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Northwest Herald / NWHerald.com • Sunday, November 11, 2018
| BEST UNDER 40
14th Annual McHenry County’s
INDEX 3 Chad Coleman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Julie Hirsch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Tim Hoeft . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Mike Spagnola . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Eric Thornburg . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Mark A. Trivellini . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Tiffany Umbarger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Sean Wheeler . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Jennifer Clough . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
ABOUT BEST UNDER 40 Nine people were chosen for the Northwest Herald’s 14th annual Best Under 40 edition. Judges looked at overall professional contributions, community involvement and leadership experience.
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Photos Matthew Apgar
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Age: 34 Occupation: Village Administrator Town: Crystal Lake Family: Husband: Benjamin. Children: Maeve 8, Owen 8, Eli 6, Alma 3 Education (colleges and degrees): University of Illinois – Urbana Champaign, Bachelor of Science in Psychology; University of Illinois - Springfield, currently pursuing a Master’s Degree in Public Administration First job: One summer in high school, my great aunt
2. How did you first get involved with your current job? Why have you kept doing it? The beginning of my career was in Human Resources. When my curiosity surrounding local government management outgrew what I could contribute in that field alone, I accepted the Assistant Village Administrator’s position with the Village of Lake in the Hills. During that time, I served as the interim administrator twice and in March of 2017 earned the appointment by the Village
Favorite non-work related hobby: I most enjoy running dates with my husband, playing with our babies and having coffee with my mom. Favorite book: Absolutely every single one a child reads to me. One word that best describes you: Resilient.
Board to the position of Village Administrator. Local government administration demands passion and continuous learning; the environment is in a constant state of influence and change. I feel purposeful in my work, proud of the community and am excited for the future. 3. What’s a recent accomplishment and innovation that you are most proud of? Why? Reorganization. The Village Board identified a strategic need to address nearly two decades of stagnation, and then placed its confidence and trust in my leadership team to achieve that goal. The result was a transformation in organization structure that was responsive to the Village’s financial condition, respectful of the future strategic direction of the community and the best approach to continue to meet the service expectations of the Village’s operating departments.
in opportunities to give back with my family through North Elementary School, the Crystal Lake Soccer Federation, St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church and the community events held in the Village of Lake in the Hills.
5. What is the best career advice you have received? The unspoken example my dad set. From him I understand the value of hard work, the importance of building relationships and the significance of never compromising my presence in my children’s lives. 6. Do you consider yourself one of the county’s Best Under 40? Why or why not? I think it would be disingenuous to the many engaging people of McHenry County to make such an assertion, though I am humbled by the recognition and am proud of my accomplishments. I
4. How do you give back to the community or your profession? What drives you to volunteerism? I am an active member of numerous organizations that serve the municipal manager and human resources professions and participate
have had the privilege to pursue opportunities in my profession and in my community with the support of my husband, my mom and dad, and dear friends; my achievements are a direct reflection of their presence and encouragement.
• Sunday, November 11, 2018
1. What is your job and how have you found success with it? As the chief administrative officer of the Village of Lake in the Hills, I am responsible for managing the community’s workforce and its projects and programs as well as making recommendations to the Village Board and implementing its policy directives. Most importantly, I have built a team that I have the privilege to rely on and serve with and together we pursue excellence. I believe my appetite for challenge, communication prowess, comfort with upsetting the status quo and ability to own my mistakes have also contributed to my success.
hired my dearest friend and I to help her divest of what has the tendency to collect over a lifetime. I learned a lot that summer about what is worth holding on to and what is best let go.
BEST UNDER 40 | Northwest Herald / NWHerald.com
Jennifer Clough
Northwest Herald / NWHerald.com • Sunday, November 11, 2018
| BEST UNDER 40
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Chad Coleman Age: 38 Occupation: Owner/Founder of Dynamic Auto, European car repair in Huntley. Since 2013 Town: Lakewood Family: Wife: Rachel. Children: Jacob 16, Savannah 11, Nate 8
First job: Apprentice mechanic at Kellenberger Auto in Elgin Favorite non-work related hobby: Having fun with my family... camping, motocross, and ministries. Favorite book: the Bible. One word that best describes you: Dedicated
Education (colleges and degrees): Wyoming Technical Institute.
1. What is your job and how have you found success with it? As the chief administrative officer of the Village of Lake in the Hills, I am responsible for managing the community’s workforce and its projects and programs as well as making recommendations to the Village Board and implementing its policy directives. Most importantly, I have built a team that I have the privilege to rely on and serve with and together we pursue excellence. I believe my appetite for challenge, communication prowess, comfort with upsetting the status quo and ability to own my mistakes have also contributed to my success. 2. How did you first get involved with your current job? Why have you kept doing it? Around 2010 with 10 years of managing at dealerships, and a hurt economy, it was time to make a change. I was depressed, broke, and didn’t know how to support my family. We had -$34 in our bank account, delinquent on our mortgage, but I had a dream. I wanted to start my own company using the knowledge, integrity, talent, hard work, and drive that I knew I had. I started working on cars in my garage and made a business plan. 30 cars turned into 300 in 3 years. Opened
the doors at Dynamic Auto in 2013. Now we are pushing over 1600 customers. I feel I was meant to do this, all the doors were opened and I’m going to continue to do so unless I’m called to do something else. 3. What’s a recent accomplishment and innovation that you are most proud of? Why? My team and I at Dynamic Auto won best of the Fox 2018 in the automotive category. With a rather small shop and quite the competition out there, it was an honor to be recognized. 4. How do you give back to the community or your profession? What drives you to volunteerism? My company and I donate to fund raisers and give of our time to organizations such as CYT of McHenry County and Motocross in McHenry. We have hosted car washes on our company premises. We especially like to help the youth in the area. We are a big advocate of using local businesses and promoting them. I understand and have compassion towards customers who are experiencing financial hardships. We are always willing to help out to get people back on the road. My wife and I are part of a ministry called Growing Fami-
lies International. We open our home to families to equip them with biblical family practices and resources. We also serve at our church through family ministry. I see the value in others and helping them grow. It creates a fullness in one’s life that can’t be explained without doing it. The Lord has blessed me and my family and I feel happy to bless others.
5. What is the best career advice you have received? Be honest, fair, stand behind your product, and build relationships. Never give up and you will never fail. 6. Do you consider yourself one of the county’s Best Under 40? Why or why not? I really know I strive to be the best in all areas of my life but everyone has a different definition of “best” or “successes”. So I can’t say I’m the best at anything. My goal is to strive to treat others how I want to be treated. Love without expecting anything in return. Help people when in need. Have grace, and be humble. I haven’t always lived my life this way but it’s much better giving than receiving! I don’t want to be known as the best, just a person others can count on.
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Age: 39 Occupation: Ballet Teacher, Assistant Director for the Judith Svalander School of Ballet Town: McHenry County Family: Married to my husband for 14 years. 3 children: Son 11, Daughter 7, Son 4. Education (colleges and degrees): Associates degree from McHenry County College
Favorite non-work related hobby: Spending time with my kids and enjoying their extra-curricular activities from soccer to ballet. Favorite book: The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein. I have always enjoyed reading this book and I now love reading it to my kids. One word that best describes you: Giving. I truly enjoy being a giving person. It’s the best way to be kind.
First job: Ballet teacher at Judith Svalander School of Ballet when I was 17yrs old.
2. How did you first get involved with your current job? Why have you kept doing it? I grew up in the Judith Svalander School of Ballet. I started when I
was 4 years old. I always wanted to be a teacher.
and dedication of these talented young dancers.
3. What’s a recent accomplishment and innovation that you are most proud of? Why? What I am most proud of are my choreography works. I enjoy the creativity and artistry aspect of my job.
5. What is the best career advice you have received? I have been told to always realize the impact teachers can have on a student. It’s also about respecting your students to receive respect in return.
4. How do you give back to the community or your profession? What drives you to volunteerism? Being the Assistant Director at the Judith Svalander School of Ballet, I am privileged to assist in showcasing productions like The Nutcracker for the community to see the work
6. Do you consider yourself one of the county’s Best Under 40? Why or why not? I am certainly honored to have been chosen among the many nominated for this award. There are many great and deserving people and I am humbled.
• Sunday, November 11, 2018
1. What is your job and how have you found success with it? I have been a ballet teacher and choreographer for over 20 years. I am the Assistant Director of the Judith Svalander School of Ballet. I have found success in building students up into successful adults whether they chose a professional career in ballet, writing, medicine or the corporate world. The joy of passing my love of ballet and dance to students and watching them flourish.
BEST UNDER 40 | Northwest Herald / NWHerald.com
Julie Hirsch
Northwest Herald / NWHerald.com • Sunday, November 11, 2018
| BEST UNDER 40
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Tim Hoeft Age: 39 Occupation: Excavating Contractor Town: Huntley Family: Wife: Melissa. Children: Miranda 8, Terrence (TJ) 2 Education (colleges and degrees): University of Wisconsin-Platteville B.S Agricultural Business/Engineering
1. What is your job and how have you found success with it? Currently I am the President of TJH Contracting, Inc. and I do not view it as a “job” but just as an extension of who I am. When my parents, Terry and Jan, started the business in 1990, I was 10 years old. I grew up in the business and knew this is what I wanted to do. I started with shoveling and laboring, moved on to operating heavy equipment, learning about layout and figuring various calculations of quantities. I went to the University of Wisconsin-Platteville in the fall of ’98 and I graduated with a double major in ’02. At this time, I started supervising and running my own jobs. In May 2010, when I was 30, my father passed away unexpectedly, I found myself figuring out how to “survive” through one of the most challenging economic times. The many challenges I faced, in turn, became my inspiration. My ability to perform any and all of the tasks listed above, along with some excellent advice from a few great mentors, is how I’ve found success. 2. How did you first get involved with your current job? Why have you kept doing it? Ever since I can remember, I have been around the excavating/trucking industry, my maternal grandparents owned a trucking business and my dad was a heavy equipment operator. If I wasn’t with one, I was usually with the other growing up. I would say there are 2 reasons I have kept doing it: 1. I enjoy seeing a project as a set of plans take shape into reality. 2. I’m just a “big kid” who never grew out of his sandbox, the toys just got bigger and more expensive! 3. What’s a recent accomplishment and innovation that you are most proud of? Why? First and foremost - my family. I could not do what I do without the love and support from my wife, Melissa, and Miranda and TJ’s understanding of why I
First job: Working for the family excavating business, 14 Favorite non-work related hobby: Playing Golf, I’ve played since the age of 6, competitively through high school and now it is purely a social hobby. Favorite book: Heaven is for Real One word that best describes you: Passionate
am so busy. Secondly, I need to thank my mom for believing in me and giving me the opportunity to make a run at this business, even though I know there were others behind the scenes letting her know how “crazy” this was. At the time my dad passed away, who in turn was also my best friend and business partner, our industry saw a huge change as the economy turned. I’m not going to lie, there were plenty of nights I would come home from work and wonder myself if I had made the right decision. The work that needed to be done in the field was the easy part, I had that experience for years, but the challenge was learning how to run the office. As the saying goes, “what doesn’t kill you only makes you stronger”, there is definitely truth in that statement. It took some trials and tribulations, but I have found a “niche” within our industry to perform challenging jobs with a personal touch. My customers know when they need something they can pick up the phone and I will be there. 4. How do you give back to the community or your profession? What drives you to volunteerism? Community involvement was instilled in me by my parents at a very young age. I remember me asking both my parents “Why do you give so much time/money to community organizations?” The answer was simple, “you can’t always be on the receiving end and never give back.” Often times, one of them or both, would volunteer for something and I would tag along. I am honored to serve the people of Huntley as a Village Trustee since 2015. I previously served on the Zoning Board of Appeals and the Planning Commission before being elected as a Trustee. I am the leader of the Huntley Harvestors 4-H Club, a member of the McHenry County 4-H Livestock Auction committee. Whenever the McHenry County Fair Board calls with a grading/excavation project, I
seem to find myself helping there too. 4-H is an organization that is near and dear to my heart as it provided me opportunities that shaped my life since the age of 8 and I started with the Huntley Harvestors. I have been involved “giving back” since I was 16. I was one of the first youth directors on the McHenry County 4-H Foundation, and the Illinois 4-H Foundation before I was 19. In my early 30s, I served another term on the McHenry County 4-H Foundation as Vice President for two of those years. I have also been a 10 year Member of The Huntley Lions Club, serving in various leadership roles there as well. 5. What is the best career advice you have received? I have received a lot of valuable career advice, some are probably not appropriate for print, so I’ll stick to these two quotes: • “Autograph your work, every project is a self portrait of the person who performed the task” • “Be it a job big or small, do it right or not at all”. These two quotes have been with me forever and apply to life in all aspects not just work! 6. Do you consider yourself one of the county’s Best Under 40? Why or why not? To be chosen as “One of the Best under 40” is truly an unexpected honor. At the same time, it is also very humbling. I am just me, and I am passionate about my family, my work, and my community. A person is only as good as those they surround themselves with. There are many people that have shaped my life – some whom I have known my whole life, others whom I have recently met, while others have come and gone. If you are reading this and know me, I just want to say thank you for making me who I am today.
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Age: 27
Town: Cary, IL
First job: When I was 12 or 13 I had a paper route. I don’t remember the company. Around this time I would also pass out fliers for a local pizza shop, but that was mostly in exchange for a slice of pizza and a can of pop. At that age, it still counts.
Family: Wife: Sam. Two dogs Crixus and Freya (yes, they’re family)
Favorite non-work related hobby: love building furniture and home improvement projects
Education (colleges and degrees): Community College, UIC, but most of what i’ve learned has been through seminars, mentors, business coaches, mastermind programs, reading, and certifications.
Favorite book: Traction by Gino Wickman
Occupation: Entrepreneur & Owner of Edge Fitness & Performance
One word that best describes you: Compassionate
Why? I love the concept of personal training and helping people find their best version of themselves to live a Strong, Happy, and Healthy life, but when I started Edge Fitness in 2011, the rage was bootcamp and classes. For a long time we went with the flow, but in 2016 I knew things had to change. Just because everyone was doing it didn’t mean we had to. With the help of my Team, we were able to create a concept new to the area, small group personal training. It combines the best of both worlds, including the individualized attention and personal relationship with our Coaches that clients receive through personal training, with the cost effectiveness and group atmosphere that clients love with classes. Stripping down a business that was already running well was scary as hell, but I’m happy we did it because it’s exactly what so many people in McHenry County need to live their best life through fitness.
2. How did you first get involved with your current job? Why have you kept doing it? I’ve been a fitness professional for nearly a decade. I was training out of a chain big box gym when they changed their model and fired all personal trainers 9 days before Christmas. I tried finding other places to help spread my version of fitness to people in McHenry county, but there wasn’t much out there. The straw that broke the camel’s back was when I was renting space from another gym owner. I went to meet one of my clients I found the doors to be locked. Turns out, they kicked out all 5 trainers for 8 weeks to under-go repairs and improvements. I was really tired of other people determining how much or little I could help people, so I decided to do it on my own back in 2011. That gym never reopened, by the way.
4. How do you give back to the community or your profession? What drives you to volunteerism? After being a Chamber member for years, I joined the Board of Directors, and am currently serving as the Cary-Grove Area Chamber Board President. Our chamber does good work in the community from the Cary Main Street fest to the Halloween walk, to the Parade, to giving out scholarships, and we really help make our community better. Being part of that is pretty cool and allows for ample opportunity to help out and give back. At Edge, we have probably done 4050 of our “Workout for a Cause” where we offer anyone in the community a workout for a $10 minimum donation. The workout is fun, inclusive, and every dollar we raise goes to the organization we’re supporting. We’ve worked with Lurie Children’s Hospital, Team Carone Foundation, Heroes Like Haley, Cary Soccer,Saints Peter and Paul Shelter Clothing drive and a few dozen
3. What’s a recent accomplishment and innovation that you are most proud of?
others to raise anywhere from $300-$1500 dollars during our hour workout. 5. What is the best career advice you have received? I have two that stand out and are worth sharing. The first is to fall in love with members, not memberships. This is fitness business specific, but can easily be applied to every business, and honestly any relationship. People are the driving force behind everything, and all relationships, even ones ending in death, are finite. Rather than be obsessed about one part of the relationship, become engrossed with the person the relationship involved. In the end, you’ll remember amazing people and amazing relationships, not what someone bought from you. The second is to never be afraid to be the person who loves more, loves harder, and, even when people screw you over (and people will) loves again. I realize that love and relationships aren’t specifically about business, but really everything is all about people. The better you can understand or at least appreciate people and relationships, and be willing to get hurt and keep going over and over again is what draws people to each other. Business works the same. Customers will burn you, vendors will, employees will. It happens. Bad things happen. The thing you can’t ever let happen is to become so jaded that you end up being someone who deserves the bad things. 6. Do you consider yourself one of the county’s Best Under 40? Why or why not? I try very hard not to compare myself to others, so I don’t have any idea if I thought that I was one of the county’s Best Under 40. Someone did, and i’m really grateful for that, and for the recognition. Life’s too short to worry about what everyone else is doing. I just surround myself with really awesome people and try to have fun with most things I do.
• Sunday, November 11, 2018
1. What is your job and how have you found success with it? I’ve owned a personal training, group training, and class style private training gym, Edge Fitness, in Cary since 2011. I don’t have a clearly defined version of what I consider successful for myself, but one of the reasons Edge keeps growing is because my Team is amazing and because I surround myself with people who support me. A lot of young people talk about doing things for their “haters” or the people who doubted them—forget that. I work hard for people like my Wife, Dad, Siblings, my Team, and my clients —the people who have an unwavering belief in me. I can’t help but work to get better when anything less would let these people down. I don’t have a clear definition of success for myself, but not growing and not developing myself and those around me would let these people down and that’s something i’m not willing to do.
BEST UNDER 40 | Northwest Herald / NWHerald.com
Mike Spagnola
Northwest Herald / NWHerald.com • Sunday, November 11, 2018
| BEST UNDER 40
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Eric Thornburg Age: 38 Occupation: Financial Advisor
Firm: Edward Jones
Town: Harvard Family: Wife: Melissa. Children: Noah 11, Joanne 9, Hannah 6 Education (colleges and degrees): 2002 Bachelors of Science in Business, 2004 Master of Business Administration (MBA), both from Eastern IL University First job: I love to swim and had passed all the swim tests plus advanced classes by the age of 10 at the Peppertree pool in Palatine. I helped the beginners in the shallow end and felt amazing getting paid to
1. How do you give back to the community or your profession? What drives you to volunteerism? Over the years in the community I have been involved in the Harvard Chamber, Kiwanis, Rotary, and have recently volunteers to assist a business entrepreneurship incubator program at the high school. Professionally I have volunteered to help recruit new advisors, train advisors, and
do something I loved. Within 2 years I started a lawn mowing business with my friend David. I pulled a cart behind my bike with our equipment that my grandfather made. This was my first experience running a business. David and I are still great friends to this day! Favorite non-work related hobby: Fishing. Unfortunately I only get out a few times a year right now. There’s something very calming about being out on the water. Favorite book: Professionally: “What Got You Here Won’t Get You There” by Marshall Goldsmith.Personally: The Dirk Pitt series by Clive Custler. One word that best describes you: Persistent
coach them to serve their clients more deeply. Giving back helps me keep the right perspective and focus to do a better job serving our clients. 2. Do you consider yourself one of the county’s Best Under 40? Why or why not? I’ve never thought about it and don’t really know how I would stack up. In graduate school I taped a little quote on
our bathroom mirror from Albert Einstein: “Genius is 1 percent inspiration and 99 percent perspiration.” The 1% for me was finding a great company to work for that was the right fit. Just like my first job at the pool I’m blessed each day to do the 99% by being able to show up and work hard, help others, and do something I love.
Mark A. Trivellini Occupation: Senior Vice President – Commercial Banking @ American Community Bank & Trust Town: Crystal Lake Family: Wife: Angela. Children: Carson 9, Owen 7 Education (colleges and degrees): MBA emphasis in Accounting – Webster University – St. Louis/ Bachelor’s Degree – Finance Major – Roosevelt University - Chicago
2. How did you first get involved with your current job? I was introduced to the Bank in July of 2008 by one of the Bank’s long-time customers. I was then hired in September of 2008 as a Commercial Banking Officer. Why have you kept doing it? At the beginning it was a new challenge, and the Bank gave me an opportunity to pursue completing my MBA. When I joined American Community Bank & Trust in September of 2008 the world was not in the best of economic times. Even though there were not a lot of new business opportunities during this time, I found I enjoyed helping people navigate their businesses through the situation we all found ourselves in. Watching people pull out of the recession and get back to solid ground was a great feeling for me. I watched people pull together to make the tough decisions that had to be made to save jobs, protect families, preserve and be thankful for what they had and not dwell on the negatives. This is when I realized that I had selected the right career path for myself. Having grown up in McHenry County, I love being part of the process that continues to develop our local economy, create jobs for McHenry County families and to ultimately provide banking advice and guidance to help people realize their dreams of starting, maintaining or growing their business. 3. What’s a recent accomplishment and innovation that you are most proud of? Why? On a professional level, I am proud to be a part of a strong local financial institution that continues to provide the services needed by business owners in our community, which in turn helps grow our local economy. I am proud of our advancements as an organization. We continue to provide the talents of the best people in the industry and are always thriving to improve on
Favorite non-work related hobby: Currently watching and coaching my kids’ athletic teams Favorite book: Freakanomics One word that best describes you: Determined
the services we deliver to our clients. On a personal level, I am very proud of being part of Options & Advocacy by helping this organization to expand and to touch more McHenry County families in need. I am very proud of the young men I coach and the teams we have become. They put a smile on my face just thinking of what is in store for them now and into the future. Each one of them has shown me, in some way, that we are all in good hands when it is their time to carry the torch 4. How do you give back to the community or your profession? What drives you to volunteerism? I am involved with the Carl Wehde Early Childhood Center through District #47. In the past I have sat on their auction committee or assisted in finding donations for their annual Fun Fair. My wife Angela has been a Special Education Teacher and worked for the Carl Wehde Early Childhood Center/District 47 for 14 years. I first got involved with the Wehde Center to learn more about my wife’s career. As I learned more and more it was somewhat contagious and I wanted to do more. That is why I joined and continue to remain on Options and Advocacy’s Board of Directors. The individuals who work at the Wehde Center and Options & Advocacy are wonderful people and work tirelessly to assist people throughout our community that have many different disabilities. The work that they do is extremely important. The number of families that have their lives changed in a positive way by these two organizations is incredible. I also coach the 10U Crystal Lake Bulldogs, the 4th and 5th Grade Sports Performance Academy Basketball Team and a 4th & 5th Grade Flag Football team. I grew up loving Basketball, Baseball and Football and had some wonderful coaches and teammates from the time I was 5 through my time at Crystal Lake South High School. During my playing days I may not have completely understood why some of these coaches pushed us they way they did, but I know now that they were not just teaching us the game, but how to work hard and ultimately be successful in life. Playing team sports taught me that you have to rely on people and people will rely on you. You need to show up each and everyday to help those people accomplish their goals and they will hopefully do the same for you. This is why I coach my sons’ teams. I want them and their teammates/friends to learn these lessons at a young age so that when I am no longer
their coach they continue to display the traits of working hard (towards their education, career & family), enjoy and celebrate others’ successes and most importantly have fun and do the best they can in whatever they choose to pursue as a career. I also expect them to pass the torch on to their own children and kids they coach in the future. 5. What is the best career advice you have received? My current boss, Andy Hartlieb – President of American Community Bank & Trust, had a quote by Abraham Lincoln, on his desk when I first started at American Community Bank & Trust that said, “Things may come to those who wait, but only the things left by those who hustle.” This is the attitude that I have each and every day. The executive management team and all of my co-workers at American Community Bank & Trust expect this of me and they lead by example. Our attitude of urgency at the Bank is what makes us unique. I grew up in a house hold with two extremely hard-working parents that put forth this attitude to my sister and I as well. Without having been around this at a young age I know I wouldn’t have taken to this quote the way I have. The second piece of advice I received from Andy Hartlieb was to do more listening and less talking. When I first started at the Bank I wanted to go into every meeting trying to “wow” everyone with how much I thought I knew and prove that I was capable of providing them with the banking advice that they needed. I did okay, but once I stepped back and listened to the client or for that matter, my co-workers, I was much better equipped with the information I needed to solve that person’s/company’s problem/need and provide them with sound advice. 6. Do you consider yourself one of the county’s Best Under 40? Why or why not? I do. I try to win every day. We only have so many of them. I expect that I will move forward each and everyday and I expect the same of the people I surround myself with. I consider my best accomplishment to be the family and life my wife, Angela, and I have created together. This community has provided us all the tools that we need to give our two boys a wonderful start at life. I do put high expectations on them as well because I expect them to be leaders, now, as teammates, students and family members. As they grow I expect them to be leaders in their own families, communities and work places and I have to prepare them for that.
• Sunday, November 11, 2018
1. What is your job and how have you found success with it? My current position at American Community Bank & Trust is Senior Vice President of Commercial Banking. I have found success by listening to and learning from the people I work with every day. I have been lucky enough to have some great mentors in both my professional and personal life. I also have a wonderful family that has helped me and given me the time I needed to complete all levels of my education. Growing up in McHenry County has given me the privilege to have created many great relationships over the years, which has spurred into many wonderful business relationships/opportunities. Without those advocates I would not have the success I have achieved.
First job: Crystal Lake Park District – 16 to 21, Maintenance Crew, Park Maintenance. First Job in the Banking Industry was with Royal American Bank – Credit Analyst
BEST UNDER 40 | Northwest Herald / NWHerald.com
Age: 39
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Northwest Herald / NWHerald.com • Sunday, November 11, 2018
| BEST UNDER 40
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Tiffany Umbarger Age: 38
from 16 until 19.
Occupation: President/CEO of Princredible, Inc
Favorite non-work related hobby: Travel
Town: Car
Favorite book: Les Miserables by Victor Hugo
Family: Husband: Jason Vanick. Fur-kid Bella 4
One word that best describes you: Driven
Education (colleges and degrees): BS in Education and English from Bradley University First job: I worked as a teller at McHenry State Bank
1. What is your job and how have you found success with it? I own and run Princredible, a contract screen printing and embroidery company. I have a high attention to detail, great organizational skills, and good rapport with customers which has helped Princredible continue to grow each year. 2. How did you first get involved with your current job? Why have you kept doing it? My husband started screen printing as a hobby and I enjoyed the work. I started talking to people in the community and there seemed to be a need for quality screen printing, so I started the company. Every job is different which makes it fun to come to work every day. 3. What’s a recent accomplishment and innovation that you are most proud of? Why? The accomplishment that I am most
proud of is being a good employer. My job is to find the best in people, figure out the traits that allow them to excel, and put them in a position to be successful. When I do my job correctly, everyone is happy and enjoys coming to work. We all work together as a team to create the best possible outcome on any given project. 4. How do you give back to the community or your profession? What drives you to volunteerism? I enjoy volunteering because you get as much as (or more than) you give. In addition to feeling good that you are helping others, I have learned as much from my time in the community as I have from my professional career. Currently, I am President of the Board of Turning Point, the county’s only comprehensive Domestic Violence Agency. Our mission is to confront violence against the women and children in McHenry County. I am
also the Fellowship Chair on Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church’s Council, Serve Chair for the Crystal Lake Chamber’s Young Professionals, and President of the Spring Beach Improvement Association. 5. What is the best career advice you have received? My parents both said and demonstrated the piece of advice that I consider most influential in my career - show up, work hard, and do your very best every day. 6. Do you consider yourself one of the county’s Best Under 40? Why or why not? Everyone is great at something, the key is to find the skills that make you stand out and put those skills to best use. I figured out what I am good at early in my life and I put those traits to work, which may put me ahead of those who are still figuring out what their best traits are.
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Age: 27 Occupation: Real Estate Broker/ Investment Current residence: Cary Hometown: Mount Prospect Family: Wife: Kylie. Children: Reece 5, Elliott 3 Education (colleges and degrees): Southern Illinois University, Physiology
1. What is your job and how have you found success with it?:
2. How did you first get involved with your current job? Why have you kept doing it?: Initially my real estate dealings launched in an attempt to see my wife more as I was traveling weekly for business. Previously I loved my career, but with that I was sacrificing time with my family. In an effort to find a balance I left behind my more science driven work-life and
Favorite non-work related hobby: Meteorology Favorite book: The Sun Also Rises, Ernest Hemingway What’s one word that best describes you: Zealous
tried something that terrified me, working for myself. I did not imagine this was going to be anything more than an opportunity to realign myself back into my field of study, but little did I know that this change of venue lit a fire within me. I’ve since developed a process, a commitment and a paradigm that has brought me immeasurable happiness, family involvement and an opportunity for personal/business growth. 3. What’s a recent accomplishment and innovation that you are most proud of? Why?: I am exceptionally proud of our growth in the last 18 months. We have increased business by 110%. With that being said, I personally have more pride in what that has meant for my community. More growth and expansion of the company has meant more opportunity for giving back and being in a position to help invoke meaningful growth/change in the communities that have supported me so much. 4. How do you give back to the community or your profession? What drives you to
volunteerism? I’ve done my best to give back as much of the support I have received my entire personal and professional life. I’ve been fortunate enough to be able to give time to my local park district by coaching, being as heavily involved in the Cary-Grove Area Chamber of Commerce as an Executive Board member as I can be, being an environmental advocate with adopted roadways and more recently taking an active role as President of a new PTO at one of our fantastic Cary Schools. 5. What is the best career advice you have received? Working as a firefighter in college I was told by a colleague, who had been a paramedic for 25 years, “loving what you do doesn’t equate to much unless you love the person you’ve become”. 6. Do you consider yourself one of the county’s Best Under 40? Why or why not? Absolutely not! But I am humbled and appreciative.
• Sunday, November 11, 2018
I’ve been wearing many hats for some time now, husband/father, real estate broker, small business owner and community advocate. I have held all of these positions in my life in similar high regard, with my family being at the top. I’ve found myself being the most successful when I’ve pushed myself outside of my comfort zone. I believe if I am to leave behind any measurable success in the future I need to bring passion and commitment to my current positions.
What was your first job?: In High School at Formula Auto, age 14, responsibilities were tire changes, oil changes and any and all things the rest of the mechanics did not want to do...
BEST UNDER 40 | Northwest Herald / NWHerald.com
Sean Wheeler
Northwest Herald / NWHerald.com • Sunday, November 11, 2018
| BEST UNDER 40
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AFTER
Transform Your Business! Transform Your Life!ÂŽ uring her 20-year sales and marketing career, Business Strategist Kathleen Caldwell restructured, revitalized and re-energized corporate teams and organizations. In the process, she learned more than how to sell complex products and build effective teams.
“Through my experience I realized that I educated and inspired people not only to succeed in business, but also enjoy a fantastic quality of life,� said Caldwell, who held major leadership roles within several startup and established companies. She could have stayed in Corporate America, but... “I stepped back and realized that what I truly wanted to do was to bring this success methodology and knowledge to a broader corporate and individual audience,� she said. That decision led to the founding of Caldwell Consulting Group, LLC and a series of specialized educational and mentoring programs known collectively as the WHEE Institute Ž. An acronym for the Wealthy, Healthy, Energetic Edge, the institute is unique. Its philosophy and approach are holistic and comprehensive. “Our mission is to help people be successful in business, health, vitality and life. We focus on strategies to love our business and career, body and life, Caldwell explained.
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A sought-after speaker, business consultant and author, Caldwell has developed programs that incorporate education, coaching, mentoring and collaboration with other WHEE participants from around the globe. WHEE participants learn and implement new strategies for successfully managing their business and career, which carries
over to their lives replacing exhaustion with inspiration, and recapturing the thrill of setting and achieving new goals. The WHEE Institute’s Team Intelligence™ program focuses on strategies for the group to succeed as a whole, renew the energy and creativity of team leaders and inspire the emergence of new group leaders. Active in the community, Caldwell’s collaboration with local, national and global business leaders continues to fuel her innovation and spark new ideas. She is the Chair of the Crystal Lake Chamber of Commerce Foundation, graduate of LGMC and a member of many Chambers of Commerce and professional organizations. She has also received numerous awards and honors including a Women of Achievement Award, a Women and many others. Caldwell also holds three United States trademarks for her work in entrepreneurship, team building and leadership. Her book, Blueprint for Success features Caldwell, Dr. Ken Blanchard, author of the One Minute Manager, Dr. Stephen Covey, author of Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, and thirteen business experts, sharing their insights on success and how to achieve it.
notherapist, ZUMBAŽ “Not only can you achieve your dreams and goals, you can have a fun time doing it,� she said.
See what WHEE can do for YOU and YOUR organization: For More Information Contact:
Kathleen Caldwell
815.206.4014 www.caldwellconsulting.biz