CHAMBER BOARD MEMBERS IN THE NEWS
The Kentucky Aviation Association (KAA) has elected Owensboro-Daviess County Regional Airport (OWB) Director Tristan Durbin as this president.
The association exists to foster and promote aviation facilities, safety, industry, business, recreation, and education in Kentucky. Durbin joined the board two years ago when the annual conference came to Owensboro, and he was asked to join the planning committee.
“This is something I’m really proud of and excited about,” Durbin said. “Our primary goal and mission is advocacy for airports across the state. We work closely with legislators to advocate and educate.”
Chamber Board Member Kerry Bailey received a job promotion at UniFirst, where she now serves as the Human Resources Strategic Business Partner - Supply Chain. Congratulations, Kerry!
The Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce the appointment of Kitty Jones as its Director of Membership. Jones assumes the role upon the departure of Shelly Nichols.
Kitty was formerly the Director of Employment Opportunities, the division of supported employment for Puzzle Pieces, a local nonprofit that serves more than 400 clients with disabilities. She led a team of ten supported employment specialists, who, under her leadership, were named the 2023 Education and Workforce Development Institution of the Year by the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce.
She led her team to more than 100 successful client placements into job roles and has developed key partnerships with local high schools and postsecondary schools to provide Pre-Employment Transition Services to those with disabilities. Kitty is an active partner in the development of the Workforce Inclusion Coalition to promote a more inclusive community for individuals with disabilities.
Kitty is a 2021 graduate of Leadership Owensboro. She currently serves as the head Cheer Coach for Daviess County High School where she has been coaching for the last 5 years (17 years overall) and brought home the school’s first ever State Championship.
“I am truly excited to take on this new adventure as the Director of Membership for the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce," Jones said. "I look forward to engaging with our community, fostering strong relationships, and supporting the growth and success of our local businesses. I am thrilled to be part of such a dynamic and impactful organization while growing alongside a team of strong women!”
“We are over the moon to welcome Kitty Jones to our team,” said Candance Castlen Brake, President and CEO. “Her depth of involvement in the community, her deep understanding of our Chamber and her love for Owensboro make her a standout in all she does. Our members deserve a Chamber that is working tirelessly ensuring that they have the tools they need to thrive and grow. Kitty is a natural advocate and will tirelessly for our members.”
When not working or at a sporting event, Kitty enjoys time outdoors and traveling with family and friends.
Kitty and her husband, Nick, have two children; Genarose and Everett.
5 ROOSTER BOOSTER, SPONSORED BY BRESCIA UNIVERSITY
7:30 a.m.
Owensboro Convention Center
5 CYP AMPED UP ARTISTRY UNVEILING
Immediately Following Rooster Booster
11 CYP PROJECT EMPOWER: GIRLS & GOALS
4:15 p.m.
Ben Hawes
14-15 OWENSBORO AIR SHOW
SEPTEMBER EVENTS
17 CYP GUYS AND TIES: 8:15 a.m.
Burns Middle School
17 CYP GUYS AND TIES:
9:30 a.m.
Tamarack Elementary School
17 CYP COFFEE AND CONVERSATIONS
7:30 a.m.
Joys of Cooking: Joyful Java & Juice
18 CHAMBER AMBASSADOR FORMAL MEETING
12:00 p.m.
Chamber of Commerce
Third Floor Conference Room
OCTOBER EVENTS
2 RIBBON CUTTING: WINGATE INN 12:15 p.m.
51 Bon Harbor Hills
3 ROOSTER BOOSTER, SPONSORED BY OWENSBORO COMMUNITY AND TECHNICAL COLLEGE
7:30 a.m.
Owensboro Convention Center
10 CYP GUYS AND TIES: 8:15 a.m.
Burns Middle School
10 CYP GUYS AND TIES: 9:30 a.m.
Tamarack Elementary School
15 CYP COFFEE AND CONVERSATIONS
7:30 a.m.
16 CHAMBER AMBASSADOR SOCIAL MEETING 12:00 p.m.
23 CYP SOCIAL MEETING 11:30 a.m.
21 CYP VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY: GROOVIN’ ON THE GREEN 5:00 p.m.
Owensboro Convention Center Lawn
24 CYP COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT MEETING
24 EDUCATOR’S IN THE WORKPLACE IT/STEM SESSION
25 CYP FORMAL MEETING 11:30 a.m.
Chamber of Commerce
Third Floor Conference Room
26 CYP SPECIAL HAPPY HOUR 5:00 p.m.
Surprise Location To Be Announced!
24 RED, WHITE AND BLUE PICNIC, SPONSORED BY BIG RIVERS ELECTRIC CORPORATION
5:00 p.m.
City Hall Lawn
29 CYP COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT MEETING
29
EDUCATOR’S IN THE WORKPLACE MANUFACTURING SESSION
Elections are just around the corner! Get involved with the Chamber’s GO Vote initiative. Scan the QR code and share with us why you are voting. Just print out the PDF, write why you vote, take a photo with your sign and send it to the Chamber at chamber@owensboro.com! For more information about voting go to daviessky.org/voting. #GOVote
ROOSTER BOOSTER RECAP
JULY
July’s Rooster Booster event was truly one for the books, featuring Kentucky legend Renee Shaw and Owensboro native Kelsey Kirkpatrick Starks, both accomplished television journalists. Candance Castlen Brake, President and CEO of the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce, highlighted the importance of involving interns from across the Chamber membership to inspire the next generation of community leaders and encourage young people to return to Owensboro.
The program was sponsored by Visit Owensboro, the official tourism organization dedicated to promoting Owensboro as a vibrant destination for visitors. They showcase the city’s unique attractions, events, and cultural offerings, encouraging travelers to explore and experience everything Owensboro has to offer.
AUGUST
ASponsor:
ugust’s Rooster Booster breakfast featured Michael Antonelli from Baird Private Wealth Management. Antonelli, a Market Strategist, spoke about how historical parallels can inform modern financial concerns, bridging the gap between Baby Boomers and Millennials. He emphasized that fear has always been part of the market and encouraged clients to consider historical context when addressing their current financial anxieties.
Baird, Rooster Booster’s August sponsor, is a global financial services firm founded in 1919, managing over $375 billion in client assets. With a presence in the U.S., Europe, and Asia, Baird offers services in Private Wealth Management, Asset Management, and Investment Banking. As employee-owners, they prioritize long-term client relationships, financial stability, and ongoing investment in expertise and culture.
Sponsor:
Speaker: Michael Antonelli
NEW MEMBERS
923 Media, LLC
Blonde & Boozie, LLC
Burger King CLIK, LLC
Conexon
Ervin Cable Construction, LLC
Health and Safety Sciences, LLC
J. Todd Thompson CPA PSC
Keller Williams Elite Realty, Jamie Beatty
Lady Luck Tattoo and Body Piercing Oscar’s
Owensboro Racing and Gaming
Paint Headquarters
Pro Vision Construction
Revenite Financial Services
Rize & Shine Services, LLC
Rock N Roll Sushi Owensboro
TownePlace Suites Owensboro
RENEWALS
270 Homes Group of Keller Williams Elite
270 Homes Group of Keller Williams Elite Realty, Kevin Dehart
54 Pizza Express - East
Adorn Salon & Boutique
Aid the Homeless, Inc.
All About You Salon & Spa
All-Star Waste Services, Inc.
Alpha Laser & Imaging, LLC
Alvey’s Sign Co Inc
Angela Clark, Tony Clark Realtors ATA
Aull Appraisals
Auto Truck and Trailer, LLC
Barret-Fisher Company, Inc.
Best One Tire & Service
Blue Line Entertainment
Brandon Scott Mullins Memorial Foundation
Brewco Marketing Group
C and P Trucking, LLC
Cabinets Unlimited
Carter Lawn Management, LLC
Century Aluminum of Kentucky Cintas Corporation
Commercial Warehousing, Inc.
Commonwealth Concrete Coatings LLC
Courtyard by Marriott Owensboro
Crazy Me Gifts & Apparel
D.J. Johnson
David P. Taylor Antiques
Daviess County Farm Bureau Federation
Daviess County Teachers Federal Credit Union Diggers, Inc.
Diversified Management, Inc.
DMC Graphics
Don Moore Toyota-Mitsubishi-Nissan-Honda
Edward Jones, Ed Krahwinkel, Financial Advisor
Efficient Air Heating & Cooling
Elder Advantage
Elevator Solutions, Inc.
Estes Farms
Ever Bin Clean
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Owensboro, KY
Fern Terra Assisted Living, LLC
First Christian Church
Foreman Watson Land Title, LLC
Foundation for Daviess County Public Schools
Furniture Warehouse
Gardner Engineering & Consulting, PLLC
German American
Girls Incorporated of Owensboro-Daviess Co.
Grace Christian Academy of Owensboro
Gramps Coffee and Donuts
Granted
Green River Asset Building Coalition, Inc.
Harold’s Economy Cleaners & Laundry
Hayden Construction
Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari
Home Inspired, Inc.
Husk Signs
Irving Materials, Inc.
Johnson’s Dance Studio
Josh’s Broken Feather Inc
Joys Cooking Classes | Joy-Full Meal Prep
Kahkola Tech, LLC
Kahn, Dees, Donovan & Kahn, LLP
Kaiser Aluminum Warrick
Karen Gross, Realtor
KeeFORCE
Kentuckiana Animal Clinic
Kentucky Farm Bureau Insurance - Bill Hodskins
Kentucky Farm Bureau Insurance - Chris Hoskins
Kentucky Farm Bureau Insurance - Gavin C. Roberts Insurance Agency, Inc.
KimiWeb
King’s Great Buys Plus
Lee’s Famous Recipe Fried Chicken
Living Hope Community Church
Lizzie’s Diner
Marcus W. Bosley & Associates, Inc.
Marshall Ventures
Martha Fitts Clark
Matthew 25 AIDS Services
McEnaney Family McDonald’s - Hwy 54
McEnaney Family McDonalds - Parrish Avenue
McEnaney Family McDonald’s -2750 Frederica Street
McEnaney Family McDonald’s -4800 Frederica Street
Meadow House Flowers and Gifts
Mechanical Systems Inc.
Merchant Centre Court -- ODCTA
Midwest Ear Nose & Throat, Head & Neck Surgery (operated by Ohio County Healthcare)
Miracle Ear
Mizkan America, Inc.
Morley
Murphy Appliance Co., Inc.
Murphy Business Sales- South Central KY
Nick T. Arnold Jewelers
Norman King Electric, Inc.
Oberst Printing Company
O’Bryan Contracting, Inc.
OMUfibernet
Owensboro Bourbon Society
Owensboro Daviess County Regional Airport
Owensboro Insulators, LLC
Owensboro Museum of Fine Art
Owensboro Museum of Science & History
Owensboro Sister Cities
Owensboro Symphony
Packages Plus
Pasture Belt Farms, LLC
Peoples Bank
Plumbers & Pipefitters Local Union 633
Prairie Farms Dairy
Precision Garage Door of Owensboro Evansville
Premier Medical Group
Professional Properties and Construction, LLC
PVF Supply Company, Inc.
Real Hacienda Mexican Restaurant
Riney Hancock CPAs PSC
Risner & Associates, JoAnn Risner
River City Insurance Agency
RiverCities Asset Management, LLC
RiverPark EyeCare, PLLC
Rosehill Elmwood Cemetery
Ruoff Mortgage
Senior Community Center of Owensboro - Daviess County
Serene Relief Wellness
SIP Owensboro
St. Benedict’s Homeless Shelter
St. Joseph Peace Mission for Children
Sterett Crane and Rigging
Strode Farms
Swan Cleaners & Shirt Laundry
T & W Valve and Machine Co. Inc.
Tanner Publishing Co.
Terry’s Tees
The BHG Realty, Jason Bellamy
The BHG Realty, Stephanie Bertram
The BHG Realty, Steve Lewis
The BHG Realty, Tonya Lewis
The Children’s Advocacy Center of Green River
The Eric Group
The Honey Do Service, Inc
The Malcolm Bryant Corporation
The Miller House Restaurant & Catering
The Party Space Place
Theatre Workshop of Owensboro
Vector Engineers, Inc
Vizion Mortgage
Wells Fargo Advisors - Bluegrass Wealth Advisors
Wells Health Systems
Wilson’s Custom Flooring
CHAMBER MEMBERS OF THE WEEK
The Chamber Member of the Week program is a Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce membership benefit. Founded in 1913, the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce has worked to provide valuable benefits and services to member businesses and individuals for over a century.
Today, with a membership base of nearly 1,000, the Chamber is a guiding force in community and business development initiatives, serving as the center of business advocacy for the Greater Owensboro region.
CLIFF HAGAN BOYS & GIRLS CLUB
The Cliff Hagan Boys Club opened its doors in April 1967 and became chartered later that summer by the Boys and Girls Club of America. As landscapes changed, the board of directors changed the name to the Cliff Hagan Boys and Girls Club to include its female members in 1993. The nonprofit has grown and evolved drastically over the last half-century and currently boasts six locations in four counties: Daviess, Bulter, Ohio, and Henderson.
RETIREMENT & FINANCIAL STRATEGIES
Local Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®) professional Jerry Goetz opened Retirement & Financial Strategies at 3402 Frederica Street in 2018. With over 25 years of experience in the industry, Goetz wanted to create a local family business to provide top-level service and advice for generations to come. Also a CFP®, Goetz’s daughter Emma joined the team in 2022, while his son, Evan, joined earlier this year.
JULY
ELITE RISK ADVISORS
Elite Risk Advisors specializes in auto, business, home, life, and Medicare insurance. Their priority is helping our customers find the best coverage in order to protect what matters most in life. As an Independent agency, we work with a wide variety of top carriers to help you find the best coverage to suit your exact situation. Amber Dennis opened Elite Risk Advisors (ERA) in October 2023.
DON MARIO’S
Orallis Radilla, along with her family, first embarked on the journey of Don Mario’s in a modest space near the tracks on West Second Street in 2014. A decade later, their unwavering dedication has led to a flourishing downtown location, an expanded menu, and the relatively recent acquisition of Real Hacienda.
JULY & AUGUST
JOYS COOKING CLASSES & JOYFULL JAVA AND JUICE
Ashley Webb purchased Cooking 101 on KY 54 in 2019, changing the name to Joys Cooking Classes shortly after that. She began offering fun and educational hands-on cooking classes and private events for children, teens, and adults and has since expanded to include a full-service cafe and meal prep services. Webb launched Joyfull Java and Juice earlier this year. The restaurant offers an assortment of fresh juices, smoothies, acai bowls, and gourmet coffee. The menu also features several sandwich and wrap options for breakfast and lunch, along with various salads and soups.
NICK T. ARNOLD JEWELERS
AUGUST
Nick T. Arnold Jewelers, a family-owned business, has been a trusted name in fine jewelry since 1902. With two Owensboro locations, they specialize in offering a wide selection of high-quality diamonds, custom designs, and timeless pieces to suit every occasion. With a commitment to exceptional customer service and craftsmanship, Nick T. Arnold Jewelers continues to be the go-to destination for those seeking elegance and personalized care in their jewelry shopping experience.
BLUEGRASS BIKER NEWS
In 1999, a poorly attended motorcycle poker run for a child in need sparked an idea that would grow into something much larger. Jimmy Rhoades and his wife were at the event when they realized they could do more to help. With a network of friends and a desire to make a difference, they began spreading the word about charity events throughout the tri-state area.
MARY KENDALL HOME
The Mary Kendall Home has been in operation since 1904. It recently expanded its outreach services to include a community services division, providing essential support to Owensboro and nearby counties. Mary Kendall Community Services (MKCS) was initially established to offer counseling services but has evolved to address a broader range of community needs, including outpatient therapy, targeted case management, and parenting classes.
SUPREME DREAM REALTY
Supreme Dream Realty, founded by Owner, Broker, and Realtor Vickie Ballard, is dedicated to making the real estate process enjoyable for buyers and sellers in Owensboro and the surrounding areas. With a strong commitment to personalized service, every client—whether purchasing their first, second, or forever home—is treated as a top priority. Supreme Dream Realty has grown to include nine skilled agents, all focused on delivering exceptional real estate experiences.
To learn more about becoming the Chamber Member of the Week or inquire about Chamber membership, contact Shelly Nichols, Chamber Vice President, at 270-926-1860 or shelly@owensboro.com.
Charlotte Newton is an insurance agent at Houchens Insurance Group. She has been in the insurance industry for about 10 years. Charlotte helps large commercial businesses with their insurance needs at the Owensboro location on Frederica Street. Charlotte’s main goal is to educate her clients on their policies so that they know exactly what they are getting and that they have the right coverage. She loves building relationships with her clients. In her free time, she loves spending time with her four children and two grandchildren. She loves to read and anything adventurous.
2024 CHAMBER GOLF CLASSIC
The 2024 Chamber Golf Classic was a swinging success! This annual event allows Chamber Members the opportunity to network on the greens, fostering valuable connections that go beyond the fairways. This event has proven to be a great opportunity for Members to drive their business forward while enjoying a fantastic day of camaraderie and collaboration.
We
want to thank our sponsors who made the 2024 Chamber Golf Classic possible:
Presenting Sponsor:
Owensboro Health
Platinum Sponsors:
Hartz Contracting
Houchens Insurance Group
NextEra Energy Resources
RiverValley Behavioral Health
Gold Sponsors:
323 Staffing Solutions
A+ Derr
American Engineers, Inc.
Atmos Energy
Cleveland Cliffs
Domtar
EM Ford
Green River Distilling
Hafer
Independence Bank
Kaiser Aluminum Warrick
Kenergy
Moore Automotive Team
O’Bryan Contracting
Old National Bank
OMU
OMU Fibernet
Optimize U
Owensboro Riverport Authority
Owensboro Times/Tanner+West
RBS Design Group
Riney Hancock CPAs PSC
Southern Star Central Gas Pipeline
Southwire
Sun Windows
Team Owensboro
U.S. Bank
Unifirst Corporation
Weedman/Evergreen Lawncare
Golf Ball Sponsor: Big Rivers Electric Corporation
Hole Sponsors:
Baird
Fastek
German American Bank
HPC
Kentucky Wesleyan College
Malone Workforce Solutions
Morley
PC Quest
Regional Land Title Company
Servpro
South Central Bank
Food and Beverage Sponsors:
Brew Bridge
Chicken Salad Chick
Chick-fil-A
Drakes
Ole South Barbeque
Print Sponsor: Greenwell Chisholm
COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT
KET COMES TO OWENSBORO
KET's Kentucky Edition program started 'road shows' last summer highlighting communities across Kentucky. This summer, they featured Owensboro.
Kentucky Edition is KET's nightly public affairs program that airs weekdays at 6:30/5:30c. Several episodes were recorded live at the Bluegrass Museum in Owensboro July 9-11 with some features on Owensboro in the mix of the day's news. Stories that were recorded included the following:
Green River Distillery
Owensboro BBQ
Riverfront development
Owensboro Dance Theater
Aaron Kizer (I'll be there for his event on 6/21)
Bluegrass Museum
Owensboro Symphony and Arts Museum
Owensboro Innovation Academy/iMiddle School
OPS and DCPS two new superintendents
ROMP festival
Kentucky Guitar Works
The visit culminated in a panel discussion with Mayor Tom Watson, Representative Suzanne Miles, OH Hospital CEO Mark Marsh, Sara Hemingway from the MYF, CYP Chair Jake Boswell, and President/CEO of Chamber CCB serving on a panel moderated by Renae Shaw of KET.
BUILDING BONDS
CYP AND WENDELL FOSTER UNITE FOR FIRST RESPONDER BBQ
The Greater Owensboro Chamber Young Professionals partnered with Wendell Foster for the annual First Responder’s BBQ again this year to celebrate Owensboro and Daviess County law enforcement, firefighters, and EMTs who serve our community each and every day. The event allows our local First Responders to connect with residents of Wendell Foster and community members in a nonemergency setting and enjoy some good food, good music, and great conversations.
CYP members who volunteered at the event served as BBQ Buddies by pairing up with Wendell Foster residents to interact with local First Responders and form new friendships.
Jake Boswell, Chair of CYP stated, “We thought it would be good for us to take the residents and introduce them to the First Responders to get the conversations started, and it worked out beautifully.”
Tell us about the journey that led you to Owensboro and a little bit about your family.
I had worked in the industry for around 24 years, and Jimmy Staton who used to be my boss and the former CEO of Southern Star, offered me a job as the Chief Operating Officer of Southern Star a couple of times, and at the time I said no because I was already an officer of a much larger company. But, then the company I was with at the time wanted me to take an Executive position with them in Calgary, Canada or Houston, Texas. That was when I called back Jimmy Staton and asked if he still would have me in Owensboro at Southern Star.
For my family it was getting back home. We are midwest folks. My wife’s family is from Indiana and she and I both went to college in Indiana. My parents also retired in Indiana, so it was nice to get closer to home when I took the job at Southern Star.
I grew up a military brat, so I’m not really from anywhere. I was born in California, and we moved around quite a bit. I lived in Europe and Germany three different times for about ten years, and we eventually ended up in Indiana where my dad taught ROTC at Indiana State, DePauw, and then RoseHulman. I ended up going to Rose-Hulman and playing football there for four years, and got my degree in engineering.
My son played high school baseball and football, and I had the opportunity to coach him from the time he was five years old all the way through high school. Our family still goes on vacation with the boys that I coached and their families which is pretty special. Now, my son is at West Point.
And then I have two daughters. One is a
CHAMBER BOARD MEMBER SPOTLIGHT:
SHAWN PATTERSON
PRESIDENT & CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER OR SOUTHERN STAR CENTRAL
GAS PIPELINE
sophomore at Hanover College and she plays soccer, and then my other one is a little 10 year old, and she plays soccer too. So, the kids keep us hopping on the weekends that’s for sure!
So, with all of that being said we love the midwest, and we love Owensboro and Kentucky. This is a great community, and my family will be here for a while. We have had seven homes over the years, and so far we have called Owensboro home the longest, and we plan on living here even longer.
How does being on the Chamber Board inspire you to make an impact in our community?
I think the Chamber provides a unique platform to influence and uplift the community. It is a group of folks that really want to see Owenboro succeed. I have been transplanted in Owensboro, and I have participated in a lot of different Chambers, but this Chamber is great to work with, and I would say its second to none. I have been in smaller communities and larger communities, and the Owensboro Chamber really does a great job bringing businesses and people together to do better for the community.
One of the things that attracted me to Owensboro and more importantly keeps me here is the togetherness. Everybody seems to truly want to work together to see Owensboro’s success well into the future. I love partnering with other business leaders in town, and it inspires me to see how they all want to give back to our community, and see Owensboro do well.
How can we make Owensboro more attractive to employers, small businesses, and a diverse group of young people that want to find opportunity and success here?
For employers I think we have to continue
to create a business friendly environment by highlighting the city’s low taxes, streamlining the permitting process for new builds and looking at what incentives are out there for businesses to attract them to Owensboro.
I also think we have to focus on workforce development and capitalize on the amount of local colleges and universities here. For Southern Star we have had no problem attracting great talent in Owensboro. So, I think with what Owensboro already does with workforce development we need to continue that momentum and partnering with those universities to do that.
Infrastructure and accessibility is another thing that I think Owensboro does well, and we need to continue to build on to bring more employers to Owensboro.
In summary I think it’s a business friendly environment, and let’s continue to leverage it.
For small businesses I think we can continue to highlight the community’s commitment to supporting local businesses. For example the Shop Owensboro event that the Chamber does in the summer and during the holidays. I also am a big fan of the Farmer’s Market. When my son is home from college he loves to stop by the Farmer’s Market and see how the community rallies around that.
Also, with small businesses I think we have to ensure that there is access to resources such as business grants, mentorship programs, and the Leadership Institute. I think things like that help small businesses be successful.
For a diverse group of young people, we need to maintain affordable living and continue to grow our employment opportunities. We have everything from ag to energy to finance and accounting jobs. For a “small big town” there are a ton of career opportunities.
I think we are a very inclusive community, but we probably need to get stronger around diversity, and make that more foundational to Owensboro. All of our local schools seem to
be moving in the right direction with that.
It helps me and other business leaders in town to attract diverse talent. I want different experiences and backgrounds to have a seat at the table because at the end of the day it gives us a better product, and makes us all better.
Who in your personal and/ or professional life has been your biggest role model or inspiration?
It’s hard for me to name one because there are just so many, but one I would say is my father, he was a noncommissioned officer in the Military. He was a sergeant major in the Military and probably the youngest guy to go to the sergeant major’s academy at the time. He was a sun up to sun down kind of guy. His work ethic is like nothing I’ve ever seen. Even though he worked his tail off he was always there for the family. He taught me to be intentional in the moment. There’s no such thing as work-life balance, but be intentional rather that is with your family or when you are at work.
A second role model for me was one of my youth football coaches that I had when we lived in Fort Knox during my middle school years. His name was Tom Arflin. Tom was a retired military guy and he coached me for probably four years. I am a big sports guy, and I believe you learn so many life lessons through the game of football. I would’ve never got an engineering degree if I didn’t play football. Football is what kept me going and kept me motivated. Tom taught me accountability, being a self starter, and how to be a leader at a young age. Who knows where I would be without football.
And then I would have to say my wife. She probably has the biggest heart of anybody I have ever met. She was an engineering manager, but she stays at home now, and she really has the tough job. With her it is all about
everyone around her. It’s never about herself. She is the true example of a servant leader. She doesn’t have a mean bone in her body, and if you know her you know that she puts everyone else before herself.
Finally, I’d say Jimmy Staton. I was Jimmy’s COO at two other companies. He made me an officer in my thirties, and so he took a gamble with me, and I hope to say it paid off. He taught me that whole side of creativity, leadership, and responsibility.
So, I can’t say just one. I really have to credit all four.
We know you are a big football fan and have a passion for coaching, so what are you most looking forward to this upcoming season, and do you ever think you’ll call yourself a coach again?
I’ll say this: I am a huge football fan, but I am a huge soccer fan when my girls are playing. I have coached them when they were younger, and like I said I coached my boy all the way through high school in football and baseball.
But, in regards to what I am looking forward to this coming season, I’m extremely optimistic about Notre Dame. We’re in the top 10 and we’ve got a quarterback that’s a Duke transfer. We’ve got some great running backs, and some young and aggressive linebackers. We probably have the first or second best secondary in the nation, and we have two D-linemen coming back that were supposed to go pro, so that’s really exciting.
We are a little new on the offensive line, so that’s the big question mark coming into the season. But, we open up with Texas A&M, so we are going to find out if we are for real or not right out of the gate. But, I am pretty optimistic.
RIBBON CUTTINGS
A TIME-HONORED TRADITION
Ribbon Cuttings are so special to local businesses and organizations. The tradition of a Ribbon Cutting is most commonly known to celebrate a grand opening, but Chamber Members also use a Ribbon Cutting to celebrate renovations, anniversaries, new locations and joining the Chamber.
BURGER KING
BLACK PEARL HOME CARE
SPARKLE BRITE CAR WASH
IVY TRELLIS FLORAL & GIFT