30 Under 35 - Class of 2014

WenatcheeHOMEFINDER’S Valley BusinessGUIDE World | August 2014

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Difference makers, now and in the future Business World recognizes 30 young leaders in NCW

For the fourth year, Wenatchee Valley Business World recognizes some of the brightest and best in our area under the age of 35. Again this year, the selection process was difficult, with so many deserving people nominated. It did leave us with a great Class of 2014. We look forward to watching these young people continue to be successful in their chosen professions and in life. Congratulations to all.

WenatcheeHOMEFINDER’S Valley BusinessGUIDE World | August 2014

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Lacey Price Age: 29 Events manager, Leavenworth Chamber of Commerce When the Leavenworth Chamber of Commerce went searching for an events manager, it found a jewel in Lacey. Previously, she worked at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation where she was a community relations officer. As the new events manager for the Leavenworth Chamber of Commerce she coordinated the highest-attended Christmas Tree Lighting in the city’s history. During last winter’s snow drought in January, she turned the annual Ice Fest into a Luau with volleyball, pineapple bowling and more. She also coordinated a very successful Taste Leavenworth event, increasing ticket sales by 260 percent over the previous year.

In her free time, Lacey started the Cascade Makers Market — an openair market featuring hand-made and hand-picked goods created and curated by local craftspeople.

Chyvonna Torres Age: 28 Administrative project assistant, YWCA Wenatchee Valley In a place well-known for committed, compassionate people working hard to improve the community, Chyvonna somehow manages to stand out. Known for her ability to bring a smile to even the grumpiest of co-workers, she also possesses a wealth of knowledge on diversity and civil rights. When not sharing her enthusiasm and knowledge at work, she can be found out raising money for the YWCA’s many programs.

“Chyvonna Torres, I am so blessed to have you at the YWCA. Your voice is being heard here at the YWCA, where we change lives every day!” her nominating letter said.

The Leavenworth Chamber of Commerce congratulates Lacey Price, Events Director, on being chosen one of the “30 Under 35”

WAY TO GO LACEY!

www.leavenworth.org

Kara Zupke Age: 27 Executive Assistant and Funding Specialist, Pacific Engineering & Design Kara has quickly assumed a leadership role at her firm that exceeds expectations and points to an even brighter future.

Originally hired as secretary/receptionist at Pacific Engineering & Design, she has gone far beyond the original job description. She generated a brand for the company, revamped promotional materials, manages social media marketing and generally increases the professionalism portrayed by the firm. She also initiated a grant-writing component to the company that has been so successful an assistant was hired for Kara. In the community, she was part of the recent successful Wenatchee school bond committee and is a member of the Business & Professional Women of Wenatchee.

Maynard Man Age: 34 Accountant, Cordell, Neher & Company PLLC Maynard joined Cordell, Neher & Company in 2008, relocating from Sammamish. Currently living in Leavenworth, he’s wellknown among his team members for his willingness to support his peers while providing exceptional service to the accounting firm’s client base. He attended Central Washington University where he earned a B.A. in public relations and a B.S. in Accounting. As senior accountant, he specializes in all facets of tax law, from working with tax exempt organizations to expatriates working overseas and brings a level of passion and energy to the field. He also has been active in the community by participating in a young professional’s development group, serving two terms as the Rotaract Club president and devoting time to service projects through Rotary. He is working on the completion of his CPA.

WenatcheeHOMEFINDER’S Valley BusinessGUIDE World | August 2014

Matt Eastman

Brian Hartman

Age: 33 Agent, partner, Eastman Insurance

Age: 34 Owner/ developer, DataWeb Programming

As a partner in Eastman Insurance, Matt is helping the family business grow into one of the premier agencies in the region.

He is well known for his steadfast determination and exceptional customer service. He also volunteers much of his time to the Wenatchee community.

He is a retiring board member of Wenatchee Sunrise Rotary and chairperson of their annual Apple Century Bike Ride.

A diehard Cougar fan since graduating in 2003, he also is a big supporter of Cougar athletics and the NCW Cougar community.

In the past five years, Brian has gone from building cabinets for high-end homes to finding temp work any way he could when the economy collapsed.

When he started dating his wife, Renee, she introduced him to the concept of web development and encouraged him to re-educate himself and take it up as a profession. Thanks to a few good books, some invaluable online courses and lots of loving support, he has been able to make a new career out of web development and joined Renee in building their business into something that can strengthen and encourage others in North Central Washington. Though his life has more challenges now than ever, he says the blessings have been beyond what he could have ever imagined.

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Mandy Wright

Ryan Kuhl

Age: 27 Soft lines buyer and advertising, Stan’s Merry Mart

Age: 34 Teacher, Orondo School District

As a member of the familyowned business, Mandy has a huge influence on the successful operation of what has become a Wenatchee institution. She has been instrumental in helping the staf at Stan’s expand and improve their operations, merchandising and product mix. Stan’s has adapted over the years to meet the changing demands of customers and Mandy has been a key person since 2010 in helping to implement those changes. Even in the most hectic times, she is well-known for keeping everyone calm with her professionalism and even demeanor. “Mandy is part of the glue that holds everybody together when times get tough,” her nominating letter said.

Adam Smith Age: 32 Chef, The Windmill Restaurant, owner, Crave 509 catering

Ryan believes one person can truly make a diference in a kid’s life and he proves that consistently with his work at his school.

A teacher for the past eight years, he started an incentive program, using his own funds, to encourage his students to reach their learning goals. He understood the many barriers some of them faced at home and school and wanted to do something to build their confidence and show them the rewards of working hard. He is a regular volunteer in the community and at school.

For the past two years, he has had 100 percent participation in the college bound program. He also runs the traffic safety education program at Waterville High School. “I know his job is not easy and yet Ryan continues to give with a smile on his face,” his nominating letter said.

Adam graduated with honors from Le Cordon Bleu, one of the top culinary schools in the country.

He was chef for four years for Blue Ribbon Culinary on Lake Union, catering weddings and leading team-building cooking events for Microsoft and Amazon. He grew up in the Wenatchee Valley, helping in the family cherry orchard, and has returned to help The Windmill reinvent itself as one of the area’s top dining attractions while maintaining the restaurant’s classic dining experience. He also is the owner of Crave 509 Catering, where he caters weddings and other special events, including in-home celebrations.

Congratulations Adam Smith on being chosen as one of the 30 under 35!

The Windmill Restaurant

Matt Eastman

Matt on your achievement!

Steaks • Chops • Seafood Pasta • Burgers Soups • Salads Homemade Pies — Open Daily 4:30pm to 10 pm Breakfast Sat. 8am-Noon Sun. 8am to 1pm

1501 North Wenatchee Ave. • (509) 665-9529

Eastman Insurance

C RA5V09E

239 N. Mission Street • PO Box 3365 • Wenatchee, WA 98807 509-663-5465 • www.eastmanins.com

• Weddings • Private Cooking Parties • Corporate Events • Vegan & Gluten Free Menus Available

30 Under 35 From all of us at

Custom Catering & Events

ADAM SMITH Executive Chef / Owner (509) 630-6663 CRAVE509.COM

WenatcheeHOMEFINDER’S Valley BusinessGUIDE World | August 2014

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Lindsey Wehmeyer Age: 29 Attorney, Jeffers, Danielson, Sonn & Aylward, P.S. A Cashmere native, Lindsey is a top-notch attorney dedicated to both her career and the community.

A graduate of Gonzaga University, Gonzaga University School of Law and the University of Washington School of Law, she already has established herself as one of the region’s brightest young lawyers. She is vice president of the Wenatchee Central Lions Club and a board member for Volunteer Attorney Services.

While getting her L.LM in taxation at the University of Washington, she was, among other things, a student attorney in the Low Income Taxpayers Clinic. She’s also known for the columns she’s written for Business World, where she has explained a wide range of legal issues, often using humor to engage her audience.

Lindsey Martin

Craig Vander Hart

Age: 28

Age: 33

Age: 29

Owner/operator/ instructor, Dance Creations Dance Studio

Back end Web developer/ owner, DataWeb Programming

Professor of Philosophy, Wenatchee Valley College

Lindsey is an Eastmont High School graduate who moved away and found success as a dancer in California. She danced for several dance companies, television shows and music artists including Prince, Mariah Carey, Eminem and Pitbull. She alos starred on MTV, VH1, ABC and CBS. She chose to move back to the area and share her love of dance with the valley and opened up her dance studio, Dance Creations, now beginning it’s sixth year of business with three years of national titles and five years of regional titles. Lindsey also offers a scholarship program to individuals and families. She now has been a dancer for 25 years and a teacher for 12 years. Her studio has 350 dancers from ages 3 to adult. “What makes Lindsey stand out is the amazing impact she has on the youth of our valley,” her nominating letter said. “Her studio is a second home for the kids. She makes them feel special while motivating and inspiring them to do their very best.”

Congratulations Lindsey Wehmeyer – Attorney

From all of us at JDSA Committed to our clients and our community.

Serving North Central Washington since 1946.

2 6 0 0 C h e s t e r K i m m R d . • We n a t c h e e 509.662.3685

Renee Hartman

www.JDSAlaw.com

Renee is the driving force behind DataWeb Programming. Her dream is not only to build a successful business in the valley, but also to create education programs for young people interested in computer programming. She is incredibly loyal to her clients and believes strongly in the relationships that she builds. She is also an instructor at Wenatchee Valley College. “She is very smart, talented and savvy, and she cares about the right things.

What has perhaps impressed me the most: she cares about the success of this community,” her nominating letter said.

Craig moved to Wenatchee about four years ago as a part-time faculty member at WVC in the philosophy department after earning a B.A. at Northwestern University in religion and philosophy and an M.A. in philosophy at Gonzaga University. WVC recognized the talent that they have in Craig when they hired him as a fulltime faculty member the next year.

He teaches with passion and desire and the result is that his students fully engage. He cares about his students and works hard to ensure that they are learning as much as they can from his course offerings. He also volunteers his time outside work, serving as a board member for the Central Washington chapter of the Evergreen Mountain Bike Association, where he organizes the summer ride series and works to develop more mountain biking opportunities around the region.

WenatcheeHOMEFINDER’S Valley BusinessGUIDE World | August 2014

Jessenia Renteria Age: 22 Member service representative, Gesa Credit Union After growing up in an orchard, Jessenia spent four years as a cosmetologist before pursuing a career with Gesa Credit Union in 2013 that would allow her to grow professionally. She began with no experience in banking but a strong work ethic that she developed at a very young age.

Just 18 months into her position as a member service representative, she has shown determination, focus and is committed to success.

She already is one of the credit union’s top sales performers.

Her bilingual skills are a vital resource when working with the Hispanic population. “We are so delighted that Jessenia found her way to Gesa! She is an invaluable addition to the Gesa family,” her nominating letter said.

Kyle Hendrickson Age: 34 Chief financial officer, Foreman Orchards/Owner, Caffé Mela Kyle has demonstrated a keen business sense and commitment to serving the community where he grew up. After attending the University of Washington and obtaining his MBA from Stanford, he has been a CFO and is now in business for himself after purchasing Café Mela as part of a local partnership. Café Mela has become an institution of sorts in downtown Wenatchee and Kyle is committed to building on its success and the success and vibrancy of all downtown. He also devotes time to Saddlerock Church and its community garden eforts, designed to help those in need.

Charissa Cruickshank Age: 34

Victim-witness coordinator, Chelan County Prosecutor’s office Charissa has worked in the Chelan County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office for almost 10 years, and became victim-witness coordinator more than six years ago. Her leadership skills and insight have made the county’s Victim-Witness Unit one of the top in the state. She provides support and assistance for victims and witnesses in criminal cases and is dedicated to ensuring they are treated with fairness, dignity and respect as they progress through the criminal justice system. Charissa has given several presentations regarding victims’ rights and legal system procedures to local law enforcement and domestic violence agencies and serves on a state victim-witness committee.

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Chrystal Arceo-Rosales Age: 30 Victim-witness advocate, Chelan County Prosecutor’s OfficeVictim-Witness unit Chrystal has spent the last six years serving as a liaison between the prosecutor and victims of crimes. She helps the victims voice their concerns to the prosecutor, keeps them informed of the case status and accompanies them to court proceedings. She is described as generous, humble and compassionate. She has assisted families in their toughest times with caring and compassion.

“Chrystal is bicultural and bilingual, ofering the victims we serve the opportunity to feel comfortable in an often uncomfortable environment,” her nominating letter said.

WenatcheeHOMEFINDER’S Valley BusinessGUIDE World | August 2014

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Paul Webber Ali Guerrero Age: 27 Attorney, Woods and Brangwin, PLLC As a teen parent, Paul had to beat the odds to achieve his success. He completed his undergraduate work at Central Washington University in 2009, graduating with honors and a double major in economics and political science. He then went on to law school at Gonzaga University School of Law, obtaining his Juris Doctorate in 2012. During law school and while holding a part-time job, he volunteered for the school’s legal clinic, served as an associate editor of the Gonzaga Law Review, and served on numerous school clubs/ committees. Paul was hired as an associate attorney at Woods & Brangwin, PLLC, prior to passing the bar exam in October 2012.

At Woods & Brangwin, he has helped people who are in need of a criminal defense attorney in both Chelan and Douglas counties. He represents clients in all the firm’s practice areas. He is also a member of the Wenatchee Rotaract and Chelan-Douglas Young Lawyers Association.

Top Rojanasthien

Age: 17 Student, WestSide High School graduate Ali is one of many success stories to come out of WestSide. He founded WestSide’s first successful club, the Leadership Club.

As president of the club, he helped attract about 20 members who did many great things for the school and the community. He was also one of only three high school students to be accepted into GUALA (GEAR UP Alumni Leadership Academy). He went to Washington D.C. for training and to meet with members of Congress.

He committed to a year of advocating for GEAR UP, including contacting lawmakers and speaking on behalf of the program. He will be starting college this fall.

Age: 29 Owner/chef, The Thai Restaurant Before taking the reins at the Wenatchee restaurant in 2011, Top spent time honing his skills at numerous restaurants in Bellingham, Seattle and Thailand.

He is a graduate of Wenatchee High School and the University of Washington. Since his return to Wenatchee, Top has injected new life into The Thai and has garnered numerous awards, notably being voted Wenatchee’s Best Asian restaurant for four consecutive years. Growing up in the Wenatchee Valley has imparted a strong sense of community within him and as such, Top continually gives back.

Most recently, Top has helped sponsor the Junior Service League of Wenatchee’s Touch A Truck community event, benefiting Solomon’s Porch and Wenatchee Football Club’s First Annual Golf Tournament, benefiting Wenatchee Youth Football programs.

Rachel Hansen Age: 32 News editor, The Wenatchee World Rachel has been with The World for nearly 10 years, having served in a wide variety of roles that have made her a well-rounded journalist and newsroom leader. She has been education reporter, sports page designer and editor of Go!, The Wenatchee World’s arts and entertainment section.

In her current role as news editor, she manages the World’s copy desk, selecting the day’s most important stories for publication and designing the pages. She also coordinates the design and production of other World publications, including Wenatchee Valley Business World. She is a talented writer and editor and is dedicated to her work and the readers she serves.

Charles Atkinson Age: 26

Producer, North 40 Productions A graduate of Wenatchee High School and the video program at the Wenatchee Skills Center, Charles went on to get his B.A. from a film school in Los Angeles. After college he worked for a CBS TV series for a year and then an animation company until he was convinced his talents could be put to use back home.

Since returning just over two years ago, he has taken over all project management responsibilities at North 40. He is the main client contact, manages schedules, staff, production shoots and deliveries for each project. On top of all that, he writes many of of the scripts and has even starred in several projects.

ARY T O R E E H LTY U C WENATCS A F E D I & WEST

Woods & Brangwin, PLLC, is proud our associate

Paul B. Webber

E T A L U T A R G N CO O R E R R ALI GUE

has been recognized as a young leader in our community.

509.663.3915 Speaking Spanish allows Paul to setxe oote people in out ÞtoÔs practice areas of:

DUI • CRIMINAL DEFENSE WORKERS’ COMPENSATION (L&I) PERSONAL INJURY • FAMILY LAW

N O I T I N G O EC R S I H T N& O I FOR T A C I D E OF HIS DSHIP SKILLS LEADER THANK YOU WESTSIDE FUND FOR SPONSORING THIS AD

WenatcheeHOMEFINDER’S Valley BusinessGUIDE World | August 2014

Dan Ferguson Age: 28 Systems engineer, North Central Educational Service District Dan has worked for the ESD since age 20, when he was the youngest person hired by the district. As a systems engineer he assists school districts in meeting their technology needs. He attended Wenatchee Valley College while in high school, through the Running Start Program.

He graduated from WVC in 2005 with an associate of technical science degree in Network Administration.

For the past four years Dan pursued his passion for karate as a student at the Wenatchee School of Karate and is now a Black Belt. He now volunteers his time to help newer students improve their skills. He is dedicated to the Wenatchee Valley Humane Society and animal rescue. He and his wife are foster parents for kittens and puppies.

Maria Guerra

Carl Polson

Jordan Carrell

Age: 29 Analyst for video conferencing & telemedicine, Confluence Health

Age: 30 Assistant vice president & relationship manager, U.S. Bank Commercial Lending

In addition to his work at Confluence Health, Carl owns Showbiz Northwest, an event production business that he began while he was still in high school.

At his day job, he helped secure a grant to expand video conferencing (telemedicine and distant learning) equipment and installs and troubleshoots video communication equipment throughout the growing Confluence Health region. He has been involved with the American Cancer Society Relay For Life for seven years, including serving as event chair this year. He’s also on the board of the Lake Chelan Yacht Club.

Having worked as a radio DJ, he’s well-known for his public speaking skills and is nearing completion of his B.S. in business management.

Jordan Carrell manages a large commercial lending portfolio for U.S. Bank in North Central Washington. He serves clients in the commercial, investor property and agricultural industries. In addition to rising quickly as a bank oicer, Jordan has served others while working overseas in Panama on micro-economic development and mentored Jesuit Volunteer Corps volunteers in Wenatchee. Jordan is currently the treasurer and a board member of the Wenatchee Sunrise Rotary Club, and is active with the club’s Challenge Scholarship program. Growing up near Seattle, Jordan achieved the rank of Eagle Scout and earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Notre Dame in Indiana and a master’s degree in professional accounting from the University of Washington in Seattle.

Age: 31 GEAR UP director, Eastmont School District After working for Washington State University as an admissions counselor and College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP) recruiter, Maria joined the Eastmont School District as GEAR UP Director and quickly earned the respect and admiration of her colleagues and students. She graduated from Washington State University with a B.S. in 2007 and an M.A. in architectural studies in 2008. The recession shifted her passion for architecture to that of promoting educational advancement in low-income and under-represented youth. Although she is not designing buildings, she is helping students design their lives. As vice president of Fiestas Mexicanas, a nonprofit organization ailiated to the Wenatchee Valley Museum, she has donated many hours of time and effort to share educational, traditional and historical values of the Mexican culture. In addition, she helps raise scholarship money for deserving students in the Wenatchee Valley.

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usbank.com

Congratulations Jordan Carrell for being selected one of the Wenatchee Valley Business World’s 30 Under 35.

At U.S. Bank, we take pride in being an active & vital member of the communities we serve.

By investing our time, resources, and skills, we join our customers in supporting the families, neighborhoods, and organizations that make this community vibrant.

U.S. Bank – committed to serving our customers and our community.

Visit us today for all your financial needs.

Jordan Carrell One Fifth Street, Suite 350 | Wenatchee, WA 98801 509.665.2436

Congratulations, Dan Ferguson! one of the “best and brightest” in our community

North Central ESD “Leading, serving and supporting the educational community

Member FDIC

WenatcheeHOMEFINDER’S Valley BusinessGUIDE World | August 2014

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Rebecca Allen Age: 32 Owner/ director, Next Step Dance Studio At age 26, Rebecca opened The Next Step Dance Studio Inc. in downtown Wenatchee and has since built it into a top-notch, award-winning studio that offers, ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, Broadway, lyrical, contemporary and 3-6 yearold combo classes. “Miss Becca,” as her students call her, is known for creating a long-lasting connection with her students, helping them to achieve their highest level of dancing ability. The February “Broadway themed” show and her June recital productions at the Numerica Performing Arts Center have become must-see community favorites. Most recently, the studio represented Wenatchee at regional competitions in Seattle and Tacoma and won several top awards. Rebecca has also assisted Wenatchee High School, Cashmere High School and Music Theater of Wenatchee with dance choreography for their productions.

Sarah Barkley Age: 34 Professional triathlete/coach and trainer, Gold’s Gym/SET Coaching Sarah earned a degree in international business from the University of Montana and left a promising career in sales with a local company to explore her capabilities as a triathlete. As a member of the Wattie Ink’s Elite Team, Sarah achieved pro triathlete status last year. A fierce competitor whose courage constantly propels her, she puts her all into achieving her life goals.

This commitment to personal excellence makes her an outstanding coach, personal trainer and valuable leader in the community. She works at both Gold’s Gym and SET Coaching. She believes in Wenatchee and what it can offer to those who wish to pursue their dreams — especially for those like her who are training to compete at a professional level. Sarah volunteers with RunWenatchee and she keeps a blog about health and fitness.

Reilly Kneedler

Alexis Scott

Age: 17 Student, Wenatchee World sports/ Reilly Kneelder Photography Reilly seems to be everywhere at once, his camera always at the ready. At his young age, he is the editor-in-chief of the Scratching Post newspaper at Eastmont High School, social media director at EHS and part-time sports reporter and photographer for The Wenatchee World.

Reilly also received a special award from Youth United that was created specifically for his level of community service. Normally the top award is for 500-plus hours of community service.

Reilly volunteered over 2,400 hours for the year and was also chosen as the Volunteer Student of the Year for Chelan and Douglas counties. A large number of those hours have gone towards the Keep it in the Valley Foundation, in which he is the volunteer director. KVF raises money to send local high school students to college. He also runs a small photography business, acts as the student liaison to the Eastmont School Board and does various photo shoots for the high school and Eastmont School District.

Age: 30 Universal Member Service Representative, Numerica Credit Union Alexis is a respected and outstanding employee at Numerica who has also used her talents in a big way to benefit the community. She assists at Soloman’s Porch with fundraising and cooking for underprivileged teenagers, raises funds for the Humane Society and volunteers at the facility, participates in Relay for Life, helping to raise funds for cancer research and also volunteers for the local Special Olympics. “Her efforts in the Wenatchee community are remarkable and commendable on both a personal and professional level,” her nominating letter said.

Congratulations Rebecca Allen “Miss Becca” Owner/Director

You rock, Alexis.

30 under 35.

From your friends at Numerica.

Quality, Award Winning Dance Instruction & Education 108 First Street Wenatchee for ages-3-Adult in Jazz, Tap, Broadway, Combo Kids, 509.662.8987 Hip Hop & Contemporary.