I have been at Jerseyville Manor for over 8 years.

Journal: How have your goals evolved as you have achieved success?

Dabbs: Goals are important and serve as a great motivation for me. Speaking on behalf of the Jerseyville Manor team, we meet regularly to discuss our goals as a facility. As far as career goals, I want to continue working in a field where I get to meet and help so many people.

Journal: How have your skills of the trade evolved?

Dabbs: I have learned a lot over 8 years.

I do many things from advertising to delivering Meals on Wheels; from speaking to senior groups to going into hospitals and speaking with families. Public Relations has also become an important part of my job. I have made many friends within the senior communities of Jersey, Greene and Madison Counties. My message to them is that Jerseyville Manor is not just a nursing home, but a rehabilitation center for those who need therapy following a hospital stay. In addition, it is important to educate seniors and their families that they do have a choice of where to go for rehabilitation.

Journal: Where do you picture yourself in five years?

Dabbs: I think about the future from time to time. However, I am very happy to be at

Q& A

Journal: Is Jersey County a place you can make that happen?

Dabbs: That would be nice. However, the healthcare field is a thriving industry and opportunities are out there. That being said, the closer to Jersey County, the better.

Journal: What were your goals coming out of school?

DeSherlia: My goals coming out of school were to be gainfully employed and to continue my education by obtaining my MBA. As life progresses, new goals have been created.

Journal: What advice would you give to other young people wanting to fast-track their careers?

Dabbs: My advice would be to know what you want to do before you graduate high school. Have a practical approach and research what industries are going to be flourishing. Work hard in college or at a trade school and don’t quit until you’re done.

Journal: What steps have you taken to achieve those goals?

DeSherlia: First, I write down what my goal is. Second, I create an action plan on how I’m going to achieve it.

In the action plan I identify the course of action and the timeline I would like to accomplish it. My plan is available to be reviewed periodically. This helps me stay motivated and on course.

Journal: Does achieving success at your age have any special significance?

Dabbs: Not really. In my case, going back to college at 29 and graduating at 31 had some special significance.

Dana Bainter, Administrator at Jerseyville Manor and Liberty Village, said since joining the team in 2006, Dabbs has proven himself to be an effective leader and motivator. “Always armed with a smile and a kind word, census development comes easy to Brady. Over the past eight years Brady has also excelled at educating the public, organizing events and promoting our services. Jerseyville Manor is proud to honor his success,” Bainter said.

Page Five

Shane DeSherlia is a man who remains focused on building a successful career. Four years after graduating Jersey Community High School in 1999, DeSherlia earned a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management from Quincy University. He then continued his education at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, receiving his Masters of Business Administration degree in 2008. Now, six years later, the 34-year-old is the Community Bank President at First Bank.

Jerseyville Manor. In 5 years, I would like to continue where I am now or working in a similar field, meeting new people and helping seniors and their families.

Journal: Who in your life has been your biggest inspiration and why?

Dabbs: My parents were my biggest inspiration. My dad always worked to support our family. He worked different shifts and commuted to and from St. Louis for 32 years. My mom went back to finish college at 34 while working as a beautician and raising three little boys. She is the one who encouraged me to go back and finish college. I only wish I would have listened to her sooner.

Under 40 to Watch

Shane DeSherlia: First Bank

Brady Dabbs: Jerseyville Manor

Q& A

Wednesday, May 28, 2014

Journal: How have your goals evolved as you have achieved success?

DeSherlia: Each goal that I set for myself will be more challenging than the one I just achieved. I do this because I don’t want to ever be complacent in anything that I do. It’s too early in my career for me to be complacent.

Journal: How have your skills of the trade evolved?

DeSherlia: I think my skills are constantly evolving.

There seems to be constant change in my industry (i.e. new financial products, new technology, new regulations) therefore I’m always attending seminars and sales meeting to bring me up to speed on these changes. I have to be willing to adapt to those changes if I want to succeed. brady dabbs

“...know what you want to do before you grad-

uate high school. Have a practical approach and research what industries are going to be flourishing. Work hard in college or at a trade school and don’t quit until you’re done.

”

Journal: Where do you picture yourself in five years?

DeSherlia: In five years, I see myself graduating from Graduate School of Banking – University of Wisconsin and assuming a greater leadership role within First Bank as a Group Manager. I will still be active in and dedicated to growing this community.

Journal: Is Jersey County a place you can make that happen?

DeSherlia: Yes. When I become a Group Manager, there will be meetings to attend in St. Louis, but I will be able

to continue to work from our Jerseyville branch because so much business can be conducted with advanced technology.

Journal: What advice would you give to other young people wanting to fast-track their careers?

DeSherlia: First, I would suggest they identify where they want to be in 10 years. Then find a person that is currently in that position and ask them to be your mentor.

Having a mentor can be very beneficial for a young person wanting to fast-track their career. It’s also important to stay motivated and positive.

Journal: Does achieving success at your age have any special significance?

DeSherlia: I’m proud that I was able to achieve success in the county in which I was raised. As I raise my children, I want my young boys to grow up knowing that hard work and dedication pays off. I hope that I’m influencing their future decisions by modeling good work ethic, integrity and honesty.

Journal: Who in your life has been your biggest inspiration and why?

DeSherlia: My father-in-law, Bill, has been a big inspiration to me. He’s both hard- working and very successful, but also puts his family first. I value his opinion and he’s always been there when I needed his advice. He would never tell me what I need to do in a situation, but rather asks key questions that force me to solve my own problems or draw my own conclusions. He is what I would consider to be a great role model of the business/family man.

First Bank’s Senior Vice President - Business Banking Group Manager, Ken Eisler, said DeSherlia has a wealth of knowledge beneficial to both commercial banking and agricultural markets.

“Shane’s customer focused attitude provides his clients with the comfort that he will provide the correct service for the need they have to fill,” Eisler said.”

Eisler went on to say that DeSherlia is an ideal employee for any business.

“He is bright, customer focused without jeopardizing the company’s position, aggressive in his pursuit of new business and community oriented evidenced by his current chairmanship of the Jersey County Business Association,” Eisler said. “We value his ability to represent us in the Jersey County community in a professional and trustworthy mode.”

Shane desherlia

“Each

goal that I set for myself will be more challenging than the one I just achieved. I do this because I don’t want to ever be complacent in anything that I do. It’s too early in my career for me to be complacent.

”