Torey Shannon

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 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. Afl ac gives me a way to help others and small business owners. I simply have a heart to help others.

JASON J. MONTGOMERY, 34

Clerk of Court – City of Manning; Co-Owner – Conyers and Montgomery Janitorial Services; Business Solutions Agent – A ac

Favorite part of your day: Late night. I’m truly a night owl! Favorite restaurant: I’d be hard-pressed to name just one! Best place for a work lunch: So many good eateries in Manning! I’d be hard pressed to name just one! Perfect date night: A cool, fall night atop a rooftop restaurant in an amazing city! Where must newcomers or out-of-towners go/visit ? The Clarendon County Chamber of Commerce! 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 Commerce; Clarendon County First Steps Leadership Board; Clarendon County Archives Advisory Board; Clarendon County Christian Learning Center Board; Clarendon County recreational basketball coach; Clarendon County Disabilities & Special Needs Human Rights Committee; The Economic Vitality Board of Main St. Manning; Manning Heart & Soul Committee.

TOREY SHANNON, 39

AQ County of residence: Sumter How long have you lived there? I’m a Sumterite What did you want to be when you grew up? A chef and a mortician

Chef and Owner, Tasteful Kreations Catering and Event Planning LLC Where must newcomers or out-of-towners go/visit? Where must newcomers or out-of-towners go/visit? Swan Lake Sumter’s hidden gem: Genuine Flava Restaurant Advice for other young professionals/ Advice for other young professionals/ one career takeaway you’ve learned: one career takeaway you’ve learned:

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 infl uencers 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 “Stick with YOUR Gift, It’ll make Room for You.” Acknowledge and grow the gift for You.” Acknowledge and grow the gift or talent that God has given you. You’ll or talent that God has given you. You’ll fi nd satisfaction even when money isn’t fi nd satisfaction even when money isn’t involved. Volunteer/community/civic engagement: The Alpha Male Institute mentoring program The Alpha Male Institute mentoring program of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., FBLA, March of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., FBLA, March of Dimes, the “CHEF” Initiative (Chefs Helping of Dimes, the “CHEF” Initiative (Chefs Helping Effectively Foster), Hope initiative (Mentoring Effectively Foster), Hope initiative (Mentoring through Chef Internships)

Best place for a work lunch: Genuine Flava Perfect date night: A private chef, of course Best place to take the kids: Myrtle Beach Anything else you want people to know Anything else you want people to know about you? I am the husband of Kassandra Jenkins I am the husband of Kassandra Jenkins Shannon (co-owner) and the father of four Shannon (co-owner) and the father of four fabulous girls, Sa’Nai, Makayla, Aniyah and fabulous girls, Sa’Nai, Makayla, Aniyah and Taurie Alaya. I also come from a family of funeral Taurie Alaya. I also come from a family of funeral directors to which I am third-generation. directors to which I am third-generation.