40 under 40: Ocala’s up-and-comers

40 under2021OCALA MAGAZINE

PHOTOGRAPHY BY RALPH DEMILIO

40under

Adam Sipe32

Occupation: Co-founder and President, Airplane Intel, Inc. What I like about Ocala: The sincere sense of hospitality. Pet peeve: Wasting time. Philosophy in a word: Adapt. Personal superpower: Grit. Superhuman power I’d like: Fly like a bird. Favorite cause: Veterans Airlift Command. Guilty pleasure: Jamming out to heavy metal music while driving, running, or cutting the grass. People who know me say I am: Passionate, devoted, and dependable. Greatest professional achievement: Becoming a flight instructor. I indulge too much in: Chocolate.

Alex Bidwell31

Occupation: Executive Director, Highpoint at Stonecrest Grand goal: To inspire my younger siblings and others to be in leadership roles. What I like about Ocala: The same thing distribution centers like: It’s easy to get everywhere else. Pet peeve: Able-bodied people parking in handicapped spots. Favorite cause: Alzheimer’s Association and support groups. Historical dinner date: Marjory Stoneman Douglas, to hear her incredible stories about 108 years of activism. Greatest professional achievement: There’s no way to describe the feeling when a person with dementia reaches for your hand for comfort because they recognize you.

Leighton Okus 37

Occupation: Executive Director, Ocala Main Street Grand goal: To leave a legacy of kindness. What I like about Ocala: Baby Bear Burger, crinkle fries and a vanilla malt milkshake at Hungry Bear. Pet peeve: Loud chewing. Philosophy in a word: Love. Personal superpower: Communication. Superhuman power I’d like: Teleportation. Favorite cause: Wear Gloves and Dignity Roasters. Guilty pleasure: Podcasts. Historical dinner date: Barbara Walters. People who know me say I am: Witty. I indulge too much in: Hummus.

Teddy Sykes 33

Occupation: Programmer/ Analyst Name of business/workplace: Signature Brands When not working: I am usually working on some sort of art project. What I like about Ocala: The people. Pet peeve: Being interrupted while working. Philosophy in a word: Laugh. Superhuman power I’d like: to be able to pause time. Favorite cause: The local art and music scene. Historical dinner date: Sir Christopher Lee. People who know me say I am: chaotic and unapologetic. I indulge too much in: how-to videos on YouTube.

Joe Borge37

Occupation: Residential Designer, Caliber Design & Engineering, LLC Grand goal: Happiness. When not working, I: Keep my body moving. Pet peeve: Never enough hours in the day. Philosophy in a word: Share. Personal superpower: Communication. Superhuman power I’d like: Making dreams come true. Favorite cause: Ocala Domestic Violence Center. Historical dinner date: Neil Armstrong. Greatest professional achievement: I lost 160 pounds! I indulge too much in: Erica Olstein. She’s my healthy overindulgence.

Mike Mills33

Occupation: Coffee Bar Franchiseur, Symmetry Coffee, Buzz and Grind. Grand goal: Pursuit of a legacy. What I like about Ocala: Small-town feel. Pet peeve: Self-doubt. Philosophy in a word: Ubuntu. Personal superpower: Empowerment. Superhuman power I’d like: Harnessing the power of a moment. Guilty pleasure: Potato chips. Historical dinner date: Chris McCandless. People who know me say I am: Passionate? Maybe excitable? Favorite part of my profession: The people! I indulge too much in: Coffee?

Thomas LoBianco 37

Occupation: Administrator, Tender Care Medical Services. Grand goal: To be a person my children and their children can look up to. What I like about Ocala: It’s the best of both worlds, country and city. Pet peeve: Someone chewing ice. Philosophy in a word: Perseverance. My personal superpower: Empathy. Favorite cause: The Early Learning Coalition. Guilty pleasure: Fantasy football Historical dinner date: Helen Keller. People who know me say I am: patient, self-sacrificing and humble. Greatest professional achievement: Establishing Tender Care Medical Services in Dunnellon.

Kaitlyn Butler 29

Occupation: Entrepreneur, Coowner of Brick City Food Tours Grand goal: Leave a positive impact on everyone in my path. Pet peeve: Close-minded attitudes. Philosophy in a word: Inclusive. Personal superpower: Intuition. Superhuman power I’d like: To be an apparition. Favorite cause: Access to voting rights. Guilty pleasure: Watching The Bachelor or The Bachelorette. HIstorical dinner date: Susan B. Anthony. People who know me say I am: Motivated. Greatest professional achievement: Launching and making Brick City Food Tours a success. I indulge too much in: Great food!

Jocelyn Casey James31

Occupation: Owner/Founder CenterState Bookkeeping Grand goal: Empower and inspire. When not working, I: like to spend time with my family. What I like about Ocala: Everything. Pet peeve: Repetitive or inefficient processes. Philosophy in a word: Persistence. Personal superpower: Connection. Favorite cause: NAMI of Ocala. Guilty pleasure: Plants. Historical dinner date: Joan of Arc. People who know me say I am: Driven and easy to talk to. Favorite part of my profession: Connecting with business owners and helping alleviate some of the stress of business ownership.

Daniel W. Autrey35

Dezmond Wheeler

Occupation: Pastor/Preacher, Souls Harbor First Pentecostal Church. Grand goal: Plant Churches. Encourage People. Develop Leaders. When not working, I : Spend time with family. What I like about Ocala: Feels like a family Pet peeve: Procrastination. Philosophy in a word: Jesus! Personal superpower: Passion. Guilty pleasure: Doughnuts! Historical dinner date: The Apostle Peter. Favorite part of my profession: Seeing radical transformation in people’s lives. I indulge too much in: Sugar free vanilla iced coffee.

Colton Frederick Pennington

27 Occupation: Salon Owner and Master Stylist, CpFredrick’s Hair Designs and The Apothecary Grand goal: Help and inspire others. Pet peeve: Complacency Personal superpower: Understanding others. Superhuman power I’d like: To heal others. Favorite cause: Kimberly’s Cottage. Guilty pleasure: Late-night snacks. Historical dinner date: Nikola Tesla. Greatest professional achievement: Opening of my salon. Favorite part of my profession: Changing the way people see themselves. I indulge too much in: Designer bags and clothing.

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Occupation: Graphic design and healthcare administration, Progress Requires Growth LLC When not working, I: Am creating. What I like about Ocala: My family is here. Pet peeve: Excuses. Philosophy in a word: Progression. Personal superpower: Being an intentional father for my son. Superhuman power I’d like: To see the future. Favorite cause: Ambitious Boys Becoming Ambitious Men. Guilty pleasure: Chocolate covered strawberries. HIstorical dinner date: The Honorable Marcus Garvey.

Krista Ingrilli28

Occupation: Director Sales at HDG Hotels/ Springhill Suites by Marriott and Owner of Eufloria Flower Cart Grand goal: To be heaven-bound, make my family proud and love well. What I like about Ocala: Big-town growth and a small-town feel. Pet peeve: Timeliness. Philosophy in a word: Care. Personal superpower: Time optimization. Superhuman power I’d like: Telepathy. Historical dinner date: Pope John Paul II. Greatest personal achievement: Being a missionary for two years in Los Angeles. I indulge too much in: Chocolate chip cookies.

Emma Dingman27

Garland Brigham

Occupation: VPK Teacher Business/workplace: Marion County Public Schools Grand goal: Impacting future citizens. What I like about Ocala: Small-town feel. Pet peeve: People smacking and slurping food. Philosophy in a word: Positive. Personal superpower: Finding the good in bad days. Superhuman power I’d like: Flying. Guilty pleasure: TikTok. Historical dinner date: Frank Sinatra. People who know me say I am: Vibrant and forward-thinking. Greatest professional achievement: 2021 Marion County Rookie Teacher of the Year. I indulge too much in: Bagel Bites.

Erin McClary Hutchins 33

Occupation: Family Medicine Physician, Sabal Direct Primary Care When not working, I: Am spending time with my family. What I like about Ocala: Still feels like a small town. Pet peeve: Inefficiencies. Philosophy in a word: Purpose. Personal superpower: Juggling life as a physician, mom, wife, and friend. Superhuman power I’d like: Instant healer. Favorite Cause: The R.E.A.C.H. program. People who know me say I am: Exuberant, funny, loyal and empathetic. Greatest professional achievement: Joining Sabal DPC. I indulge too much in: Netflix.

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Occupation: HR Coordinator, World Equestrian Center When not working, I: Coach youth football, read books, and study. Pet peeve: People content with being average. Philosophy in a word: Faith. Personal superpower: Relating to and understand others. Superhuman power I’d like: Power to turn back time. Favorite cause: Gun violence. Guilty pleasure: Watching anime in bed. Historical dinner date: Martin Luther King. People who know me say I am: Calm, understanding, and driven. Greatest professional achievement: Earning my MBA. I indulge too much in: Sleep.

Geeta Minocha 23

Occupation: Director of Social Equity, Johns Hopkins’ Medicine for the Greater Good Grand goal: I just want to make the world a little bit better. What I like about Ocala: I’m always struck by how peaceful it is here. Pet peeve: People who treat compassion as a finite resource. Philosophy in a word: Intentional. Personal superpower: My ability to empathize. Historical dinner date: Theodore Roosevelt. Greatest professional achievement: I was selected to provide testimony for the National Commission on COVID-19 and Criminal Justice. I indulge too much in: Reality TV.

Jacob Baker29

Jamie Williams

Occupation: Recreation Program Supervisor Business/workplace: City of Ocala Parks and Recreation When not working, I: am on my couch with a book and tea. Pet peeve: Disrespect or rudeness to anyone in a service position. Philosophy in a word: Gratitude. Superhuman power I’d like: Teleportation. Guilty pleasure: Terrible daytime television. Historical dinner date: Marsha P. Johnson. People who know me say I am: Dedicated, driven and generous. Greatest professional achievement: Obtaining Parks and Recreation certification. I indulge too much in: Joking and laughing when it might not be appropriate.

Jamie Gilmore Jr. 27

Occupation: Co-Founder/ CEO / Mentor, Kut Different Inc. Grand goal: Add value to every person, place, or thing I come into contact with. When not working, I: am watching sports or something educational. Pet peeve: Hearing excuses. Philosophy in a word: Intentional. Personal superpower: The ability to stay dedicated and committed. Superhuman power I’d like: Teleportation! Guilty pleasure: Watching cartoons. HIstorical dinner date: Reginald F. Lewis. People who know me say I am: Loving, outspoken, and ambitious. Greatest professional achievement: Becoming a business owner.

34

Occupation: Integrated Marketing Communications, Marion Senior Services Grand goal: Advocating for arts and culture. When not working, I: am a total “culture vulture.” Pet peeve: People who don’t wash their hands after using the restroom. Philosophy in a word: Create. Superhuman power I’d like: Ability to fly. Favorite cause: Historic preservation. Guilty pleasure: Bubblegum pop music. Historical dinner date: Grace Kelly. Favorite part of my profession: Utilizing my artistic/creative mind. I indulge too much in: Coffee table books on art and architecture.

Jessica E. McClain39

Occupation: Director of Governmental Relations and Special Assistant to the President, College of Central Florida Grand goal: I want to be the reason someone believes in the goodness of God. What I like most about living in Ocala: It’s not just a city, it’s a community. My biggest pet peeve: Littering. Philosophy in a word: Jesus. Personal superpower: Kindness. Favorite cause: Pace Center for Girls. Historical dinner date: Julia Child. People who know me say I am: Resilient. Favorite part of my profession: Knowing I am helping lives change through education.

John Collins Jr.31

Amanda Pell

Occupation: Master Program Planner, Real Estate at Lockheed Martin, Family Made Investments, LLC Grand goal: Obtaining generational wealth. When not working, I: Spend time with family. Pet peeve: Not having the ability to be in two places at one time. Philosophy in a word: GoMAD (Go Make A Difference) Personal superpower: Adaptability Superhuman power I’d like: Ability to see the future. Favorite cause: Ambitious Boys Becoming Ambitious Men. Guilty pleasure: Dancing. Historical dinner date: Chris Johnson. I indulge too much in: B&C Eatery.

Andrea Lopez 28

Occupation: Operations Manager, Airplane Intel, Inc. Grand goal: To give back to my community. What I like about Ocala: All the wildlife and nature. Pet peeve: Disloyalty. Philosophy in a word: Growth. Superhuman power I’d like: Flying. Guilty pleasure: Red wine. Historical dinner date: Walt Disney. People who know me say I am: a caring and loyal person. Favorite part of my profession: Learning about different types of aircraft. I indulge too much in: spending time with my dog, Emmy.

40

Occupation: Yoga instructor Bbusiness/workplace: ONE Hot Yoga Grand goal: Help people see the value in physical, emotional and spiritual wellbeing. What I like about Ocala: Everyone is so friendly! Pet peeve: When people who got to the stop sign before me wave and tell me to go first. Philosophy in a word: Perspective My personal superpower: Finding peace in chaos. Favorite cause: Kimberly’s Center. Historical dinner: Britney Spears -- right before she shaved her head. Biggest professional achievement: Bringing hot yoga to Ocala. Favorite part of my profession: It doesn’t feel like work.

Sharington Lavette Houston 37

Occupation: Patient Advocate, UF Health Shands Hospital. Grand goal: Create generational wealth for my children. What I like most about living in Ocala: The support from people in Ocala. Philosophy in a word: Sacrifice. Personal superpower: Resilience. Superhuman power I’d like: To be a cure for all that needs curing. Favorite cause: Educating Ocala on Black History. Guilty pleasure: Chocolate chip cookies. Historical dinner date: Sidney Poitier. People who know me say I am: a bleeding heart, outgoing and dedicated.

Micah Childers 26

Occupation: Owner, Hair Stylist Business/workplace: The Boulevard Salon Grand goal: Leave a positive impact. What I like about Ocala: Simplicity. Pet peeve: Pessimism. Personal superpower: Adaptability. Superhuman power I’d like: Power to stop time Guilty pleasure: Binge watching reality TV. Historical dinner date: Marsha P Johnson. People who know me say I am: Kind-hearted Favorite part of my profession: Getting to meet new people. I indulge too much in: Buying random home decor.

Taylor Mitchel28

Alexander Quiroz

Occupation: Founder/CEO, Synalgic Studios Grand goal: To continue growing as a person. When not working, I: write and record music and enjoy outdoor activities. What I like about Ocala: Seeing the rapid growth and expansion. Philosophy in a word: Growth. Favorite cause: 1 Million Cups Ocala. Guilty pleasure: Singing in the car. Historical dinner date: Hemiunu of Egypt, the architect behind the Great Pyramid of Giza. People who know me say I am: Wholesome. Greatest professional achievement: Reaching 200k+ downloads on an app I developed. I indulge too much in: Pepsi.

36

Occupation: Physician, Radiology Associates of Ocala My Grand goal: To live a God-centered life and impact others. What I like about Ocala: The sunny weather, the small-town feel. My biggest pet peeve: Laziness. Superhuman power I’d like: Time traveling. A guilty pleasure of mine: Tacos. Historical dinner date: Jesus, of course. People who know me say I am: Hardworking, passionate and a good friend. Greatest professional achievement: Becoming a physician. I indulge too much in: Social media.

Aaron Thomas38

Occupation: Family Advocate and Artist Business/workplace: Kids Central Inc. When not working, I: Paint, attend art shows and spend time with family and friends. What I like about Ocala: The flourishing art scene. Pet peeve: Unoriginality. Philosophy in a word: Originality. Personal superpower: Turning trauma into art. Favorite cause: Supporting local. Guilty pleasure: Giant beers at the Keep Historical dinner date: Stanislaw Szukalski, perhaps the most prolific art genius that has ever lived. Greatest professional achievement: Surviving two wars.

Woodly Oralus 27

Occupation: Founder & CEO, Biznct, LLC Grand goal: Leave a piece of my light in as many people as possible. What I like about Ocala: The entrepreneurial community. Philosophy in word: Create Superhuman power I’d like: Teleportation. Favorite cause: Mentorship. Guilty pleasure: Cherry turnovers. Historical dinner date: Martin Luther King Jr. People who know me say I am: Mr. Make it Happen! Greatest professional achievement: Building a successful business. I indulge too much in: Social media.

Ashley Dobbs40

Occupation: Marketing and Communication Manager, City of Ocala Grand goal: To be happy. Pet peeve: When someone goes out of their way to be unkind. Philosophy in a word: Ethical. Superhuman power I’d like: “Bewitched” powers. A wiggle of the nose and … Favorite cause: Magnolia Art Xchange Guilty pleasure: Afternoon naps Historical dinner date: Ruth Bader Ginsburg. People who know me say I am: Empathetic. Favorite part of my profession: The ability to tell people’s stories. I indulge too much in: Decorations, especially holiday decorations.

Yasmin Ramasco 32

Occupation: Autonomous Nurse Practitioner, Heart of Florida Health Center Grand goal: To be fulfilled in life. When not working, I: am usually outdoors. Pet peeve: Being late. Philosophy in a word: Love. Superhuman power I’d like: Teleportation. Favorite cause: Access to COVID19 vaccinations. Guilty pleasure: Late night trips for ice cream. Historical dinner date: Hippocrates. People who know me say I am: driven. Favorite part of my profession: Creating relationships with my patients. I indulge too much in: Mashed potatoes.

Vickie Treulieb 37

Occupation: Teacher, Forest High School Grand goal: To leave the world a better place than I found it. What I like about Ocala: Its proximity to everywhere in Central Florida. Philosophy in a word: Enlighten Personal superpower: To effectively manipulate words. Favorite cause: Arts appreciation and education. Guilty pleasure: Naps. Historical dinner date: My Dad. People who know me say I am: outspoken Greatest personal achievement: Writing a book. Favorite part of my profession: Making a difference in children’s lives. I indulge too much in: Buying books.

Eddie Q. Rocker Sr. 30

Occupation: Department Manager at TeamCone/CoFounder of Kut Different Inc. Grand goal: Achieve happiness. What I like about Ocala: Growth and opportunity Philosophy in a word: Resilience. Superhuman power I’d like: Reading minds. Guilty pleasure: I have a sweet tooth. Historical dinner date: Muhammad Ali. People who know me say I am: Laid back. Greatest professional achievement: Masters Degree in Public Administration from FAMU. I indulge too much in: Scrolling social media.

Katherine O’Brien39

Alana Hanshaw

Occupation: Veterinarian, Maricamp Animal Hospital; Big Bang Property Solutions When not working, I: I love to be outside! What I like about Ocala: Friendly culture. Pet peeve: Smacking! Philosophy in a word: Education. Personal superpower: Healing. Superhuman power I’d like: Flight and telekinesis. Favorite cause: Kimberly’s Center. Guilty pleasure: Shopping! Historical dinner date: Jesus. People who know me say I am: Busy! Favorite part of my profession: Saving lives. I indulge too much in: Pizza, brownies and Reese’s sticks.

35

Occupation: Executive Director at Absolute Law Group When not working, I: am spending time with my kids. Pet peeve: Not putting your cart away in a parking lot. Philosophy in a word: Trust. Personal superpower: Gift of gab. Superhuman power I’d like: Time travel. Favorite cause : Alzheimer’s Organization. Guilty pleasure: Shopping for nice purses. Historical dinner date: President George W. Bush. I indulge too much in: Buying too much lipstick!

Katelyn Livingston28

Occupation: Occupational Therapist, Strive! Health & Rehabilitation/Ocala Regional Medical Center. When not working, I: enjoy spending time with my husband. What I like about Ocala: Combination of rural and city life. Pet peeve: Negativity. Philosophy in a word: Gratefulness. Superhuman power I’d like: Flying. Favorite cause: Hospice of Marion County. Guilty pleasure: Sweets. Historical dinner date: Lou Gehrig. Greatest professional achievement: I am the first person in my family to graduate college. Favorite part of my profession: Caring for and helping people. I indulge too much in: Clothes.

Brittney Mahaffey29

Occupation: Real Estate Broker/Owner, Ocala’s Finest Real Estate, LLC When not working, I: Roller blade or bowl. What I like about Ocala: driving through tree tunnels! Philosophy in a word: Love. Personal superpower: Spinning many plates. Superhuman power I’d like: To be in several places at once. Favorite cause: The Early Learning Coalition of Marion County. Guilty pleasure: Cookie dough. People who know me say I am: Optimistic and eager. I indulge too much in: Free People at Dillard’s.

Shane Sandlin 24

Occupation: Vice President of Airplane Intel, Inc. Grand goal: To have a big, happy family. What I like about Ocala: It still has a small-town feel. Pet peeve: Complaining Philosophy in a word: Integrity Personal superpower: Intuition Superhuman power I’d like: to be able to fly. Favorite cause: The Wounded Warrior Project Guilty pleasure: I like to go fast. Historical dinner date: The real Barry Seal. People who know me say I am: Goofy! I indulge too much in: Eating out.

Lynde Johnson 33

Occupation: Entrepreneur/ Manager, Golden Ocala Equestrian Center When not working, I: am likely at home with my family. What I like about Ocala: The equine community. Pet peeve: When people touch their already chewed gum. Superhuman power I’d like: To fly. Favorite cause: Streetlight Ministries. Guilty pleasure: Always singing. HIstorical dinner date: My Grandma. People who know me say I am: a hard worker. Favorite part of my profession: Getting to work with horses. I indulge too much in: Fast food!

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