Under 40 Revise

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A recognition of up-and-coming leaders helping to shape the future of Lake Havasu City

Illustration by Aymie Spitzer

2 - September 30, 2016

FROM THE EDITOR

Under 40

F

rom its very beginnings, Lake Havasu City has been the definition of ambition. It started in the 1950s, when a businessman named Robert McCulloch saw Brandon Bowers loads of potential in a lonely stretch of the Colorado River.

Thousands of people followed his lead in the decades that followed, building the thriving city we know today.

Havasu has been home to countless dreamers in its six decades of existence, but the folks who live here have grown older,

to the point that Baby Boomers — those in their late 50s and older — vastly outnumber the younger demographic.

Fortunately for the future of this community, there’s a generation of youthful leaders ready to take over.

And thanks to recent attention from Havasu’s Vision 20/20 committee, we’ll see greater emphasis placed on attracting young people to Lake Havasu City — and encouraging the children who grow up here to stick around once they become adults.

It’s important to recognize the young people who are already making a difference.

Please join us in honoring the first class of young leaders profiled in this section.

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The leaders featured in this section were nominated by the community and selected and vetted by a committee formed of NewsHerald staff and community members. The selection committee included: • James Gray, executive director of the Partnership for Economic Development • Tonya Krueger, associated director of the Partnership for Economic Development • Lisa Krueger, President/CEO of the Lake Havasu Area Chamber of Commerce • Dustin Runyon, Keller Williams Arizona Living Realty, New Mark Media, Only Orchids • Brett Qualls, Pro Therapy. • Brandon Bowers, Today’s News-Herald • Pam Ashley, Today’s News-Herald • Ginny Frank, Today’s NewsHerald • Cindy Taylor, Today’s News-Herald • Dina Goss, Today’s News-Herald • Michelle Takacs, Today’s News-Herald

Why Havasu’s young leaders are so important to the city’s future

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he Vision 20/20 Revitalization plan is focused on solving the issue of demographic starvation, a situation where a community cannot obtain or retain enough qualified workers to staff the economic base.

The end result is an economy that is not sustainable.

The distribution of population by age reveals that Lake Havasu City has a significantly older population than the state as a whole.

About 29 percent of the city’s population is over 65, compared to only 14 percent of the state population. In addition, the share of population age 65 and older has increased by 3 percent since 2007, even though population overall has not grown.

There is also a lower share of people under 18 in Lake Havasu

JAMES GRAY PARTNERSHIP FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

City compared to the state. This is reflected in a significantly higher median age of 53, compared to 35 in the state, and 37 nationally.

Age, however, is only one factor in sustainability of a community. Educational attainment, in conjunction with age, gives us concern that demographic starvation will have a real and negative impact in our community. In Lake Havasu City, educational attainment is highest among 45-to-64-year-olds with 17.2 percent with a bachelor’s degree or higher.

Comparatively, for 25-to-34

year-olds, only 10.4 percent have a bachelor’s degree or higher, the lowest rate among post-high school-aged residents.

This statistic indicates that the younger residents who are attracted to the community or remain in the community after high school are likely to be less educated and lower skilled.

This is generally the opposite of educational attainment trends by age in growing communities.

Lake Havasu City is venturing on a path to decrease demographic starvation.

Recognizing young leaders that are committed to Lake Havasu can be the catalyst to reverse the trend in demographic starvation by highlighting some of the forward-thinking individuals that fall within that younger age group and have

educational attainment aspirations beyond that of the other age demographics in Lake Havasu.

One way to champion our future leaders and stimulate action from the next generation is to allow young leaders to have a voice in the community and a stake in the future of Lake Havasu.

Giving a voice to the next generation of leaders will allow for generational equity in the various projects and developments that are planned for our city.

Congratulations to these 30 young leaders for their initiative to participate in the revitalization of Lake Havasu City.

James Gray is the executive director for the Partnership for Economic Development in Lake Havasu City.

Under 40 ANDY AT A GLANCE Partner at NSC Certified Public Accountants, LLC Age: 36 Education: Lake Havasu High School grad 1998, bachelor’s in business administration, Accounting from the University of Nevada-Las Vegas.

Family: Married to Kandin in 2004, son Daegen, 10, and two daughters Kennedi, 9, and Johnni Rose, 4.

Interests: Pilot, taking every chance he can to fly.

Business address: 94 S. Acoma Blvd #102, Lake Havasu City, AZ 86403 Phone number: 928-453-229 Website: http://havasucpa.com/

September 30, 2016 - 3

ANDREW CAMPBELL

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he Campbell clan. It’s a family name that is synonymous with the growth of Lake Havasu City. Since the city’s early days, 1964 to be exact, a Campbell has taken keen interest in building a close knit community.

A rock star in his profession, Andy Campbell has continued a family tradition by serving on numerous boards and committees.

“I was born here, and I’ve always been a part of this community,” he said. “It’s been great for me and my family.”

For more than 10 years, Campbell has been on the board of the K-12 Foundation serving as treasurer and more recently as president.

He takes profound interest in helping to raise money for area schools and is the current chairman for the Taste of Havasu, a fundraising event that grows bigger with each passing year.

“When I went to work at NSC, giving back to the community was kind of the culture of the firm,” Campbell said. “It was natural for me to get involved, and I kind of went from there.”

Aaron Pfeifer

Recognized as one of the Up and Coming Leaders helping to shape Lake Havasu City’s Future

Congratulations to all the Nominees!

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4 - September 30, 2016

Under 40

JAIME FESTA-DAIGLE

F

or Jaime Festa-Daigle, assistant principal at Lake Havasu High School, following her dream to become a teacher came at an early age.

“It was my dad,” she said. “He was a huge Civil War buff, and we spent family vacations tracking through Civil War sites and from early on I always knew I wanted to be a history teacher.”

Festa-Daigle’s early years were spent talking, reading, and watching television about history. “It was the most important part of my relationship with my dad,” she said in a previous interview. “It is what we did as a family.”

When Festa-Daigle was young, she thought she wanted to be a historian, “but I realized I had to make some kind of living … so to interact with history, I went to school to become a social studies teacher.”

After spending 12 years in the classroom, Festa-Daigle charted another course.

“I became interested in how schools function, and how they serve all students,” she said. “As much as I liked working in the classroom, I knew that I could have a bigger impact by moving into administration.

Actually, I stayed in the classroom for a very long time because I loved that job, but I knew I could make a bigger difference by moving out of the classroom.”

In a time when people complain what is wrong with our schools, Festa-Daigle is a great example of everything that the district is doing right.

Festa-Daigle was selected to receive the American Civic Education Teacher Award in 2012 for a LHHS civics class.

The honor is awarded by the Center for Civic Education, the Center on Congress at Indiana University, and the National Education Association. The award recognizes only three teachers nationally per year. The three recipients are K-12 teachers, who demonstrate a special expertise in teaching about the U.S. Constitution, the U.S. Congress, and public policy at the state and local levels, and

prepare young people to become informed and engaged citizens.

Festa-Daigle stated that she was really surprised when she got the news. “Civic education is really important to me,” she said.

JAIME AT A GLANCE Assistant Principal at Lake Havasu High School Age: 39 Education: Graduated high school in Phoenix, bachelor’s degree from Grand Canyon University and master’s degree from Northern Arizona University.

Family: Married to Chris in 2001; daughter Zoe, 17, and son Lane, 13.

Interests: Cross Fit training, politics, reading and working with the area’s youth.

Business address: 2675 S. Palo Verde Blvd., Lake Havasu City, AZ 86403 Phone number: 928-854-5001 Website: http://www.havasu.k12.az.us/highschool/

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MYCHAL GORDEN Mychal Gorden has transformed hundreds of Havasu’s backyards, but now his sights are set on the bigger picture of Havasu’s future.

Gorden came to Havasu 15 years ago as a part of a Minnesota team working on the Refuge. That project got the ball rolling toward his own full-service development and real estate company in Havasu.

“My dream going into college was to be a golf course architect, but what I realized through the Refuge project here is that the golf course aspect is one that I love, but it’s really the big picture,” Gorden said. “Finding a

September 30, 2016 - 5

MYCHAL AT A GLANCE Co-owner of Desert Land Group Age: 38 Family: Wife, Sara and two kids – daughter Eva, 9 and son Zayne, 9 Interests: Golf, traveling, camping, hunting Education: Studied landscape architecture at the University of Idaho Phone: 928-854-5436 Websites: desertlandgroup.com and mychalgordendesign.com

piece of dirt, titling, designing and building it and watching people move in, build homes and enjoy it – creating a community that thousands of people end up

enjoying, that’s what I loved.”

His first solo professional venture in the local market introduced his designs to homes around Havasu with Mychal Gorden Design, a landscape design and consulting firm.

“As nicer and newer homes were being built in Havasu, we got into residential landscape

architecture because no one else was doing it. There was no one guiding homeowners on how to design pools and nice backyards.

It’s an underlying passion of mine to bring creative things to this town,” Gorden said.

Once Gorden said he proved himself to the local market and government officials, he was able to work with larger developers as a consultant, shifting his focus to the bigger picture.

He teamed up with local appraiser Lucas Still and formed Desert Land Group, which is behind several projects currently in the works throughout the city.

The group has lent a hand in the Havasu 280 and mainland marina development, a senior living community anticipated near the ASU Havasu campus and the expansion of the Havasu Foothills estates.

Catie and Colleens Story

It all began with two dreamers on a car ride. Colleen McShea, (MS, CCC-SLP) and Catie Sondrol, (MOTR/L) had never met prior to a 6 hour car ride to northern Mohave County to evaluate a child. During the car ride they shared a vision of a “one stop” shop for pediatric therapy services in the rural area of Mohave County. This vision came together as they incorporated in January 2006 and began working nights and weekends in children’s homes for Milemarkers Therapy while they continued to hold full time jobs. In March 2007 Milemarkers Therapy’s first “home” came to be and children began receiving services in clinic. Milemarkers Therapy provides speech, occupational, and physical therapy services that include school based & clinic based. We also provide for young adults and children with special needs After School Care, Summer Camp, Adult Day Program, Employment Services, Transition To Employment along with offering Supervised Visitation Case Aides for families in the reunification process.

Catie Sondrol

Milemarkers Therapy Inc. believes that individuals should have the opportunity to receive therapy services and support in their own community in order to increase their functional independence levels related to language and motor skills. At the heart of our service planning and delivery are core values that help shape family friendly and diversified therapy services.

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928-854-5439 • www.MilemarkersTherapy.com

Colleen McShea

6 - September 30, 2016

Under 40

TONYA KRUEGER

TONYA AT A GLANCE Assistant Director of the Lake Havasu Partnership for Economic Development

T

onya Krueger enjoys having an opportunity to look at the bigger picture as associate director of Lake Havasu City’s Partnership for Economic Development.

Krueger never expected to have a role in the city’s economic growth. When she moved to Havasu from Michigan in 2006, it was to accept a job as an economics teacher at Lake Havasu High School. Krueger worked for the Lake Havasu Unified School District for 10 years, first as a teacher, then as a counselor, and then as director of Career and Technical Education programs at LHHS. Krueger met her husband, Brady Krueger, at teacher orientation shortly after she arrived. Her husband continues

Age: 37 Education: Bachelor’s degree in finance and economics, master’s degree in teaching and school counseling.

Family: Husband, mother to twins, with another child expected this October.

Interests: Education, travel and reading.

Business address: 314 London Bridge Road.

Phone number: 928-505-7333 Website: www.lakehavasu.org

to teach history at LHHS. “I love Havasu,” Krueger said. “When I moved here, I didn’t expect to stay. But my career evolved, and I formed a network of friends and associates. I’m grateful to have Havasu as a place to stay, raise my kids, and to be a part of the

RICHARD RAHNEMA

RICHARD AT A GLANCE Associate/Attorney at Wachtel, Biehn & Malm

T

here was a point in time when the world truly was Richard Rahnema’s oyster.

Armed with a law degree, global travel experience, and teeming with ambition, he passed the bar in Canada, New York, and Arizona. Rahnema was ready to land somewhere in North America to make an interesting life for himself.

But circumstances threw him a curve ball, so he returned home to Lake Havasu City. Since 2013, he’s been practicing law at Wachtel, Biehn & Malm. As a student, Rahnema interned at the venerable Havasu law firm.

community and everything it has to offer.”

Krueger was appointed as assistant director of the PED earlier this year, assuming the role once held by current PED President James Gray.

“I get to look at PED programs on a massive scale,” Krueger

About that curve ball. When his late mother’s illness took a menacing turn, Rahnema moved back home to Havasu to help his mom. A resident since he was in preschool through his 2001 graduation from Lake Havasu High School, Rahnema had a wide network of people to see

Age: 32 Education: Attended preschool through high school in Havasu; 2001 graduate of Lake Havasu High School. Bachelor of Arts in psychology from University of Western Ontario in Canada. Juris Doctorate from Bond University in Australia.

Family: Richard is the son of Iraj Rahnema of Palm Springs and the late Patricia Joan Rahnema.

Interests: Golf, board sports, shooting, Ragnar races, outdoors.

Pets: Richard has two dogs, Logan, a black Labrador-Great Dane mix, and Diesel, a Chow-German shepherd mix.

Business address: 2240 McCulloch Blvd.

him through those dark months.

Staying in Havasu was an easy decision. “I saw an opportunity (here) from a

said, “rather than as one piece in education.” Krueger has led efforts to establish the ongoing Economic Outreach Network (EON) program in Havasu, which works through Arizona State University to provide entrepreneurship education to

business perspective and a legal perspective. Havasu is a place where you can live a balanced life,” between work and play, he said. “You don’t necessarily need a college degree to be successful here. If you work hard and are personable, you will do well.”

Compassion is perhaps Rahnema’s default emotion. He handles pro bono legal work for Interagency and offers free consultations for veterans. He is co-founder of several community organizations, including Havasu Mo-Bros, the Sandie Alger Memorial Foundation and the Patricia Rahnema Scholarship Foundation. He is the director of Only Orchids.

As it turns out, Havasu was Rahnema’s best oyster all along.

He thinks it has the potential to be others’ best oyster, too.

Under 40

CAL SHEEHY

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elping people has been a longtime passion for Cal Sheehy, and he’s made a career and stake in the community doing just that.

He’s the full-time general manager of Havasu’s popular London Bridge Resort and also makes time to sit on the City Council, participate in the Lake Havasu City Rotary Club, and serve on the boards for both the Hospitality Association and Convention and Visitors Bureau. Sheehy also helps out with Sandy’s Pass and the Arizona Tourism and Lodging Association.

“Being somebody in the hotel business, it’s all about serving people. It allows me to have an extension to serve people at a greater level. Through all of my civic activities, it’s all about giving to the greater purpose,” Sheehy said.

He’s been a part of the London Bridge Resort family since he

September 30, 2016 - 7

CAL AT A GLANCE General manager, London Bridge Resort Age: 36 Employer: London Bridge Resort Family: Single, brother of four sisters Education: Bachelor’s degree in business marketing; Master’s degree in Business Administration both from University of Phoenix Interests: Off-roading, boating, hiking, traveling, skiing, spending time with family and friends Address: 1477 Queens Bay. Phone: 928-855-0888

moved to Havasu from Michigan as a sophomore in high school.

Aside from a brief hiatus in Florida to manage hotels there, he’s remained in Havasu and involved in the community. He rose through the ranks to run London Bridge Resort, nightclub and restaurant. He’s currently the general manager and vice president.

“The best piece of advice I’ve ever gotten is to be authentic and your true self. People will respect you for that,” Sheehy said.

Congratulations on your success.

Lake Havasu Area

Chamber of Commerce 314 London Bridge Rd. 928 855-4115 havasuchamber.com

8 - September 30, 2016

Under 40

STEPHANIE WOO

STEPHANIE AT A GLANCE Optometrist, co-owner at Havasu Eye Center.

D

r. Stephanie Woo knows all about fine print. As an optometrist, she asks patients to read it during their eye exams. How well— or how poorly — they perform helps her evaluate their vision.

So for her, fine print is an important tool. Fine print in the form of a stipulation also played a pivotal role at another time in her life, when Woo was a newly minted optometrist.

“My scholarship had a requirement that I had to come back to Arizona for four years to practice. Though I could have gone anywhere in the state, I decided to come home to Havasu,” she said.

Returning to Havasu paid immediate benefits because her parents and friends live here. She signed on to work as

an optometrist with Dr. Stuart Adams at Havasu Eye Center.

That, too, was familiar territory.

“I’d been seeing Dr. Stuart since I was eight years old. He’s been such a great influence on my life and career,” she said. “And now we’re partners in the business.”

Dr. Woo is so good at her job that she is often called upon to give educational lectures to

BRETT QUALLS Brett Qualls is in perpetual motion. It’s purely coincidental and highly ironic that motion is his profession.

Qualls’ professional objective is to get patients moving again, to help their brains learn once again to communicate with their limbs. It’s substantial work. Successful rehabilitation reaps considerable rewards for patients. When a person with physical limitations regains strength and flexibility, one’s dignity and self-respect are restored. It is life-changing work.

Qualls is a Doctor of Physical Therapy at Pro Therapy in Lake Havasu City. Easy-going, quick to smile and tall (6’3”), he explains that his propensity for forward

optometrists and students on the subject of specialty contact lenses and anterior segment eye diseases. The work has taken her as far as Columbia in South America.

While she’s fond of travel, Dr. Woo insists there is no place like home. It’s where she is fully invested – professionally, financially, and emotionally.

BRETT AT A GLANCE Doctor of Physical Therapy at Pro Therapy

movement is a lifelong habit.

Qualls came to Havasu as a three-month contract therapist and soon decided to make his home here. “I have friends here, and I’d vacationed in Havasu. It has a small-town feel with the amenities of a larger city,” he

Age: 33 Education: University of the Pacific in 2007. In 2005, he earned his bachelor’s degree in sports sciences with an emphasis on sports medicine from the same university.

He is licensed to practice in Arizona and California and is a board-certified orthopedic specialist .

Family: Currently single, Qualls’ parents reside in his hometown of Carlotta in Northern California.

(Pop. 300).

Interests: Hiking, fitness workouts, snowboarding, and travel.

Business address: 1948 Mesquite Ave., Suite 101 Website: 1protherapy.com

said, explaining why Havasu was a good fit for his lifestyle.

In addition to managing the day-to-day clinic operation

Age: 31 Education: 2003 graduate of Lake Havasu High School.

University of Arizona, Southern California College of Optometry, University of Missouri.

Family: Her father, Francis J. Woo Jr. MD, has practiced medicine in Havasu more than 35 years.

Her mother, Lynda Cashman, is a nurse at Havasu Regional Medical Center. Her sister, Natalie, is a veterinarian in Scottsdale. Dr. Woo’s boyfriend, Britt Wolf, shown at left, formerly a firefighter at Buckskin Fire Department, will graduate from Arizona State University in December.

Interests: Woo adores her two dachshunds, Hershey and Keilani.

A wine lover, she has started her own wine collection, which she plans to age for 10-plus years.

World travel is also on her list.

Business address: 383 S. Lake Havasu Ave. Website: HavasuEyeCenter.com

for Pro Therapy, Qualls teaches a “Neurology in Physical Therapy” class twice a week at Mohave Community College, is a board member of River Valley Home Health and shapes curriculum for online physical therapy courses. He also devotes time to the Sandie Alger Memorial Foundation and youth education causes.

And when he’s not doing any of that, Qualls heads to the gym for a workout.

But even at home, he’s still moving, though in a lower gear, exerting no more energy than it takes to turn the pages of a book. Still, motion is motion. On his nightstand right now are “Killing Reagan”

by Bill O’Reilly and “Outliers”

by Malcolm Gladwell.

Under 40

September 30, 2016 - 9

STEPHANIE LUERAS

STEPHANIE AT A GLANCE Salvation Army of Lake Havasu

In her late teens, Stephanie Lueras was without direction.

Even then, she could see that she needed to make changes in her life, but she wasn’t sure where to start. The Salvation Army helped her find her way.

Lueras is now a pastor and business administrator at Lake Havasu City’s Salvation Army office, offering aid and direction to the less fortunate.

“I came to the Salvation Army as a volunteer,” Lueras said. “I was at a point in my life when I needed to make decisions about my future. The Salvation Army provided me with a great church home, and the support I needed to make changes in my life.” Lueras has worked with

the Salvation Army for 15 years, and met her husband in the seminary in 2006. She believes in the organization’s mission, she says, and does what she can to give support in her community.

“Everyone has value,” Lueras said. “No one trait makes one person better than another.

Age: 35 Education: Degree in Pedagogy from Northern Arizona University, Degree in Christian Ministry from the Salvation Army’s Crestmont College.

Family: Husband, no children.

Interests: Riding, hiking, the outdoors, women’s ministry and professional development.

Business address: 2049 Swanson Ave. Website: http://arizona.salvationarmy.org/arizona/lake_havasu_ city_corps_community_center_page

We all have value, we all have worth, and we all need to be treated that way. If I can show that someone is still valued and loved, I’ve done my job.”

Lueras presides over the Salvation Army’s chapel in Havasu, but she also calculates the organization’s books, organizes fundraisers and

networks with organizations and people throughout the city.

“This is one of the most giving places we’ve lived in,” Lueras said. “When I reach out to the community for help, we always get it. Havasu has a giving spirit — when we’re in need, people jump on board. That’s amazing here.”

Wachtel, Biehn & Malm Congratulates g

On being chosen as one of the 30 Under 40 Leaders in Our Community Richard joined Wachtel Biehn & Malm as a law clerk in 2011 and as an associate attorney in 2013. He concentrates his practice on Criminal Law, Landlord T enant iissues, ssues, R eal E sta and Business Law. Tenant Real Estate 2240 McCulllo och h Blvd d. N. Lakee Havasu u City, AZ 8640 03

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Recognized as one of the Up and Coming Leaders helping to shape Lake Havasu City’s Future Your character, composure, focus and drive has earned you this success.

Congratulations From the Bradley Ford Family.

10 - September 30, 2016

Under 40

AUTUMN BOYLEROBINSON

AUTUMN AT A GLANCE Topock 66 Foundation Age: 36 Education: Bachelors degree in business marketing from Northern Arizona University Family: Husband, one 6-year-old son.

Interests: Outdoors, hiking, spending time with her family, traveling Business address: Topock 66, at 14999 Historic Route 66, Topock, Ariz.

Website: Topock66foundation.com

T

wo years ago, Autumn Boyle-Robinson was approached by Chet Hitt, owner of Topock 66.

She and Hitt were acquainted at the time, working together on “Project Playground” in 2013 which raised funding to purchase a community playground for Topock. In 2014, Hitt asked Robinson if she would be willing to work with him on a scholarship program for Mohave County students.

Together they formed the Topock 66 Foundation, which offers potential scholarships to 35-40 students per year.

“It’s my job to recruit students

from the tri-state area who are determined to become successful adults,” Robinson said. “We raise funds for

scholarships and we’re focused on work ethic. We tell students when they come in that we don’t write checks just for being here – we write checks for work. Putting in time and effort is a big deal. It teaches them that they’re going to have to work in the real world,

COLLEEN MCSHEA

COLLEEN AT A GLANCE Milemarkers Therapy Age: 37 Education: Master’s degree in common disorders for speech language pathology.

Interests: Exercising, reading, community involvement, raising her children and providing therapy services throughout Mohave County.

Business address: 1515 N. Lake Havasu Ave. #100 Website: Milemarkerstherapy.com

C

olleen McShea and Catie Sondrol met in 2006 on a six-hour car ride to Northern Mohave County to evaluate a child in possible need of therapy services.

During the trip, the women exchanged ideas, and found that they shared a dream of opening a one-stop shop for pediatric therapy services in rural Mohave County. That car trip was a turning point in both women’s lives.

McShea already worked a fulltime job in children’s therapy, but her nights and weekends were consumed with the task of building what would become Milemarkers Therapy, in Lake Havasu City.

“It was a turning point, when

rather than just showing up.”

Lake Havasu City, Kingman, Needles, Laughlin and Bullhead City students work through the Foundation to explore career opportunities while vying for the Topock 66’s “Build Your Own Future” scholarships, worth up to $10,000.

“It’s a big area that we’re trying to educate on the program,” Robinson said, “but the support has been amazing.

We’ve received support from all over the tri-state area both in donations and in getting the word out. The teachers in Havasu have been great, and businesses are very much into the work aspect of it. They want to see the students work hard and succeed, and they’re willing to do whatever it takes to help.”

we decided to open our private practice,” McShea said.

Ten years later, Milemarkers Therapy has centers in Havasu, Bullhead City and Parker, and employs 73 care providers throughout Mohave County.

Milemarkers Therapy offers speech, occupational and physical therapy services to children and young adults.

“I love being able to educate parents, helping children with their first words and teaching social skills so children will be more appropriate when they’re out in the community with their friends,” McShea said. “We have a great management staff and great employees. (Sondrol) is the best business partner a girl could ask for — we help each

other to make Milemarkers evolve.”

McShea oversees seven programs, and mentors Mohave County high school and college students who are interested in the field of therapy. “I enjoy having an opportunity to educate community youth on what therapy is, and what therapists do. I love to have people interview or job shadow us, so they can find out more about us.”

Under 40

ILAN SHAMOS

ILAN AT A GLANCE Dentist at Havasu Dental Center

W

ith three years as a dentist, and a career yet to unfold, the future is promising for Dr. Ilan Shamos. As with most healthcare professionals who get into this desired profession out of a sense of altruism and personal skills.

The same can be said of Dr. Shamos.

“I love helping others and working with my hands,” he said.

“Dentistry is a great joining of the two.”

For Shamos, and his dental partner Dr. Carlos Ruiz, the mission is simple. It’s to make dentistry a positive experience for all of their patients, Shamos said.

The dental office is dedicated to providing the “ultimate” in patient care through the stateof-the-art equipment. “It’s all

September 30, 2016 - 11

Age: 32 Education: Bachelor’s degree in biology from Arizona State University, dental degree from Arizona School of Dentistry and Oral Health 2013.

Family: Married to Rebekah for three years, son Harvey 21-months and daughter Talia 5-months.

Interests: Hiking, time on Lake Havasu, reading and spending time with his family. He has two rescue dogs, Scarlett and Phil and loves giving back to his community as a member of the Rotary Club and graduate of the Havasu Leadership Development class.

Business address: 2872 Jamaica Blvd.

Website: Havasudentalcenter.com/

about meeting everyone’s expectations,” Shamos said. “We always strive to be there for our patients.”

Before turning 40, Shamos’ bucket list includes hiking the tallest peak on the African continent.

“My goal is to hike Mount Kilimanjaro. This is my dream,” Shamos said.

For now, it’s the simple things in life that keep the 32-year-old dentist humming.

Tops on the list is his family.

“They are so much fun,”

Shamos said. “I love playing with my older son, Harvey. He’s learning so much, and he loves to wrestle. He pushes me down and lifts me up, only to push me down again. It’s a lot of fun.”

Dr. Ilan Shamos is proud to be chosen as one of the leaders in our community under the age of 40 Stop By Our New Lake Havasu Office!

Dr. Carlos Ruiz & Dr. Ilan Shamos

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2872 Jamaica S. • Lake Havasu City, AZ

12 - September 30, 2016

Under 40

NICOLE NORONA

NICOLE AT A GLANCE Founder of The Norona Effect Age: 39 Education: Bachelor’s degree, Business at W.P. Carey School of Business, Arizona State University Family: Her husband, Marcos Norona, is a manager at Lowe’s.

They have twin daughters, Sophia and Ciera Norona. The girls will be four years old in November.

Interests: Enriching Lake Havasu City, youth healthcare, community service and education.

Business address: 1642 McCulloch Blvd, 317 Website: TheNoronaEffect.com

N

icole Norona views the world through a different lens than most people.

The wife and mother of twin daughters said her life changed dramatically when one daughter was diagnosed with a rare blood cancer. “Marcos and I were married for several years before we had children, so we were able to save and plan for our future. But all those things that I was aspiring to have — ­ a luxury car, a house on the golf course — aren’t at all important to me now. These days, just having our family under one roof is what lights me up inside,” she said.

Norona spends a lot of time away from Lake Havasu City seeking medical care for Ciera, 3, while father Marcos and

daughter Sophia remain at home in Havasu. Ciera requires chemotherapy infusions, which means the mother and daughter travel to Las Vegas frequently because no hospitals in Havasu, Parker, Mohave Valley, Kingman and Bullhead City are equipped to handle pediatric infusions.

Those under the age of 18 cannot and will not receive life-saving

blood transfusions, antibiotics or any intravenous treatment at the aforementioned hospitals.

Children must be taken — or emergency airlifted — to Las Vegas or Phoenix for such care.

It’s a potentially dangerous situation. But short of covering the community’s children in bubble wrap, what’s the solution?

Money, of course. Money will

ERIC GEDALJE

ERIC AT A GLANCE Managing partner with the Janecek and Gedalje Group at Keller Williams Arizona Living Reality

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hile only in the real estate business for eight months, for Eric Gedalje it is quickly becoming a passion and a successful living.

“I started investing in real estate when I was 18, and that’s how I got into the circle there,” Gedalje said. “I was also doing this at the same time I was working as the general manager at Barley Brothers Restaurant and Brewery. I worked there until January of this year and decided to get my real estate license.”

For Gedalje, it was a necessary step taking the leap of faith from a predictable paycheck to a profession that if you’re

build a pediatric infusion center in Havasu, which is the goal of the Norona Effect, a charity founded

by Norona in 2015. So far, the charity has raised about $55,000 of its $425,000 target. Fundraisers, such as the annual HavaSlide Epic Event, bring in money, but it is slow going. Norona has family and a sick child to tend to each day, in addition to keeping the Norona Effect’s message front and center. “We’re from Havasu, we graduated high school from here, we wanted to raise our family here,” Norona said, adding that the pediatric infusion boondoggle is one of those instances when living in a rural area is a huge drawback.

“I used to ask myself, ‘Why is this happening to us, to my baby?’ But now I just keep thinking about the infusion center. It’s what keeps me awake at night,” she said.

“Now I ask myself, ‘How can I get this (infusion center) to exist quicker?’ I can’t push for it

not selling, you’re not making money.

“This is something I take a lot of pride in,” Gedalje said. “The direct deposit every two weeks, knowing I was really secure was my biggest enemy. When you are comfortable, you are not in a good position. But, I love

working as much as I can and being successful.”

As the master of his own destiny, Gedalje believes commitment to his community is key to his accomplishments in life.

Among other organizations, Gedalje is a board member on

Age: 24 Education: Associate degree Tel Aviv University Family: Good friend and co-worker Dustin Runyan Interests: Being spontaneous, hanging out on Lake Havasu, working out, travel and spending time with friends.

Business address: 1990 McCulloch Blvd N #109, Lake Havasu City, AZ 86403 Website: TheHavasuLife.com

the Only Orchids charity.

“I try to be involved in our community as much as I can,” Gedalje said. “I think it’s important with the way the town is going for more millennials to become part of the process.”

Under 40

JENI COKE

September 30, 2016 - 13 JENI AT A GLANCE Havasu Regional Medical Center

J

eni Coke’s new job at Havasu Regional Medical Center is to connect prospective healthcare providers to the community, and luckily she’s very familiar with what Havasu has to offer.

Coke is the director of marketing, public relations and physician recruitment at the hospital. She’s also in her second term on the Lake Havasu City Council, after being appointed in 2012 and elected in 2014.

Coke got her start in Havasu 15 years ago as a receptionist at the Convention and Visitor’s Bureau. After a year she moved to Havasu’s Chamber of Commerce, eventually advancing to become the director of membership and special events.

She did it all without a college degree and a daughter to raise.

“I believe I’m a hard worker, and I’m as loyal as you can be,” Coke said. “As long as you have those things inside of you, and you stick to your roots, you’ll be successful.

Age: 37 Education: Some accounting at Northeast Community College Family: Husband Corey, daughter Taylor Interests: cooking, baking, archery hunting, offroading, RVing.

Business address: 101 Civic Center Lane Phone: 928-855-8185

I don’t have a big college degree or a bunch of letters behind my name, but at the end of the day, when I go home I believe I’ve done something good.”

She puts some of her hard work back into the community through civic groups such as the Kiwanis Club, Partnership for Economic Development and the Lake Havasu Downtown District. Her favorite way to give back to the community is through an annual Toys for Tots drive with the Kiwanis Club and Havasu Marine Corps League.

“Most of us have been down and out and needed some help, and it’s a really good feeling to be the one there helping those people,” Coke said. “It’s a life-changing experience.”

Top 3 Real Estate Team in Havasu “Under 40” — Eric Gedalje

T OP

EN T

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14 - September 30, 2016

Under 40

CAMERON MOSES

CAMERON AT A GLANCE Owner of Cha Bones Age: 33 Education: Bachelor’s degree in marketing from University of Arizona, 2001 graduate of Lake Havasu High School.

Family: wife Kelly, child due in December; parents: Tom and Laurie Moses.

Interests: Only Orchids, a charitable fundraising group, boating; Rotary’s The Monday Club.

Business address: 112 London Bridge Road Phone number: 928-854-5554 Website: Chabones.com

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ameron Moses and his parents, Tom and Laurie Moses, did everything themselves to get Cha Bones up and running.

It was “built from the ground up,” said Cameron Moses. “The rock on the wall, fiber optics,” he added to enforce his point.

Moses was born in Newport Beach, California, grew up on the Parker Strip and made the switch to go to Lake Havasu High School.

It was always like coming to the big city, Moses said, referring to his younger years.

The 33-year-old loves being a part of the community through the London Bridge Road restaurant.

“We’re owning something that makes a difference in the

community,” Moses said.

From the steakhouse and tapas of Cha Bones, Moses gets to use that business profile to serve people in the community through charitable fundraising.

In the past, Moses and a group of friends have hosted fundraisers for the Movember

Foundation, a men’s health group focused on prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and mental health awareness.

He’s moved onto other charitable endeavors with the formation of the Only Orchids group.

Moses said the group’s focus

DUSTIN RUNYON

DUSTIN AT A GLANCE Keller Williams Arizona Living Reality

H

ow do you measure commitment to a community?

The answer can be found in a dedicated Lake Havasu real estate agent, Dustin Runyon.

Along with his day job at Keller Williams, Runyon gives of his time and money to several other business ventures as well as non-profits including president of Only Orchids — a group of millennials invested in spreading kindness and the Lake Havasu City Song Writers Festival, dedicated to saving the area’s music and arts education.

“I believe passion is a cute word for obsession,” Runyon said. “I found that if I can help other people get to where they want to be, it allows me to get to where I want to be. In our community, we have to give

is on “whatever comes to us” to support. That recently has led to supporting the breast cancer awareness cause.

The charitable focus in general is something Moses said comes from his mother.

“I heard a saying once that no one has ever gone broke giving,” Moses said.

where we live. Giving back is the juice that funnels the energy of our soul.”

A big part of Runyon’s efforts to give where he lives is through Only Orchids.

“Our mission is to enhance our community and humanity through charitable contributions, social awareness, entertaining events and kindness

toward others,” Runyon said.

“We encourage the youth and citizens of Lake Havasu City to become actively involved in humanitarian services toward one another (by) transforming our city one act of kindness at a time.”

We are all in this together, Runyon added, a belief that must be nurtured in today’s youth.

Age: 30 Education: Lake Havasu High School graduate 2005, associate degree in practical psychology from Scottsdale Community College.

Family: Girlfriend of nearly three years, Leigh.

Interests: Obsessed with work and mission in life to spread kindness, and spending time with friends and family.

Business address: 1990 McCulloch Blvd N #109

“I can’t think of anything more important on planet Earth,” he said. “It’s how we became a civilization, by sacrificing the needs of ourselves for the needs of others. We need to make it to where giving back to our community is the cool thing to do.”

Under 40

GINNY SAUTNER

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teacher for 13 years, Ginny Sautner loves watching the light bulb moments happen in class.

“I enjoy working with students.

It’s a time when they are going, learning and changing, and I feel honored to be a part of that process. I really want to have a positive impact on students. It’s also fun watching them grow up.

It’s a very rewarding career.”

As a freshman English teacher, Sautner has a front-of-the-class seat watching her students transition from children to young adults.

Sautner credits Joyce Hollis, LHHS English teacher, as her inspiration in pursuing a career in education.

Sautner’s decision to become a teacher, signing a contract to one of the most challenging jobs in America, has been rewarded.

She recently was named as the National Rural Teacher of the Year, an honor she humbly accepted. But, the national recognition didn’t come easy, she said.

“It came through lifelong learning and professional development,” Sautner said.

“This is really what has kept me motivated. If we want our students to be lifelong learners, we as teachers have to demonstrate that commitment.”

Commitment is one word to best describe Sautner.

After receiving her master’s degree she went on to teach in the Czechoslovakian Republic under a Fulbright exchange, and attended the National Board

GINNY AT A GLANCE Teacher at Lake Havasu High School Age: 33 Education: Lake Havasu High School grad 2000, bachelor’s degree in business and sociology and master’s degree in English education from Northern Arizona University.

Family: Married to Chris, daughters Macy, 6, and Wren, 4.

Interests: Teaches yoga, a voracious reader, and aside from being a mother and teacher being a student advisor.

Business address: 2675 S. Palo Verde Blvd.

Phone number: 928-854-5001 Website: www.havasu.k12.az.us/ high-school/

Certification for Teaching and the Arizona Master Teacher process.

“I’m always seeking out personal development,” Sautner said. “You have to keep learning.”

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16 - September 30, 2016

Under 40

CLAY CONNELLY

CLAY AT A GLANCE AZ Wholesale Water & Ice Age: 34 Education: Bachelor’s degree from Arizona State University.

Family: Recently married, no children.

Interests: Hunting, motorcycles, the outdoors, and growing his business.

Business address: 1633 Industrial Blvd.

Phone number: (928) 855-7776 Website: HavasuWaterDelivery.com

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lay Connelly was born in Lake Havasu City, but moved away when he was very young. While he might have visited Havasu on occasional day trips, he didn’t truly return home before he had a plan.

Connelly is co-owner of AZ Wholesale Water and Ice, at 1633 Industrial Blvd. After his college graduation, Connelly arrived in Havasu and took up co-ownership of the business with his business partner, Lee Schaeffer.

Bullhead City and other places Their business manufactures throughout the tri-state area. AZ bottles, and delivers water and Wholesale Water and Ice also ice, serving Parker, Needles, sells water and ice at retail prices,

BRIAN FRANCIS

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hen Brian Francis graduated from Lake Havasu High School, he followed his dreams. For the better part of his 20s, Francis was a professional wakeboarder, and competed all over the world.

After eight years, Francis decided to settle down. He was a firefighter-paramedic in Kingman and became wellacquainted with fitness. Francis earned certification as a personal trainer and a crossfit trainer before opening Havasu Crossfit at 1050 N. Lake Havasu Ave. “I love getting to help people,” Francis said. “As a firefighter, I obviously helped, but as a crossfit trainer, I’m helping people to achieve what they didn’t think was possible.”

New members at Havasu Crossfit are placed in a fundamental crossfit program

BRIAN AT A GLANCE Havasu Crossfit Age: 36 Education: Certified personal trainer, certified crossfit trainer, trained paramedic and firefighter.

Family: Wife, 8-year-old daughter.

Interests: Fitness, wakeboarding, outdoor sports, extreme sports.

Business address: 1050 N. Lake Havasu Ave. Phone number: (928) 680-9348 Website: www.havasucrossfit.com

for beginners, and Francis gives them nutritional tips to get the most out of their workouts. Introducing people to crossfit is always a pleasure for Francis, who admires the enthusiasm of Havasu’s fitness community.

“I love the fitness community here,” Francis said. “And I love the small-town feel. It’s our own little slice of paradise. I’ve been all over the world, and I’m always glad to come home.

There’s something about this town that’s magical.”

and features a small convenience store inside.

“It’s kind of like three businesses in one,” Connelly said.

“We’ve been at this location for 12 years, and this store has been in business since 1993. I like all of the people we do business with, the overall comaraderie of the city, and the way it supports local businesses.”

Under 40

HEATHER FRANKLIN

September 30, 2016 - 17 HEATHER AT A GLANCE Vice president, commercial loan manager at Mohave State Bank

F

or a woman who said she “fell into banking” after starting out as a teller once she graduated from high school, Heather Franklin has managed to progress quite nicely in her career and is working to learn more about the industry.

The vice president, commercial loan manager at Mohave State Bank began to move up the ranks a year after starting as a teller, serving as a loan processor beginning in 2004. From there, she advanced to being a credit analyst to commercial lending and then took on the role of commercial loan manager in 2014. Even

though Franklin wasn’t born in Havasu, she has enjoyed life in this city.

“It’s a nice community,” said Franklin, who was born in Torrance, California and moved to Havasu in 1989 when she was in kindergarten. “My daughter

With Success, comes greater opportunities and challenges.

To all the selected “Under 40”

THANK YOU

for your contributions to Lake Havasu City and wanting to make it “Great”.

Congratulations,

goes to the same school – Starline Elementary - that I went to.”

“I’m content where I am right now,” Franklin said. But Franklin acknowledged that she might explore teaching finance at some point.

In her current role as a

Age: 32 Education: Currently in Graduate School of Banking at University of Colorado-Boulder, class of 2018; Bachelor’s degree in business finance from University of Phoenix, 2002 Lake Havasu High School graduate Family: Husband Matt, two children: Aubrey, 6, Kylie 3 Interests: Family activities – spending time with children, taking them to soccer, dance and gymnastics; Incoming president of Kiwanis Club, advisory board for Salvation Army Business address: 1771 McCulloch Blvd.

Phone number: 928-302-5127

commercial loan manager, she manages a team of underwriters and credit analysts. She does the underwriting for small business loans.

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Under 40

DEBRA LEVI

DEBRA AT A GLANCE Community Health Education Specialist with Mohave County Public Health

D

ebra Levi is passionate about tobacco education and working with Mohave County’s youth.

The 32-year-old, who is originally from the Los Angeles area, has had a strong emphasis on educating people about smoking since she started her career in the L.A. area. She has carried that focus with her in Havasu through her Mohave County Public Health work and leadership with Lake Havasu City Students Working Against Tobacco (LHC-SWAT).

As the adult coordinator for LHC-SWAT, Levi has helped Lake Havasu High School students educate their peers on the dangers of smoking and encouraged teen tobacco users to quit.

In that capacity, Levi has led the students in three cigarette butt cleanups at city parks, to different

JANA STUMP

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hen she was six months old, Jana Stump’s father was in an accident that left him paralyzed.

Not only did it not stop her father from doing whatever he wanted to do or—as she puts it—“being the best person and father he could be,” it also set an example for Jana. She has carried that example on her shoulders to this day.

That’s one main reason why Stump, 30, is one of Lake Havasu City’s top young community business leaders as a Consumer and Construction Loan Officer

leadership activities in the state, focused on how to engage the community and worked with the Tinnell Memorial Skate Park Committee.

With the Skate Park Committee, Levi and the group are working toward making the area around the Tinnell Memorial Skate Park smoke-free.

Last year, the group made a presentation to Jamaica

Elementary School about the contents of a cigarette, Levi said.

She said she hopes to expand that educational presentation to other elementary schools this year.

Levi said she knows it’s a struggle for people to quit tobacco.

“Most people don’t want to be smokers,” Levi said.

She is certified to offer brief interventions on the Arizona

Smokers’ Help (ASH) Line.

Levi also works with the Havasu Community Health Foundation as a volunteer helping on the virtual dementia tours and chronic disease management classes.

will face,” she said. “My father has helped me realize that and

has taught me that it’s me who has to face those challenges in order to succeed and be the best that I can be.”

Stump has done just that by helping other local businesses get off the ground, while helping raise two young boys with her husband, Trevor.

Those boys, she said, “are also my biggest inspiration as I want to be able to give and provide them with a life that they both deserve.”

Stump has climbed the ladder from a teller at Mohave State Bank to her current role, which is “an integral part of the management team,” said Monica Hall, senior vice president. “Her clients absolutely love her.”

JANA AT A GLANCE Consumer and Construction Loan Officer at Mohave State Bank Age: 30 Education: Bachelor’s degree in business finance from the University of Phoenix; Havasu Leadership Program at the Chamber of Commerce Family: Husband Trevor and two young boys Interests: Expanding my education in achieving my master’s degree in the future. Being involved in the community as much as possible. I also enjoy traveling, camping, and spending time with my family.

Business address: 1771 McCulloch Blvd.

Phone number: (928) 855-0000 Website: MohaveStBank.com

at Mohave State Bank. “There are many challenges in life that one

Age: 32 Education: Master’s degree in Public Health from California State University-Northridge, bachelor’s degree in Health Education from California State UniversityNorthridge, CPH-Certified in Public Health Family: engaged to Matt Martin who works with Lake Havasu Unified School District Interests: Enjoys spending time outside at the city’s parks and at the Lake Havasu Museum of History.

Business address: 2001 College Drive, Suite 104 Phone number: 928-453-0703 Website: www.mohavecounty.us/ ContentPage.aspx?id=127

Under 40

AMBER WHITAKER

T

here’re never enough hours in the day for Amber Whitaker.

Still, the 35-year-old makes time for a fast-paced business profession, while caring for her family as a devout wife and mother — a few passions that are coupled with volunteering in local politics and for her daughter Brynn’s Girls Scout troop.

That drive is one main reason why Whitaker is one of Lake Havasu City’s top young community business leaders as an accountant for NSC Certified Public Accountants, LLC. “One of my biggest challenges is trying to balance home, work and school,” she said. “I am blessed to work for such a wonderful company that is flexible with my schedule.”

To be so successful at such a young age, though, takes

AMBER AT A GLANCE Accountant at NSC Certified Public Accountants, LLC Age: 35 Education: Bachelor’s degree in accounting from Grand Canyon University Family: 8-year-old daughter (Brynn) and my husband (Chris) Interests: Volunteering in local politics; Girl Scout co-leader Business address: 94 Acoma Blvd., S., Ste. 201 Phone number: (928) 453-2290 Website: HavasuCPA.com

something from within — something Whitaker clearly has.

“I was willing to work hard, go to school and make sacrifices,” she said. “I would not be where I am at without the support of my husband, daughter and everyone else.”

Never one to rest on her laurels, however, Whitaker has big plans for the future—aside from remaining young at heart.

“I see myself as a CPA and being more active in the community,” she said. “I am excited for what the future holds.”

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Under 40

ASHLEY WOOD

ASHLEY AT A GLANCE Director of Community Impact at River Cities United Way

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shley Wood loves a deal.

What she loves more, though, is helping those in need find that deal which, in return, helps them make ends meet and provides them better lives.

That’s one main reason why Wood, 32, is one of Lake Havasu City’s top young community business leaders as the Director of Community Impact at River Cities United Way. “I can say that the profession actually chose me and, for that, I am so grateful,” she said. I “haven’t had a job I felt was more rewarding in my life. There is not a single day that I can say I don’t feel needed, appreciated, or that I’m valued for doing a great job. It shows every time we get approved for a new grant to help the community,

or a thank you from a person struggling to pay their bills or make their way.”

And, for that reason — according to River Cities United Way website — Wood also is the perfect person to head up the United Way’s

“Living Thrifty, Resourceful and Empowered” seminars.

“She loves a good deal,” it says on the site, “and is savvy in stretching a dollar and even a penny, and loves to help others do the same.”

CRYSTAL ALGER

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he insurance agent turned real estate professional knows what long days feel like, but Crystal Alger said she’s learned to make time for the finer things in life.

Whether it’s taking a moment out of her busy schedule to spend time with her newborn daughter, or honoring her mother’s memory, she’s managed to find time for family and a career.

Alger was born and raised in Havasu, and has made it a point to give back to her community. She’s served on the city council, Rotary Club and is currently volunteering her time for a nonprofit initiative she’s spearheading in honor of her mother called Sandy’s Pass. She’s now a mom herself and says family, not work, has become her biggest priority.

“Not too long ago I lost my mom and I learned that you’re not guaranteed tomorrow. Prior to my mom’s death I actually

Age: 32 Education: Lake Havasu High School and attended Mohave Community College Family: Mother of two boys, Anthony (11 years old) and Timothy (8 years old), and two very active puppies named Molie and Riley.

Interests: My interests include saving money/finding deals, helping others in any way I can, traveling with my family and friends as often as possible, and spending spare time outdoors and at the beach. I was born in Lake Havasu, so I have acquired quite a collection of bathing suits to appreciate the heat and beautiful place we call home!

Business address: 145 N Lake Havasu Ave. Phone number: 928-855-6333 Website: www.rivercitiesunitedway.org

worked a lot, probably until 10, 11 o’clock at night and I’d start at 7 o’clock in the morning.

Going forward, I changed my goals to be more family-oriented and not work as much, but still work as hard.”

Even though she’s clocking less hours, she’s still able to manage a successful career in real estate.

So far this year, she’s sold more than $2 million worth of homes after being named Realty ONE Group’s rookie of the year in 2015.

As her resume grows, so will her family and Alger said she’s excited to see what else there’s left to accomplish and share with her loved ones.

CRYSTAL AT A GLANCE Realty ONE Group Age: 31 Education: Mohave Community College, Arizona Western Family: Husband Nick Callagy, Sterling daughter Phone: 928-486-5235 Website: CrystalAlger.com/ Address: 1695 Mesquite Ave., Ste. 108

Under 40

ALANNA COLE

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lanna Cole never expected to carve a career in the insurance industry, or to be able to use it to give back to the community. But she has done both.

“We don’t market,” said Cole, owner and agent of American Family Insurance in Suite A at 2110 McCulloch Blvd. “We donate all of our marketing funds to the community. We feel that we were blessed with this agency. I love my job, but the very best part of my job is being able to do things like (making differences in people’s lives).”

Cole moved to Lake Havasu City from Washington when she was 22 years old to soothe carpal tunnel and tendonitis conditions that she has as a result of playing piano since she was 3 years old.

Almost immediately upon moving here, she walked into an American Family Insurance office to inquire about policies and walked out with a new job. Through her attention to detail, hard work, and dedication, Cole eventually came to manage 17 insurance offices along Arizona’s western border.

She opened her own office in

September 30, 2016 - 21

Great Food • Great Beer • Great Times ALANNA AT A GLANCE Owner/Agent of American Family Insurance Age: 39 Education: Certified Music Teacher, Certified in Business Administration, Certified in Property/Casualty/Life/Health Insurance Family: Married to Shawn Cole with four children Interests: Camping, hiking, kayaking, traveling Business address: 2110 McCulloch Blvd., Suite A Phone: (928) 855-2226 Website: AlannaCole.com

April 2014 and immediately began donating to the community.

Cole explained that she and her staff utilize Facebook monthly to find community organizations and residents in need of donations. Since opening her own office, she estimates she has donated about $4,000 back to the community.

“I like to connect with people and leave people better than I found them,” she said. “I’m not sure about the ripple effect. I kind of just feel like a tool for God. He uses me to deliver something and he takes care of the rest. This job is really what helps me to give back.”

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22 - September 30, 2016

Under 40

RYAN BRADLEY

RYAN AT A GLANCE General Sales Manager at Bradley Ford Lincoln

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yan Bradley says life is all about building strong relationships. Thanks to the relationships he’s built over the years, he’s confident behind the wheel of Havasu’s Bradley Ford Lincoln dealership.

“Relationships are really important, and in a small town, they will take you far,” Bradley said.

Bradley started in the car business as many do, as a salesman. He came to Havasu after selling cars in Phoenix, which was a “completely different animal,” he said. When the economic recession hit, he decided to come back to Havasu to work for his family’s dealership.

After getting his hands dirty in every department at the car dealership, Bradley was promoted to his current position, which he says is his greatest professional accomplishment to date.

Age: 32 Education: Bachelor’s degree in business management, trained with the National Automotive Dealers Association Interests: Traveling, snowboarding and heading to Glamis, Calif.

Family: Married to Gina Phone: 928-855-1191 Business Address: 1690 Industrial Blvd.

As the store’s General Sales Manager, he’s in charge of many of the company’s longtime employees.

“There’s one salesman here who has a Salesman of the Month plaque hanging on his wall for the year and month I was born,” Bradley said.

Even though he’s a young professional, Bradley said he’s confident he’ll be able to steer the company towards further success in the future, and plans to continue putting

SAMIE JO BOYETT

SAMIE JO AT A GLANCE Wells Fargo Business Specialist for River Cities

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here was a time when Samie Jo Boyett and her husband Justin were at a crossroads.

Should they stay in their hometown of Lake Havasu City or move away and find their fortune elsewhere?

After much discussion, the Boyetts decided to stay.

“Justin moved here during high school from Sun Valley, Idaho, so he had lived somewhere else. But I was raised in Havasu – I’d never tried someplace new. Maybe it was time to venture out,” Boyett said.

“But all our family is here, and we just couldn’t leave. I felt that the grass might be greener (beyond Havasu), but it’s green enough here.”

The Boyetts landed jobs that allowed them to grow professionally.

And grow Boyett did. She most recently was named as the Havasu Chamber of Commerce’s Outstanding Young Professional.

The honor was hard-earned. Right out of high school, she worked as a housekeeper at a Havasu hotel and quickly worked her way

employees first.

“I manage a lot of people, and I’ve had a lot of help along the way. I have one of the best coaches ever, my dad. He’s always a phone call or walk up the stairs away,” Bradley said.

He continued, “I want to continue on the path we’re on. We’re consistent in business, we keep growing and we have great employees,” Bradley said.

Age: 26 Education: 2007 Lake Havasu High School graduate; voted “most athletic” by her classmates; lettered in several sports. Closing in on an associate degree from Mohave Community College.

Family: Married to Justin Boyett, her high school sweetheart. They have two daughters, Gemma and Ellie. Boyett’s immediate and extended family members reside in Havasu.

Interests: A movie buff, Boyett is a busy working mom with a full plate of responsibilities. She enjoys playing volleyball and fostering her daughter’s interest in gymnastics.

Her social calendar is booked up with family gatherings and outings. She attends Calvary Baptist Church.

Business address: Wells Fargo main branch, 1601 N. McCulloch Blvd.

Phone: 928-453-8407

up to the front desk. Seven years ago, she then took a job as a Wells Fargo bank teller.

Again, Boyett worked her way up to the rank of Business Specialist at Wells Fargo.

Today, she looks after her clients’ financial business with the bank. Helping small businesses grow their bottom lines is her

favorite part of the job.

Boyett has some friendly advice for peers who may be on the fence about remaining in Havasu.

“There are so many opportunities here, but you have to work hard. Find and grow your passion,” she said.

Under 40

September 30, 2016 - 23

Congratulates all the Hardworking

Up and Coming Leaders Under 40

AARON PFEIFER

A

aron Pfeifer fell in love with Lake Havasu at a young age, once he was old enough, he waved goodbye to Kansas and hit the road.

By 21, Pfeifer was a licensed Realtor in Havasu and quickly made a name for himself in the local market. He’s worked with the same business partner for 11 years and says he couldn’t be happier.

His most notable accomplishment thus far has been serving as the youngestever president of the Havasu Association of Realtors in 2015.

Although he was often one of the youngest faces in the room, he didn’t let it slow him down.

“We’d travel to meetings

AARON AT A GLANCE Realtor Age: 31 Education: Bohler Institute Family: Fiance Nicola Grant; son Braxton Interests: Being on the lake, jet skiing, off-roading, water sports.

Business address: 1915 McCulloch Blvd. Ste. 104 Phone: 928-486-9997

in D.C. and stuff and people would look at me like, ‘You’re the president? How old are you?’ I guess it caught them off guard,” Pfeifer said.

Pfeifer’s now focused on his growing young family, along with his career. He’s working to advance his presence in the local real estate market with an associate broker license and also hopes to start investing in real estate himself. “You’ve got to believe in what you’re selling,” he said.

Dr. Kevin O’Brien Foot & Ankle Specialist

D.P.M., Inc.

FAMILY AMILY FOOT/ANKLE FOOT/ /A NKLE CARE CAR • Pediatric Foot Care • Sports Medicine • Sprain/Fractures • Geriatric Foot Care

DIABETIC D IABETTIC FOOT FO OOT CARE CA RE

• Infections • Ulcer & Wound Care • Prevention of Amputation

SURGICAL RG GICAL & N NON-SURGICAL ON SURGIC CA L TREATMENT TR RE ATM ME • Corns and Calluses • Heel Pain • Ingrown Toenails • Wart Removal • Bunions • Hammertoes

1731 Mesquite Ave., Suite 4, Lake Havasu City, AZ

(928) 854-4307 Medicare and Most Insurance Companies Accepted

24 - September 30, 2016

Under 40

Salutes Our Under 40 Leadership Team Alexis Christensen - 29

Brandon Bowers - 36

Circulation Manager

Editor

Alexis is the circulation manager of

River City Newspapers, overseeing distribution of the Today’s NewsHerald, the Parker Pioneer and many other company products. She joined RCN in October of 2006 as a circulation clerk and moved through the ranks, becoming manager in 2013. Alexis comes from San Diego, CA with a background in customer service and retail sales. Away from work she likes to spend time with her husband and their two sons.

Brandon

is editor of Today’s News-Herald and the weekly Parker Pioneer. His newspaper career started at the age of 16 as a newsroom clerk at a small daily in Manteca, California, and he worked as a reporter and editor at several papers in California’s Central Valley. Prior to joining the News-Herald, he served as editor of a small daily in Carlsbad, New Mexico. He lives in Lake Havasu City with his wife, Amanda, and their three kids, Aimee, 9, Sophiamarie, 4, and Noah, 2.

Dina Goss - 39

Kelli Blumm - 29

Inside Sales Manager

Business Office Supervisor

Dina

moved to Lake Havasu City from Tucson, AZ in 1997 and started her career at RCN as a Sales Assistant, at the age of 19.

Since then she has been a classified advisor, done page paste up, classified page layout, graphic design, and she now is the Inside Sales Manager. Dina has one daughter, Destiny, who was born and raised in Lake Havasu, and graduated from Lake Havasu High School in 2016.

Kelli

oversees all accounting functions of the newspaper. She joined the company in 2006, after relocating from Las Vegas. Kelli started in 2006 as a circulation clerk and has worked in both accounting and circulation over the past 10 years. Away from work her interests include reading, watching baseball, listening to K-pop, and taking care of her three dogs.