Business Journal

McHENRY COUNTY

October 2012 • A Northwest Herald publication

McHENRY COUNTY’S

BEST UNDER

40 Meet the area’s brightest young professionals

Find more area business news at NWHerald.com/ business

MADE IN McHENRY Corporate Disk Co. products played around the world Page 5

REAL ESTATE Signs of recovery for commercial market Page 14

ROAD WARRIOR County engineer earns Bronze Star Page 25

Presorted Standard U.S. Postage Paid Palatine, IL 60095 Permit No. 1223

Business Journal / NWHerald.com/business • October 2012

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SENIOR EDITOR Dan McCaleb 815-459-4122 dmccaleb@shawmedia.com Vol. 11 No. 8 • 7717 S. Route 31, Crystal Lake, IL 60014 NOTE TO READERS

Welcome to our newly repackaged McHenry County Business Journal.

From the slick new cover, to the better quality paper inside, to the greater variety of stories and other features, we wanted to give the Business Journal more of a magazine-y feel. Because from this day forward, we look at the Business Journal as Northwest Herald’s quarterly business magazine.

This edition features the 2012 Best Under 40 class. Our readers nominated McHenry County residents under age 40 who are making a difference in their communities and the business world. Members of last year’s class helped us go through the nominations and pick the top 15. Each of these special people share the secrets of their success inside.

For the first time, we will honor the Best Under 40 class with a dinner and awards ceremony. The ceremony will be held at 5:30 p.m. Oct. 3 at Crystal Lake Country Club. Karen FreemanWilson, newly elected mayor of Gary, Ind., and an honors graduate of Harvard Law School, will deliver the keynote address.

If you have any story ideas for the Business Journal or Northwest Herald’s Business section, give us a call or send us an email. Contact information is above at right.

As always, thank you for reading.

– Dan McCaleb, senior editor, Shaw Media/Northwest Herald

BUSINESS JOURNAL EDITOR Brett Rowland 815-526-4616 browland@shawmedia.com

NORTHWEST HERALD BUSINESS EDITOR Chris Cashman 815-526-4509 ccashman@shawmedia.com

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NICHE PRODUCT MANAGER Kelly Buchanan 815-526-4445 kbuchanan@shawmedia.com

WEBSITE www.NWHerald.com/business

FAX: 815-459-5640

NEWSROOM EMAIL newsroom@shawmedia.com

Please report errors to editor Brett Rowland by calling 815-526-4616.

DID WE GET IT RIGHT?

ABOUT THE COVER Jamie Rein of Wonder Lake, an attorney with Aleen R. Tiffany P.C., is one of 15 Best Under 40 honorees profiled in this issue.

Photo by Sarah Nader – snader@shawmedia.com

HOW TO SUBSCRIBE McHenry County businesses are eligible to receive the Business Journal at no charge.

To request a subscription or a single copy, please call the circulation department at 815-459-8118 or 800-589-9363.

Requests also can be sent by e-mail to subscriptions@shawmedia.com.

Best Under 40 photograpy inside today’s issue by: H. Rick Bamman hbamman@shawmedia.com

© Entire contents copyright 2012 Shaw Media “Serving our communities to make them better places to live.”

Mike Greene mgreene@shawmedia.com Josh Peckler jpeckler@shawmedia.com Sarah Nader snader@shawmedia.com

Business Journal / NWHerald.com/business • October 2012

PUBLISHER John Rung 815-459-4040

Business Journal / NWHerald.com/business • October 2012

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Best Under 40 winners ‘dependable, focused, driven’ The 15 people selected as the “Best Under 40” this year represent a small fraction of the talent pool in McHenry County.

Forty-five people were nominated for the eighth annual “Best Under 40” edition of the Northwest Herald’s Business Journal. Several nominees from 2011 also were considered. A panel of three former winners picked the finalists.

This year’s winners – eight women and seven men – include doctors, lawyers, engineers, entrepreneurs, nonprofit leaders, and government officials.

To better understand what the members of this elite group have in common, we sent all of them five questions selected by Northwest Herald editors.

Their responses fill the pages of this edition.

These leaders are, in their own words, “decorous,” “dependable,” “focused” and “driven.”

It’s a diverse group, though most were born in the United States. Two were born in other places – one in Scotland and one in the West Indies. Most are over 35, but there are some notable exceptions.

One is Rafael Castaneda, a 20-year-old Woodstock native studying social justice at Roosevelt University in Chicago.

By the time Castaneda was in high school, he was involved in the United Latinos with American Honor club and a regular volunteer at the Family Health Partnership Clinic in Woodstock. The clinic

VIEWS Brett Rowland provides health care for the uninsured and the under-insured.

Among other accomplishments, he served as a mentor to other students and won several community service awards before graduating from McHenry County College and transferring to Roosevelt.

Another young winner is Emily Smith, a 29-yearold who helped direct one of area’s largest community service projects in recent years as McHenry County College’s coordinator of service learning and volunteerism.

Some 1,088 students took part in the college’s Promise scholarship program, performing 30,000 hours of community service under the guidance of Smith and others.

She also started the My Sister’s Dress event, which raises money for Big Brothers Big Sisters of McHenry County by selling affordable dresses and accessories to local students for prom. She is currently working as a real estate agent while raising her first child.

Many of this year’s “Best Under 40” winners were modest, but few more so than Kevin Charles, a captain in the Army National Guard who was awarded the Bronze Star for overseeing $240 million in construction projects near the AfghanistanPakistan border during his fourth combat tour in Afghanistan.

“My leaders, supervisors, colleagues, and soldiers very often determine my success,” said Charles, who also is an engineer with the McHenry County Division of Transportation.

To counter this modest streak in the class of 2012, we included comments from those who nominated our winners.

One question we asked the winners was to share the best career advice they received over the years.

Our favorite response came from Amber Martin Johnson, a certified public accountant and owner of Martin Johnson Tax and Financial Services in Crystal Lake.

She said: “Always live below your means.”

Chris Christensen, area vice president at Neis Insurance in Crystal Lake, also shared some simple career advice: “Be nice to people.”

• Brett Rowland is editor of the Business Journal and assistant business editor of the Northwest Herald. Email him at browland@shawmedia.com.

Centegra associates make accomplishments possible As we reflect on Centegra Health System’s accomplishments in the past year, we find impressive work our associates and physicians have performed to make Centegra the region’s premier health-care provider. From advancing technologies to expanding service lines, it wouldn’t be right to celebrate these accomplishments without the associates who made them possible.

These are just a few of the highlights from the past year: On July 24, the Illinois Health Facilities and Services Review Board approved our application for Centegra Hospital-Huntley. We are thrilled by the board’s decision to approve Centegra Hospital-Huntley.

This is a tribute to everyone who voiced their support over the past year-and-a-half, whether by writing letters, putting up yard signs or speaking at one of the public hearings.

Centegra has already received approval from the village of Huntley to build a hospital on our campus.

We will now proceed with our final engineering and design components.

We anticipate seeing our first patients

HEALTH CARE Michael S. Eesley in 2016 and plan to employ 1,100 area residents.

The new emergency department at Centegra Hospital-McHenry opened Dec. 20, 2011. This new environment enhances our ability to deliver exceptional emergency care to the community. The current emergency department location was refreshed and re-opened as the Clinical Decision Unit (Observation) area.

Centegra chose the McKesson Paragon Hospital Information System (HIS) for the implementation of our Electronic Medical Record. The new HIS will be used by clinicians and will help us provide the best patient care.

The Paragon solution is an industry leading HIS rated the No. 1 Community HIS by KLAS in 2006-11.

Since the Centegra Back and Spine Center opened May 2, patients have

had improved access to coordinated, multidisciplinary treatment and management of acute and chronic back and neck pain and other spine-related medical issues.

The center focuses on a combination of non-invasive treatment measures including physiatry, physical therapy, chiropractic care, diagnostic medical imaging, pain management, neurology services, and behavioral health services.

Centegra Physician Care (CPC) grew tremendously in the past year.

The practice welcomed cardiologist Dr. Douglas Tomasian and cardiology nurse practitioner Linda Rood. CPC also welcomed Centegra’s Emergency Department physicians to its staff, aligning incentives and controlling costs.

Beginning May 1, CPC-Neurology began a neurology hospitalist program. Dr. Hsiong Chen now focuses solely on the inpatient population of both hospitals. CPC also welcomed counselor Kelly Bauman as the first provider in its behavioral health department. Bauman provides therapy for patients as well as regular education about important behavioral

health topics for our providers and associates.

Centegra Clinical Laboratories (CCL) opened for business June 1, 2012. CCL is an independent reference lab and is now part of the full continuum of health-care services offered at Centegra Health System.

CCL provides physician offices with a locally based lab solution, timely courier service, high-quality testing, rapid electronic results, competitive pricing and excellent customer service.

Another major highlight is the community service performed by Centegra’s associates and physicians, who serve on more than 70 boards and committees and volunteer more than 14,000 hours of their time to the community each year.

Our past accomplishments propel us to aspire to even greater things this year. I look forward to improving the ways we care for our community in the coming year.

• Michael S. Eesley is chief executive officer at Centegra Health System.

Mike Greene – mgreene@shawmedia.com

David Gimbel, executive vice president of operations at Corporate Disk Co., holds a clear disk prior to it being coated with a reflective surface.

Corporate Disk products get worldwide play

By BRETT ROWLAND

browland@shawmedia.com

McHENRY – Corporate Disk Co. makes 100,000 CDs and DVDs each day that are shipped around the world from its headquarters in McHenry.

It makes CDs, DVDs, books, training manuals and other products for a variety of clients. The company produces employee-orientation manuals and training videos for large corporations and sets of DVDs for self-help gurus. In addition to producing various media packages, Corporate Disk Co. also stores and distributes materials for its clients.

Corporate Disk started in 1984 selling bulk, blank 5-1/4-inch floppy disks with custom-printed sleeves and labels. As technology advanced, the company began duplicating information onto 3-1/2-inch floppy disks, then audio cassettes and VHS cassettes.

Corporate Disk now works primarily with CDs and DVDs. It also has digital printing equipment to produce CD and DVD case inserts and other packaging, instruction manuals, marketing materials and other printed products.

For large orders, the disks are

Mike Greene – mgreene@shawmedia.com

Disks move through a conveyor belt while being labeled at Corporate Disk Co. The company makes CDs, DVDs and a host of other products for a variety of clients.

plastic-injection molded and data is imbedded on the disk using a metal master stamper during the production process. The clear disks then receive a metal reflective layer that allows a laser to read it. Next, they get a protective lacquer coating.

See DISK, page 6

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MADE IN McHENRY

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• DISK

Continued from page 5 Though most of the production process is automated, employees are responsible for putting together packaged materials and distributing them to its clients customers. Corporate Disk ships 5,000 to 10,000 products each day, making it one of the McHenry post office’s biggest clients.

Its manufacturing and warehouse facility at 4610 Prime Parkway in McHenry holds the collected wisdom of scores of independent authors and experts who teach everything from how to play the guitar and how to make your own pickles to how to improve your dating life and eat healthy during the holidays.

Though Corporate Disk has invested in digital content distribution, many of the company’s clients still see a value in CDs and DVDs, said David Gimbel, executive vice president of operations.

“Ten years ago I was told we would be living in a paperless world,” he said. “Now we’re printing more than ever.”

Joe Foley, vice president of sales and marketing at Corporate Disk, said that many clients offer their content both online and on CD or DVD, allowing users to pick the medium they prefer.

Magda Cruz of McHenry works packing disks at Corporate Disk Co. in McHenry.

“At first, everyone jumped for digital,” Foley said. “But now it’s coming back to people wanting the physical product. Digital can be convenient in some circumstances, but physical products always have a higher per-

ceived value.”

Corporate Disk moved to its current 60,000-square-foot facility in the McHenry Corporate Center in 2004 from its previous location in Wood Dale. The McHenry County Economic

Mike Greene – mgreene@shawmedia.com

Development Corp. helped entice the company with a $450,000 loan, which the company has since repaid.

“It’s been a good home for us,” Gimbel said. “It’s a great place to do business.”

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Aptar dispenses product solutions

By BRETT ROWLAND

browland@shawmedia.com CRYSTAL LAKE – When Kraft Foods introduced MiO, a liquid water enhancer, last year it wasn’t just another product for the nation’s largest food maker.

The company hadn’t launched a new food or beverage category since DiGiorno – the rising crust pizza – in 1995. So Kraft put a lot into promoting MiO. And it appears to have paid off.

MiO sales have nearly doubled to more than $100 million in the first six months of the year, Kraft has said. To put that in perspective, the beverage industry’s flavored water segment generates about $1 billion in sales annually.

Since MiO went on sale last March, a number of similar products have joined it on store shelves. And CocaCola recently announced it’s entering the field with the debut of Dasani Drops.

As competitors crowd the marketplace, Crystal Lake-based packaging products maker AptarGroup Inc. is

Photo Illustration by Sarah Nader - snader@shawmedia.com

Crystal Lake’s AptarGroup has grown its beverage market through products such as MiO, which flavors water with a unique Aptar-designed dispensing feature. hoping the creative dispensing system it designed for MiO will help Kraft stay out front.

“When Kraft wanted to introduce MiO, one of their most significant new introductions in years, they turned to Aptar for a solution that would enhance MiO’s uniqueness,” AptarGroup

President and CEO Steve Hagge said.

“We are constantly searching for new applications for our technologies and this was a great opportunity for Aptar to enter a new category, concentrated water flavorings.”

Aptar’s devices can be found on products in the beauty, personal care, household, food, beverage, and pharmaceutical markets. The company’s valves and pumps dispense everything from Lady Gaga’s much-hyped perfume, “Fame,” to Tropicana’s Pure Premium Orange Juice.

Aptar works with customers to create packaging and dispensing systems.

This process can take a few months or several years, said Eldon Schaffer, president of Aptar Food and Beverage.

It took three years to design, develop and launch the 89-ounce Tropicana dispenser for Pepsi Co., Aptar officials said at a recent analysts meeting in New York City.

For MiO, the goal was to create something that was fun, unique, and easy to use.

“In the case of MiO, we were able to leverage our successful silicone

valve know-how to create a no-drip, no-mess, dispensing closure with a custom shape that, when placed on the bottle, completes the package’s teardrop shape,” Schaffer said.

While Aptar’s contributions to a product are often essential, they are frequently overlooked. Customers buy Lady Gaga’s perfume for its celebrity name and smell, not it’s dispersal system.

But with MiO, Aptar’s work is front and center and “certainly contributes to a positive experience and brand loyalty,” Schaffer said.

“The dispensing system is part of the user’s overall product experience,” he said. “For MiO lovers, the ability to squirt as much or as little flavoring as they like puts the consumer in control, making the flavor of their water truly theirs.”

Aptar is a leading provider of dispensing solutions. It has operations in 19 countries and more than 10,000 employees. Aptar’s headquarters is in Crystal Lake and the company employs more than 450 people in McHenry County.

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BEST UNDER 40

path for a mentoring program to be initiated by the McHenry County Bar Association for new lawyers practicing in McHenry County to gain experience and practical advice from experienced attorneys as they enter into the legal field and transition from a law student to a licensed attorney.

Jamie Rein

Age: 34 Occupation: Attorney with Aleen R. Tiffany P.C. Residence: Wonder Lake Hometown: Born in Colorado Springs, Colo.

Family: Husband, Chris; daughter, Jaidyn, 3 Education: Bachelor of science, Illinois State University; Juris doctor, John Marshall Law School Favorite McHenry County restaurant? La Petite Creperie and Paisano’s Favorite movie? “A League of Their Own” One word that describes you? Principled What is your job and what makes you so good at it?

I spent more than seven years in the Civil Division of the McHenry County State’s Attorney’s Office as an assistant state’s attorney where I had the opportunity to work with the County Board, elected officials, department heads and employees.

I left in April of this year to face new challenges and pursue a new opportunity in private practice. I currently work for a Crystal Lake

law firm, Aleen R. Tiffany P.C., which primarily represents contractors and subcontractors in a wide variety of construction contract, general liability, and construction defect litigation, while still providing legal advice in real estate and government law matters.

My resourceful and inquisitive nature, I think, are useful assets in the legal profession. I enjoy new challenges and learning new things; in my current job this has proven

very helpful, as I have been able to apply my appreciation of the law to learning new and difficult issues applicable to construction litigation and coverage matters.

What accomplishments and innovations are you most proud of this year?

I just completed my term this past June as the McHenry County Bar Association president. The McHenry County Bar Association is a professional organization of attorneys, judges and paralegals that provides leadership in advancing the professional interests of its members, while improving legal services within our community. During my term as president I helped to set the

How do you give back to the community and what drives your service?

I recently helped organize the first golf outing for the GEMS-USA Booster Club, which operates to support and foster an exceptionally talented girls gymnastics club in their local, regional, national, and international development and pursuits. Also, as lawyers, we have a unique understanding of the legal system which allows us to help our clients, families, friends, neighbors, and other people in the community avoid unpleasant experiences with the system. Holding the key to understanding the justice system enables us to effect change in the lives of others, just by doing our jobs. Being able to assist others and help them effect positive change in their legal matters serves as its own reward, because

it allows me to help people, which is why I pursued a career in the legal field in the first place.

What is something you have never done but want to do some day?

I would love to travel to Europe. I would also like to watch a game from the skybox at Lambeau Field.

What is the best career advice you have received?

The best advice that I have carried with me is this quote from Vince Lombardi: “The difference between a successful person and others is not a lack of strength, not a lack of knowledge, but rather a lack of will.” It keeps me striving each day and is a quote I have had next to my desk at work for the last eight years.

Nominator’s comment: “[Rein] truly cares, she works very hard, and she is making a difference in our county, most notably with high school students,” said colleague Mary Nadar, who pointed to Rein’s work on the McHenry County Bar Association’s Law Day program for high school students.

Amber Martin Johnson Age: 39 Occupation: CPA, Martin Johnson Tax and Financial Services Residence: Crystal Lake Hometown: Crystal Lake Family: Husband, Joe; Jenna, 8; Kyle, 6 Education: Associate’s degree, McHenry County College; bachelor’s degree, accountancy, and master’s degree, science in taxation, Northern Illinois University. Also designations as a certified public accountant and certified specialist in estate planning Favorite McHenry County restaurant: Andy’s Restaurant for breakfast and da Baffone Cucina Italiana for dinner Favorite movie: “Hoosiers” One word that describes you: Dependable

What is your job and what makes you so good at it?

My career is to assist individuals in helping them minimize their taxes while living and help them plan for their legacy when that time comes. Despite efforts to avoid becoming an accountant like my dad, I found it was really something I was good at and enjoyed doing. I find it rewarding to help put the puzzle pieces together, so to speak, to help

individuals find ways to become “financially fit” by paying their required taxes, save for their future, and plan a legacy they want.

What accomplishments and innovations are you most proud of this year?

In February I broke my kneecap falling on black ice in my driveway. This required surgery and did not allow me to bend my leg or put weight on it for over six weeks during

my busiest time of year – tax season. I was able to deal with my disability (pain and lack of mobility) and still assist my clients with their tax returns thanks in no small part to the support of a great staff at Martin Johnson Tax and Financial Services and my family and friends who so graciously stepped up to help with encouragement and hands-on help.

How do you give back to the community and what drives your service?

I was invited to join the Crystal Lake Kiwanis Club when a new charter was started in town in 2005. I have found it rewarding to be a part of a group of caring individuals who are trying to improve the world by starting here in Crystal Lake, which is the community that I grew up in and live in with my family.

I have served as president, secretary and a board member over the years. As a part of the organization, I have assisted in coordinat-

What is something you have never done but want to do some day?

I would really love to win the lottery so that I could become a silent angel and assist the many great organizations that so desperately need both financial help as well as volunteer hours.

What is the best career advice you have received?

Do something you love to do and it will never seem like work and always live below your means.

Nominator’s comment: “Amber is a true hometown girl bringing her skills and talents back to the community that she grew up in and volunteering her time with that community,” said father Ken Martin.

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ing three very successful St. Baldrick’s Day events in Crystal Lake raising money to fight pediatric cancer. Currently I am on the Kiwanis Santa Run for Kids committee which will be hosting our first run this December and I also help with the annual Peanut Days.

I enjoy trying to make the world a better place and am hoping, by my example, my children will do the same. I guess it’s like the “pay it forward” concept: I help you, you help someone else, they help someone, etc., because we really are all in this together.

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BEST UNDER 40 Joanna Colletti Age: 35 Occupation: Civil engineer, Lake County Stormwater Management Commission Residence: Fox River Grove Hometown: Kalamazoo, Mich.

Family: Husband, Anthony Colletti; son, Carl, 8 months Education: Bachelor’s degree, civil engineering, environmental emphasis, Bradley University Favorite McHenry County restaurant: Brunch Café in Fox River Grove Favorite movie: “Pretty Woman” One word that describes you: Determined

What is your job and what makes you so good at it?

I am a professional engineer.

What makes me good at my job is the fact that I have an attention for detail. Being an engineer, I am constantly reviewing documents that have to meet certain specifications or requirements. Overlooking small aspects of a job or a document

could be detrimental to the positive outcome of the project. I am also very organized and technical, which also make my job easier when it comes to multitasking.

What accomplishments and innovations are you most proud of this year?

I have numerous accomplish-

ments in my life that I am proud of in 2012 from a personal, professional and extra-curricular standpoint. First of all, my husband and I welcomed our first child, Carl Vincent, in January after years of waiting and hoping for God to bless us with a family. He is the light of our lives, makes us smile on a daily basis, and helps us reflect on all the good things in our lives.

On a professional level, Lake County recently passed a new Watershed Development Ordinance. This process took numerous years and hundreds of hours of

technical deliberations, research and oversight. I am pleased that the amendment process is finally complete.

On an extra-curricular level, I am thrilled that while I was state president of the Illinois Jaycees in 2011, through the hard work of our members and chapters, we were honored with the U.S. Jaycees’ James McKeithan Memorial Award, which is presented annually to the state organization conducting the best and most comprehensive activities in the area of international involvement. This was a truly humbling award that should be shared by all Illinois Jaycees through their dedication to making an impact in the lives of others throughout the state, the nation and internationally.

How do you give back to the community and what drives your service?

I have given back to the community in so many ways throughout the years. I’ve volunteered from grade school through college.

I think those experiences have molded me into the person I am today. Years ago I joined the Cary-

Grove Jaycees, initially wanting to meet new people in the community. Over the years this has been a huge outlet for me for community service and giving back. It gives me the motivation to continue when I see people who are so grateful for the wonderful activities and projects we run as Jaycees for and with the community. As a trustee for the village of Fox River Grove, my time and efforts are again focused on giving back to my community. I want to make sure our village is a better place through the decisions we make as a board.

What is something you have never done but want to do some day?

Travel to the Galapagos Islands.

What is the best career advice you have received?

“Just do the right thing.”

Nominator’s comment: “Her passion for improving the world around her is evident through the time and effort she dedicates to her community,” said Anthony Colletti, her husband and a former Best Under 40 winner in 2009.

What is something you have never done but want to do some day?

I would love to rent a RV with my wife and travel the country visiting every restaurant featured by Guy Fieri’s show “Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives.” However I would settle for running a sub-18-minute 5K or qualifying for the Boston Marathon.

Chris Christensen

Age: 37 Occupation: Insurance agent, Neis Insurance Residence: Cary Hometown: McHenry Family: Wife, Renee; Samantha, 8 and Andrew, 2 Education: Bachelor’s degree, political science, University of Illinois at Chicago Favorite McHenry County restaurant: Duke’s Alehouse and Kitchen in Crystal Lake Favorite movie: “Money Pit” One word that describes you: Energetic What is your job and what makes you so good at it?

As the area vice president for Neis Insurance in Crystal Lake, I provide personal and commercial risk management coverage.

Understanding the concerns of individuals and businesses allows me to customize insurance to fit each situation. Knowledge of various resources and insurance programs means my clients are

always getting the best coverage for the best rate.

The unwavering support of my wife, Renee, has enabled me to be successful. She encourages me to put the hours and energy into my career to achieve sales goals and provide quality service to clients.

Tom and Marilyn Neis are great people to work with and the team at Neis Insurance always put me in a position to win. Early in my

career I was taught the power of referrals and what it means to be a networking partner. And, I like to talk – a lot!

such as Big Brothers Big Sisters, Girls on the Run of Northwest Illinois, CASA, the Light Center/Main Stay and Turning Point.

What accomplishments and innovations are you most proud of this year?

Neis Insurance Agency is on pace for another year of double-digit growth. I am also proud to be on the planning team for the inaugural Santa Run/Walk for Kids to be held Dec. 2 in downtown Crystal Lake.

Proceeds will support children in McHenry County through groups

How do you give back to the community and what drives your service?

As a member of the Crystal Lake Chamber (I am currently on the board of directors), I meet people who I consider the business leaders of McHenry County. I deeply respect and admire these leaders. Each of these individuals has two things in common: They are all successful in

What is the best career advice you have received?

Be nice to people.

Nominator’s comment: “Chris is known in his industry as a ‘scratch agent.’ When he began his career, he did not inherit clients from a previous agent, and his written premium in his book of business was $0. This year will be Chris’s 10th year in the industry, and he will complete the year with over $3.3 million of written premium,” said Sue Dobbe, a business associate. “Chris is extremely committed to supporting the community that has provided him with so much in life.”

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their own right, and each gives back to the community. My wife and I try to follow in their footsteps.

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BEST UNDER 40

time and not expecting anything in return.

Carolyn Grieves Age: 39 Occupation: Environmental engineer, Baxter & Woodman Residence: Crystal Lake Hometown: Born in Paisley, Scotland, but grew up in Oswego and attended high school in Batavia Family: Single Education: Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, University of Illinois; master’s degree in environmental engineering, University of Iowa Favorite McHenry County restaurant: Bimbo’s in McHenry. The red and white lasagna is amazing! I’m positive the tomato sauce cancels out any potential unhealthy aspect of the delicious béchamel sauce!

Favorite movie: “The Black Stallion” – best movie ever!

One word that describes you: Oldest-child What is your job and what makes you so good at it?

I am an engineer and focus on municipal water and environmental systems. The “Dilbert” cartoons are somewhat accurate about engineers, believe it or not. However, what may be a little known fact is that engineers also need to be as good with people as much as they

love a good spreadsheet. I truly enjoy working with people and helping them find solutions.

What accomplishments and innovations are you most proud of this year?

One of my favorite aspects of my job is working with and encouraging my staff in both of my depart-

ments. I am most proud when I see one of my people achieving something they didn’t think they could do and I witness them excel in their own careers.

How do you give back to the community and what drives your service?

I try to be involved in community events. It’s nice to feel like you’re part of the bigger picture.

What is something you have never done but want to do some day?

Buy an Italian villa on “House

Hunters International.”

What is the best career advice you have received?

When my dad retired from his work as an engineer he sent out a message to all of his employees and he sent me a copy. There was one sentence in that email that I remind myself of often: Volunteer your thoughts, opinions, and time. This impacted me because I believe that succeeding in your career is more than meeting the minimum 9-5 requirements – it’s about being involved in your company and dedicating your own

Nominator’s comment: “Under Carolyn’s leadership, water and environmental engineering services are provided to over 65 clients annually in northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin – helping make Baxter & Woodman one of the country’s top 500 design firms as ranked by Engineering News-Record, a national trade publication,” coworker Sheli Eisele said.

“Carolyn is a strong advocate for clean water and specializes in the design of municipal water supply, treatment and distribution systems. She helped establish the Illinois Water Agency Response Network (ILWARN). ILWARN is a mutual aid system in which water utilities pledge to use their personnel, equipment, and vehicles to provide support sustaining and restoring water utility operations to any member community statewide that is affected by a natural or man-made disaster.

“Her can-do attitude, tireless worth ethic and infectious energy have earned her the respect and admiration of clients and colleagues alike.”

Nicholas Malooley

Age: 36 Occupation: Chiropractic physician, Malooley Sport & Family Chiropractic Residence: Cary Hometown: Spring Valley Family: Wife, Laura; daughters Alanna, 3, and Tayven, 1 Education: Bachelor’s degree in biology with focus on anatomy and physiology , Northern Illinois University; chiropractic, Palmer College of Chiropractic Favorite McHenry County restaurant: Galati’s Pizza and Pasta in Cary offers a delicious Italian menu with great atmosphere Favorite movie: “Braveheart” One word that describes me: Driven

What is your job and what makes you good at it?

As a chiropractic physician, my purpose is to bring my patients to a better state of health and wellness. This is accomplished by balancing their nervous system through specific chiropractic spinal adjustments in conjunction with orthopedic rehabilitation and

muscle therapy. Being a graduate of the prestigious Palmer College of Chiropractic places me within a select group of elite practitioners.

Beyond that, I have extensive training in chiropractic orthopedics and active release technique, thus allowing me to be a diagnostic specialist of muscle-medicine and a master practitioner of manual

therapy.

What accomplishments are you most proud of this year?

With regards to the business, Malooley Sport & Family Chiropractic’s patient base has tripled over this past year. That means triple the amount of people are now healthier than they were a year ago! I love the community where I practice and my goal is to increase the health and wellness of as many families as possible. On a personal level, my wife and I welcomed our baby girl, Tayven, to our family on July 27. She and her sister Alanna are the joy of our lives.

How do you give back to the community and what drives your

What is something you have never done but want to some day?

I would love to climb Mount Everest. There is something exciting about the idea of being on top of the world, literally!

What is the best career advice you received?

One of my mentors, Dr. Mike Leahy (chiropractor for the Denver Broncos) once told me, “You must provide the best care to all of your patients. That entails working with all spectrums of the medical field.” With that being said, I have surrounded myself with the finest

neurologists, physical therapists, podiatrists, pain management specialists, orthopedic surgeons, internists and acupuncturists.

This allows me to coordinate the patient’s treatment with other specialists to receive the best care possible.

Nominator’s comment: “For a 36-year-old entrepreneur, Dr. Nick Malooley has amassed the credentials of a seasoned veteran.

From humanitarian service, to community service and turning a retiring practice into a highly successful local resource, Nick hasn’t missed a beat,” said Suzanne Corr, executive director of the Cary Grove Area Chamber of Commerce.

“Nick pursued chiropractic medicine after experiencing a grave infection in his bloodstream that he developed after suffering an adverse reaction to exposure to lime during a summer job at a [Starved Rock area] gravel pit at the age of 17. Scar tissue that developed from the infection in his spine left him in chronic pain. Working with a local chiropractor, he found considerable relief and a passion he was determined to pursue as a lifelong career.”

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service?

A strong community starts with the community’s families, especially the kids. Malooley Sport & Family Chiropractic donates time and money to various organizations. Some of those organizations are the Cary-Grove Junior Trojans, Cary-Grove High School football program, the Cary Trojan Travel Baseball League, the McHenry County Hurricanes Travel Baseball Teams, the Cary Basketball Association, the McHenry County Heatwave Softball Team and more.

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Rafael Castaneda

Patrick McEneaney

Age: 20 Occupation: Student, Roosevelt University Residence: Chicago Hometown: Woodstock Family: Single; I am the youngest of three siblings Education: Associate degree, McHenry County College; currently a junior at Roosevelt University in Chicago pursuing a bachelor’s degree in social justice studies with a minor in Spanish. Looking into getting a master’s degree in higher education Favorite McHenry County restaurant: Woodstock Public House in Woodstock Favorite movie: I don’t have a favorite movie, I like all types such as comedy, action, horror and family films One word that describes you: Optimistic

Age: 33 Occupation: Podiatric surgeon, Cary-Grove Foot and Ankle Center Residence: Prairie Grove Hometown: Orland Park Family: Piper, 5 (my dog) Education: Bachelor’s degree from Northern Illinois University; doctor of podiatric medicine degree from Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine Favorite McHenry County restaurant? I love breakfast at Benedict’s La Strata in Crystal lake Favorite movie? “Shawshank Redemption” One word that describes you? Motivated

What is your job and what makes you so good at it?

As of right now, I am a full-time student. What makes me good at it would have to be my personality.

I am very friendly and good with people, which helps me when it comes to helping around campus and meeting new people.

What accomplishments and innovations are you most proud of this year?

This year I am most proud of graduating with my associate’s degree, studying abroad in Costa Rica for six weeks, continuing my education at Roosevelt University and, of course, winning this prestigious award.

How do you give back to the community and what drives your service?

I give back to the community by volunteering and helping the most I can. Since I was in middle school I have been involved with many organizations.

As one of my colleagues from the Family Health Partnership Clinic once said: “Once volunteerism is in your blood stream you can’t get it out.”

What is something you have never done but want to do some day?

It would be skydiving. I have not had a chance to do this yet and it is definitely on my to-do list.

What is the best career advice you have received?

The best career advice I have received would be to learn and strive for my education because what I know is mine and no one can ever take that away.

Nominator’s comment: “I have known Rafa since December 2007 when he walked into my office as a high school freshman with a desire to volunteer at [Family Health Partnership] Clinic,” said Kathy Rauch, volunteer coordinator at the clinic in Woodstock. “It did not take me long to see that here was a student with determination to serve his community. From coordinating projects, filing, and making copies, hauling, recycling, and acting as our Chief of Cleanup for the Care4 Breast Cancer Race, Rafa clearly performed volunteer duties in a mature and professional manner.

“Rafa has caught the attention of enough community leaders that in 2012 he was voted in as the first youth board member of the McHenry County Community Foundation.”

What is your job and what makes you so good at it?

I am a doctor of podiatric medicine. I treat all conditions of the foot and ankle. This includes skin and toenail conditions, bone and joint problems, and nerve issues. I treat patients with conditions at a pediatric, adult and geriatric level. I was a NCAA division I college wrestler and I am well versed at sports medicine, as well. I understand the mentality of an athlete.

I have had very thorough training including four years of residency training after podiatry school.

What accomplishments and innovations are you most proud of this year?

I received my board certification this year by the

American Board of Podiatric Surgery. I also have helped many patients in the last year to relieve their pain and improve their function.

How do you give back to the community and what drives your service?

I am on my fourth season as a volunteer varsity wrestling coach at CaryGrove High School. I had great coaches growing up who volunteered their time to guide my success on and off the mat.

It just seemed natural to give back. I also perform foot screenings at local community events benefiting the underprivileged and elderly.

What is something you have never done but want

to do some day?

I have always wanted to visit Ireland.

What is the best career advice you have received?

I was told by one of my mentors to listen to patients and treat them like family.

Nominator’s comment: “He is dedicated to being involved locally and volunteers his time as a wrestling coach at Cary-Grove High School, working with young athletes and providing the wisdom and knowledge to encourage effective training without injury. He has spearheaded events and fundraisers for the high school’s wrestling club to benefit the young athletes,” said Suzanne Corr, executive director of the Cary Grove Area Chamber of Commerce.

“He frequently shares his knowledge of foot health and offers consulting services to local senior groups and free lectures for both the general public and senior living communities. He regularly visits elderly patients at our local senior homes.”

Connie Perez

Age: 39 Occupation: Designer and proprietor, Aesthetics Hometown: Aurora Family: Husband, Mark Perez; twin sons, Anthony and Christopher, 10 Education: Bachelor of fine arts in fashion design, Savannah College of Art and Design; teachers certification, secondary education, Eastern Illinois University Favorite movie: “The Devil Wears Prada” One word that describes you: Driven What is your job and what makes you so good at it?

My job is helping others find their confidence in their own aesthetics by honing in on their style. I am good at what I do because I love helping people. I have the ability to see potential of great design in common objects and even unwanted ones. My creative approach to art and design has both humor and passion. My attention to detail is consistent from the execution of

design, display, product and down to my customer service. I love my job. Because of my customers, I get to be the best version of me everyday with constant encouragement.

What accomplishments and innovations are you most proud of this year?

Moving forward toward my dreams while continuing to inspire and mentor the dreams of others.

Starting a business in a recession is like having another child – you do what you can to support it and put many of your dreams and wants on hold. But this year through the encouragement of a great group of positive women I expanded the boutique side of my business. First growing by a foot, then half-way and finally all the way to the wall.

I began carrying more fashion accessories that encouraged a leap into carrying clothes. This spring I began with one tower of clothing and now the store is full of clothes, accessories, and home decor. But there is a theme to my specialty boutique – it is affordable!

My other accomplishment was my decision to start an internship program this summer. Leaning on

How do you give back to the community and what drives your community service?

I have always been a huge believer in community service. My kids have seen me pour countless hours into coordinating the Focus Raue event to give children a stage in which to discover their art. I give to the schools, arts, churches, the military, cancer research, homeless, and numerous charities and organizations. Some I seek out and others are brought to my attention through my customers and community members. I cofounded the Focus Event at the Raue Center for the Arts for three consecutive years. I also serve as a board member of the McGowan Gin Rosica Family Foundation. I volunteer in many service projects in Chicago

through the foundation and serve as the representative for grant reviews and site visits for McHenry County Region.

What is something you have never done but want to do some day?

I usually don’t wait until someday, I am not a dreamer, I am a doer. I am inspired by life. I do not dream about living. I live!

What is the best career advice you have received?

To listen to all the suggestions people give you. It is the suggestions and perspectives that others have about my business that have been the compass of my journey.

Every artist and designer has to be subject to the critique, otherwise they are being and artist for themselves and not a voice for others.

Nominator’s comment: “Connie’s business is now set up as more of a retail store than ever before, but the individuals who shop there leave feeling a part of something special and genuine – not what you would expect from a retail transaction,” said customer and friend Noel Thelander.

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my expertise in the garment industry, teaching, and being a business owner I created a curriculum to give college students substantial experiences to build strong and competitive résumés and portfolios. I know I have given them a true taste of the industry and that they will have been exposed to real challenges and have the capacity to problem solve.

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the world and travel as often as possible, especially in the Mediterranean.

What is the best career advice you have received?

If you’re not willing to complete a task yourself, it is unreasonable to expect that someone else should do it for you.

Sarah J. Ponitz Age: 38 Occupation: Executive director, Faith in Action Residence: Belvidere, at least until our daughter graduates from high school Hometown: Peoria Family: Husband, Joe; daughter, Sydney, 17 Education: Bachelor’s degree, Bradley University (magna cum laude); juris doctor, Southern Illinois University Favorite McHenry County restaurant: Café 20 in Marengo Favorite movie: “Braveheart” One word that describes you: Tenacious What is your job and what makes you so good at it?

I am currently the executive director at Faith in Action of McHenry County. This wonderful not-for-profit organization provides no-cost services such as transportation, friendly visits, light yard work and minor home repairs to seniors, age 60 and older, who live at home or with a loved one

in McHenry County or Sun City.

Our mission is to help each person maintain their independence, dignity and quality of life for as long and as safely as possible.

I absolutely enjoy helping others, particularly those in need. How many people can say that at the end of every week they can read countless thank you notes about how their efforts have made a real

difference in the life of another person? There is no greater motivation to succeed than that.

What accomplishments and innovations are you most proud of this year?

I would say being chosen as the director at Faith in Action has been an accomplishment and I am very proud of our dedicated office team and all of our volunteers. I feel that I also made some important changes to the program, which have helped it grow and become more effective.

How do you give back to the

community and what drives your service?

My husband and I are very dedicated to giving back to the community and we do so whenever we can. Whether it is a direct donation, participating in an event to raise funds or getting friends involved in an important cause, we do what we can to help. We feel that when we can give of our time, we should, especially if it will truly help someone else.

What is something you have never done but want to do some day?

I would want to see more of

Nominator’s comment: “Sarah has been able to utilize her educational and professional strengths locally as executive director of Faith in Action of McHenry County since October 2011. She is accountable for program activities and operations in their entirety, oversees all financial matters and ensures appropriate funding for the organization’s success,” said Susan McCoy, a staff member. “To simply list Sarah’s accomplishments without mentioning the compassion that drives her work ethic would leave an incomplete vision of her and the qualities she demonstrates.

Sarah has intended to work with underprivileged populations since law school; utilizing her knowledge to propel social service agencies to successful providers of care.”

James L. Richter II

Age: 36 Occupation: Assistant director of economic development, Crystal Lake Residence: Rockford Hometown: Appleton, Wis. Family: Wife, Lesli Nelson Richter; Quinton, 3, and Lyla, 1 Education: Bachelor’s degree, urban and regional studies, University of Wisconsin – Oshkosh; master’s of public administration, Northern Illinois University Favorite McHenry County restaurant: Jameson’s Charhouse in Crystal Lake Favorite movie: “Gladiator” One word that describes you: Decorous What is your job and what makes you so good at it?

I am the assistant director of economic development for the city of Crystal Lake and along with the Planning and Economic Development Department, our role is to aid in business attraction and retention. I am the city’s liaison to the Crystal Lake Chamber of Commerce, and have had a posi-

tion on the Board of Directors for many years. I’m truly fortunate to work with an amazing team of professionals here at City Hall and to serve the community. Together, we move Crystal Lake forward and continue to make it a good place to live and a great place to do business.

What accomplishments and

innovations are you most proud of this year?

My role in business development in Crystal Lake is only a small part of the greater efforts of all of the city staff and City Council.

Together, we have helped new and existing businesses occupy over 500,000 square feet of commercial space in Crystal Lake over the past year. The city continues to serve as a business advocate and respects the investments that are made by businesses to expand our local economy. I’m lucky to be a part of these great accomplishments of the city.

How do you give back to the community and what drives your

service?

I am active with the Crystal Lake Chamber of Commerce’s Community Harvest event each year and I’m driven by knowing that there is a need in this community for the services offered by the Crystal Lake Food Pantry – a need that can easily be overlooked. I am also a supporter of the March of Dimes. Both of my children were premature and therefore, I know and support the many great things that the March of Dimes does to help women have healthier pregnancies. It’s a cause that is near and dear to my heart (for obvious reasons).

What is something you have

What is the best career advice you have received?

I would say that my best career advice came from my father, who worked in local government for over 30 years. He taught me that what motivated him was his duty to serve and that by embracing that responsibility and a positive attitude, he has had boundless motivation. He also showed me that as public sector employees, we have a responsibility to make good decisions and to treat everyone fairly, with the professionalism they deserve.

Nominator’s comment: “James brings amazing dedication to his work, putting in extra hours at many late night meetings, but always with a smile. What is even more amazing is that he is able to serve the city of Crystal Lake at such a high level, while keeping up with his other full-time job as the father of two young children,” said coworker Erik Morimoto, Crystal Lake’s director of engineering and building.

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never done but want to do some day?

Play piano and harmonica with a good blues band.

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The year is not over yet and I may still accomplish or innovate in a way that will “wow” my business and law colleagues.

Carolina Schottland Age: 35 Occupation: Attorney, Botto Gilbert Schottland Lancaster PC Residence: Round Lake Hometown: Several!

Family: Husband, Bruce; two reluctantly adopted stray cats of indeterminate age Education: Juris doctor, University of Illinois College of Law; bachelor’s degree, economics, University of Illinois Favorite McHenry County restaurant: Green Pea Pod in McHenry Favorite movie: I am not a huge movie fan, but I am a sucker for a cheesy romance novel One word that describes you: Capable

What is your job and what makes you so good at it?

I am an attorney and contrary to many people’s opinion that attorneys are argumentative and combative, the strongest tools I have are compromise, reason, and empathy. That doesn’t mean not staying firm in my position to benefit my clients, or not fighting for what my clients

deserve. It just means that being an attorney is a sales job and no one is going to buy what I am selling if I am rude, uninterested, or instantly combative. In my line of work, I don’t have to resort to name-calling and bad-mouthing. If the opposing side and I don’t agree, there is a tiebreaker (the judge or arbitrator) to resolve the issue.

What accomplishments and innovations are you most proud of this year?

As my year was bumping along and I was dealing with the everyday aspects of my job, I had a major motor vehicle accident. I had pretty serious injuries and it kept me home for several months. This led to a lot of unusual accomplishments for this year. I learned to sew (sort of). I caught up on 10 seasons worth of shows I never knew existed. I learned to let both my mom and my husband cook in my kitchen (really hard). I found out what a lot of my clients go through when they suffer major injuries. I rediscovered how wonderful my friends and family are and what a special person I have in my husband.

How do you give back to the community and what drives your service?

I have served on boards and committees in numerous organizations in McHenry County, but what I take particular pride in is in one-on-one contact with young people. I have an open door policy for anyone who wants to shadow an attorney, I participate yearly in Woodstock School District 200 career events, and am available as a resource for University of Illinois students and graduates from both the law school and undergraduate programs. I volunteer regularly for scholarship committees and for question-and-answer sessions for current students. I want to help every young person have access to education and to reach their potential.

What is something you have never done but want to do some day?

Take a cooking class in the south of France, during a three-month

tour of Europe, of course!

What is the best career advice you have received?

To never be afraid to speak up. Being a younger female in an area dominated by older men is a challenge for all the immediately obvious reasons. However, it is also an opportunity to provide a different perspective and perhaps offer a solution no one else has thought of. I was the first female partner at my law firm and I truly believe that it was partly due to the fact that when someone asked for my opinion, it never occurred for me that I wasn’t supposed to give it, even if it was in direct opposition to someone else’s opinion.

Nominator’s comment: “Carolina has been an interested and active professional for many years within McHenry County. Not only has she been active within her own professional career, Carolina has also volunteered for community based programs and is currently a member of the McHenry County Community Foundation Board of Directors,” said fellow board member Rick Schildgen.

What is the best career advice you have received?

My parents ingrained into our minds: “Do a job, big or small, do it well or not at all. Once a task has begun, stick with it until it is done.” It seemed to be on repeat in our house growing up. If I ever feel like giving up on something that is important to me, that little sing song phrase pops into my head. As annoying as it may be, it has kept me from giving up many times.

Emily Smith

Age: 29 Occupation: Realtor, Harding Real Estate Residence: Lake in the Hills Hometown: Huntley Family: Husband, Jonathan; Kinley, 1 Education: Bachelor’s degree, marketing, University of Illinois Favorite McHenry County restaurant: Dairy Mart in Huntley Favorite movie: That would require me to stay awake long enough to watch a movie One word that describes you: Devoted What is your job and what makes you so good at it?

My new full-time job is being a mom. I am also a Realtor with Harding Real Estate and continue to volunteer with nonprofits throughout the county. I am lucky to be surrounded by people who inspire me, encourage me, and are a lot smarter than me.

What accomplishments and

innovations are you most proud of this year?

Being a mom. Nothing else will ever compare again.

How do you give back to the community and what drives your service?

My sister-in-law Whitney Ruth and I started the My Sister’s Dress event in 2008 along with a group of our sisters, cousins and

friends. Each year we are in awe of the generosity of the community and the appreciation of the recipients. Over the last five years we have had nearly 5,000 dresses donated to MSD. We put on a one-day event annually to sell the dresses for $25 each to youths in our community in an effort to make prom more affordable and

fun for all. All proceeds have been donated to Big Brothers Big Sisters of McHenry County. It has been such a blessing for us to watch the community rally around the event.

What is something you have never done but want to do some day?

Take my daughter shopping for

Nominator’s comment: “I am continually impressed with Emily’s commitment to serving others. Emily leads by example and is active in various volunteer roles within McHenry County,” said friend and former colleague Talia Koronkiewicz. “Emily founded and coordinates the annual My Sister’s Dress event, which raises money for Big Brothers Big Sisters of McHenry County while providing inexpensive formal wear to teens during prom season. Emily’s personal dedication to serving the community inspires all with whom she meets.”

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a prom dress at the My Sister’s Dress sale.

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What is something you have never done but want to do some day?

There are so many things. I’ve always wanted to travel the world. I realize now I should have done more of that when I had the chance. But if I had to name just one thing it would be to compete in an Ironman triathlon. I’ve run a marathon and I’ve competed in two triathlons as a member of a team, but I’ve never done a full triathlon by myself and to complete an Ironman would be the end-all be-all of pushing myself.

Thomas A. Vaclavek Jr. Age: 38 Occupation: Attorney, Mohr & Vaclavek Residence: Crystal Lake Hometown: Downers Grove Family: Children, Brody, 8, and Cole, 5 Education: Juris doctor, Chicago-Kent College of Law; bachelor’s degree, media arts, University of Arizona Favorite McHenry County restaurant: Georgio’s Pizza Favorite movie: “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” One word that describes you: Focused

What is your job and what makes you so good at it?

I am a partner with the law firm of Mohr & Vaclavek. This is a hard question because I really don’t know makes me so good at being an attorney. I try really hard and I work on becoming better at my job every day, but I would be the first to admit that I have a lot of work to do to become the best I can be. I

think there are a lot of things that go into being a good attorney. I believe you need to be a good listener first and foremost. I also think it is important to be willing to admit when you don’t know something and to be able to figure it out, but most of all I think being compassionate and understanding my clients’ needs and then advocating for them is what makes me good at

being an attorney.

What accomplishments and innovations are you most proud of this year?

Becoming a partner in my law firm.

How do you give back to the community and what drives your service?

I give back in various ways. I serve in an advisory capacity by sitting on the board for Big Brothers Big Sisters, the Crystal Lake

Chamber and the housing authority. I volunteer for various charities and I mentor young professionals who are looking to get ahead. I think what drives me the most is that I understand that sometimes all it takes is a little help and a little motivation to be able to get to where you want to be.

I know that I would never have succeeded without a few people who pushed me to be the best I could be and so I think it is important to do that for other people, too.

What is the best career advice you have received?

Don’t be afraid to say yes.

Nominator’s comment: “Professionally, Tom Vaclavek is known in McHenry County as the family law attorney who seeks to help families through the dramatic changes of adoption, divorce, paternity, custody and post-decree process. Personally, Tom Vaclavek is known as the attorney with the creative camera and a willingness to give back to the community,” said business associate Sue Dobbe.

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County engineer earns Bronze Star

By BRETT ROWLAND

browland@shawmedia.com

WOODSTOCK – Kevin Charles relishes a challenge.

Charles, 39, is a construction engineer for the McHenry County Division of Transportation and a combat engineer officer in the Illinois National Guard, where he holds the rank of captain.

Raised in St. Lucia, he immediately joined the Virgin Islands Army National Guard in 1994 after moving to St. Croix.

“For some reason, I always wanted to be a soldier,” he said. “The first thing I did was join the U.S. military.”

Not surprisingly, basic training at Fort Jackson in South Carolina came as a shock after growing up in the West Indies.

“Coming from St. Lucia, I had never seen a weapon – only in movies,” he said. “I couldn’t shoot to save my life.

I was always the last one at the range.”

But his marksmanship

eventually improved. He attended New York State Officer Candidate School and was commissioned in 2001.

Charles has since completed four tours in Afghanistan. There he helped expand the Kandahar Airfield and tracked the use of improvised explosive devices to plan safe travel routes.

On later tours with the Army Corps of Engineers, he oversaw more than $240 million in construction projects near the Afghanistan-Pakistan border. The projects included building roads, schools, airfields, and border patrol stations.

In 2011, he was awarded the Bronze Star for his work in support of Operation Enduring Freedom while serving as the Sharana Resident Office representative for the Afghanistan Engineer District-North.

“Personally, I think I did a decent job, but was it deserving of a Bronze Star?” he said.

“My superiors thought so, but

Kevin Charles

Mike Greene – mgreene@shawmedia.com

Army National Guard Capt. Kevin Charles. would I give myself a Bronze Star for what I did? Probably not.”

Before Charles took over, soldiers couldn’t get out to oversee the projects the Army Corps of Engineers was paying contractors to build.

“They had no way of setting eyes on those projects,” he said.

Corruption is a major problem in Afghanistan and some contractors would submit pay requests for work that hadn’t been completed.

“I actually found ways to get our guys out to those projects,” Charles said. “It was dangerous, but we were able to actually see what was going on.”

That allowed the Army Corps of Engineers to be more efficient with the money it

Age: 39 Occupation: Construction engineer with the McHenry County Division of Transportation and combat engineer officer with the Illinois Army National Guard Residence: Lake in the Hills Hometown: St. Lucia, West Indies Family: Wife, Irma Charles Education: Bachelor’s degree, civil engineering, Polytechnic Institute of New York University; master’s of business administration, Northcentral University. Currently working toward a doctorate in engineering and technology management Favorite McHenry County restaurant? Outback Steakhouse in Crystal Lake Favorite movie? “Gladiator” One word that describes you?

Optimistic

spent, he said.

Charles has worked on several road projects in McHenry County since joining the Division of Transportation in 2006.

When asked about recent accomplishments, Charles said he was most proud of his work on the $1.36 million Blivin Street Bridge Replacement Project in Spring Grove.

The project was hampered

by utility relocation issues and other setbacks. The contractor hit a high-pressure gas line in September 2011, which prompted authorities to close Spring Grove Elementary School for a day. Crews also ran into an aquifer, which created further obstacles for engineers.

Charles embraced these problems and worked to find solutions.

“I expect challenges – that’s what I love about engineering,” he said. “It wasn’t your regular road paving project. It’s easy putting a drawing on paper, but going out and building it is a lot more challenging.”

At St. John’s University in New York, Charles spent his first two years studying accounting before deciding to switch to engineering. He said he couldn’t handle dressing up and reporting to an office every day.

“I’m more of a field person.

That’s why I love the military,” he said. “I’m not an office guy.”

Charles was nominated for the “Best Under 40” award by his wife, Irma, who wrote “his actions reflect distinct credit upon him, the United States Army, the people of Afghanistan, the state of Illinois, and McHenry County.”

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Road warrior

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