40 under 40 by GateHouse Southwest

Brownwood Bulletin A 72-page section featuring 40 locals under 40 who are making a difference in the community

A NEW HORIZON

BROWNWOOD BULLETIN

40 UNDER 40

TABLE OF CONTENTS Jennifer Smith

Lorin Alliance Co. 4 Wolf

Xxxxxxxxxxx

Xxxxxxxxxxxx

Xxxxxxxxxxx 17Xxxxxxxxxxxx Dustin Larremore 37 29

Elliot Kirk

5 Xxxxxxxxxxxx

Richelle Hair Xxxxxxxxxxxx

Xxxxxxxxxxxx

Xxxxxxxxxxx

Xxxxxxxxxxxx

10and Cindy Marshall 18 Van 11 Xxxxxxxxxxx Matthew McNiece

KendylSara Simons Collins

5 Lehman & Saks

AlphaRed

Yasmin Wilkinson

Xxxxxxxxxxxx

Rebecca Morelock Xxxxxxxxxxx

8 Daniel Hutson

Xxxxxxxxxxx

Charles and Sara Musgrove

Heidi Andrade

Weston Jacobs

Xxxxxxxxxxxx

Xxxxxxxxxxx

39 Carroll

Xxxxxxxxxxx

Xxxxxxxxxxxx Chassidy

Xxxxxxxxxxx Helena

Xxxxxxxxxxxx Patrick

26 Stanton Marwitz

3423

Xxxxxxxxxxx

Katy Kuhl 27

3524Xxxxxxxxxxx

Landry and Renee Blackstock

Zac Browder

Becky Isbell

Chelsea Hubbard

Xxxxxxxxxxxx

Bonnema Xxxxxxxxxxxx

McLaughlin Xxxxxxxxxxxx

Xxxxxxxxxxxx

3322

Xxxxxxxxxxx

18Xxxxxxxxxxxx Crystal Stanley

Hunter25 Sims

9 Brittany Cox

Xxxxxxxxxxx

2816

Xxxxxxxxxxxx 4

AlexisHarvey Frier Jonathan

36 Andrew Lambert

Xxxxxxxxxxx

Brent Moseley 20

AmandaXxxxxxxxxxxx Stuard

Jared Trowbridge Xxxxxxxxxxxx

Matt and Leslie Krischke

Amanda Sharp

Blaik Mair

Natasha Goerdel

Marshal McIntosh

Xxxxxxxxxxxx

Chris and Xxxxxxxxxxxx

HALF PAGE AD

40 UNDER 40

BROWNWOOD BULLETIN

Lorin Wolf

PHOTO BY STEVE NASH

Dr. Lorin Wolf of Heartland Chiropractic in Early was named Young Chiropractor of the Year in 2016. He and his wife KayLee co-lead a Sunday school class at Coggin Avenue Baptist Church. By Steve Nash

steve.nash@brownwoodbulletin.com

Eight years after opening Heartland Chiropractic in Early, Dr. Lorin Wolf, 35, hasn’t lost his passion to help his patients. “It’s great to be able to help

people. That’s why I do this,” Wolf said. Wolf has been in practice for a total of nine years, and the Texas Chiropractic Association named him as the Young Chiropractor of the Year for 2016.

The award recognizes a chiropractor who is under the age of 40, or who has been in practice for fewer than 10 years, who has shown outstanding dedication and made long-standing contributions to the chiropractic

profession. Wolf and his wife, KayLee, are the parents of three children ages 10, 8 and 19 months. Wolf also owns a chiropractic practice in Coleman. SEE WOLF, 59

BROWNWOOD BULLETIN

40 UNDER 40

Jonathan Harvey he used in several contexts. “But mostly I think it all boils Friends described Jonathan down to making sure that Harvey in terms such as “fanpeople are kept safe.” tastic outstanding gentleman Harvey is a Michigan na… amazing supervisor and tive but moved as a boy with advocate for mental health in his family to Arlington, where Brown and surrounding counhis father attended Bible colties.” lege. Harvey attended HardinThat’s all seemingly true Simmons University, where he of Harvey, who turns 38 this started out as a history major month and is married to but changed to a double major Bangs High School theatre in theater and psychology. director Billie Harvey. Harvey Harvey met his wife at the is involved in the community college, and went on to earn on multiple levels starting with his job at the Center for Life a master’s degree in family Resources. psychology with an emphasis A licensed professional on counseling. counselor who’s also an actor Working at the Center for and singer, Harvey’s pursuits Life Resources, Harvey said, range from fun to serious. “every day is different.” Among He’s been involved in several the many scenarios he may Lyric Theatre productions, and be involved in: responding to serves on the Brown County a crisis scene involving law Child Welfare Board. enforcement, or working bePHOTO CONTRIBUTED While Harvey clearly enjoys Jonathan Harvey is a licensed professional counselor at the Center for Life Resources, a memhind the scenes during a crisis life and enjoys having fun, he ber of the Brown County Welfare Board and participates in Lyric Theatre productions. to “direct traffic.” takes his job at the Center for health programs, case manpeople that may be suicidal or When asked if he’s an actor Life Resources extremely seri- agement programs, crisis homicidal or have psychosis,” who works as a counselor or ously. The center offers mulprograms, and my boss also Harvey said. a counselor who acts, Hartiple services including adult/ oversees our psychiatric clinic. “So we’re going out and vey replied, “I think it’s both. child behavioral health, sub“I help him. … I’m kind of him visiting them in jails or nursing Because of what I do here, stance abuse services, peer when he’s gone.” homes or wherever it is we’re it’s put me in touch with a lot support, autism and services Harvey went on to explain called, to be sure that they’re of different people in town. for those with intellectual and that he’s the director of crisis safe, and if they’re not, tryWe’ve had meetings at the developmental delays. services at the center. “The ing to facilitate treatment for hospital, we’ve had meetings Harvey’s official title at the program I run is a mobile them.” with law enforcement, I’ve center is assistant chief of crisis program, and we go Harvey said he’s also the behavioral health — “a way out to the surrounding seven suicide prevention coordinator. been on stage with the mayor …it’s been good being in this of saying I assist my boss in “I wear a couple of different counties and do assessments hats,” Harvey said — a phrase position.” of harm, risk assessment for managing all of the mental By Steve Nash

steve.nash@brownwoodbulletin.com

40 UNDER 40

BROWNWOOD BULLETIN

Kendyl Simons ington, New Mexico, and enjoyed what she described The Center for Life Reas a normal childhood sources provides a wide vaplaying sports and readriety of resources to a large ing books. After graduatgeographic area, serving ing from Farmington High, and employing hundreds though, Simons was ready while addressing issues for a new experience. With from developmental disormany classmates heading ders to substance abuse. off to the University of New With so many programs and personnel, it can be dif- Mexico, Simons looked instead at smaller options ficult for the center to communicate effectively with the out of state. There were several private public it serves. But as its public relations coordinator, schools in Texas that Simons was interested in. But Kendyl Simons is tasked when she enquired about every day with doing just Howard Payne University, that. Simons grew up in FarmSimons found out she knew By Graham Dudley

news@brownwoodbulletin.com

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Kendyl Simons, who grew up in New Mexico, has traveled abroad and now finds herself in Brownwood as the public relations coordinator for the Center for Life Resources.

several people in Farmington who were alumni. She visited the campus, was accepted into the Honors Academy and decided on Brownwood for college. “I liked it a lot,” Simons said. “Through the Academy I was able to travel and do things like Model U.N. I did conferences in Chicago, Stockholm and Rome, and then I studied abroad in London. That was a lot of fun. Those were some of the things I enjoyed the most.” But as a college senior, SEE SIMONS, 53

BROWNWOOD BULLETIN

40 UNDER 40

Yasmin Wilkinson parents. They live on land outside of town with animals The summer before she including horses and dogs. started college, Yasmin Although born in MassachuWilkinson worked for an OBsetts, Wilkinson is from “kind GYN physician who took of all over.” Because of her Wilkinson to see the delivery father’s job in oil and gas, the of a baby. That was Wilkinfamily moved frequently and son’s first inkling that she she lived for a time in Canmight be interested in that ada, as well as Texas. She medical specialty. graduated from high school in That inkling became a pasPlano. sion, and at age 32, Wilkinson “I love Texas, and I decided is in practice with Dr. Dan to stay,” Wilkinson said. “My Stewart at the Brownwood Women’s Clinic, where she is parents are now in Austin, my Brownwood’s only female OB- sister’s in Houston, so I think we’ve all just kind of transGYN physician. Wilkinson, a Massachusetts planted here. Wilkinson’s mother is a native who claims Texas, nurse, which influenced her graduated from Texas A&M College of Medicine with hon- decision to go into medicine. The website for the Brownors. She recently completed wood Women’s Clinic deher training in obstetrics and scribes Wilkinson as a physigynecology at the University cian who “loves to educate of Texas Medical Branch in and care for the whole patient, Galveston, serving as chief providing compassionate resident and earning awards and comprehensive obstetriin medical education, recal and gynecologic care for search, and humanism. Wilkinson and her husband, women of all ages — from Daniel, moved to Brownwood puberty to menopause — and all walks of life.” in September 2016 after Wilkinson is particularly graduating from residency. interested in high-risk preg“This is my first practice,” Wilkinson said. “I just love tak- nancy, preventive health care ing care of women of all ages. and screening, endocrine I think women are pretty darn disorders, infertility, minimally awesome. They’re strong, and invasive surgery and adolescent gynecology, the website they’re resilient. I really just states. enjoy caring for women.” As far as Wilkinson knows, Wilkinson and her husband SEE WILKINSON, 61 recently became first-time By Steve Nash

steve.nash@brownwoodbulletin.com

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED

Yasmin Wilkinson, who works at the Brownwood Women’s Clinic, is Brownwood’s only female OB-GYN physician.

40 UNDER 40

BROWNWOOD BULLETIN

Rebecca Morelock

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED

Rebecca Morelock is the owner and operator of Baked Artisan Goods and started the Artisan Market in Brownwood. By Graham Dudley

news@brownwoodbulletin.com

Rebecca Morelock, 33, owns and operates Baked Artisan Goods and started the Artisan Market. Morelock participated in a question-and-answer session with the Bulletinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Graham Dudley. Q: Tell me about your background. Did you grow up here in Brownwood? What was that like? What were you interested in as a student? What was your family like? A: I was born in Cisco and spent much of my childhood there. I consider it my original

hometown. My family roots are there, and I go visit often. But, my father was a band director, and well known for building up small-town bands. So, we moved around a lot. I went to two elementary schools, two junior highs (as they used to be called), and five high schools. I spent my senior year at Brownwood High School, graduating 25th out of 233 students in 2002. Brownwood High was by far my most favorite school, which I accredit to the fact that it was so much larger than any of the small-town Texas schools I had attended. I never felt like SEE MORELOCK, 69

BROWNWOOD BULLETIN

40 UNDER 40

Daniel Hutson said of Hutson. In a December 2016 FaceDaniel Hutson, 29, is an book post, Emily Hutson Abilene native who went on wrote, “Today we officially to graduate from Graham adopted our two precious High School, then graduated from Howard Payne Univer- kids. Thanking the Lord for sity with a business degree. his plan, perfect timing and Hutson, his wife Emily and the two greatest Christmas presents we’ve ever retheir two children, ages 8 ceived.” and 2, have made BrownHutson said he met Emwood their home, and Hutson works as vice president ily, who is from Houston, at HPU, and the two were of commercial lending at married in 2009. After graduTexasBank. ating from HPU, Hutson “He does a lot — involved worked for Citizens National in his church, just adopted two kids, does a lot of volun- Bank, and later worked for teer work,” a friend recently the West Central Texas By Steve Nash

steve.nash@brownwoodbulletin.com

Council of Governments in the economic development office. Hutson has been with TexasBank for about 2 1/2 years. He is a Kiwanian and a past president of the Brownwood Area Chamber of Commerce and continues to serve on the chamber board, as well as on the Brownwood Municipal Development District board. Hutson is also on the Junior Achievement board and teaches a personal finance SEE HUTSON, 66

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED

Daniel Hutson, an HPU graduate, works as vice president of commercial lending at TexasBank.

40 UNDER 40

BROWNWOOD BULLETIN

Brittany Cox By Steve Nash

steve.nash@brownwoodbulletin.com

PHOTO BY STEVE NASH

Brittany Cox was likely born with an entrepreneur spirit. Her father and grandfather were entrepreneurs, and Cox dreamed as a little girl of opening a boutique. A preliminary business plan in high school became more refined in college, where Cox did a project on the plan. After working at some other jobs after college, Cox opened Dazzling Diva’s, a fashion accessory boutique and women’s clothing store, in Early in 2011. The business is now located at 1601 Coggin in Brownwood. “Whenever I made the decision to open the store, I put together a power point presentation and took it to the bank,” Cox said. “I’ve always loved to work,” Cox said. “I’ve always loved to take on new projects. I think that was just

Brittany Cox has been the owner of Dazzling Diva’s since 2011, located at 1601 Coggin Avenue in Brownwood.

SEE COX, 46

Congratulations

Brittany

Cox

for being nominated for

40 under 40.

2805 HWY 279, Brownwood Tx 76801, 325-646-8254 BR-00087683

BROWNWOOD BULLETIN

40 UNDER 40

Van and Cindy Marshall By Steve Nash

steve.nash@brownwoodbulletin.com

Van and Cindy Marshall have owned Roberson Rent-All in Brownwood since 2010, when they bought the business from Van’s parents. It’s a for-profit business. But Van and Cindy see their roles as going beyond making money, and they have partnered with other organizations including Hope Home, Brown County Home Solutions, Good Samaritan Ministries and the Crisis Pregnancy Center. “They are generous with their time, talents, and treasures and this community is better off because of them,” a friend described Van and Cindy, who are the parents of four children. Roberson Rent-All, at 3102 Morris Sheppard in the Industrial Park area, rents items ranging from tools for people wanting to do home repairs to heavy equipment for industrial contractors. “What you always say is that God has blessed this business, so it’s our job to bless others,” Cindy said, addressing her husband as the two were interviewed. “The way he’s blessed this business allows us to support ministries … both financially and with the use of equipment,” Van said. They’re faithful to their SEE MARSHALLS, 67

PHOTO BY STEVE NASH

Van and Cindy Marshall have owned Roberson Rent-All since 2010 and have created partnerships with Hope Home, Brown County Home Solutions, Good Samaritan Ministries and the Crisis Pregnancy Center.

40 UNDER 40

BROWNWOOD BULLETIN

Matthew McNiece he now calls home. McNiece was born in the Howard Payne University Midwest, where he inherited has become an integral part a lifelong love for the Chicago of Brownwood’s culture, Cubs, but moved to Texas in fabric and essence, bringing students from across the the first grade. McNiece grew state and country to town for up in the Austin suburb of a high-level Christian educa- Pflugerville where his father worked in the ministry, giving tion and teaching many of McNiece another valuable Brown County’s best and inheritance through his faith. brightest. McNiece describes his But for Matthew McNiece, childhood self as quiet and the director of the school’s studious. “I identify now, still, renowned Guy D. Newman Honors Academy, working at as an introvert, which my HPU means an opportunity to students and people who’ve give back not only to his alma seen me do community themater, but to the community ater find odd,” he said. “But By Graham Dudley

news@brownwoodbulletin.com

I was always very academic and inquisitive — I was always the kid taking things apart. “And I can see now, a little bit, how that led to the social sciences that I teach. It’s about asking questions, and using logic to solve problems.” McNiece was involved in theater and band in high school, once helping Pflugerville High to the state finals in one-act play. When it came time to choose a college, McNiece looked toward one of SEE McNIECE, 50

PHOTO COURTESY OF HEATHER NIX

Matthew McNiece is the director of HPU’s Guy D. Newman Honors Academy and a Lyric Theatre regular.

BROWNWOOD BULLETIN

40 UNDER 40

Landry and Renee Blackstock attended Brownwood High, where he was involved in Howard Payne University debate and speech, and then looms large in Brownwood, Howard Payne. not only because it educates Renee Blackstock was born so many here but because of and raised near Houston, the connections and relationwhere she got involved in choir ships it builds. For Landry and and journalism. Following her Renee Blackstock, the unipassion for singing, Renee versity was integral not only was accepted to the vocal perin their education but in their formance program at HPU. “It relationship. And like others, was the only place I applied,” the couple has remained in she said. Brownwood to continue servIn the small world of Howard ing the community that once Payne, it didn’t take long for served them. Landry and Renee to cross Landry Blackstock was born paths. Landry had just graduin Mena, Arkansas, and moved ated when the two formally to Texas when he was 10. He SEE BLACKSTOCKS, 51 By Graham Dudley

news@brownwoodbulletin.com

BULLETIN FILE PHOTO

Landry and Renee Blackstock met while attending Howard Payne and later married. Landry works for Brownwood ISD, Renee works for Keller Williams Realty, and both are frequently involved with Lyric Theatre productions.

40 UNDER 40

BROWNWOOD BULLETIN

Aaron Terry By Steve Nash

steve.nash@brownwoodbulletin.com

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Aaron Terry has been the music teacher at Brownwood’s Woodland Heights Elementary School since the 2013-14 school year.

If there is any endeavor that does not keep Aaron Terry fired up, it’s not readily apparent. Terry, 37, has been the music teacher at Woodland Heights Elementary School in Brownwood since the 2013-’14 school year, and the affable educator approaches his job and his activities including his involvement with the Lyric Theatre with an enthusiasm that’s nothing less than contagious. Terry and his wife, Lark, live on five acres in Early and are the parents of four children ages 3 to 9. Lark owns a business called Arrows and Oaks. The family raises Nubian goats which provide milk that Lark uses in specialty soaps and other products her business sells. Terry was born and raised in North Terry, Indiana. After high school, Terry attended God’s Bible School and College in Cincinnati, Ohio, where he majored in music education. He also completed a career builders for educators course at Indiana Wesleyan University. After college, Terry met Lark, a native Texan, while the two worked as counselors at a Pennsylvania youth camp, and they were married in 2007. Lark has a business degree from Indiana Wesleyan University. Terry worked as a music teacher at an Indiana school, but “doors were closing,” Terry said. “The school was closing down the music SEE TERRY, 70

BROWNWOOD BULLETIN

40 UNDER 40

Becky Isbell

PHOTO BY GRAHAM DUDLEY

Becky Isbell is the director of the Brownwood Public Library and also serves as an ambassador for the Brownwood Area Chamber of Commerce and attends Grosvenor Baptist Church. By Graham Dudley

news@brownwoodbulletin.com

The Brownwood Public Library has long been a beloved institution and a valuable resource for Brown County

residents. But while everyone knows about its copious book collection, director Becky Isbell is charged with introducing new programs and features that will keep the library

relevant in the fast-paced 21st century as well. Isbell was born in beautiful Pasadena, California and moved to Los Angeles as a child. Always a voracious

reader, Isbell described her childhood as â&#x20AC;&#x153;normalâ&#x20AC;? and happy. She loved working with animals and especially dogs, showing a Brittany spaniel at SEE ISBELL, 49

40 UNDER 40

BROWNWOOD BULLETIN

Chelsea Hubbard

PHOTO BY GRAHAM DUDLEY

Chelsea Hubbard, a native of Gainesville, Florida, is an attorney for the Haynes Law Firm.

As a child, Hubbard said she was quiet, shy and a voracious It can be difficult to attract reader. She also described hertalented young attorneys to rural self as “horse-obsessed” — a areas like Brown County — ofpassion she was able to rekinten the jobs, dreams and oppordle upon moving to Brownwood. tunities are more easily found in the big cities. But for Chelsea Hubbard received her first horse when she was about 9 or 10, Hubbard of the Haynes Law and rode dressage through high Firm, it turns out Brownwood was exactly what she was look- school. Though she was living near ing for. Hubbard was born and raised the University of Florida, Hubbard departed for Tallahassee in Gainesville, Florida. “I love Gainesville,” Hubbard said. “It’s and attended Florida State as a bigger city with sort of a small- an undergraduate. She studied town feel, and lots of academics international affairs and political science, and aimed to possibly there. And it’s a pretty place, SEE HUBBARD, 60 too.” By Graham Dudley

news@brownwoodbulletin.com

BROWNWOOD BULLETIN

40 UNDER 40

Brent Moseley By Steve Nash

steve.nash@brownwoodbulletin.com

For Brent Moseley, owner/ broker of Berkshire Hathaway Moseley Real Estate in Early, success isn’t all about money. Moseley has a simple but effecting definition of success: “Being better tomorrow than you were yesterday — achieving something new, whether it’s every day or every week.” Moseley, 33, has been in real estate for 11 years and has owned his real estate office for eight years. He’s also a home builder and runs BAM developers, a volunteer firefighter and is heavily involved in the

youth fair and rodeo in Brown County. Moseley graduated from Early High School in 2002 and later from Tarleton State University with a degree in ag education. He didn’t plan to enter real estate, but “one thing led to another,” Moseley said. Moseley, the son of Linda and the late Terry Moseley, grew up in agriculture and planned on becoming an ag ed teacher. After graduating from Tarleton, Moseley student-taught in Cross Plains — a great school with great kids, Moseley said, but he quickly

determined that “it wasn’t the good Lord’s calling for me.” Moseley returned to Early and farmed and ranched for about two months, then “stumbled into” real estate. In search of a career, Moseley called a real estate agent named Beverly Hohertz, who was a family friend and Moseley’s former English teacher at Early High School. Moseley also talked to another real estate agent, Ross Setzler. Moseley went on to get his real estate license and “hit the ground running,” selling in Setzler’s office before SEE MOSELEY, 70

BULLETIN FILE PHOTO

Brent Moseley, owner/broker for Berkshire Hathaway Moseley Real Estate, is pictured during the sale at a recent Brown County Youth Fair.

40 UNDER 40

BROWNWOOD BULLETIN

Elliot Kirk By Steve Nash

steve.nash@brownwoodbulletin.com

Brownwood native Elliot Kirk studied computer engineering at Prairie View A&M University, and worked for a short time for Dell Computers out of Dallas. But Kirk, 37, was more interested in going into the funeral business. His mother, Adelia — now retired — was a mortician. When Dell sent him to hook up the computers at a Brownwood funeral home, that cemented his interest. “This is what I was meant to do,” Kirk said he realized, and he went

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED

Elliot Kirk runs Brownwood Funeral Home, a business owned and operated by the Kirk family since 2010.

on to graduate from the Dallas Institute of Funeral Services. Kirk now runs the Brownwood Funeral Home, a business owned by the Kirk family that opened in 2010. The family also owns an Abilene funeral home and previously owned a funeral home in Coleman. Kirk said he grew up helping his mother, who worked at Heartland Funeral Home. “I always wanted to do it,” Kirk said. “People told me I was too young to go into this line of work.” SEE KIRK, 48

BROWNWOOD BULLETIN

40 UNDER 40

Richelle Hair

PHOTO BY STEVE NASH

An Early High School and Texas Tech University graduate, Richelle Hair has returned home and works at Howard Payne University where she teaches communications classes.

balancing chemical equations,” Hair said. Richelle Hair’s academic Some of her introductory career has taken her from the courses, though, were lower Early school district, where level communication classes. she graduated from Early High “I had a certain professor and I School in 2011, to Texas Tech would watch her teach, and one University, where she earned day I said ‘OK, that’s it. I want to bachelor’s and master’s degrees do what she’s doing,’” Hair said. — and now to Howard Payne “So I did.” University, where she teaches At HPU, Hair teaches a mix communication classes. of lower level classes in topHair’s job title is instructor of ics such as public speaking communication, and she started and business and professional work at HPU Aug. 19, just a communication, and upper week after graduating from level classes in topics such as Texas Tech. persuasion and argumentation, small group communication and “I’m from here,” Hair said. “My whole family’s from here. I chose organizational communication. “I love it, honestly,” Hair said. to come back.” “Everyone’s so nice and supHair entered college believing portive. It’s awesome to be she was going to be a speech pathologist, but found the medi- around people who are like cal field was not for her. “I wasn’t minded.” SEE HAIR, 69 enthralled by math or science or By Steve Nash

steve.nash@brownwoodbulletin.com

40 UNDER 40

BROWNWOOD BULLETIN

Charles and Sara Musgrove

PHOTO BY STEVE NASH

Charles Musgrove works at Brownwood ISD as community relations coordinator while Sara Musgrove is a published author who writes under the pen name Kadee Carter. Both have participated in Lyric Theatre productions as well. By Steve Nash

steve.nash@brownwoodbulletin.com

Charles and Sara Musgrove are involved in the art and science of communication in different ways, but they are a team and they complement each other. Charles, 38, and Sara, 34,

who met as college students at Howard Payne University, are the parents of two girls. Charles works for the Brownwood school district as community relations coordinator, a job that involves writing, photography and video, webs site maintenance and graphic design.

Sara is a published author who has written young adult adventure novels under the pen name Kadee Carder. They’ve both acted in Lyric Theatre productions and have also been involved with the Lyric in other capacities. “I think we make a good team,”

Charles said. Charles also owns an independent business called Addison Multimedia — “my middle name is Addison, in case you were wondering,” Charles said — and the two bounce ideas off each other. SEE MUSGROVES, 66

BROWNWOOD BULLETIN

40 UNDER 40

Heidi Andrade college, she got into the real estate industry for the first time. “I sold real estate for almost two years,” she said. “It was not what I had expected at that time.” Andrade said the experience was far more negative than the one she would have years later in Brownwood. She quit real estate and took other jobs. While working in insurance she met her future husband, an insurance adjustor, and soon thereafter left Wisconsin to join him in his native Texas. She spent eight years moving around the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex with him.

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED

A Wisconsin native, Heidi Andrade is a realtor with Ann Jones Real Estate as well as a CASA advocate. By Graham Dudley

news@brownwoodbulletin.com

Growing up in Manitowoc, Wisconsin, Heidi Andrade had no way of knowing that she’d one day sell real estate and raise a family in west-central Texas. But Andrade has embraced her new home, used her position at Ann Jones Real Estate to bring more people to

it and, as a CASA advocate, found a way to help the next generation as well. Andrade spent her childhood outside as much as possible — camping, fishing and boating with her five siblings. She got her first job at age 14, cooking and doing dishes in a local kitchen. After graduating and spending a semester at

The couple moved to Brownwood nine years ago. “It was a culture shock,” Andrade admitted. “But the people in Brownwood that I’ve built relationships with have been really pleasant people. There’s a lot of great Southern hospitality here. Any time a family needs something, the community just comes together.” Andrade saw Brown County as an ideal place to raise her family. She now has three children in area schools. And after all these years, SEE ANDRADE, 47

40 UNDER 40

BROWNWOOD BULLETIN

Weston Jacobs store has made changes and transitioned to Ace Just when it seemed like Hardware, celebrating Brownwood was about to in August as the 5,000th lose yet another beloved Ace location. But the business, the Jacobs famtradition and values that ily swooped in and purchased Weakley-Watson made Weakley-Watson beloved remain intact. Hardware in February Jacobs was working in 2017, keeping the 1414 Austin Avenue store alive Dallas when he heard the news that the store would and well. close. “I grew up coming Taking over for Mike here. I’m from BrownBlagg is the young wood. So I came in and Weston Jacobs, who saw on Facebook that it moved back to his childwas closing down, and hood home with his wife Emily to manage the store I got weirdly emotional last year. Since then, the about it,” he said. By Graham Dudley

news@brownwoodbulletin.com

BULLETIN FILE PHOTO

Weston Jacobs, pictured with his wife Emily, is the manager of Weakley-Watson Hardware.

WESTON! We are Proud of You! 1414 Austin Ave

325-646-0536 BR-00087607

“You get kind of upset that a hometown place is closing down like this. Every time I ever came to Brownwood, I came to Weakley-Watson for something.” Little did he know that he would be a key factor in the store’s revival. When his father, Tim Jacobs of Jacobs Pharmacy, texted him about purchasing WeakleyWatson, it set in motion a chain of events that would find Weston back SEE JACOBS, 47

BROWNWOOD BULLETIN

40 UNDER 40

Hunter Sims By Derrick Stuckly

dstuckly@brownwoodbulletin.com

In 2009 at the age of 25, Hunter Sims arrived at Howard Payne University as an offensive assistant on the football staff. Fast forward almost a decade later and Sims has climbed the ranks from assistant coach to offensive coordinator to head football coach and now director of athletics at HPU — all before the age of 34. Since taking over as athletic director in 2015, Sims’ vision for the Howard Payne athletic department has been “to aspire to equip Christians for society using HPU sports as a platform for success on the field, in the classroom, in the community and all future endeavors,” Sims said. “If we can live to that vision, I think we’ll be in pretty good shape. “We talk a lot to our coaches about students really don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care. So we want to build a great foundation where the students know we believe in them and we’re going to love on them and we’re going to be intentional with our Christian faith and be intentional with our relationships. If we can build all those I think we’re going in an upward trajectory.” Sims has been the driving force behind the Yellow Jackets’ SEE SIMS, 58

PHOTO BY DERRICK STUCKLY

Hunter Sims joined the Howard Payne football coaching staff in 2009 and became Director of Athletics at HPU in 2015.

40 UNDER 40

BROWNWOOD BULLETIN

Stanton Marwitz By Steve Nash

steve.nash@brownwoodbulletin.com

Zephyr school superintendent Stanton Marwitz, 37, isn’t a loud rah-rah, kind of guy, but he’s a quiet cheerleader for education in general and for the 215-student district he has led for the past 4 1/2 years in particular. Marwitz, who is from Priddy, calls himself lucky and credits his success to others including his wife, Jenna, his parents and other school leaders and coaches who have influenced him. “I love my job,” Marwitz said. “I love the kids, the community. I think, when you get into education, we’re really lucky that we get to go work with everybody else’s best asset they have in life, every day of the week. “Every day, when we come to work, we get to work with the greatest gift anybody could’ve ever been given, and then we get to call it a job.” Marwitz and his wife are the parents of three children ages 8, 6 and 15. Jenna Marwitz, who is from Paradise, and her friend Nicole Sparks are the Crockin’ girls, crockpot cookbook authors who have written “It’s Our Crockin’ Life” and “Slow Cookin’ Companion.” As a student in the Priddy school district, Marwitz participated in cross country, baseball, track, tennis and golf — “everything that they offered,” Marwitz said.

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED

Stanton Marwitz is now superintendent at Zephyr ISD after starting first as a coach/ teacher before advancing to principal.

He entered Tarleton State University intending to become a physical therapist, but decided instead to go into teaching and coaching. Marwitz hadn’t graduated from Tarleton when he got a job teaching science and coaching basketball at Stephenville High School. A mutual friend introduced Marwitz to Jenna, who was still attending Tarleton. After working for six years at Stephenville High, Marwitz came to the Zephyr district in the 2007-’08 school year as a science teacher and basketball coach. He held that job for three years, then worked another three years as principal before becoming superintendent in the SEE MARWITZ, 43

BROWNWOOD BULLETIN

40 UNDER 40

Katy Kuhl By Graham Dudley

news@brownwoodbulletin.com

Undoubtedly the “Kuhl”-est member of our 40 Under 40 list, Katy Kuhl has made a big impression in her few years in Brown County. Once a star of the rodeo ring, Kuhl now shines as an agent at the Texas Farm Bureau and in the community she’s embraced. Kuhl grew up in Williamson County, to a father who worked for a beer distributor and a mother who served as the chamber of commerce president. In high school she showed animals and competed in rodeos, a hobby she continued for several years thereafter. After stints at Howard College and Blinn College, Kuhl enrolled at Tarleton State and got a liberal studies degree. “My majors in that degree are English, reading and animal science,” she said. Kuhl also competed for the Tarleton rodeo team and on her own during that time. “I breakawayed, which is like roping calfs,” she said. “And I did some team roping, too.” Graduating in 2011, Kuhl looked for her next opportunity. She was connected to Brownwood through Guy Glasscock, from whom her family had purchased show lambs for years. “He’s always just been a really good family friend,” she explained. “I was working in the oil fields in south Texas, and I didn’t like it. I wanted a career change, and I knew if I came here I would have Guy’s support.” So Kuhl moved to Brownwood four years ago, taking her first job at Nelson Wholesale. She then taught elementary SEE KUHL, 54

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED

Katy Kuhl works for Texas Farm Bureau and is involved with the Brown County Youth Fair and the Brown County Rodeo, is a board member and ambassador for the Early Chamber of Commerce, and is a member of the Lions Club.

40 UNDER 40

BROWNWOOD BULLETIN

Zac Browder He finished his college career at Tarleton State and Between getting married and earned a general business striking out on his own busidegree, but wasn’t sure where ness venture, Zac Browder of to look for work after graduaHydro-Tech Seamless Guttion. His then-girlfriend Amber ters has had a whirlwind last had since enrolled at TSU few months. He’s begun 2018 — they had met at a church working harder than ever, camp in Granbury, and began but also confident that he’s dating seriously when they right where he belongs — in attended Tarleton together. Brown County, where he was Leaving Stephenville would born and raised, surrounded mean distance between them by family, faith and the great again. outdoors. Browder sought counsel from Browder was born in Brown- his father, Duckhorn Developwood and has lived here for ers owner Steve Browder, and most of his life, moving only ultimately decided to move for college. When he was 9 back to Brownwood and join years old he took up golf, a the family business. After hobby that would follow him learning the ropes, Browder for the rest of his childhood began installing seamless gutand into his college days. ters for his father. “I lived it, breathed it, every“At first I thought, ‘Well, this thing,” Browder said. “It was isn’t what I wanted to do. I all I wanted to do.” wanted to build houses.’” Browder attended BrownBrowder said. “But I actually wood High, where he conreally liked it, really enjoyed tinued with golf and played it. I was doing my own thing, tournaments across the state making my own schedule, and rounds here at the counstaying pretty busy and meettry club. He graduated in 2009 ing some unbelievable peoand went off to Paris Junior ple.” College for his final year of In summer 2017, Browder competitive golf. “It took a lot began helping his father with of time,” Browder said of his construction again. “I built a golf schedule. “Ultimately, I few spec houses and ran a just kind of decided to do it for couple of remodels. Kind of back to what I was doing, on a year, get a good first-year GPA under my belt and trans- a little bit bigger scale, when I moved home.” fer. But at the end of the year, “I think I just finally got SEE BROWDER, 55 burned out,” he said. By Graham Dudley

news@brownwoodbulletin.com

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED

Zac Browder, pictured with his wife Amber, is Brownwood born and raised and owns HydroTech Seamless Gutters.

BROWNWOOD BULLETIN

40 UNDER 40

Amanda Sharp By Steve Nash

steve.nash@brownwoodbulletin.com

BULLETIN FILE PHOTO

Amanda Sharp, a 2000 graduate of Brownwood High School, owns and operates the Bringing Home Thrift Store.

For years Amanda Sharp of Bringing Hope Thrift Store has been uplifting her community with secondhand clothes at ultra-low prices, using her shop as a ministry and a way to help those in need. But when Hurricane Harvey devastated the Texas coast last year, Sharp used the opportunity to be of service yet again. When a couple came by the store, asking Sharp how much they could purchase and donate for $100, Sharp told them to “take it all,” — her entire inventory. It was just the latest charitable act from a woman

who sees bigger priorities than turning huge profits. Sharp graduated from Brownwood High School in 2000 and started her first resale shop, The Other Side of the Mirror. Bringing Hope was founded about four years ago. When a house fire displaced some Brownwood residents a few years ago, Sharp was able to use her inventory to help. “I really realized the Lord was using me to help others, and I felt like I really made a difference,” Sharp said. “I thought, if I can help them, who else can I help? SEE SHARP, 48

40 UNDER 40

BROWNWOOD BULLETIN

Natasha Goerdel the Lost or Dye Trying color run event. Family, faith and funerals — a Before moving to Blaylock, strange combination, but one Goerdel worked as a dental asthat means a lot to Blaylock sistant for six years. “I needed Funeral Home assistant and a change of pace,” she said, lifelong local Natasha Goerdel. “but I still wanted to be involved Goerdel grew up in Brown in providing a meaningful serCounty and graduated from vice to people.” Brookesmith ISD in 2005, At first, Goerdel wasn’t sure if where she was involved in the funeral business was right sports and leadership. She left town for college, but afterwards for her. “But I now believe that it was God’s will,” she said, “and felt the pull of the family and friends she’d left briefly behind. I couldn’t see myself doing anything else. I am very passionate “As cliche as it sounds,” Goabout my job and I take pride erdel said, “Brownwood truly in being able to help a family at feels like and is home to me. “I have seen a lot of changes such a tragic time in their lives.” Goerdel said she tries to ease and growth with businesses the families’ burdens and make and people coming and gothe funeral planning as easy as ing through the years, but one possible. thing that remains the same is Away from the office, Goerdel the small, friendly hometown enjoys watching movies, playfeel that Brownwood offers,” ing games and spending time she said. “I try to help make with her family — especially Brownwood a better place for my family, friends and everyone her son, Brayden. “He is my that may come to Brownwood.” whole world,” she said. “My family means everything and To that end, Goerdel is inI’m blessed to have them in my volved with the Brownwood life.” Area Chamber of Commerce She has also developed a ambassadors group and helps new taste for travel, which has with the organization’s total taken her recently to Utah’s resource campaign each year. She is also on the Young Lead- Zion National Park and the Grand Canyon. “It was an ers of Brown County steering experience of a lifetime and got committee — the only original me hooked,” she said. “I can’t member left since the group wait for my next adventure.” formed four years ago — and Blaylock Funeral Home is loan active member of High cated at 1914 Indian Creek Rd. Mesa Cowboy Church, where she plans the annual Saving in Brownwood. By Graham Dudley

news@brownwoodbulletin.com

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED

Natasha Goerdel works at Blaylock Funeral Home and is involved with the Brownwood Area Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors, Young Leaders of Brown County and High Mesa Cowboy Church, where she organizes the Saving the Lost or Dye Trying color run.

BROWNWOOD BULLETIN

40 UNDER 40

Andrew Lambert ago as a mobile business, driving a truck to service Andrew Lambert, 31, boats on the lake. He likes boats. He likes the rented a small shop, then way they handle, he likes moved over to the Mounthe power that’s available tain View Marina. on a high horsepower “They’re selling Mounengine, he likes features on a modern boat such as tain View, so we decided to go ahead and purcruise control. chase property,” Lambert “They’re just fun to said. “We bought this and drive,” Lambert said. we’re slowly fixing it up.” And Lambert, who with The business has been his wife, Sandra, owns Andrew’s Marine Mainte- at 7855 North Highway, the site of the former nance on Highway 279, Destiny Grill, for about a likes working on boats. month. It is located 9.5 Lambert started his business about four years miles north of BrownBy Steve Nash

steve.nash@brownwoodbulletin.com

PHOTO BY STEVE NASH

Andrew Lambert and his wife Sandra own Andrew’s Marine Maintenance at the site of the former Destiny Grill on Highway 279.

wood, and just past Corina’s Restaurant. He is preparing a building at the front of the property to be a showroom for items such as tubes, ropes, lifejackets and wakeboards. Customers’ boats and jet skis are parked outside on trailers or inside a building that houses service bays. The business, which currently has two employees — more in the summer — stays busy, servicing 500 to 600 boats a year. SEE LAMBERT, 44

We are a local dealer for Wetsound Audio | Liquid Force Products | Monster Tower | Tige Dealer | Fatsac Dealer Come See Us at Our New Location 7855 Hwy 279 Brownwood, Tx BR-00088184

Phone (325) 320-2018

Like us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/andrewsmarinemaintenanceandrepair

40 UNDER 40

BROWNWOOD BULLETIN

Dustin Larremore

BR-00088076

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED

Dustin Larremore, who works at Texas Farm Bureau Insurance, was named the 2017 Brownwood Area Chamber of Commerce Ambassador of the Year. By Graham Dudley

news@brownwoodbulletin.com

Dustin Larremore’s customers know him as a friendly face and helping hand as an insurance agent for the Texas Farm Bureau, but this Brown County original is also in the business of giving back to the community that raised him. Growing up in southern Brown County, Larremore’s father worked for the cable company and his mother for Howard Payne University. Larremore said she held positions all over

campus and helped with everything from “the registrar to recruiting.” After Larremore graduated from Brownwood High, he chose HPU and graduated with a business degree. From there, Larremore spent years working retail jobs across the state and country. Larremore worked in Granbury, San Angelo, Abilene, Houston — even Boise, Idaho. “A lot of people don’t realize it, SEE LARREMORE, 48

BROWNWOOD BULLETIN

40 UNDER 40

Crystal Stanley

BULLETIN FILE PHOTO

Crystal Stanley, a Brown County native and graduate of Bangs High School, took over as curator for the Martin and Frances Lehnis Railroad museum in October.

2017. Stanley has continued the museum’s traditions of The Martin & Frances Leheducation and reinvention nis Railroad Museum hasn’t as she aims to teach a new missed a beat since transigeneration about how much tioning curators from Beverly the railroad has meant to the Norris to Crystal Stanley, who past and present of Brown took the top job in October County. By Graham Dudley

news@brownwoodbulletin.com

Stanley is a Brown County native and a graduate of Bangs High School. Stanley attended Ranger College and the Tarleton State University, where she studied history. “I’ve always been interested in history,” Stanley said. “I

like the idea of educating people about it and preserving it.” Stanley studied remotely at the University of North Texas while working at the Tarleton library, and earned a master’s SEE STANLEY, 51

40 UNDER 40

BROWNWOOD BULLETIN

Chassidy Carroll By Steve Nash

steve.nash@brownwoodbulletin.com

PHOTO BY STEVE NASH

Chassidy Carroll runs Hope Home Ministry in Early, which has been open for more than a decade.

Ten years after its founding, Hope Home Ministry in Early continues to provide shelter and a faith-based transitional program to young women who are in need of a second chance in life. Chassidy Carroll helped start the ministry when she was a senior at Howard Payne University and continues with the ministry as its program director, operating with a staff of two employees and numerous volunteers. Hope Home takes in young women from a variety of circumstances, including those who have been paroled out of juvenile facilities, those who have been rescued from church trafficking and those who were part of the foster care system. “We desire to help young women break free from the bondage that holds them back in their lives and to equip them to become mature, responsible adults,” the Hope Home website states. “We strive to accomplish this by sharing the truth of Christ’s love in a safe home environment while teaching life-skills and encouraging positive decision making. Young women who wish to participate in the program must have a desire to change and to make a better future for themselves while learning to lead a Christ-like

lifestyle. They must also agree to follow all house rules and the daily schedule for the duration of their stay. “ … This program is a system of accountability meant to help residents transition smoothly into the next phase of life, and to help them break negative cycles so they can have a better future.” The ministry relies on donations and receives money from a couple of local foundations. On a recent winter morning, Carroll welcomed a visitor to the comfortable residence the ministry owns in a country environment located within the Early city limits. The ministry had three girls living there on that morning, but they were already out on their daily routine. They’re required to remain productive while they go through a program that includes counseling, life-skills training, recreation and service opportunities, church involvement and continued support after transitioning out. Carroll, who is from Comanche, became involved in mentoring girls at the Ron Jackson state school as an HPU freshman. That started when a couple of friends in the Baptist Student Union invited her to join them in going out to mentor a girl. Carroll became burdened SEE CARROLL, 49

BROWNWOOD BULLETIN

40 UNDER 40

BROWNWOOD BULLETIN

Helena Bonnema

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED

Brown County native and Early High School graduate Helena Bonnema is the human resources recruiter for Brownwood Regional Medical Center. By Graham Dudley

news@brownwoodbulletin.com

Brownwood Regional Medical Center is one of the largest employers in the county, hiring not only doctors and nurses but pharmacists, administrators and more. As the hospital’s human resources recruiter, Helena Bonnema’s job is to find the

right people for this hospital and this area. It’s a lot of pressure and involves both thorough research and gut feel. But for Bonnema, a Brown County native, selling Brown County to a prospective employee is the easy part. “I was actually born right here SEE BONNEMA, 55

BROWNWOOD BULLETIN

40 UNDER 40

Patrick McLaughlin By Graham Dudley

news@brownwoodbulletin.com

Whether in business or the Brownwood community, Patrick McLaughlin has never been afraid to think big. Guided by his faith and supported by his family, McLaughlin now helps organize two of the city’s largest annual events and travels the world for his company, Matcha Organics. McLaughlin was born and raised in Brownwood and graduated from BHS, where he ran track and cross country. He received a cross country scholarship to Amarillo’s Clarendon College, where he competed for one year. “I just got burned out,” McLaughlin said. “There comes a point where the work involved in all that, just running all day, gets crazy. I decided I didn’t want to do that anymore, and I opened up a business here in Brownwood called eBay Consignment Store.” But that venture didn’t pan out, and McLaughlin looked for alternatives. “I’d been fiddling with the idea of just wanting to sell a certain type of product and create an actual brand,” he said. He took the last of his savings and invested in, of all things, green tea. McLaughlin said it was the

Lord’s guidance that led him into the industry. “I was like, ‘Lord, I feel like an idiot getting into the green tea business.’ Who does that?” But he followed through and saw his business prosper. “Instantly when we launched, sales went through the roof,” he said. “It was crazy.” Indeed, Matcha has exploded in popularity in recent years. A July 2017 article on NBC’s health website called Matcha a “fashionable beverage” that “according to science … is something of a miracle supplement.” Matcha wasn’t the first or last time McLaughlin would feel God at work in his life. His story is filled with events that McLaughlin attributes to God’s hand, events that have deepened and strengthened his Christian faith. Last year’s Lone Star Fair & Expo, for example, came down to the wire when the Jaycees president, tasked with organizing the event, had to resign and end her involvement due to a sudden job change. Less than a week before the event, McLaughlin still needed many more volunteers and insurance. “I’m stressed out to the max,” he said. “I prayed all morning, “God, please come through on this.’” SEE McLAUGHLIN, 53

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Brownwood native Patrick McLaughlin owns Matcha Organics, and he and his family have been associated with the Brownwood Jaycees for decades.

40 UNDER 40

BROWNWOOD BULLETIN

Chris and Amanda Stuard

PHOTO BY GRAHAM DUDLEY

Chris and Amanda Stuard are the directors of Coggin Avenue Baptist Church’s Love Brownwood program. By Graham Dudley

news@brownwoodbulletin.com

The staff at Coggin Avenue Baptist Church features several young, up-and-coming leaders with talent and a passion for the Lord. But for Chris and

Amanda Stuard, directors of the church’s Love Brownwood program, the mission extends far beyond church walls and involves engaging the community on Coggin Avenue and beyond. Chris Stuard grew up in

Pittsburg, Texas, northeast of Dallas, where he played in the Sunday band at Pittsburg’s First Baptist Church. Amanda is from Graham, and attended Oak Street Baptist Church with her family.

Chris and Amanda met at Howard Payne University. Chris’ Pittsburg minister was an alumnus, and he had several friends going there as well. SEE STUARDS, 60

BROWNWOOD BULLETIN

40 UNDER 40

BROWNWOOD BULLETIN

40 UNDER 40

Jared Trowbridge By Steve Nash

steve.nash@brownwoodbulletin.com

Jared Trowbridge of Early has had numerous jobs in his 27 years of living. And it’s not because he can’t hold a job. Many of them have been nonpaying — he’s a tireless volunteer with a heart for the elderly and children, a single dad to two adopted sons and he is a foster parent to three other boys. “Jared has always been a pillar of our community and has held countless volunteer positions,” a friend described Trowbridge. His paying job is with Daybreak Community Services in Brownwood, which provides services to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. His non-paying, volunteer jobs include serving as the chairman of the Brown County Child Welfare board; he is on the Early Chamber of Commerce board of directors; and he is a Brownwood Area Chamber of Commerce ambassador. Trowbridge has served on other boards including Latch Key, Boys and Girls Club and The Ark. “Pretty well anywhere that needs me, I’m there,” Trowbridge said. Trowbridge was raised in Brownwood and gradu-

ated from Brownwood High School in 2009. Influenced by a friend’s family who had foster children, Trowbridge found himself with a heart for children. He became a foster parent through Caring Hearts for Children of Comanche. “I think it just kind of grew out of being in that environment and seeing the need,” Trowbridge said, noting that he also has a heart for the elderly. Trowbridge earned some college credits through Ranger College, then worked for Girling Home Health, CMS Health Care, Encompass Home Health and Oceans Behavioral Hospital before going to work for Daybreak Community Services. Trowbridge said he’s never been one to “sit still. I have to be active. My boys are my world. We’re constantly on the go. My volunteers volunteer with me quite frequently in different aspects of what I do in my volunteerism throughout the year.” Trowbridge said it’s a challenge to be a single dad, but he’s able to do it because he has an excellent support system that includes his parents. “It’s a hectic life, but I like it — just being able to see the difference in the community and the kids that I help,” Trowbridge said.

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED

Jared Trowbridge, pictured with sons Gavin and Robert, said “pretty well anywhere that needs me, I’m there.”

40 UNDER 40

BROWNWOOD BULLETIN

Matt and Leslie Krischke By Steve Nash

steve.nash@brownwoodbulletin.com

PHOTO BY STEVE NASH

Leslie and Matt Krischke teach a Sunday school class at Coggin Avenue Baptist Church, among numerous other activities.

The year was 1998. He was a Brownwood High School senior, and she was a freshman. Matt Krischke and Leslie Tulcus, as she was then known, sat next to each other in band in the French horn section. They began dating. “It was a little scandalous,” Matt, now 36, said recently at the Brown County Courthouse, where he works as the information technology manager for the county. “Her mom was not real happy — but she is now.” Matt and Leslie, now 33, dated for five years and got married the week after Matt graduated from Abilene Christian University in 2003, with a degree in accounting. They are the parents of three biological children and are foster parents to a little girl who is about eight months old. The Krischkes hope the court will let them adopt the girl, who joined their family at age two weeks after the parental rights of her birth parents were terminated. Another relative — a great aunt — has come forward and also wants to adopt the child. Matt and Leslie teach a children’s Sunday school class together at Coggin Avenue Baptist Church, and own a home business together SEE KRISCHKES, 59

BROWNWOOD BULLETIN

40 UNDER 40

BROWNWOOD BULLETIN

Blaik Mair good,” Mair said. Mair told that story while taking a break at his airport job, minutes after he finished refueling and using a tractor to push a large Cessna Caravan into a hangar. A contract airline uses the single-engine turboprop-powered Caravan to fly Federal Express packages. Family of pilots Mair, a 2009 graduate of Blanket High School, lives in Brownwood with his wife, Caitlyn, and their 3-year-old son. Mair talked about a wide range of topics including his

PHOTO BY STEVE NASH

Blaik Mair fuels up a FedEx Cessna Caravan at Brownwood Regional Airport. Mair works at the airport and plays in a band as well. By Steve Nash

steve.nash@brownwoodbulletin.com

Blaik Mair recalled the night a friend asked him he if he’d ever pulled a trailer. “Not really. Not that far,” the 26-year-old Brownwood Regional Airport employee replied. His friend asked him if he felt confident enough to drive

a pickup pulling a trailer from Abilene to Santa Anna. “Yeah, I’m pretty confident,” Mair replied. After all, he figured, he moves airplanes around for a living, so pulling a trailer couldn’t be much harder. “I pulled it home — didn’t have any wrecks, so I guess I did

love of aviation, music, photography and classic cars. He has worked at the airport for nearly three years, drawn to the job by his longtime interest in flying. He’s not a pilot, but he hopes to become one some day. Mair’s late grandfather was a pilot out of Fort Worth, and his late uncle was a pilot who worked at the Brownwood airport for 27 years. Mair’s father went on to become a pilot, also out of Fort Worth. “When we used to go up and see my grandpa, me and my brother would beg to go SEE MAIR, 71

BROWNWOOD BULLETIN

40 UNDER 40

Marshal McIntosh and websites and handle special projects for the San Saba native MarMDD and city council shal McIntosh is one of initiatives,” he said. the younger members of In his free time, McInour list, but that hasn’t tosh enjoys photograstopped him from making phy, tennis, running and a splash since he arrived spending time with his in Brownwood to attend friends. He is the presiHoward Payne University. dent of the Young LeadMcIntosh earned his ers of Brown County, a MBA from HPU at age Brownwood Area Cham21, one year after wrapber-sponsored young ping up his undergraduprofessionals group that ate degree in Public and holds mixers and comMedia Communication. McIntosh came to HPU to munity service activities play tennis and decide on throughout the year. He is also involved in his next steps, but after landing an internship with a Life Group with other young Brown County Emily Crawford of the Christians. “The Life Brownwood Economic Group has really helped Development Corporation, he ended up staying me find community in Brownwood and stay in town and took a fullplugged in,” he said. “And time job with her office the Young Leaders has when she transitioned to the Brownwood City Man- been really rewarding and beneficial to make ager position. connections and meet Now, McIntosh reports other young professionals to her and to Guy Anin the same stage of life.” drews, director of the And though the future Municipal Development feels limitless for this sucDistrict (a successor to cessful young man, McInthe EDC). His job, Martosh said he’s invested in keting and Communications Manager for the city the future of Brownwood. “I see myself being in and MDD, involves lots Brownwood for a good of different responsibiliamount of time,” he said. ties. “I manage commu“I really like this communication and marketing projects, oversee various nity and I’m passionate social media accounts about it.” By Graham Dudley

news@brownwoodbulletin.com

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED

A native of San Saba, Marshall McIntosh is the Marketing and Communications Manager for the City of Brownwood and the Brownwood MDD, as well as serving as president of the Young Leaders of Brown County.

40 UNDER 40

BROWNWOOD BULLETIN

MARWITZ

CONTINUED FROM 23

2013-’14 school year. “It’s rewarding, it’s fun, it feels good because you get to make an impact, and hopefully you make an impact on people you see later in life, and they’re good husband, wives, parents, workers …” Marwitz said. “Hopefully we make the impact and we help (students) reach their full potential. “I couldn’t have been more lucky personally to fall into the things I fell into in life. … I’ve been around some really good educational people and been blessed to go that route. They’ve helped me out a lot, and I think there’s also other things where you’ve got to find your own desire. You also have to go and work and make your own path. “My parents did everything in the world for me. They helped develop me into who I am. They gave me the opportunities that I had, or I wouldn’t be here. I can never repay them. Luckily I found my wife and

PHOTO BY STEVE NASH

Zephyr ISD Superintendent Stanton Marwitz observes the computer work of elementary students within the district.

she was a good coach’s wife. She’s been a good principal’s wife. She’s been a good superintendent’s wife. She’s extremely supportive — always there for me.” Marwitz continued, “The kids out here

are great. My (older) kids both go to school here and they love their classes, they love their teachers. Both of them come home with a lot of good things they’ve done in class.”

BROWNWOOD BULLETIN

40 UNDER 40

LAMBERT

CONTINUED FROM 28

Lambert was born in Mexico, where his father was stationed while working for the U.S. government. After his father retired, the family moved to Brownwood, where his father had a longtime friend. “I went to school in Houston for auto diesel, and came back to Brownwood and was trying to find a job where I can start a career,” Lambert said. He went to work in a boat shop, and when that business closed, Lambert started his own business. Boat engines have some similarities to automobile engines, Lambert said — but there are differences. “A lot of the boats out here require lake water to cool them instead of antifreeze,” he said. “I enjoy it quite a bit,” Lambert said of his business. “Every day is different — never a dull moment around here.” The Lamberts are the parents of two children ages 7 and 4.

PHOTO BY STEVE NASH

Andrew Lambert works on a boat repair at Andrew’s Marine Maintenance.

40 UNDER 40

BROWNWOOD BULLETIN

40 UNDER 40

Brittany Cox’s Dazzling Diva’s store has pitched in to help the community with such things as the youth fair, and events with the chamber of commerce and The Ark, as well as Hurricane Harvey relief. PHOTO BY STEVE NASH

COX

CONTINUED FROM 9

kind of always instilled in me. I can’t imagine ever doing anything else.” The business has pitched in for community events and helped with Hurricane Harvey relief, and has helped with organizations and events including The Ark, the American Heart Association,

the youth fair queen competition and the Chamber of Commerce. “I never thought this job would be as rewarding as it is,” Cox said. Cox now lives in Waxahachie with her husband, Casey, and their two sons, ages 3 and 2 months. She said her ultimate goal is to own multiple locations and anticipates opening a second location within the next two years. Your #1 Source For Central Texas Real Estate! Homes | Ranch Land | Farm Land | Acreage Waterfront | Commerical | Building Lots

goldstar-realestate.com 325-646-4781

BR-00087688

2222 S. Hwy 377, Suite 1 • Brownwood,TX Stan Crawford, Broker

40 UNDER 40

BROWNWOOD BULLETIN

JACOBS

CONTINUED FROM 21

Brownwood sooner than he’d ever anticipated. Jacobs was working at a Peterbilt subsidiary at the time, content with the new life he and Emily had established in the Metroplex. But weeks later, he was home. “It’s fun being home next to family,” Jacobs said. “And people are really excited that they get to keep coming here.” “I love dealing with the people of Brownwood. I love being around them. It’s been a lot of fun. It’s better every day.” The store has new products, like the Traeger grill and the Big Green Egg, Weber grills and a garden center. It has new faces and a new manager. But the Weakley-Watson brand has been serving Brownwood for over 140 years and, thanks largely to the Jacobs family, it will continue to do so for the foreseeable future.

BULLETIN FILE PHOTO

Weston Jacobs talks to customers at Weakley-Watson Hardware, where he manages the store.

ANDRADE

CONTINUED FROM 20

she’s back in real estate and loving it. “Ann is an amazing lady,” Andrade said. “She’s very involved in every transaction I do to mentor me, but it’s not just my transactions. She really cares about me personally, and builds me up to make sure I’m successful.” Andrade said she enjoys meeting new people and showing them Brown County for the first time. “A lot of people I meet come from out of town,” she said. “I’ve sold houses to people from California, Wisconsin, San Antonio — all over.” In her free time, Andrade enjoys traveling and spending time with her children. She also serves as an advocate for Brownwood’s Court-Appointed Special Advocates, or CASA, organization. This gives her the opportunity to meet and represent kids in the Child Protective Services system. Having come from what she described as a “dysfunctional” home, Andrade said it’s important to her to help children in that situation. “CASA is very dear to my heart,” she said. “I feel like I have a lot to offer, to be a voice for kids in the courtroom.” Ann Jones Real Estate is located at 2841 Fisk Ave., Suite 122, in Brownwood.

BROWNWOOD BULLETIN

KIRK

CONTINUED FROM 17

Kirk said he likes the funeral business because “it’s helping people when not too many other people can help, and guiding them in a time of their life that they’ve never visited before — helping through the grieving process through the final disposition of their loved one.” The family started the Baker-Kirk Mortu-

ary — now closed — in Coleman in 2005, and started the Dove Funeral Home in Abilene in 2008 before opening the Brownwood Funeral Home in 2010. “In the beginning my mom pretty much ran this one, and I ran the one in Abilene,” Kirk said. “Since 2012, I’ve been here.” There is no such thing as a typical day, Kirk said. “My phone could ring, I could be in Abilene, it could ring again, I could be in Dallas,” Kirk said. “I’m on call all the

LARREMORE

family after the death of his father. Three years ago he left CONTINUED FROM 29 Houston and moved back to but Boise’s a lot like Texas,” he Brownwood, taking a job in said of that time. “There’s lots the insurance industry with the of hiking, lots of trails — you Farm Bureau. Larremore said can drive 25 minutes north and the new position was exactly be in the mountains. It’s a very what he was looking for. clean city, a very neat city and “It’s been great,” he said. a very polite city.” “They believe in agriculture. But eventually Larremore They believe in education. longed for the small-town feel They really try to get to know he grew up with, and wanted a people, as opposed to an insurprofessional shift. “I think evance company just trying to sell erybody can see that brick-and- you something. mortar retail is dying,” he said. “I’m very happy with where “I wanted to be in a business I’m at and what I do,” he said. that’s stable and could provide Now, Larremore serves as the a long-term answer. I didn’t president of the Brownwood want to bounce around from Area Chamber of Commerce career to career.” ambassadors. He said BrownPlus, Larremore wanted to wood does a great job of creating community, developing come home and assist his

SHARP CONTINUED FROM 26

“The community is so supportive You can’t out-give the Lord. The more you give, the more you’re going to be blessed,” she said. Sharp said she views the Brownwood community as her family. “I see the strug-

gles that families face every day,” she said. And as long as she can keep the lights on, Sharp said she’ll continue her resale ministry — even if it’s not the most lucrative business in the world. “As long as I can pay the bills, I’m happy,” she said. Bringing Hope Thrift Store is located at 720 W. Commerce.

40 UNDER 40

time.” Kirk said he finds the work fulfilling, and he enjoys helping people who can’t afford “the big expensive funeral.” Kirk’s father, Ernest, pastors a church in Brady, and his brother, also named Ernest, helps out in the funeral business, Kirk said. Kirk also rents limousines for events such as quinceañeras, proms and weddings.

leaders and attracting industry, and he wants to help the city continue that in the future. “You know ‘Feels Like Home’? It does feel like home,” he said of the city’s motto. “It’s always going to be a home for me, but to create that feeling for somebody who moves in …

is something that Brownwood does very well. It’s a very open and welcoming community, in my opinion.” In his free time, Larremore enjoys golf, travel, hunting and hiking. His Texas Farm Bureau office is located at 2450 Highway 377.

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED

Dustin Larremore (right) is presented the 2017 Brownwood Area Chamber of Commerce Ambassador of the Year Award by Rick Phelps.

40 UNDER 40

BROWNWOOD BULLETIN

CARROLL

CONTINUED FROM 31

“just seeing the cycle that they would go through and the bad environments that they would go home to,” Carroll said. “I think it was just my heart being broken over some of the girls that I had gotten close to.” Carroll and her friends saw the futility of the girls wanting to make changes in their

lives, but having no safe place to go afterward. “Just in talking and dreaming about that, why couldn’t we provide a safe place for some of them to go?” Carroll recalled. “God just kind of put that dream in our hearts, and we started to talk to people in the community who would need to support it for it to become a reality. We found out that a lot of people were very supportive of the idea, and it just kind of snowballed from there.”

Carroll said she loves what she’s doing. Working with the ministry is “the opportunity to be a part of someone else’s healing process,” Carroll said. “I love getting to love kids that maybe nobody else really wants to love and take care of. “I find that they are extremely valuable people. They’re smart, and kind, and they have big dreams. It’s really, really rewarding to get to be a part of seeing these things happen in their life.”

ISBELL

CONTINUED FROM 14

American Kennel Club trials. “He got a companion dog title, and then I trained him the next level where they’re going over jumps and retrieving dumbbells and stuff like that,” she said. “In fact, my first job out of college was with a dog magazine” — the now-defunct Dog World. Isbell was homeschooled in high school, but attended a large church with her family. “It wasn’t what maybe a lot of people think of as L.A. culture,” she said. “Like any large church, you get involved with the church community and things. We always went to church and made it a priority to be involved there.” Isbell attended The Master’s College — now The Master’s University — after high school, a Christian liberal arts school in Santa Clarita. She majored in communications and was able to study abroad in Israel, though circumstances curtailed the visit. “We actually went during September 2001,” she said. “They said, ‘Well, we have a plan if Israel goes to war, but

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED

Director Becky Isbell said of the Brownwood Public Library, “The library is such a great resource to the community, and part of the difficulty is that many people don’t necessarily know about it. There’s so many different ways that modern libraries are a resource.”

we don’t have a plan if America goes to war.’ So we ended up doing kind of a rushed tour. We hit all the hot spots, but we were only there for a month.” Some of Isbell’s relatives had moved to Texas, and Isbell planned to follow them. “The economics in California weren’t very good at the time,” she said. “That’s why I was looking a lot in Texas, around my

relatives.” Still in California, she enrolled in a distance learning library science program at the University of North Texas. After graduation she finally made the move and took a children’s librarian job in Cleburne. Isbell joined the Brownwood library in January 2016 after marrying her husband Joshua and moving to the area. Now she spends her time at the

library, reading and working on the ranch where she lives. “A lot of fencing, and a lot of chopping cactus to clear more pasture and checking on the cows,” she said. “I love it. It’s a big difference [from Los Angeles], but I’ve always kind of seen myself as a country girl.” Isbell also serves as an ambassador for the Brownwood Area Chamber of Commerce and attends Grosvenor Baptist Church. “I think that the library is such a great resource to the community, and part of the difficulty is that many people don’t necessarily know about it,” Isbell said. “There’s so many different ways that modern libraries are a resource.” The library now offers a variety of online databases to cardholders — from ebooks to test prep to computer classes. “There’s so much more that we’d like to be doing, but I think one of our goals right now … is just to let people better know what we have, and to better connect what we already have.” The Brownwood Public Library is located at 600 Carnegie St.

BROWNWOOD BULLETIN

McNIECE

CONTINUED FROM 11

the smaller Christian colleges that abound in the state. “I wanted some of the environmental things that I thought a smaller Christian college could provide,” he said, as opposed to the massive intro-level classes down the road at UT Austin. “When we came to visit [HPU], things just seemed to click and it just seemed like the right place.” McNiece graduated HPU with a History degree, and met his now-wife Jennifer — who teaches there with him today — as an undergrad. At Howard Payne, McNiece began to realize that his love for school and learning might not have to end with graduation. “College was kind of the point where I realized that being good at school wasn’t just a personality quirk,” he said. “It was something that I could do for a career. And liking history wasn’t just because I was good at it, but that was kind of how my PHOTO COURTESY OF HEATHER NIX brain worked — seekMatthew McNiece has performed in numerous Lyric Theing context, and looking atre productions. for cause-and-effect.” McNiece went on to obtain a master’s from the University of Chicago and a doctorate from TCU. Eleven years ago, he returned to Howard Payne as a professor and became the Honors Academy director in fall 2016. “It’s been fun and challenging,” he said of his role. “You feel a greater responsibility for something when you’re connected to it. As an alumnus of the university and the honors program, I’m really passionate about both because I saw what they did for me. “I have a big belief in the program’s mission to teach self-sufficiency in thinking. To teach critical thinking and problem-solving — not just to teach the answer, but how to get to the answer.” In his free time, McNiece enjoys performing at Brownwood’s Lyric Theatre — where he starred in February as Lt. Daniel Kaffee in its production of “A Few Good Men” — watching baseball, and attending Brownwood’s First United Methodist Church.

40 UNDER 40

BROWNWOOD BULLETIN

BLACKSTOCKS CONTINUED FROM 12

met. “One of my good friends was marrying one of his good friends,” Renee said. “We sat catty-cornered to each other at their engagement dinner. He told me silly stories all night and made me laugh.” “Her friend was like, ‘I don’t know why I didn’t see this before,’” Landry said. “You two would be great together.” Landry got an English degree and a teaching certification at HPU and did his student-teaching at his alma mater, BHS. Both Landry and Renee eventually attended graduate school and got master’s

degrees, and Landry went into counseling. The couple was married in 2005 after a year of dating. Today, Landry works as a diagnostician for Brownwood ISD. “We do assessment and evaluation for children who are referred for disability services,” he said. “It could be a learning disability, a traumatic brain injury, autism, psychological or emotional issues. We evaluate them, determine eligibility and then write an individualized educational plan.” Renee, meanwhile, works as a realtor at Keller Williams Realty. “Originally I thought maybe I’d just be doing this

to save some money,” she said. “But it ended up being something that I really, really enjoy.” Both Landry and Renee are active at Brownwood’s Lyric Theatre, where Landry recently completed a run as Lt. Kendrick in “A Few Good Men.” “That was my first show in 10 years,” he said. Landry is also the executive pastor at Christ Chapel. Renee, as a vocal performer, gravitates to the Lyric’s musicals and stays active in the Abilene Chamber Singers group. The couple lives in Brownwood with their three daughters.

STANLEY

CONTINUED FROM 30

degree in Library and Information Sciences. She went back to Ranger and became its Director of Library Services, but in the meantime was becoming involved at the Lehnis Railroad Museum. “I wanted a little bit more museum experience,” she said. “I always thought, especially while working on my bachelor’s degree, that I would go into the museum field.” Stanley approached Norris and asked if she could volunteer. Before long, she was working on various museum collections and serving on the board of the Brown County Museum of History. Eventually, Norris told Stanley she intended to retire. “I put in an application just hoping that I would be considered,” Stanley said. “There’s some big things that are about to roll out, and they really

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED

A picture of Crystal Stanley prior to the “Polar Express” event at the Lehnis Railroad Museum.

needed someone with my expertise to deal with some of the collections. It just all worked out.” Her volunteer

position had turned into her new career. Stanley said her passion for museums and her love of

research makes the curator position a natural fit. She got started last fall by reaching out to various local organizations to get them involved, and by cataloguing the museum collection, much of which is housed off-site. She also wants to appeal to a larger demographic, including the Spanish-speaking population of Brown County, to make the museum more accessible for all. “This museum reminds us of what Brownwood once was,” Stanley said. “Trains were a bit part of Brownwood’s history, especially during World War II when Camp Bowie was booming. I think as a museum it’s important for us to educate the public on that history and just keep it going. “I think the museum can bring the community together in so many ways.” The Lehnis Railroad Museum is located at 700 E. Adams St. in Brownwood.

BROWNWOOD BULLETIN

40 UNDER 40

BROWNWOOD BULLETIN

SIMONS

CONTINUED FROM 5

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED

Patrick McLaughlin and the Brownwood Jaycees will be the driving force behind the annual Lone Star Fair and Expo later this month at the Brownwood Coliseum.

McLAUGHLIN CONTINUED FROM 34

Minutes later he received a call from Carter Sharpe — the insurance was finally taken care of. “And by the end of the day, my office was filled up with about 20 people who wanted to volunteer,” he said. McLaughlin described a mission trip to England where seemingly impossible coincidences provided his group with shelter, opportunity and enough money to travel to Ireland as well. He said he was once saved when a seemingly inevitable plane crash was avoided at the last moment, and that he’d witnessed miracles during a mission to the Philippines. “Just crazy stories like that,” he said. “When I talk about business, and about my life, I can’t go through it without talking about what the Lord has done.” McLaughlin attends Victory Life Church and teaches Sunday school

at Crosslines College Ministry on the Howard Payne campus. McLaughlin said he loves being a part of the Brownwood community. His group the Jaycees — short for Junior Chamber of Commerce — organizes the aforementioned Lone Star Fair & Expo and Riverfest events each year, and has donated to the Brownwood Senior Citizens Center as well. “This is the thing that people don’t get about Brownwood,” McLaughlin said. “I’ve been to 15 other countries all over the world … and I can tell you from experience that Brownwood is one of the best places to live. “This is a pretty safe to raise kids, and a pretty comfortable place as well. That’s why I became passionate about thinking, what is it we could do to make Brownwood a better place than it already is? That’s what we really focus on in the Jaycees.”

Simons still didn’t know what her next step would be. She decided to apply for graduate school and spent her winter break cramming for the GMAT standardized test. “Most people spend a semester studying for it,” she laughed. “I drove to Abilene and took it, and fortunately was able to get a score to get in.” Graduating HPU with a double-major in public policy and marketing, Simons went on to the Thunderbird School of Global Management in Glendale, Arizona. And that could have been it for her Brownwood experience — except that Simons met her future husband, Matt, at HPU. “He’s originally from Bangs,” Simons said. “We met at school, and when I went to graduate school he followed me after he graduated. We were coming back to get married here, and kind of job searching around Texas.” That’s when Simons found her current position at the Center for Life Resources. In June 2015 she started her new job and got married two weeks later. Now Simons says that no two workdays are the same. “Today, I’m mostly working on our monthly newsletter … but yesterday I went to the Kroger job fair,” she said. “I’ll go to local job fairs and things like that to kind of get our name out in the community. Plus I manage our social media pages and run our fundraisers each year, like our 5K in the fall.” The center, she said, has programs for people of all ages and a wide variety of challenges — veterans, the autistic, the mentally ill and the developmentally disabled. “It’s rewarding knowing you’re connecting people to the services they need,” she said. Embracing her new community, Simons serves on the board of the Early Chamber of Commerce, attends the chamber’s Women’s Insight Network meetings and attends Brownwood’s First Baptist Church. In her free time she enjoys hanging out with her husband, friends and two cats. The Center for Life Resources is located at 408 Mulberry St. in Brownwood and its website is www. cflr.us.

BROWNWOOD BULLETIN

40 UNDER 40

KUHL

CONTINUED FROM 24

school for two years, finally settling at the Farm Bureau about 18 months ago. “I actually came in here to buy insurance, and she offered me a job,” she said. “On a day-today basis, I work with people on their home insurance, auto insurance and life insurance. Usually when someone calls me they’re buying a house or they’re moving, so I help them with that. “I love working here every day. I feel like it’s where God put me, and it’s just a major blessing to work with the people I work with,” she said. Kuhl now has a 5-year-old son, Hadley, which has sidelined her rodeo hobby for now. “I know one day I’ll go back to it,” she said. To keep that fire burning and support new generations, Kuhl is involved in the Brown County Youth Fair and the Brown County Rodeo. Away from the office, Kuhl enjoys being outdoors and hunting with Hadley. “You can see in my office there’s dead animals everywhere,” she laughed. “If we’re not here in Brownwood, we’re probably in Mason hunting [with my dad].” Kuhl is also a board member and ambassador for the Early Chamber of Commerce, and a member of the Lions Club. Her Texas Farm Bureau office is located at 2450 Highway 377.

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED

Katy Kuhl is an avid hunter in her free time. She is involved with the Brown County Youth Fair and Rodeo, among other organizations.

40 UNDER 40

BONNEMA

CONTINUED FROM 33

in Brownwood Regional Medical Center,” Bonnema laughed. The oldest of three sisters, Bonnema grew up on her family’s land in Blanket and attended school in Early. Growing up, Bonnema helped around the farm, played sports and was involved in cheerleading. Wanting to branch out a bit, Bonnema decided on Texas Tech for college. She finished her basics at a college near Lubbock, then enrolled at Tech and tried to decide what her major would be. After a couple of false starts Bonnema decided on communications. “I enjoyed it,” she said. “I really ended up enjoying the communications pro-

BROWNWOOD BULLETIN

gram, and got involved. I even did some debate.” Bonnema graduated in 2013 and took a job in Dallas. She discovered quickly, however, that big-city life wasn’t really her thing. “It was my first job, and an awesome job. I learned a lot,” she said. “But growing up here and going to Dallas — it’s just not the same type of people.” After spending some time in the small Texas town of Utopia, Bonnema moved back to Brown County and took her current job at the medical center. Bonnema said her job involves attending career fairs, talking to students and reaching out to applicants around the country. She said she’s grown to love it, and to love Brownwood despite her negative impressions as a child.

“I’ve been so impressed by Brownwood,” she said. “Coming here and seeing all the changes and improvements — you can tell there’s new blood that’s really pushing for a more involved community. “There are so many activities and things to do. It’s super clean, we’ve cleaned up the parks, we’ve got the aquatic center and so many new things that bring attention to Brownwood.” In her free time Bonnema enjoys selling real estate in Utopia, hunting, hiking, kayaking and spending time with her friends. She is a member of the Young Leaders of Brown County, a networking and service organization for local professionals under 40. Bonnema lives in Brownwood with her dog Jip.

BROWDER

CONTINUED FROM 25

Browder bought his family’s seamless gutter company outright and began a new chapter in his career, renaming the business Hydro-Tech Seamless Gutters. And in October of last year, he finally married Amber and purchased a new home for them. Amber now works as a registered nurse at Brownwood Regional Medical Center. Browder said the new business has been a challenging but rewarding adventure. “It’s fun, it’s new, it’s frustrating — but that comes with anything, no doubt. It’s been a good first of the year.” In his free time, Browder now prefers hunting to hitting the links. “I’m a pretty avid outdoorsman. I like to be outside in God’s country,” he said. That’s a big reason, Browder said, he can see himself in Brownwood for the long-term. “Heaven forbid we ever have to move anywhere,” he said. “That’s what’s so great about Brownwood, for a guy like me who had an opportunity to come home and work. It meant that I could be home and close to family, and I’m very blessed to have that experience.”

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED

Zac Browder, pictured with his wife Amber, is Brownwood born and raised and owns Hydro-Tech Seamless Gutters.

BROWNWOOD BULLETIN

SOUTHWEST APPLIANCE & FURNITURE

52 Years In House Financing Large Selection Of Furniture & Appliances We Display Over 100 Recliners Refrigators Dishwashers Clothes Washers

Window Air Conditioners on standard windows

No Limit on the number of qualifying items you can purchase

SOUTHWEST APPLIANCE & FURNITURE 100 C.C Woodson Road Brownwood TX

325-646-8773 | 325-646-0945

brownwoodsouthwestappliance.com m

E E R F

RY E V I L DE BR-SPAD0220135648

40 UNDER 40

BROWNWOOD BULLETIN

Introducing Dr. Giancarlos Santos, DDS

Brownwood 2414 Crockett Dr

(325) 646-2515 OliverOrthodontics.com BR-00088097

Julio De La Fuente, DDS, MS Giancarlo Santos, DDS Scott Law, DMD

Same Day Braces

Call today for your

0% Interest

FREE CONSULTATION!

Se habla EspaÃ±ol

Owned and operated by Scott Law, DMD | Scott Law Ortho PC.

SIMS

BROWNWOOD BULLETIN

40 UNDER 40

up in droves and passing on to their student-athletes how imCONTINUED FROM 22 portant it is.” and Lady Jackets’ roles within Community service is one of the community. Each HPU aththe three aspects Sims believes letic program has a community lead to a successful athletic partner it teams with for commuprogram. nity service. The Boys and Girls “I feel like if we can improve Club, Good Samaritan Minisin three areas every year we’ll tries, the Brownwood ISD, the always be progressive,” Sims Brownwood Chamber of Comsaid. “Those areas are commumerce and the Early Chamber nity service and outreach, getof Commerce are just a few of ting our alumni involved, and bethe organizations HPU athletics ing progressive in terms of what BULLETIN FILE PHOTO assists. we are doing to make sure we’re Hunter Sims served as head football coach for Howard Payne during the 2016 season. “We’ve tried to partner a lot visibly better than we were the letes took part in the Dr. Martin better with local businesses. We kids coming in and getting an year or semester before. If we had very little local sponsorships education, but cultivating a spiri- Luther King Jr. Day rememcan focus on those, then outside brance at the MLK Plaza. tual education and really more and partners in the past, but of that you work on your five“A few years ago (Mayor Prothan that, a Christ-centered we’re up to 34 now,” Sims said. year vision and 10-year vision to education. We have to build that Tem) Draco Miller reached out to really get something done. But “A lot of times they just need me and we had talked about it. It that’s what we have to focus on, internally and then within the feet on the ground or bodies to kind of started just as the footcommunity because our hope help them carry out what they our one-year vision because if ball program,” Sims said. “It’s a is that it bleeds over into the want to get done. But we expect we can get better in those three unique thing for us because it’s community. We welcome any all our student-athletes to get a areas — community service, a three-day weekend for univer- alumni outreach and encouragchance to show that visibly or minimum of five to 10 hours of sity students, so they actually community service per semester tangibly so that people better ing funding — we’re going to be have that day off. A lot of them understand what our vision and and in turn that teaches them better every year.” might go home or not necessariour mission is here — that we’re about servant leadership. Just When Sims isn’t involved with ly be on campus but I told Draco Howard Payne athletics, HPU trying to cultivate transformabecause you give up time to do something for somebody doesn’t tional Christ-centered education. we’d be there, the football team. committees or his family — a “We talked about it as a staff, always mean you’re going to get That’s where we’re going to be wife and two sons — he serves all the head coaches, and how a little bit different intentionally, something back monetarily, but as chairman of the board for the important it is to cultivate that standing up for what we believe hopefully spiritually.” Brownwood chapter of Fellowin and who we are. I think that’s relationship, not only for other Sims believes it’s vital for ship of Christian Athletes. He’s students but the community to what makes us unique in this Howard Payne students to play also a member of the Texas understand that we want to be day and age. an active role within the Brown High School Coaches Associasupportive to make Howard “At the end of the day we’ve County community, a university tion and the American Football got around 350 student-athletes Payne, Brownwood, Texas and philosophy that dates back well Coaches Association. the United States a better place. in the Brownwood community over a century. “The FCA board probably We need to take the time and between the ages of 18 and 30 “Howard Payne was estabtakes up the largest amount of believe it or not, that are parobserve that event and also be lished in 1889 and has always my time, working with (Brownticipating for us. We view those there physically with our preshad a large presence, but we wood Area FCA Director) Tony as valuable resources and we ence to know that we’re unified. Daniel,” Sims said. “Outside of need to have that so people want to be able to share them as It was really neat. It wasn’t a re- that I try to be involved with each know that we are here to help,” much as possible.” quired event that I mandated on of the community service projSims said. “What our mission A new venture for Howard and our vision is here, is that our coaches, but I encouraged ects with our teams. I really like we’re trying to be transformaPayne athletics took place a few them to be there and I thought to use my time to go and serve tional, not transactional. Not just weeks back when student-aththere as well.” they did a great job of showing

40 UNDER 40

BROWNWOOD BULLETIN

KRISCHKES

wood, and Matt called Ray Bertrand, who owned an IT business, and asked CONTINUED FROM 39 Bertrand for a job. “I’m good at computcalled Spinkles and Sawdust. The busi- ers, but I don’t have a piece of paper ness combines their talents — she that says I am,” Matt said. bakes, and he makes rustic home de“Well, we’ll just give it a shot,” Bercor. trand replied. It’s no surprise that Matt earned a Matt worked for Bertrand and went on degree in accounting, since his father, to become the IT person for the county. Tony, is a certified public accountant Leslie worked for four years as assiswho owns an accounting firm started by tant band director in the Brownwood Matt’s grandfather. school district. Matt found he was good at accounting Leslie has stayed busy, teaching mu— but he didn’t like it. He worked for three or four years doing auditing for Dr sic at her church’s Wee Kids pre-school Pepper, then went to work for an oil and program. She’s also involved with a service project called Summer of Service, gas software company. which brings moms of young children “That’s kind of how I transitioned into together. “It was really out of a desire to tech work,” Matt said. He found tech teach our kids to serve,” Leslie said. work was his real passion. Matt and “We get together every Tuesday durLeslie spent a year in the San Antonio ing the summer and we do a service area, where Matt worked as a consulproject locally. My desire is for it to tant for oil and gas companies. grow, to be much bigger.” Leslie, meanwhile, had graduated When Matt and Leslie were ready to from McMurry University with a degree in music education, and she worked as grow their family again, they decided to foster-to-adopt a child. “We had always a band director for a year for the Somwanted to adopt,” Leslie said. “Matt’s erset school district near San Antonio. Matt and Leslie moved back to Brown- brother is adopted … we knew God had

WOLF

CONTINUED FROM 3

The Wolfs co-lead a Sunday school class at Coggin Avenue Baptist Church, and Wolf previously served on the Texas Chiropractic Association board and the Hope Home board. Wolf recently helped raise money for a family who lost a child, and has raised funds for organizations including the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Hope Home and the food pantry of a local church.

He has also been involved in coaching youth sports. Wolf grew up in a small farming community in Howard County called Vincent, and he once thought he wanted to become a veterinarian. He worked for a veterinarian the summer before starting college at Texas A&M University, and while Wolf likes animals, he realized he’d rather work with humans. Motivated by the idea of working hands-on with people and helping them get better, Wolf decided to become a

that in the cards for us. Matt said, “it just came up that we had three healthy, beautiful kids — let’s spread that love around. Instead of having another kid, let’s bring in a kid that might need a home.” Matt and Leslie know the court could rule in favor of the child’s great-aunt and they could lose the little girl. “We just decided that (the child) having love is more important than us losing her,” Leslie said. “Which of course is easy to say, because we haven’t lost her. But we’ll see. “We’ll find out more in the next few months, but until then we’re just going to keep loving her like she’s ours.” Friends have described Leslie as having a “sweet spirit and love for others (that) is obvious the second you meet her! … wonderful foster parent. Incredible attitude.” Leslie said she does try to show love to others. “Whether they’re the janitor or CEO and anything in between — I just try to treat them with respect and care, because they deserve it,” Leslie said.

chiropractor. After earning a biomedical science degree from Texas A&M, Wolf earned a doctorate of chiropractic from Parker College — now Parker University — in Dallas. Wolf did consider becoming an occupational therapist or a physical therapist, but “I just kept getting drawn back to chiropractic,” Wolf said. After working for another chiropractor in Lubbock for three years, Wolf was ready to open his own practice. He initially hoped to open a prac-

tice in the Killeen-Copperas Cove area, but realized God was closing doors there. He was familiar with the Brownwood area, and after praying about it, “I felt like that might be where God was leading us.” The mission statement of Wolf’s practice is framed on a wall: “To glorify God by making a positive difference in the health and quality of life of the people in our community.” “That’s what we truly want to live by and focus on,” Wolf said.

HUBBARD

BROWNWOOD BULLETIN

was going to do here in Texas and I thought, ‘Hey, I could go to CONTINUED FROM 15 law school now.’” work her way into politics via the Hubbard settled on Baylor for nearby state capitol building. her next step, which she called In college, Hubbard met lots an “incredible experience.” of friends and her future hus“I had literally never even band John. She took the LSAT heard of Baylor before,” she — the law school entrance said, since the school hadn’t yet exam — when she graduated, experienced its football renaisand was considering colleges sance. “I did a Google search in the Washington, D.C. area, for ‘law schools near me.’ but didn’t want to leave John for “It ended up being such a school. “So I put off going to law great experience,” she said. school,” she said. “A few years Hubbard suspected that she’d later, we ended up in Texas. have to move to a big city when John was in the Army, and he she left Baylor — after all, that’s was stationed at Fort Hood. I where most of the jobs are. But to her surprise, she found was trying to figure out what I

STUARDS

40 UNDER 40

an opportunity in Brownwood, which meant an opportunity for land and, most importantly, horses. “We knew we wanted to go to a smaller town,” she said. “Darrell Haynes actually went to Baylor, so when they were looking for a new attorney they advertised on Baylor’s website. I saw that and sort of jumped at it.” Hubbard has been at the firm since September 2016. Because of Brownwood’s size, Hubbard has to handle lots of different kinds of cases. She said that variety has made her a better and more complete attorney.

them a new experience in a pretty place and the opportunity to assess their caCONTINUED FROM 35 reers moving forward. “I just thought, hey, that’s the place to As fate would have it, that search took go,” Chris said. “I didn’t apply anywhere them right back to Brownwood. “While we else.” were there [in Wyoming] in October, they Amanda, drawn to the mission field, was called us and talked to us about this posiattracted to HPU’s cross-cultural studies tion that didn’t exist yet,” Amanda said. program. Both students attended Coggin “They saw it was a need and thought, Avenue Baptist Church while at HPU, but hey, maybe Chris and Amanda would be didn’t cross paths right away. It was at a interested.” Sunday-night ministry called Genuine, They said Love Brownwood has really where Chris played guitar, that the couple evolved in the six years since they took met and started dating around 2009. They got married the following year. “We the job. “They said we would live in the neighborhood around the church and graduated college in December 2010,” … be intentional with loving on people,” Chris said, “and then a week later got Amanda said. “That was the only thing married.” they told us. We would just walk the Having been involved at Coggin during neighborhood several times a week and their school days, Chris stayed on with the church as an intern immediately after talk to people and try to establish relationships.” graduation. In May 2011, however, the Every Monday for about four years, they new couple worked a season at Chris’ would open the Coggin gym to neighborparents’ guest ranch near Cody, Wyoming. The trip was far from a honeymoon hood kids and do a play time and devotional. “We still have a relationship with a — “Those were some really long work days,” Amanda remembers — but it gave lot of those kids,” Amanda said.

“I think it’s beneficial,” she said. “Right now, I kind of do everything. I imagine someday I might specialize in some stuff more than others.” Chelsea and John have one daughter, Henley, and live between Brownwood and Bangs. “Motherhood is the hardest job in the world — even harder than being an attorney,” Hubbard laughed. “But she is a really special child.” In her free time, Hubbard enjoys riding her three horses, making art, attending concerts and being outdoors. The Haynes Law Firm is located at 309 Fisk Ave. in Brownwood.

Then they started a parenting class when one mother showed up on their doorstep looking for advice. At the time, Chris and Amanda had only one sixmonth-old child. But they found Chip Ingram’s book “Effective Parenting in a Defective World,” and started teaching with that. The classes are still going on today. Other Love Brownwood ministries include Camp Hope, a summer sports camp for area children, and Service Sunday, where church members skip the Sunday sermon and instead find a way to volunteer around the community. “It was scary at first,” Chris said of the job, “but now we feel like we’ve got some things that are established that we’ve had going for a while.” “And it’s all to show God’s love to the community,” Amanda said. In his free time, Chris enjoys archery, hunting and playing the guitar. Amanda likes photography and cooking. They live in Brownwood with their two children and their dog Cheeseburger.

40 UNDER 40

BROWNWOOD BULLETIN

WILKINSON CONTINUED FROM 6

there has never been a female OB-GYN in Brownwood. “It’s pretty awesome,” Wilkinson said. “A lot of women are very much more comfortable with a female provider. I think a lot of women want someone who can relate to them, and I really take pride in the fact that I can do that — particularly now, since I’ve had a baby. “For all the other female stuff, I can definitely relate, and I think people appreciate that. So I recognize that as just kind of a cool opportunity.” Wilkinson said she and her husband chose to come to Brownwood because they wanted a slower pace of life after living in the Houston-Galveston area. “My husband grew up in Corsicana, and he was looking for a small town as well,” Wilkinson said.

PHOTO BY STEVE NASH

Yasmin Wilkinson arrived in Brownwood in 2016 and works at the Brownwood Women’s Clinic.

“So we just interviewed kind of everywhere that had openings (in) a small town. Brownwood was the smallest. When we visited, we really loved it. We loved the hospital. We loved how friendly everybody was. People were really down to earth, very welcoming. So we decided this might be a good place to raise a family and set

CENTRAL TEXAS WOMEN'S CLINIC, P.A. PRIMARY CARE FOR WOMEN F. Michael Schultz, M.D. 325-643-1526

Monday -Thursday 9am-5pm Friday 9am-12pm

CentralTexas Women's Clinic specializes in women's health. We strive to create a fun, family oriented atmosphere where you are not only a patient, you are part of our family. We Specialize in all the needs of Women's Health from: (But Not LimitedTo) Gynecology, Gynecology Surgery •Yearly Wellness Exams • Pelvic, Vaginal, Gallbladder Sonograms Ultrasound Breast Exams • Diabetes, Heart Health (EKG) •Treatment of Urinary Incontinence, Infertility Menopausal Symptoms • Birth Control, Hormones •Testosterone Injections Lab Work, Vitamins, B12 Injections • WEIGHT LOSS CONTROL With LIPOZENE F. Michael Schultz, M.D. is the Physician at CentralTexas Women's Clinic. Dr Schultz specializes in Primary Care for Women and Emergency Medicine. Dr. Schultz graduated form BR-00087521

The Southwestern Medical School in Dallas in 1971. He finished his residency at Parkland Hospital in Obstectics and Gynecology in 1975. He has been in practice in Brownwood for 47 years. SEE HABLA ESPANOL

down some roots.” Wilkinson said she is technically Stewart’s employee. “We’re here and we like it. We’re staying,” Wilkinson said. “It is definitely a slower pace of life. We’ve made some good friends. We’ve just really enjoyed the hospital, enjoyed Dr. Stewart and the practice here. I love my patients. They’re just wonderful. They’ve made me feel so welcome here.” Wilkinson said the hard work of becoming a doctor was “absolutely” worth it. “I love what I do,” Wilkinson said. “I wake up happy to come to work every day. It’s a very personal thing for every doctor. I think if you’re in it for the right reasons and taking care of people is what you want to do, then this is the best job in the world.” Wilkinson enjoys horseback riding as well as reading, traveling, and SCUBA diving. She said she also does some art and plays the piano.

BROWNWOOD BULLETIN

40 UNDER 40

PARADE OF PROGRESS 2018 150 YEARS

FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF BROWNWOOD 208 Austin Ave 646-8505 Sunday School (All Ages): 9:30am Morning Worship: 10:50am Evening Worship: 6:00pm

131 YEARS

FIRST CHRISTIAN CHURCH (Disciples of Christ)

2411 Coggin Ave. 646-8901 Sterling Lentz, Pastor Sunday School 9:45 am Worship Service 10:50 am Wed. Bible Study & Youth 6:00 pm

129 YEARS

ST. JOHN’S CHURCH 700 Main at Depot Street 646-7482 The Rev. Michael S. Mobley Th.M., RecToR

Sunday School 9:30 am Sunday Services 8:00 am & 11:00 am Wednesday Services 6:30 pm

117 YEARS

143 YEARS UNION

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

Union Presbyterian Church 1967 Austin Avenue Presbyterian Church 1875 & First Presbyterian Church 1876 Rev. Doug House 700 Fisk Ave. • 646-8569

130 YEARS

AUSTIN AVENUE CHURCH OF CHRIST 1020 Austin 646-0855

Tom Washburn, Pulpit Minister Sean Fitzgerald, Youth Minister Roland Bowen, Minister of Education & Missions Julie Moore, Director of Children’s Ministry

YEARS 129SALT CREEK

BAPTIST CHURCH 7775 North FM 3100 Early, TX 4 miles North Eastlawn Cemetery 646-3897 Pastor Jimmie Mize Bible Study: 10:00am Sunday Services: 11:00am & 6:00pm Wednesday Youth 6:30pm

113 YEARS B

rownwood Glass & aliGnment

The place with the little red car with wobbly wheels • Tires • Suspensions • Brakes • Struts • Axles • Alignments • Diagnostics

700 Carnegie • 646-2541

101 YEARS

LEACH BROS. MANUFACTURING U-Haul Rental 210 North Main 646-9301 Richard Scott Leach, Owner-Manager

106 N. Main (Hwy 377) • Brownwood 325-643-2690

143 YEARS

132 YEARS

515 Early Blvd Early, TX 76802 325-646-2200

325-646-2502 1000 Fisk Street 126 Years of Christian Higher Education Established 1889

127 YEARS

LYDICK-HOOKS ROOFING CO., INC. 646-9581

Danny Burchett General Manager

111 YEARS 201 W. Adams 646-4578 Jeff Smith & Bart Johnson LUTCF Carter M. Sharpe

Regina & Don White - Owners

101 YEARS

PECAN VALLEY ELECTRIC 302 2nd St. • (325) 646-3566 Airport Lighting Industrial & Commercial Julie Gribble - Owners

96 YEARS

2500 11th • 325.643.1555 Brownwood WWW.FUMCBROWNWOOD.COM

129 YEARS

2001 S. Fisk

FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

cenTRal uniTed MeThodiST chuRch 1501 2nd 646-9621

MILLS COUNTY STATE BANK

“Where Service Makes The Difference” Brownwood 646-1798

Early 646-0313

Hamilton 254-386-4461

Goldthwaite 648-2216 Hico 254-796-4221

122 YEARS

Catholic Community of St. Mary Queen of Peace Church

Rev. Francis Njoku 1103 Main Avenue; Office/Mailing: 1101 Booker St. Brownwood • 325-646-7455 office; www.sm1familybwd.org

111 YEARS 505 Fisk 646-9595

92 YEARS

DAVIS-MORRIS FUNERAL HOME Since 1926 800 Center Ave.

646-5555

40 UNDER 40

BROWNWOOD BULLETIN

PARADE OF PROGRESS 2018 91 YEARS

DR PEPPER BOTTLERS BROWNWOOD, INC.

3321 Milam Dr. • 646-9583

77 YEARS

BROWNWOOD HOUSING AUTHORITY

1500 Terrace Drive (Sunset Terrace)

646-0790 Since 1941

67 YEARS

EASTLAWN MEMORIAL PARK

Fort Worth Hwy. • 646-9125 The Pitts Family

84 YEARS 1 Carnegie

643-3545

Your Home Owned Bank Member FDIC

71 YEARS

67 YEARS We bring the city to you! 405-411 Center Ave. Downtown Brownwood 325-643-2633 Mon-Sat 9:30am-6:00pm Sherrie, Brenda, Stephanie & Steve

RENT ALL

WALL MOULDING & ASSOCIATES

54 YEARS

BANGS NURSING HOME “A small Home with a BIG Heart” 1105 Fitzgerald • 752-6321 Bangs, Texas Providing Quality Care Over 50 Years

Phone: 643-3500

509 D. W. Commerce 643-4217

TWT Moulding Co. Inc./DBA

203 W 8th St. • 643-2521 Jennifer & Brian Williams Brian & Chris Waldorf

54 YEARS

ROBERTS & PETTY, INC. Building 113 Sthephen F. Austin Blvd.

646-6452

#TACLA000685C

KBWD 1380AM KOXE 101.3FM 300 Carnegie

646-3505

69 YEARS

70 YEARS 2515 Ave D

61 YEARS

3102 Morris Sheppard Drive 646-7732 Van & Cindy Marshall

2 LOCATIONS

100 North Fisk 646-9586 514 Early Blvd. 643-6550 Richard Porter CIC • Robert Porter CIC www.porterins.com

(Corner of Ave D & 14th)

62 YEARS

ROBERSON

77 YEARS

78 YEARS

email: bec@web-access.net Ken Colegrove, Pastor

65 YEARS

KXYL AM 1240 KXYL FM 102.3 KQBZ FM 96.9 BREEZE WENDLEE BROADCASTING 600 Fisk Ave • 646-3535

57 YEARS 3808 Highway 377 South Brownwood, Texas 76801 325-646-4571 www.mtfcu.org

53 YEARS

3M COMPANY BROWNWOOD Brownwood Industrial Park 646-3551

Traffic Control Materials Division

509 W. Commerce 646-6513

firestonecompleteautocare.com

63 YEARS CHURCH

OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD 1800 Good Shepherd Dr. • 646-8791 Sunday Service 10:00 am Wednesday Evening Prayer 6:30 pm goodshepherdbrownwood.org

55 YEARS

INGRAM CONCRETE 4301 Danhil Rd. 646-6518

Serving Brown County Since 1963

53 YEARS

LANDMARK LIFE INS. CO.

Providing Affordable Insurance Alternatives for Area Residents Insuring Texans Since 1933 www.landmarklife.com

BROWNWOOD BULLETIN

40 UNDER 40

PARADE OF PROGRESS 2018 53 YEARS

LONGHORN CAMPERS, INC.

Blanket, Texas

748-5741

Donna Isham - Owner

44 YEARS HEARD

BROTHERS AUTOMOTIVE 403 Early Blvd. • 643-1725 Phyllis, Russell & Gaylon Owners

48 YEARS

KELCY & SON PAVING CONTRACTORS, INC.

518 Lucas Dr. • Early, Tx 646-4026 Wyman Kelcy-Owner From Driveways to Highways House Pads & Demolition Work

42 YEARS

Longhorn Auto SALeS 903 W. Commerce 325-643-2994 Glen Smith - Owner

38 YEARS

CARROUSEL CHILD CARE CENTER 1303 Phillips

646-2461

Where Love Goes Around Monday - Friday 6:00 am - 7:30 pm

52 YEARS SOUTHWEST

APPLIANCE FURNITURE & SERVICE

100 C.C. Woodson • 646-8773 Ellis Perkins - Owner

48 YEARS

THRIFT MART

108 1st, Bangs, Texas 752-6113 www.bangsthriftmart.com

Thank You For all Your SupporT!

44 YEARS INSURANCE

Mike Hall, CLU® Agent 807 Center Suite C. 325-646-8600 www.michaelhallinsurance.com

41 YEARS

51 YEARS

PF&E OIL CO. FOOD PLAZA Brady Hwy.

646-1584

Calvin & Steve Fryer

46 YEARS

34 YEARS Cook's Fish Barn

RestauRant & CateRing

HIGHWAY 36 BETWEEN RISING STAR AND COMANCHE

254-842-5409

Friday & Saturday 5-10

Bill J. stewart ConstruCtion

P.O. Box 1446 • Brownwood, Tx 76804 643-3905 • 642-5529

• Custom Homes • Remodeling • Light Commercial Projects •Home Improvements • Site Clearing & Painting

Serving Brown County For Over 40 Years

44 YEARS

3605 HWY 377 SOUTH • 325-643-2638

Juki & Singer Sewing MachineS & FabricS 410 Center Ave • 643-1132 Downtown Brownwood

42 YEARS

Go Improve Something

CenTRal TexaS WoMen’S clinic, P.a. Primary Care for Women F. Michael Schultz, M.D. 325-643-1526

Monday - Thursday 9am-5pm Friday 9am - 12pm

40 YEARS 7 Days A Week • 24 Hours A Day

201 W. Adams • 646-2959 Bart Johnson LUTCF Insurance & Investments

49 YEARS

Serving All of the Central Texas Area We’ll Get You Out! Discount Rates Glynn Franklin, Owner-Bondsman 643-1072 Earl Kimbrell, Bondsman 643-3809 1038 W. Commerce • Brownwood (Next To Jail)

325-643-1827

LITTLE DUDE RANCH

Child Development Center 1601 Stewart • 646-8877 Open 5:45am to 10:00pm; M-S

Serving Families Who Want Quality Child Care

Infant Stimulation Program • Pre-School Classes Pre-Kindergarten Classes • After School Program Evening Childcare

39 YEARS eaRly FiRST uniTed MeThodiST 1073 Early Blvd 325-646-2300

33 YEARS

30 YEARS

109 S. Broadway (325)643-1541

We Supply Domestic, Foreign, Truck, Farm, Industrial & Marine Parts

Trans-Texas Tire

AUTO PARTS

1101 Riverside Dr. • 643-3926

40 UNDER 40

BROWNWOOD BULLETIN

PARADE OF PROGRESS 2018 30 YEARS

CMS HEALTH CARE, INC.

1102 Early Blvd.. (325) 643-4900 Skilled Nursing • Home Health • Physical Therapy & Medical Supplies Medical Social Worker

27 YEARS

HEART OF TEXAS MECHANICAL CONTRACTING 203 Cordell Street 325-646-1655 - Brownwood 325-752-6602 - Bangs Plumbing & Air Conditioning

23 YEARS

OPEN:

Mon.-Wed. 11-2:30 Thurs. - Fri. 11-8 3202 Coggin Ave Brownwood, TX

28 YEARS David Robnett Agency Owner

508 Main st. 325-646-2886

26 YEARS

22 YEARS

Box-N-Mail Express

cuSToM

19 YEARS

& SPaS

646-7057

CAIN ELECTRICAL SUPPLY CORP. 2000 Fisk • 643-4851

21 YEARS

18 YEARS

First Aide Agency www.firstaideagency.com 18 years of experience 325-641-2512

www.heartlandpools.com

12 YEARS

2222 Highway 377 S #1 325-646-4781

27 YEARS 212 E. Commerce 325-643-6415

25 YEARS AUTO GLASS MAGIC WINDSHIELDS

646-9789

100 North Main • Brownwood

21 YEARS

919 North Fisk St. • 643-6661 Dine In or Drive Thru www.cooldeli.com

Elderly and Disabled Care Service

Phone: 325-641-2855 Cell: 325-647-9832 Jason Angerstein

Video + Internet + Phone 500 Fisk • 325-646-9493 www.harrisbb.com

314 Brown

www.neighborhoodpostal.com

guniTe PoolS

14 YEARS

ForMerly king’S bookkeeping

901 N. Fisk Brownwood, TX 76801 325-643-1037 325-641-0942 Fax

646-9655

19 YEARS

BRINDLEY BOOKKEEPING

25 YEARS

303 Early Blvd. • 646-9424

Full Menu available

Keith & Wanda We caTeR eveRyday Lemons, Owners Meetings rooms available God Bless

28 YEARS

9 YEARS ASSISTED LIVING 1605 Calvert Rd 325-200-4904

17 YEARS Quality Service at a Reasonable Rate 901 N. Fisk 641-2690

8 YEARS

DEPOT LIQUOR AlwAys something new 1001 Vine Street

325-646-3500

BROWNWOOD BULLETIN

40 UNDER 40

PARADE OF PROGRESS 2018 8 YEARS Little Creek Auto Sales USED CARS

702 Early Blvd. • Early, TX 76802 325-643-8116 No Credit • Bad Credit • No Problem EVERYONE’S APPROVED Come See Debbie

YEARS

DIAMOND R store

& Cafe

Hwy 183-84, Zephyr, Texas 7 Days a Week

739-2068 Cody Rogers

Thank you to all area businesses in helping to promote community progress.

MUSGROVES CONTINUED FROM 19

And at Southside Church, Charles is a guitarist and the interim worship leader, and Sara sings on the music team. Charles, a Wyoming native, came to Brownwood in 1998 to attend HPU, where he majored in multimedia communications. Sara, who is from Round Rock, arrived in 2002 to attend HPU, majoring in communication with an emphasis in public relations. Both minored in theatre. Before coming to work at the Brownwood school district, Charles did independent work through his business, Addison Multimedia, and did contract work for employers including the school district. Sara began a writing career and has written a total of seven books, which have garnered excellent reviews. She earned a master of fine arts degree from National University, and now teaches English classes online with Liberty University. “I’ve always loved writing,” Sara said. “It’s always been a way that I just kind of managed life, a way of dealing with the things that were going on around me as a way to clear my head and to create these adventures and characters that would help me manage my own adventures. “So it’s always been something that I have loved doing. When I worked at Southside (Church) as office manager several years

back, I had time to think, what do I want to do with my life?” Her master’s thesis, a work called “Insurrection,” became the first in a trilogy of books about a character named Saylor. “‘Insurrection’ is a wonderful debut novel by author Kadee Carder,” a review posted by an Amazon customer stated. “The thing that most impressed me was the character development. The characters were real and deep, just leaping off the page. Wanting to know more about the characters and what will happen to them is what will drive me to get the next book in this series. I also enjoyed the story. I appreciate any book that keeps me guessing-and this one certainly did! If you are looking for a YA read with a sci-fi flare, this is the book for you.” Another review stated: “‘Insurrection’ is an excellent example of clean young adult fiction packed with action and danger. The romance is delicately written. Lately, the young adult books I’ve been reading have been all about sex and death, so this was refreshing. It’s the kind of book you feel good about giving to a teen. Saylor is a beautiful role model for girls. She has the right amount of attitude paired with a caring heart.” Charles said his job with the BISD has evolved and his duties include website maintenance and design, graphic arts, photography, news media coverage and social media. He visits the district’s campuses for

photos and articles. “I spend a lot of time both behind a camera and behind a computer,” Charles said. “I probably couldn’t find a better fit in Brownwood for what I have an education in as far as multimedia, design work, graphics, websites, all of that.” Other activities the two have been involved in include the Lehnis Train Museum board and the Arts Council (Charles) and working as director of the Lyric Theatre’s Children’s Summer Camp (Sara).

HUTSON

CONTINUED FROM 8

class at Brownwood High School through the Junior Achievement organization. Hutson teaches the class for an hour a week for five or six weeks, as part of an economics class. He said Junior Achievement focuses on topics including entrepreneurship, career readiness and personal finance. “It’s very much on the business side of life,” Hutson said. The Hutsons are also involved in Coggin Avenue Baptist Church, where Daniel serves on a couple of committees. “I love Brownwood — I really do,” Hutson said. “With our friends and our church group … there’s never a dull moment, for sure.”

40 UNDER 40

BROWNWOOD BULLETIN

MARSHALLS CONTINUED FROM 10

church, Coggin Avenue Baptist, where Van is a deacon and teaches a Sunday school class of 11th-grade boys. Cindy previously taught with her husband, which included girls when she was involved. “They’re at our house a lot,” Cindy said of the boys in Van’s class. “They’re over a lot for meals. I’m not teaching. Van is. But I can cook for them.” Roberson Rent-All has been a family-owned business since its founding in 1956 by Raymond Roberson. Roberson sold the business in 1991 to Keith and Sherri Marshall, Van’s parents. Van grew up in the business and went on to meet Cindy, who is from the Houston area, at Hardin-Simmons University. Van and Cindy, who have four children, joined Roberson Rent-All in 2006 as employees before becoming the owners. They consider the Roberson Rent-All employees part of their extended family. The business has nine full-time employees. “They’re great,” Van said. “Because we’re a small business, we get to be deeply involved in their lives — not just at work … hopefully being able to care for their needs apart from (work). That’s my desire.” It wasn’t easy, at first, for Van when he went from employee to owner. He knew the business very well from having grown up in it. But that was a

PHOTO BY STEVE NASH

Van and Cindy Marshall began working at Roberson Rent-All in 2006 before becoming the owners.

disadvantage too. “Trying, it was,” Van said. “There were growing pains,” Cindy added. Van continued, “They knew me as a kid, and all of a sudden, I’m the owner — boss,” Van said. “It’s great now, but that initial transition was rough.” Van continued, “This business is not mine. This is God’s, and the money that this business makes is not ours. It belongs to God and so we want to be good stewards of that.” Van said he and Cindy want

to “be intentional with our customers, too, and not just say, hey, there’s a dollar walking in the door, but that’s a person. How can be build a relationship with them, and get to know them personally? Not just, let me rent you this piece of equipment so I can make some money. “I want the main point of our business, our life here, our family, to be to glorify God in any way that we can, and for that to be our focus,” Van said. “It was hard for me at first, because this is a for-profit

business,” Cindy said. “You can’t twist it or turn it and make it some altruistic thing, like, you’re a physician — ‘I’m helping people’ — or ‘I’m a teacher, I’m shaping their future.’ It’s just a for-profit business, and it was a little hard for me to grapple with that at first, until I realized that how we use the profit from that business can glorify God. It can be used for a good purpose.” “My favorite part of the business is the customer interaction. I love that.”

BROWNWOOD BULLETIN

40 UNDER 40

MORELOCK

BROWNWOOD BULLETIN

for hopefully opening a store front in the near future. In the CONTINUED FROM 7 meantime, feeling like there had I fit in at the small schools, as I to be a better way for me to sell was very much a creative soul my baked goods, and since the that had my own unique style Brownwood Farmer’s Market and personality. had shut down at that time, I Graduating with a larger decided to start a new marclass helped me to feel more ket, a market focused on local accepted and confident. I atartisans. A market that would tended HPU for one semester, provide a place for others like majoring in music Performance myself to sell their creations! (flute) as I was very immersed This April will begin our fourth in music for my entire upbringArtisan Market Season! ing, but decided to take a break The Artisan Market is located from school. I then took a job next to St. John’s Church at 700 Q: Tell me about Baked in Dusseldorf, Germany as an Main St. and will be every secArtisan Goods and the Artiau pair. This was an amazing san Market. How did they get ond and fourth Saturdays startopportunity that I learned a lot ing April 14 and ending June 23 started? Who might enjoy from. Everyone should take a from 9 a.m. to noon. If you are them? How can people learn fun job somewhere far away at interested in being a vendor at more? least once! A: Baked Artisan Goods came the Artisan Market, contact me I attended HPU again for a via the Artisan Market Facebook into existence about five years little while and I also took some page. ago. After I had my second culinary classes at TSTC. But We only accept 100 percent daughter, Cora, I received a college has never been my hand crafted items, or baked book called Artisan Bread in thing, and my family has been Five Minutes a Day. So, I started goods and, of course, produce supportive over the years as I (which we need!). Space is limhave explored what I want to do baking bread. That is not when ited and based on the amount of I first started baking though! I with my life, which is baking. the same items being sold. baked my first batch of sugar Q: Tell me about your family cookies (still my favorite) when Q: Are you involved in the I was 7. My mother was my now — husband, kids, parcommunity in other ways? first baking teacher for sure. I ents, etc. Clubs, groups, professional learned all my basics from her I am married to Jared Moassociations, etc. and gained a love for creating relock and have two beautiful A: I have helped work operaearly on. girls, Arielle and Cora. Jared is tions for the Brownwood ReAfter realizing how many a contractor and we are building union and the Corks and Caps people want fresh baked goods, our house together by ourselves and after the Texas Cottage Law events. Unfortunately, I have (while living in it)! We have been working on it for about five went into effect, I started baking not been more active with any for the public, delivering French clubs or groups in Brownwood. years now, and hopefully it will I’m very much a homebody boules and other baked goods. be done before our kids graduand love spending time with my I have traveled to Vermont ate, ha! My parents, Randy and family and being creative at my twice to take extensive baking Ginny Taylor, who are both rehouse. tired from teaching, live outside classes at King Arthur Flour Company, one of which was of Zephyr at Fossil on Mission Q: Tell me about your interCreek — a mission style retreat called How to Set Up a Sucests and hobbies. What do cessful Bakery in preparation they built themselves to host friends and family and have small weddings. My in-laws, Don and Debbie Morelock own the Star of Texas Bed and Breakfast, which they also built themselves (we are obviously a building family), a bed and breakfast toward Lake Brownwood, and are also our neighbors on Morelock Lane. They have definitely played a huge role in who I have become in the past 10 years and with what I am doing with my life.

you enjoy in your free time? What are you passionate about? A: I spend most of my spare time doing yoga, which I have being practicing for almost 10 years, go on arrowhead hunting hikes with my family, listen to music while back-roading with my best friend, practice my guitar (that I’ve been teaching myself since last May), and dream about my ideal bakery.

HAIR

CONTINUED FROM 18

Hair volunteers and participates in the Young Leaders and Ambassadors through the Brownwood Area Chamber of Commerce. Her interests include listening to music and travel. As a student, Hair traveled to the United Kingdom in the studies abroad program, and her job will take her to Japan in the summer of 2019 for a visit. She will be traveling to California next week as a coach and instructor with the debate team. Hair also judges debate tournaments and local UIL speaking events. “I want it to be known that I chose to be here,” Hair said. “I could have gone and done the whole corporate route, that kind of thing. But I wanted to be here. I want to be around like minded people who value the same kind of slow pace of life. “I want to live here in Brownwood. I’m purposefully here and I’m attempting to put roots down and meet people, and get involved. I’m excited about that.”

TERRY

CONTINUED FROM 13

program, so I knew it was time to look somewhere else.” What seemed to be promising job opportunities evaporated, and Terry and his wife were running out of options. “The doors were shut, and we felt like the Lord was saying ‘you’re done here,’” Terry said. Terry was already familiar with the Brownwood area, as Lark’s parents and brother lived here. “So we would come to Brownwood for all the holidays, and then we would drive back home to Indiana,” Terry said. “I’m a big sportsman, outdoorsman, and I just found the opportunities in Texas were

BROWNWOOD BULLETIN

more wide open for me.” Out of options in Indiana, the Terrys visited Brownwood on summer vacation. “We just started talking. We said why don’t we just try Brownwood, because my wife always had a desire to move back to Texas,” Terry recounted. “That was really kind of exciting to her, and so I said, we don’t have another option.” Living on money from the sale of their home in Indiana, the family made the move to Texas and bought their Early property. Terry got a job at Brownwood Regional Medical Center while he transferred his teaching credentials from Indiana to Texas. The 2013-’14 school year had already started when Terry learned Woodland

40 UNDER 40

Heights Elementary had an immediate need for a music teacher. Terry’s credentials from Indiana arrived in the mail the same day he learned about the Woodland Heights opening, and he was quickly hired. Terry loves his job. “It’s the kids,” he said. “Just the other day I came walking in and I had notes on my board from former students who had stopped by. I wasn’t in my classroom so they wrote me notes on my board with my markers.” Terry is also involved with children’s ministry at Brownwood Community Church. Terry acknowledged that he “sometimes” misses Indiana — he misses the snow and the trees.

MOSELEY

CONTINUED FROM 16

buying the business. Moseley said he loves selling real estate — “wouldn’t trade it for the world,” he said. “It’s something new every day. No deal’s the same. Every deal’s different. You’re doing something new every day and you’re seeing a different house every day, and different people.” It can be stressful, too, Moseley said, as there is more work in selling real estate than many people realize. Hohertz “is pretty much my second mom.” When asked where he finds his motivation, Moseley replied, “I don’t know. I’ve just got the drive. It’s not all about making money and being rich at the end of the day. It’s about being successful in life and also helping the community to be successful. I’m willing to volunteer my time to make the community better.”

Brent Moseley, owner/broker for Berkshire Hathaway Moseley Real Estate, is pictured during the sale at a recent Brown County Youth Fair. BULLETIN FILE PHOTO

40 UNDER 40

BROWNWOOD BULLETIN

MAIR

CONTINUED FROM 41

out and go flying,” Mair said. “Ever since I was old enough to get a job I wanted to work out here. “I think with the city you have to be 18 or over to work. I was telling my buddy last night, from the time I was 18 to the time I got the job, I applied for this job I think once a year and finally got it.” Music: his true passion Mair said music “first and foremost” is his passion. He started playing music at age 14, when he got a set of drums. He played in a band but “it wasn’t much of a band,” Mair said. But he had the music bug. “My passion’s always been guitar,” Mair said. “When I was 18 I finally got into a band playing guitar. I did that for a while.” Now he’s in his brother-in-law’s band playing drums again. The band, called 47-40, plays Texas country and recently recorded a CD that’s on Spotify. “I really enjoy it,” Mair said, although his ultimate goal is to become a lead singer and lead guitar player in a band.

PHOTO BY STEVE NASH

Blaik Mair fuels up a FedEx Cessna Caravan at Brownwood Regional Airport.

worry about me. They’re saying I’m going to be fine. Go play your show and then worry about me. And so all night it was a pretty rough night for all of us.”

‘I enjoy it out here’

While Mair has many interests, he plans to work at the airport longterm. Mair said he loves working at the airport ‘A new hobby’ every year and seeing the different airplanes. “Every job I’ve had before this, it seemed like you “My wife picks on me a lot,” Mair said. sat in one spot,” Mair said. “Out here you’re “Every year she says I get a new hobby.” never sitting still. You’re always going all Mair was interested in guns for a while, over the airport. You never know what to and now his interests include photography Band to play benefit for injured man expect when you come in.” and classic cars. He said he’s rebuilding a Mair said it depends on the plane as to 1974 Ford Maverick that had a non-working 47-40 will play be playing in Fort Worth on six-cylinder engine. Mair hoped to find a whether it’s difficult or nerve-racking to March 9. On March 24, the band will play a 302 V-8 to put in the car. learn to push them around with a tractor. benefit in Coleman for Mair’s father-in-law, His first experience at pushing a plane “I called my dad because my dad’s into Coleman radio personality Joe Haynes. cars too,” Mair said. He told his father about had been with the big Caravan. “A lot of Haynes was seriously injured in a Feb. 3 his quest for a V-8 engine for the Maverick. people think, it’s so big, it’s got to be scary,” accident in Brownwood, and doctors ampuMair said. “But from what I’ve learned, big”Well, I actually have one if you want it,” tated part of his leg. ger planes like that are easier to push than Mair’s father replied.”It’s in my hangar. That night, 47-40 was scheduled to have the little planes. “Really?” a party to celebrate its CD. Band members “But where you do get nervous is when “Christmas is coming up, so merry Christwere going through a sound check when you’re pushing in a million dollar Citation mas.” Mair’s brother-in-law — Haynes’ son — got (jet) and you’re having to watch everything Mair said when the band plays in Fort a call that his father had been hurt in the Worth on March 9, he’s going to spend the you do because the wings are so wide … I Humphrey Pete’s parking lot. don’t want to be the one to have to pay for night and then he and his father are goMair said his brother-in-law rushed to be ing to finish the engine. “Then we’ve got to one of those wings. with Haynes, who told his son, “You need “I enjoy it out here so might as well do start on the transmission and put it in the something I enjoy for a living.” to go and play your show tonight and don’t car and get it running,” he said.

BROWNWOOD BULLETIN

40 UNDER 40