20 40 under
January 22, 2022
Huron Daily Tribune | 20 Under 40
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January 23, 2021
Ryan Badgerow Age: 35
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Spouse/Children: Emily; Harmony, Eliora and Nova Hometown: Pigeon Employer: The River’s Edge Church and R U Red E? Ministries
1. Current job title/responsibilities: I serve as associate pastor at The River’s Edge Church in Caseville. My responsibilities include teaching and preaching sermons and Bible studies, helping prepare and direct the music and liturgy for our services, and whatever else needs to be done to serve the
fellowship and community. I also work with R U Red E? Ministries, a non-profit organization focused on youth outreach through music, camps, and mission work nationally and internationally. We work alongside local churches and in some of the local schools in the western Thumb area with positive and con-
structive opportunities and events for youth. We have a youth center in Caseville (Caseville Family Arena/ roller rink) that is also open to the public as a safe and fun place for skating on the weekends. 2. What is the best aspect of your job? I love so much about what I get to do and don’t really think of it as a job, although it definitely has its challenges. That said, I’d have to say the best part is getting to be a part of so many people’s lives and being able to share the love, hope, peace, and truth of Jesus Christ.
3. Why is your community a good place to live and work? I was born and raised here and many people in this community have poured so much into me over the years. I want to be able to do that for others, especially young men who don’t have a father in their lives. This is a great place to live and raise a family because most of mine and my wife’s families are here and everyone just seems like family. Plus we love living so close to the lake. 4. What one person Badgerow Continued on 3
Luke Flannery Age: N/A
2 Congratulations Laker Teacher David Snider!
www.lakerschools.org 989-453-4600
1. Current job title/responsibilities: New car sales manager. Selling vehicles, ordering vehicles, and assisting customers with the finance and insurance. 2. What is the best aspect of your job? Spending time with cus-
Spouse/Children: Carly Flannery; no children Hometown: Bad Axe Employer: Flannery Auto Mall
and downhill ski. 7. What are your three favorite movies? Shooter, Dumb and Dumber, Happy Gilmore. 8. Name a book that has influenced you. "Customers for Life" by Carl Sewell.
tomers, co-workers, and my family.
kind, an old soul, and gives the best advice.
3. Why is your community a good place to live and work? We live in a close-knit, hardworking community. There is a lot of familiarity everywhere you go.
5. What is your biggest goal in life? A life goal of mine is to have our car dealership passed down to a fifth generation.
9. If you could be any fictional character, who would it be? Dwight Schrute - The Office
6. What do you do to relieve stress? I listen to music, spend time with friends and family, walk our dog Billie, golf,
10. What quote do you live by? "Details matter. It's worth waiting to get everything right." -Steve Jobs
4. What one person has influenced you the most? My wife Carly. She is very
Huron Daily Tribune | 20 Under 40
January 23, 2021 Badgerow Continued from 2 has influenced you the most? Jesus Christ.
Natanya Stirrett with friends.
5. What is your biggest goal in life? To have a family that loves God first and loves others as themselves.
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6. What do you do to relieve stress? Pray, play guitar or drums, listen to classical music.
9. If you could be any fictional character, who would it be? Sherlock Holmes 10. What quote do you live by? “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.” -The Apostle Paul
UNDER
Age: 26
7. What are your three favorite movies? Ladder 49, The Guardian, The Greatest Showman
Spouse/Children: None Hometown: Bad Axe Employer: LRS Healthcare
1. Current job title/responsibilities: Registered nurse.
7. What are your three favorite movies? Hard to choose, but probably Back to the Future, Indiana Jones: The Last Crusade, and Groundhog Day. 8. Name a book that has influenced you. So many, but one is No Compromise: The Life Story of Keith Green.
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2. What is the best aspect of your job? The hours. 3. Why is your community a good place to live and work? I don’t work in the community of Bad Axe any more.
4. What one person has influenced you the most? My mom. 5. What is your biggest goal in life? Open a doggy daycare/ salon. 6. What do you do to relieve stress? Walk with my dog, go out
8. Name a book that has influenced you. I honestly hate reading, so I don't have a specific book that has influenced me. 9. If you could be any fictional character, who would it be? Pam Beesly 10. What quote do you live by? "Don't let things you can't control control you."
Ashwin Vekaria 1. Current job title/responsibilities: Blue Diamond general manager. It’s a bit of everything from customer relations, personnel management, troubleshooting issues, process improvement, etc. 2. What is the best aspect of your job? I’m fortunate to work with some great people and get to participate in problem-solving across multiple disciplines. 3. Why is your community a good place to live and work? We’ve always had good neighbors; friendly, kind, welcoming, and helpful. You never have to worry about getting help if you’re in need, and if you don’t know
someone, you probably have a friend or two that know them. 4. What one person has influenced you the most? My father has had a huge impact on who I am today. He taught me to aim high, work harder than I need to, stay humble and live with gratitude. 5. What is your biggest goal in life? I want to travel the world with my family and friendsjust see as much of everything as possible. 6. What do you do to relieve stress? My kids are at a really fun age and I enjoy playing with them after work. I also enjoy golfing and tinkering with
electronics. 7. What are your three favorite movies? Oceans Eleven, Dead Pool, and Goodwill Hunting. 8. Name a book that has influenced you. The Harry Potter series started my interest in reading for pleasure and then I found the Hardy Boys, which became my favorite. 9. If you could be any fictional character, who would it be? There’s a lot of great characters out there, but I think I’d enjoy being Michael Knight from Knight Rider. 10. What quote do you live by? “Be the change you wish to see in the world.”
Age: 33
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Spouse/Children: Sarah; three children 4 and younger Hometown: Baladia, India Employer: Blue Diamond Steel Casting LLC
Huron Daily Tribune | 20 Under 40
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January 23, 2021
Jodi Hurren
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Age: 39
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Spouse/Children: Steve Hurren; Logan, 14, Jaxon, 12, and Aubree, 10.
Age: 34
Hometown: Pigeon
Spouse/Children: Eric Kennedy; Calli and Adeline Kennedy
Employer: I work for Northstar Financial Group in Bad Axe.
Hometown: Ubly Employer: Self
1. Current job title/ responsibilities: I am the eBusiness Banking Officer at Northstar Financial Group and I manage the electronic banking operations for Northstar Bank and West Michigan Community Bank. I oversee all aspects of the electronic banking, including mobile banking, mobile deposit, online banking, telephone banking, as well as directly supporting our business customers that have cash management services such as ACH origination, remote deposit capture and positive pay. 2. What is the best aspect of your job? I have some of the best people on my team and I enjoy working day to day with each and every one of them. And of course, our customers. 3. Why is your community a good place to live and work? My mother- and fatherin-law experienced a fire last June and lost their home. The overwhelming response that we saw
from our community was absolutely amazing. The way this community pulls together to support one another, there aren’t many places like it. 4. What one person has influenced you the most? It would be hard to narrow down just one person who has influenced my life, as I have had so many. My grandfather, Fran LePage, who was an educator in the Elkton Pigeon Bay Port school district and my dad, Tom LaBelle, recently retired from Tower Automotive, taught me my work ethic that I take pride in today. I have also had some strong women in the workplace that have helped shape and develop me into the person that I am today. Debbie and Stacey have been such positive role models for me and have always been there for me when I need to reach out for support and guidance. 5. What is your biggest goal in life? My biggest goal in life is to make sure that I am a positive role model for my kids
and to teach them to be respectful, work hard and most of all, to be kind. 6. What do you do to relieve stress? I like to shop, terrible stress reliever, I know but a little retail therapy always helps me.
Ashley Kennedy
7. What are your three favorite movies? My three favorite movies are The Notebook, Taken and who doesn’t love National Lampoons Christmas Vacation.
1. Current job title/ responsibilities: I am owner of Sheridan Dairy with my husband.
8. Name a book that has influenced you. I don’t have much time to read, I used to love reading fiction books, but my kids take up most of my time. 9. If you could be any fictional character, who would it be? Beth Dutton, she has a confident and strong personality. 10. What quote do you live by? “Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass. It’s about learning how to dance in the rain.” -Vivian Greene.
2. What is the best aspect of your job? I can’t really pinpoint what is my favorite part of my job. I really love getting up in the morning to start my day. Working with my husband and employees brings a lot of joy to my life and I love the cows. 3. Why is your community a good place to live and work? I feel so at home in my community. I love the scenery, we have beautiful woods to hike in, lakes to relax with the sound of the waves and we can see our food growing right in front of our eyes.
4. What one person has influenced you the most? I’m not sure how I pick one person because I have spent most of my life working with my parents and even my grandparents. Also, my husband is my biggest cheerleader. He has taught me what a team really is and how we balance each other in life and work. 5. What is your biggest goal in life? I would like to travel to the world and see every country. 6. What do you do to relieve stress? I am a voracious reader, I love to learn about wine from around the world, powerlifting at my local gym and hike around
home and in new places. 7. What are your three favorite movies? Black Panther, all of Harry Potter, Rogue One (Star Wars in general). 8. Name a book that has influenced you. As a voracious reader this is cruel. If you forced me to pick I would say, Maya Angelou’s “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings.” 9. If you could be any fictional character, who would it be? Ahsoka Tano. 10. What quote do you live by? “Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than they ones you did do.” -Mark Twain
When something is important enough, you do it even if the odds are not in your favor. ~ Elon Musk ~
Huron Daily Tribune | 20 Under 40
January 23, 2021
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Andrew Hebberd Bill Lackowski 7
Age: 35
Age: 36
Spouse/Children: Stephanie; Blake, 3, Evelyn, 2
Spouse/Children: Jill Lackowski; Benjamin, 6, Brielle, 5, Jack, 1
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Hometown: North Branch Employer: Hebberd Insurance Agency
for one another.
1. Current job title/ responsibilities: Owner 2. What is the best aspect of your job? Being involved in the community and the local schools. 3. Why is your community a good place to live and work? It is a tight-knit community where everyone looks out
4. What one person has influenced you the most? My grandfather. 5. What is your biggest goal in life? To be a good father to my children. 6. What do you do to relieve stress? Hunt, fish and golf. 7. What are your three favorite movies? Saving Private Ryan, Man
On Fire, Remember the Titans. 8. Name a book that has influenced you. Traction. 9. If you could be any fictional character, who would it be? N/A 10. What quote do you live by? "Some people want it to happen, some people wish it would happen, others make it happen."
Employer: Self/Ameriprise Financial (I own my own franchise) 1. Current job title/ responsibilities: Financial advisor — I am responsible for the financial well-being of my clients through a combination of managing their investments, budgets, tax strategies, and income strategies. 2. What is the best aspect of your job? My favorite part of my job is helping make my clients’ lives better by helping and being able to lessen the burden of one of life’s most
David Snider 1. Current job title/ responsibilities: Sixth- and ninth-grade English teacher. 2. What is the best aspect of your job? Being a teacher allows me to pour into students and help them grow as individuals in all aspects of life. 3. Why is your community a good place to live and work? My community is full of people that genuinely care about each other,
which is the whole reason I came back to this area to work and raise a family: to invest in a community that invests so much in me. It’s a community that I feel excited to have my kids grow up in. 4. What one person has influenced you the most? Both of my parents were instrumental in shaping me into who I am today. They taught me responsibility, hard work, and to always put others first. I owe them a great deal.
5. What is your biggest goal in life? My biggest goal is that all of my words, actions, and interactions can reflect the love of Christ to the people around me. I hope that everyone that interacts with me can feel more valued and cared for. 6. What do you do to relieve stress? I really like outdoor activities like hiking and camping. I also enjoy reading, playing video games, and watching “The Office.”
Hometown: Ubly
stressful aspects — money. 3. Why is your community a good place to live and work? It is the area where I grew up. So I have a connection with a lot of the people in the area. I am especially grateful to the ones that have chosen to entrust me as their financial advisor. 4. What one person has influenced you the most? Lyn Mossett — She was my former boss/mentor who
retired in 2019. She took a chance on me at just 22 years old out of college and I would not have any of my success today without that opportunity 14 years ago. 5. What is your biggest goal in life? To build a successful business that provides for my family. 6. What do you do to Lackowski Continued on 6
Age: 31
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Spouse/Children: Kerri Snider; Leona and Eleanor, 9-month-old twins Hometown: Pigeon Employer: EPBP Lakers
7. What are your three favorite movies? The Lord of the Rings Trilogy, Star Wars movies, and all the Marvel movies. 8. Name a book that has influenced you. Radical, by David Platt. 9. If you could be any
fictional character, who would it be? I would be Spider-Man. When I was growing up I really enjoyed reading all of the Spider-Man comics because he was a superhero who overcame adversity to serve the people around him. Plus, web swinging seemed
pretty cool. 10. What quote do you live by? “It’s the small things, everyday deeds of ordinary folk that keeps the darkness at bay. Simple acts of love and kindness.” -Gandalf
Huron Daily Tribune | 20 Under 40
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January 23, 2021
Connor Veenstra 1. Current job title/ responsibilities: General assignment reporter for the Huron Daily Tribune. I cover agriculture, education, and the environment in the county, as well as covering general news in Sebewaing, Ubly, Owendale, and surrounding townships. 2. What is the best aspect of your job? The writing. There’s something about it that puts me in a kind of trance. And when you have a well-structured article that flows from one topic or paragraph to another, it’s immensely satisfying. 3. Why is your Lackowski Continued from 5 relieve stress? I play golf leagues at the Ubly Heights and have game nights with some of my closest friends. 7. What are your three favorite movies? Back to the Future, Jurassic Park, Captain America. 8. Name a book that has influenced you. Declutter your Mind by S.J. Scott and Barrie Devenport. 9. If you could be any fictional character, who would it be? Obi-Wan Kenobi. 10. What quote do you live by? “Do what needs to be done to live with confidence.”
community a good place to live and work? It’s a good place to live and work because of its proximity to the rest of the county. Being in the middle of the Upper Thumb, Bad Axe is the same distance from any town I need to get to. This is useful for when I need to drive out to do interviews. 4. What one person has influenced you the most? I would say those who’ve had the most impact on me are those I’ve never met. For example, I read the Steve Jobs biography in high school and reading about his strong, uncompromising personality
Age: 25
10 greatly shaped my own. I completely missed the points made about him being irascible and stubborn and had ideas that drove him to bankruptcy. Instead, I focused on the ideas and visions he planted his feet on, that ultimately led him to success. 5. What is your biggest
Spouse/Children: None Hometown: West Bloomfield Employer: Huron Daily Tribune
goal in life? To make some kind of difference in the world. I want to leave an impact and be remembered. 6. What do you do to relieve stress? I’ve kept most of my stress-relieving activities from high school. Reading adventure fiction, listen-
ing to rock music, and playing video games are my preferred avenues of escapism. 7. What are your three favorite movies? “Seven Samurai” (in my opinion, it’s objectively the best movie ever made), “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” (this is
my favorite big-screen Spider-Man), and “The Lord of the Rings” (I count them all as one movie; it’s one of those stories where I feel like if it didn’t exist, the world would be an emptier place). 8. Name a book that has influenced you. “Prophet,” by Frank Peretti. It’s a novel about a local reporter who accidentally stumbles on a conspiracy. His battle between popular opinion and the Truth inspired me. It’s the reason I’m a reporter today. 9. If you could be any fictional character, who Veenstra Continued on 7
Jenna Falor 1. Current job title/ responsibilities: I am the field crops educator based in Huron County for MSU Extension. My job is to work with farmers, the public and other community partners to provide technical expertise and education concerning all field crops. I have a special focus area of nutrient management.
Age: 30
11 information for farmers.
2. What is the best aspect of your job? The best aspect of my job is the autonomy that is offered to make my own daily routine and the fact that every day is different from the one before it. I also enjoy that my position allows me to be an unbiased source of
3. Why is your community a good place to live and work? This is a great place to work live and work because of the people. People are always willing to lend a helping hand to those who need it. I moved to the
Spouse/Children: N/A Hometown: Ubly Employer: Michigan State University Extension
Thumb in 2016 and the thumb has its own unique personality compared to other places I’ve lived. 4. What one person has influenced you the most? My dad has been my biggest influence. I got my love of agriculture from him starting from a young
age. He has always been supportive of me and my dreams regardless of where they led me. The many life lessons he taught me have helped me to become the person I am including putting things that need to be done ahead of things you want to do and that just because you may not like
someone doesn’t mean you can’t still be kind to them. 5. What is your biggest goal in life? My biggest goal in life is to live each day to the best of my ability and try to always to bring a smile someone’s face. 6. What do you do to relieve stress? Watching a good movie, going for a walk or spending time with friends and family. 7. What are your three favorite movies? Dirty Dancing, The Croods and the Harry Potter Falor Continued on 7
Huron Daily Tribune | 20 Under 40
January 23, 2021
Tom Greene
Veenstra Continued from 6
Holy Grail .
Age: 26
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Spouse/Children: None Hometown: Essexville and Kinde Employer: Huron Daily Tribune
1. Current job title/ responsibilities: Sportswriter. I write feature stories, and cover games throughout the Greater Thumb and North Central Thumb League conferences. Also, making sure the Tribune’s office is filled with “Dad Jokes”.
3. Why is your community a good place to live and work? While the Thumb is a fairly big area, it has a smalltown feeling, because it’s a community of small towns. Almost everybody knows everybody in the area, and that’s a good feeling.
him for the better part of seven years. A great man and even better coach.
2. What is the best aspect of your job? The Dad Jokes. Besides that, getting to network with coaches and players in the community and telling their stories. Also, reporting at games is great, too.
4. What one person has influenced you the most? There are a lot of people I could answer this with, but the one that stands out is current Bridgeport basketball coach Kevin Marshall. His life story is fascinating, and I’ve gotten to know
6. What do you do to relieve stress? Read, watch sitcoms (Seinfeld, The Office), take a moment to breathe.
5. What is your biggest goal in life? To be the best version of myself that I can be, and to leave a lasting legacy that will make people smile.
7. What are your three favorite movies? Dumb and Dumber, Elf, Monty Python and the
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8. Name a book that has influenced you. The Bronx is Burning. The story of the 1977 New York Yankees, and the news that happened around the season. To win a championship through hardship within not only the team, but politics, and even within the city is inspiring. Through many hardships, strength can still be found. 9. If you could be any fictional character, who would it be? Spongebob. As Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh said, he has an enthusiasm unknown to mankind, and he has an amazing work ethic.
would it be? Harry Potter. It’s mainly because he manages to stay humble while still making a big difference in the world. He doesn’t seek greatness, but still does great things. I admire and envy that. Or maybe it’s my main character syndrome. Falor Continued from 6 movies. 8. Name a book that has influenced you. Blue Skies and Thunder by Virgil W. Westdale 9. If you could be any fictional character, who would it be? I don’t know there is any one fictional character I
10. What quote do you live by? “How do you write like you need it to survive?” I have this one tattooed on my arm. A quote from the musical “Hamilton.” It resonated with me, because I realized that if I couldn’t write, I would feel so much less alive. would want to be; if I had to pick it would be Professor McGonagall from Harry Potter. She’s unashamedly herself, always fights for what she believes is right and is there to support anyone who needs it. 10. What quote do you live by? “Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.” -Winston Churchill
10. What quote do you live by? “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.” -Wayne Gretzky -Michael Scott -Tom Greene
Ashlyn Zwemmer Age: 25
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Spouse/Children: Paul Zwemmer Hometown: Elkton Employer: Simply A to Z Boutique
1. Current job title/ responsibilities: I am the Owner of Simply A to Z Boutique. My responsibilites are every aspect of the business. I
am in charge of the social media, buying decisions, merchandising, day to day store operations, website design and management, shipping
and fufilling orders, and really anything else that happens at the boutique. 2. What is the best aspect of your job? The best aspect of my job is hands down meeting or chatting virtually with the amazing women that shop my boutique. I love getting to know each and every one of them, Zwemmer Continued on 8
Congratulations Laker Alumnus
Ashlyn Zwemmer! www.lakerschools.org 989-453-4600
Huron Daily Tribune | 20 Under 40
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January 23, 2021
Megan Ruthko 14
Age: 39 Spouse/Children: None Hometown: Ubly Employer: Scheurer Health
1. Current job title/ responsibilities: I’ve been with Scheurer Health for almost 15 years and currently serve as the manger of materials management. My responsibilities include negotiating contracts, sourcing and distributing supplies to over 20 Scheurer Health locations. In addition to my daily duties, I’m also a member of the marketing team and incident command. In my free time, I serve as a board member of the Port Austin Chamber of Commerce and Port Austin Artist in Residence. 2. What is the best aspect of your job? The best aspect of my job is the variety of projects
and challenges. From designing clinics to sourcing COVID tests; every day is a new adventure. 3. Why is your community a good place to live and work? I love the amount of support and safety our area communities provide. 4. What one person has influenced you the most? My best friend Renee who may no longer be with us but has taught me many life lessons and has given me a new perspective on life. 5. What is your biggest goal in life? My biggest goal in life is Zwemmer Continued from 7 while also helping them look fabulous.
T h a n k y o u f or choosing me as on e of t h e 2 0 under 40! Thank you so mu c h f or s h o p pi n g small and local.
3. Why is your community a good place to live and work? My community is great place to work and live because of the people. People here truly want to support you and your dreams. They want to see you do well just as much as you want to do well yourself. The support I
Age: 26
15 to never stop learning and experiencing new things. 6. What do you do to relieve stress? I enjoy laughing with friends and binge watching TV with my two dogs.
8. Name a book that has influenced you. The Horse Whisperer 9. If you could be any fictional character, who would it be? Mary Crawley from Downton Abby.
Spouse/Children: Nathan Peterson Hometown: Kinde Employer: Huron County
Ashlyn Peterson
7. What are your three favorite movies? Wild Hearts Can’t Be Broken, Legends of the Fall and Fried Green Tomatoes.
10. What quote do you live by? "The greatest gift in life is to love and be loved." -Unknown
1. Current job title/ responsibilities: I work in the Huron County Clerk’s Office as a deputy clerk/elections assistant. My responsibilities vary day to day whether it is work-
have received so far from the community has been above and beyond what I ever could have imagined.
redo them, and to focus on what truly makes you happy even if it might not make sense to everyone else.
difference in every person's life, even if it was just being kind to them in store on the day they needed it most.
8. Name a book that has influenced you. I am not a huge book reader, so I will have to say fashion magazines.
4. What one person has influenced you the most? My husband, Paul, has been my biggest influence. He has taught me how to work hard for what you want, to slow down and do things the right way the first time versus moving too quickly and having to
5. What is your biggest goal in life? My biggest goal in life is to help others. I want to be a safe place for people to be able to come shop and get clothes that make them feel amazing, but also a conversation that makes them feel just as great walking out our door. I hope to make a
6. What do you do to relieve stress? I like to workout, spend time with loved ones, and focus on self care to relive stress.
9. If you could be any fictional character, who would it be? Emily in Paris.
7. What are your three favorite movies? How to lose a guy in 10 days, The Devil Wears Prada, Safe Haven.
10. What quote do you live by? "If your dreams don't scare you they aren't big enough."
ing on upcoming elections, processing accounts payable, or assisting the general public. Peterson Continued on 9
Huron Daily Tribune | 20 Under 40
January 23, 2021
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Natalie Nugent Age: 36
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Spouse/Children: Sivan Laufer; Adelaide, 5 Hometown: Port Austin Employer: Huron Behavioral Health
to my duties at Huron Behavioral Health, I also serve as an adjunct professor for Eastern Michigan University.
1. Current job title/ responsibilities: I currently serve as the chief operations officer and clinical director for Huron Behavioral Health. I am a licensed clinical psychologist by trade, specializing in the assessment and
treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder. In my role at HBH, I oversee our clinical operations and supervise staff providing a variety of services including outpatient therapy, home-based therapy, wraparound facilitation, etc. In addition
Peterson Continued from 8
hard working generous individuals that give back to the community on the local level. I have traveled around the state to many areas, and there is no feeling quite like returning to that small town atmosphere.
2. What is the best aspect of your job? One of my favorite duties is helping the public have access to vital records for genealogy research. Records in our office date back to 1867. There is so much history in those records, such as seeing trends of names over the years or looking through the old calligraphy style handwriting. 3. Why is your community a good place to live and work? Huron County is a great example of a community you can work and relax in. There are so many
4. What one person has influenced you the most? My husband is my biggest supporter and always pushes me to do my best, whether that is in my career or any of the hobbies I get involved in. 5. What is your biggest goal in life? Some of my main goals are
2. What is the best aspect of your job? Hands down, the best aspect of my job is helping to facilitate community member access to needed mental health services. Seeking care is one of the hardest steps to take when you’re struggling with a mental illness. Being part of a team that offers prevention, outreach, and treatment services allows me to travel based. I enjoy taking trips to Michigan’s state parks and national forests to camp with my husband, so I would really enjoy being able to check off a visit to each one of our state’s national forests and parks. I would also love to visit all 50 states, and recently I was able to check Alaska off of my list. 6. What do you do to relieve stress? The main way I relieve stress is by taking care of my small hobby farm. It is a great way for me to get outside and be active each night, and there are always projects to be done between the ducks, chick-
participate in the journey as individuals achieve mental health recovery and move forward with their lives in healthy and effective ways. It is a huge privilege to witness this transition. 3. Why is your community a good place to live and work? The community. It is an incredible thing to be able to pick up the phone and contact another community partner and immediately collaborate to help someone get the care they need. We truly take care of one another in this county. ens, goats, and rabbits. A few years ago, my father in law okayed a small chicken coop as a fun project and it has grown into a true passion of mine since then. 7. What are your three favorite movies? A few of my favorite movies would be Sixteen Candles, The Wedding Singer, and Forrest Gump. I always enjoy having a good laugh or watching old comedies. 8. Name a book that has influenced you. I don’t read too much now, but growing up one of my favorite book was “Where the Red Fern Grows.” Throughout the book
4. What one person has influenced you the most? There’s no possible way to narrow it down to one person. I am immeasurably grateful for my family and the ways in which they have contributed to my growth as both a person and a professional. From a clinical psychology perspective, the work of Dr. Edna Foa guides the trauma-related care that I provide every day. 5. What is your biggest goal in life? To raise our daughter to be a creative, kind, and courageous citizen of the world. 6. What do you do to relieve stress? Yoga, running, horseback riding, swimming, hiking. Anything that allows me to spend time with my family, especially outdoors is an there is great examples of determination and ingenuity that was inspiring at a young age. 9. If you could be any fictional character, who would it be? If I could be any fictional character, I would be Leslie Knope from the television show “Parks and Recreation.” I strive to be as empowering to others and make an impact on my local community as much as she does to that of Pawnee, Indiana in the show. 10. What quote do you live by? "Be the change you wish to see."
immediate stress reliever. 7. What are your three favorite movies? The Princess Bride, Stranger than Fiction, Good Will Hunting. 8. Name a book that has influenced you. To narrow it down to one is next to impossible. I will say that I always have a copy of “Wherever You Go, There You Are: Mindfulness Meditation in Everyday Life” by Jon Kabat-Zinn somewhere near. 9. If you could be any fictional character, who would it be? I wouldn’t mind a brief adventure as “Lucy” in The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. 10. What quote do you live by? “Be a lamp, or a lifeboat, or a ladder. Help someone’s soul heal. Walk out of your house like a shepherd.” -Rumi
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Huron Daily Tribune | 20 Under 40
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January 23, 2021
Shawn Roehrig Age: 39
17
Spouse/Children: RaeAnn Roehrig; Cooper and Aubree Roehrig Hometown: Kingston Employer: Roland’s Paint & More
1. Current job title/ responsibilities: Small business owner/ managing a small business. I play many roles and fulfill many responsibilities. I consider the three most important titles I carry are technician, manager and entrepreneur. I verify all responsibilities are meant daily, from moping the floor to competing AR/AP.
2. What is the best aspect of your job? I love interacting with customers and seeing new faces. I also enjoy the flexibility of being my own boss and the ability to navigate my desired direction with the growth of the business. 3. Why is your community a good place
RaeAnn Roehrig 1. Current job title/ responsibilities: Owner of Roland’s Paint & More. Customer service, keeping track of inventory, mixing up paint, daily operations, and custom framing. 2. What is the best aspect of your job? The ability to develop relationships with customers. We have our regular customers and contractors that we see through a work week and then we have customers that we see once every few months. I love “catching up” with them all. 3. Why is your community a good place to live and
work? I love the “small town” feel, the friendliness of strangers that you run into, the familiar faces that I see each day, and the way our community comes together in certain situations. It really makes our community feel more like a big family rather than a little town. 4. What one person has influenced you the most? Many people have influenced me throughout the years, but one person has and always will stand out. That person would be my Grandma Pauline. She has always gone above and beyond for anyone. She has an insane work ethic — to this day she still volunteers
Age: 37
18
Spouse/Children: Shawn Roehrig; Cooper, 5, and Aubree, 2 Hometown: Bad Axe Employer: Roland’s Paint & More
(works). She always sees the good in everyone. I just hope that I can become even half the kind human she is. 5. What is your biggest goal in life? Making my family proud and raising my children to be honest, down to earth, good humans.
6. What do you do to relieve stress? In the winter, unwind with a hot cup of cocoa after the kids are in bed, and of course watch some Netflix series. In the summer, little mini vacations with the family are the best. R. Roehrig Continued on 11
to live and work? Bad Axe is a great place to set roots and work. Being the county seat, it is an expanding community with a small-town feel. 4. What one person has influenced you the most? No one person has truly influenced me more than another. I didn’t grow up having role models, I grew up seeing people I didn’t want to be like and seeing situations I never want to be in. I’m influenced by any humble person with desire to strive and make what they leave behind better. 5. What is your biggest goal in life? To be financially stable
enough to donate more, so when I leave this life, I made it a little better. 6. What do you do to relieve stress? I love spending time with my kids, and I enjoy my own company working on projects around the house. 7. What are your three favorite movies? Ozark, Peaky Binders, Cool Hand Luke, Wallstreet, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. 8. Name a book that has influenced you. A child called it. No matter S. Roehrig Continued on 11
Huron Daily Tribune | 20 Under 40
January 23, 2021
Dereck Simmons Spouse/Children: Jamie Leigh Simmons; Cody, 20, Mckenzie, 15, Maleighya, 14 Hometown: Caseville Employer: Self-employed, family business, Simmons & Sons Auto T&J Towing 1. Current job title/ responsibilities: Owner, mechanic, overseeing all operations of the business and taking care of our customers. 2. What is the best aspect of your job? The best aspect of my job is our customers. Being able to provide good quality service to good quality people. 3. Why is your community a good place to live and work? I enjoy living in a small close knit community where most people know eachother and are willing
to help each other out in a time of need. 4. What one person has influenced you the most? My father has always been my biggest influence encouraging me to always work hard, be fair and honest. Also my grandfather Les Simmons Sr. told me when I was 12 that if you do a good job no matter what it is you will never be out of work. I’ve lived by that statement ever since.
S. Roehrig Continued from 10
Spider-Man.
what Dave endured, he always saw the positive in life and others.
10. What quote do you live by? I’d rather be completely exhausted from the hard times which breed success than well rested from achieving nothing.
9. If you could be any fictional character, who would it be?
Age: 38
19
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relieve stress? To relieve stress I enjoy spending quality time making memories with my wife and 3 children.
5. What is your biggest goal in life? N/A
7. What are your three favorite movies? My three favorite movies are Happy Gilmore, Hairy Potter and The Notebook.
6. What do you do to
8. Name a book that has
influenced you. The Holy Bible is a book that has influenced me. 9. If you could be any fictional character, who would it be? N/A 10. What quote do you live by? N/A
Sources: SCORE/SBA; Fundera
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R. Roehrig Continued from 10
appreciate what you have.
7. What are your three favorite movies? Avatar, Dirty Dancing, And Titanic.
9. If you could be any fictional character, who would it be? Olivia Benson (Law & Order: SVU). She has a neverending commitment, a sincere nature, and has a deep emotional intelligence. She is also strong and brave.
8. Name a book that has influenced you. The Diary Of A Young Girl, by Anne Frank. She found good in everything, even the horrible things. This book echoes through generations. She encouraged the young and the old to remember the little things in life and to
10. What quote do you live by? “Strength is what we gain from the madness we survive.”
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Huron Daily Tribune | 20 Under 40
January 23, 2021
Tyler Morell Age: 22
20
Spouse/Children: Girlfriend, Heather Collon Hometown: Ubly Employer: Morell Equipment/K&D Transport
3. Why is your community a good place to live and work? I was born and raised there. There are a lot of good people. Ubly is a nice little town. 1. Current job title/ responsibilities: Just about everything. Jack of all trades. Drive semitruck, deliver equipment, etc.
4. What one person has influenced you the most? My old man, Kevin. he taught me how to work hard.
2. What is the best aspect of your job? I like working and serving in the community. With working for a family business, I enjoy most days of it. Some days are a struggle.
5. What is your biggest goal in life? To have my own business or take over the family business. 6. What do you do to relieve stress?
Truck pulling, tractor pulling. Go on vacation. Hang out with my buddies. 7. What are your three favorite movies? Goldrush, Alaskan Last Frontier, Ice Road Truckers. 8. Name a book that has influenced you. N/A 9. If you could be any fictional character, who would it be? I have no idea. 10. What quote do you live by? "Work hard, play hard."
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