JASON J. MONTGOMERY, 34
Clerk of Court – City of Manning; Co-Owner – Conyers and Montgomery Janitorial Services; Business Solutions Agent – Aflac as a summer intern. It was an instant connection. Eleven years later, I’m still here. I always gave thought to being a business owner. God paved that path for me this year. Myself and my very good friend co-own a janitorial service. Aflac gives me a way to help others and small business owners. I simply have a heart to help others. County of residence: Clarendon County
How long have you lived there? All my life What did you want to be when you grew up? I always wanted to be an attorney. Educational background: Manning High School (Class of ‘05), Central Carolina Technical College (A+, Net+) What inspired you to take your career path? It was totally a God “thing.” I interned with the city
Favorite part of your day: Late night. I’m truly a night owl! Favorite restaurant: I’d be hard-pressed to name just one!
We always have good information to help you on your way! Clarendon’s hidden gem: Our citizens! After all, we are “Matchless for Beauty and Hospitality”! Advice for other young professionals/one career takeaway you’ve learned: Adopt a hard work ethic, mature in having patience, and never give up!
Volunteer/community/civic engagement: President, Clarendon County Chamber of Best place for a work lunch: Commerce; Clarendon County First Steps Leadership Board; Clarendon County Archives So many good eateries in Manning! I’d be hard pressed to name just one! Advisory Board; Clarendon County Christian Learning Center Board; Clarendon County Perfect date night: recreational basketball coach; Clarendon County A cool, fall night atop a rooftop restaurant in an Disabilities & Special Needs Human Rights amazing city! Committee; The Economic Vitality Board of Main Where must newcomers or out-of-towners St. Manning; Manning Heart & Soul Committee. go/visit ? The Clarendon County Chamber of Commerce!
TOREY SHANNON, 39
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Chef and Owner, Tasteful Kreations Catering and Event Planning LLC
A
A chef and a mortician
County of residence: Sumter How long have you lived there? I’m a Sumterite What did you want to be when you grew up?
Educational background: Business administration/information technology/computer science What inspired you to take your career path? My grandfather/grandmother for the most part with cooking. My grandparents were major influencers on how my family came together to eat and love on each other. Favorite part of your day: Morning, new beginnings Favorite restaurant: Alligator Soul in Savannah, Georgia Best place for a work lunch: Genuine Flava Perfect date night: A private chef, of course Best place to take the kids: Myrtle Beach 10 TOP 20 UNDER 40 2021
Where must newcomers or out-of-towners go/visit? Swan Lake Sumter’s hidden gem: Genuine Flava Restaurant Advice for other young professionals/ one career takeaway you’ve learned: “Stick with YOUR Gift, It’ll make Room for You.” Acknowledge and grow the gift or talent that God has given you. You’ll find satisfaction even when money isn’t involved. Volunteer/community/civic engagement: The Alpha Male Institute mentoring program of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., FBLA, March of Dimes, the “CHEF” Initiative (Chefs Helping Effectively Foster), Hope initiative (Mentoring through Chef Internships) Anything else you want people to know about you? I am the husband of Kassandra Jenkins Shannon (co-owner) and the father of four fabulous girls, Sa’Nai, Makayla, Aniyah and Taurie Alaya. I also come from a family of funeral directors to which I am third-generation. #SUMTER20UNDER40
