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Congratulations to
Brittin Wolf on being chosen as one of the Leaders of Our Community!
Under 40
Under 40
FROM THE EDITOR
F
orget everything you’ve heard about Millennials. The emerging leaders of Lake Brandon Bowers Havasu City will shatter your preconceived ideas about young people. They’re bright. They’re creative. They’re ambitious. And perhaps most importantly, they’re committed to helping Havasu thrive as they build their lives here. Lake Havasu City is a special place, built on big ideas starting from Day 1. It started in the 1950s, when a businessman named Robert McCulloch saw the
potential in this dusty outpost along the Colorado River. The people who followed McCulloch’s lead have grown older, to the point that Baby Boomers — those people in their late 50s and older — vastly outnumber their Generation X and Millennial counterparts. Havasu, like many small cities, has suffered from a “brain drain,” as our best and brightest young people move away for careers and lives elsewhere. That conundrum was identified as a challenge in recent Vision 20/20 community planning discussions, and thanks to their efforts, Lake Havasu City will see greater emphasis placed on attracting young people to this area,
Catie Sondrol
Catie Sondrol is an occupational therapist and co-owner of Milemarkers Therapy in Lake Havasu City, AZ. She graduated from the University of North Dakota in 2004 with a Masters of Occupational Therapy and has a Certificate of Assistive Technology from Northern Arizona University. Catie was able to share her vision of a “one stop” pediatric clinic with Colleen McShea, her business partner, and thus began Milemarkers Therapy in January 2006. She is certified in Wilbargers Therapressure Protocol, Therapeutic Listening, Craniosacral Therapy, SOS (Sequential Oral Sensory) Approach to feeding, and has extensive training in Sensory Processing. Annually she attends Camp Avanti in Northern Wisconsin as a camp therapist for children with sensory processing disorders. In 2014, Catie received the Excellency Within an Agency award from the Special Needs Advocacy Council of Mohave County. In 2016, Catie had the privilege of attending the American Occupational Therapy Association Middle Management Leadership Emersion Program. In 2017, Catie traveled to Thailand to work at a family camp for children with disabilities and was able to partner with Thailand therapists to provide an educational session for the parents. Catie is an associate professor at Arizona State University for Motor and Learning Development within the Kinesiology Department. She has been a guest lector at the Wisconsin Occupational Therapy Association and University of North Dakota. Catie enjoys spending time with her family which includes Josh (husband), Madilyn (daughter), Peyton (daughter), and Chloe Rose (Chocolate Labrador). She also enjoys traveling, scuba diving, decorating her house, shopping, reading and surfing pinterest. Catie serves as a Sunday school teacher and on church council at Mt. Olive Lutheran Church and is a Girl Scout leader.
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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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as well as keeping people who grew up here from leaving in the first place. Fortunately, The leaders featured in this we don’t have section were nominated by the and selected and to wait. There’s community vetted by a committee formed of News-Herald staff, the Lake a core group Havasu Partnership for Economic of young lead- Development, and the people featured in the 2016 Under 40 secers who are tion. Thank you to all who helped make this section a success and already making helped give Havasu’s young leadthe attention and encouragea difference in ers ment they deserve. our town. It’s important to recognize their contributions, which is why we’re so pleased to introduce you to the 31 young leaders in the pages that follow.
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Under 40
Our future is indeed bright thanks to these community leaders
B
right Future is innovative. It is creative in concept and inspired in the message it sends to our community. It is much more than a concept to recognize leaders, it is a movement connecting the community through collaboration. Recognized nationally last year, Bright Future positions Lake Havasu on the cutting edge of innovation and sets us apart from communities near and far.
demographic. What we couldn’t have known was TONYA KRUEGER how awesome the platPARTNERSHIP FOR ECONOMIC form would be that would DEVELOPMENT then be used to have conversations throughout the community through Last year, presented social media and other with the idea of the iniVision 2020 events. The tial feature from Today’s News-Herald, we jumped goal was to encourage at the opportunity to cre- young leaders; the result ate relationships between was wide spread community engagement. The local artisans and brewleaders recognized in this ers, knowing that collaboration in a movement piece are from all sectors of business, non-profit, like Bright Future would work to inspire a younger and public service, uni-
versally creating a class of leaders that represents growth, sustainability, and success in our community. Congratulations to this year’s honorees, our future truly is bright thanks to the dedication you have shown for our community and in your area of business. Tonya Krueger is vice president of the Partnership for Economic Development in Lake Havasu City.
How Havasu is counting on young people to reboot its future By BRANDON MESSICK TODAY’S NEWS-HERALD
There are fewer than 10,000 people between the ages of 19 and 39 living in Lake Havasu City, and that number is shrinking, according to Havasu’s Department of Economic Development. More of Havasu’s millennials are leaving the city in search of economic or educational opportunities, and few are returning. Representatives from the PED, Chamber of Commerce and city government are tackling the issue from multiple angles, but no one believes it will be easy, or quick, to retain the city’s millennial population. “It’s not going to be a simple process,” said Havasu Mayor Mark Nexsen. Nexsen is on the Entrepreneurship Outreach Network Advisory Committee and the ABC competition Committee. “We recognize that many high school kids are going off to college, and they’re not returning. What we’re planning is going to be a long-term process. We have to create an environment in which millennials say, ‘This is where I want to live.” Nexsen says that some measures being discussed are improvements to the city’s technological infrastructure and improvements to the city’s downtown district, which could potentially offer gathering places for young people in the future.
“It’s not a matter of, ‘ring this bell and they’ll all come back,” Nexsen said. “We’re starting to experience demographic starvation. There aren’t enough skilled labor for skilled jobs in Havasu.” The city’s hospitality industry could play a big part in the development of the next generation’s workforce. Mike Bonney, President of the Lake Havasu Hospitality Association, says that millennials are vital to his organization, as well as to the city itself. Bonney is also a member of the ABC Committee. “We’re an aging community,” Bonney said. “If we don’t have a younger generation coming here, and staying here, we’re going to become a retirement community. We need to maintain a viable workforce.” There is always a need for qualified professionals at all levels in the hospitality industry, and according to Bonney, there is room for a sustainable careerpath for prospective employees in Havasu. The Hospitality Association has built relationships with the Lake Havasu Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Lake Havasu Area Chamber of Commerce in hopes of offering educational opportunities for would-be hospitality workers. Nexsen and Bonney see Havasu City Councilman and London Bridge Resort General Manager Cal Sheehy as an example of the opportunities Havasu offers for youths who return to Havasu after college.
Sheehy started working at the London Bridge Resort as a housekeeper when he was in high school, eventually earning promotions to other areas of the resort’s operations. He graduated from Lake Havasu High School in 1998, and left Havasu to attend college. Sheehy earned a bachelor’s degree in business marketing, and later earned a master’s degree in business administration. Sheehy took over the position of General Manager at a Daytona Beach, Fla. hotel. When the London Bridge Resort’s General Manager position opened in 2005, Resort-owner Tom Flatley remembered Sheehy and invited him home. Sheehy has been the resort’s general manager ever since. “I’m a perfect example of when someone gets into an entry-level position, and eventually leads the organization in a relatively short period of time,” Sheehy said. “If millennials have the desire and the drive to multi-task, the growth potential in Havasu is huge.” Sheehy, also a member of the ABC committee, is focused on retaining Havasu’s growing pool of talent. “We’re renewing our focus on making sure Havasu is a place where people can prosper, raise a family and stay here,” Sheehy said, “while ensuring that Havasu remains competitive in where people live, work and play.”
Under 40
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Salutes Our Under 40 Leadership Team Alexis Christensen - 30
Brandon Bowers - 37
Circulation Manager
Editor
Alexis is the circulation
manager of River City Newspapers, overseeing distribution of the Today’s News-Herald, 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, 10, Sophiamarie, 5, and Noah, 3.
Dina Goss - 40
Inside Sales Manager
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 Blumm - 30
Haley Walters - 24
Norma Gonzalez - 28
Business Office Supervisor
News Editor
Sports Editor
Haley is the news
Norma is the sports
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.
editor of Today’s News Herald and the Parker Pioneer, overseeing news coverage while also reporting regularly. She began her career at RCN as a reporter in January 2016, right after graduating from the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh with a degree in journalism and political science. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling, drinking wine and reading.
editor for the Today’s News Herald. She came to Lake Havasu City last year from a sister newspaper in Nogales. She grew up in McAllen, Texas, and attended the University of Texas Pan American, where she studied mass communications with minors in Spanish and English. She loves to travel and is passionate about reading, music and movies.
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JESSICA REED Jessica Reed had a perfectly satisfying life on the East Coast. She had a solid job working for a government contractor in Maryland, many friends and few complaints. But when it came time to start a family, she and her husband returned to Lake Havasu City. The couple felt it was an ideal place to raise children. Havasu wasn’t altogether unfamiliar. Reed was born here into a pioneer family — the Standals. She moved to Maryland with her immediate family when she was five. But the day came when it was time to return home. While Reed believes being a mother is the most important work she’ll ever do, she has a passion for helping her clients grow their businesses. As the owner of Kinetic Marketing 4 Social Media, Reed helps clients broaden their online presence through Facebook, Linkedin and other social media. If a business isn’t
LEO BIASIUCCI Leo Biasiucci earned his degree from the University of Arizona, but his educational pursuits never stopped. Biasiucci owns Mohave Traffic Survival School, a business that conducts courtordered classes for those who commit driving infractions. He monitors everchanging government regulations for the business, which has been in his family for 25 years. World travel has furthered Biasiucci’s education. He estimated he’s visited 50 nations, getting in touch with his inner pioneer while finding common ground with people around the globe. He comes by the pioneer spirit honestly. His maternal grandfather, Leo Meli, came to Havasu from New York in the city’s early days. Meli encouraged Biasiucci’s parents to emigrate from Italy to Havasu. The couple did, and consequently, Biasiucci was born and raised in Havasu.
Under 40 JESSICA AT A GLANCE Owner of Kinetic Marketing 4 Social Media Age: 36 Education: Some college. Employed for several years by a government contractor on the East Coast. Family: She and husband JR have two children, Samantha and Zackary Interests: Family-centric; president of Starline Elementary’s PTA Business address: 2550 N. Kiowa Blvd. No. 204 Phone number: 928-315-0804
participating in any of those, she helps them launch and produce measurable results. Another large chunk of Reed’s time is devoted to serving as president of Starline Elementary’s PTA. Now in her second year, her goal, she said, “is making opportunities for every family to be involved.” Reed has earned the reputation as the person to turn to when charitable causes need to raise money. She’s a member of the Women’s Network Exchange of Arizona and Havasu’s MOMs Club. The
best part about living in Havasu, Reed said, is “seeing this community pull together for people in need.” Described by others as “dynamic,” she said starts her children’s school days with the cheer, “We work hard to play hard.”
LEO AT A GLANCE Owner of Mohave Traffic Survival School Age: 35 Education: Bachelor of Science degree in business administration and management from the University of Arizona Family: Significant other Taylor Tamayo, parents Mario and Anna Biasiucci, brother Nando Interests: Soccer, football, golf, hiking and world travel Business address: 430 El Camino Way Phone number: 928-680-4242
Legislative goings-on at the state capitol in Phoenix are Biasiucci’s newest, and certainly thickest, textbook. “I shadow Sonny Borelli every chance I get,” Biasiucci said, explaining his relationship with his fellow Republican and Arizona state senator. “I am running for the Arizona House of Representatives next August, so I’m learning about the legislative process.” Biasiucci’s preparation isn’t limited to visiting Phoenix. He serves on Havasu’s Planning and Zoning board and the Parks & Recreation advisory board. Helping Havasu grow is his ultimate goal.
“I had corporate jobs, but I was just a cog in the wheel. I wanted to do more with my life, so I returned to Havasu. For me, it’s about giving back. I had such a gifted life here.”
Under 40
NATHAN BURNELL It’s hard to picture Nathan Burnell as a fairy godfather. The sturdy, clean-cut former Marine and high school running back from Ithaca, Michigan, would look a little silly in gossamer wings. Instead, he sports business casual wear befitting a bank vice president in Lake Havasu City. In that capacity, he’s devoted to making people’s dreams come true. As Horizon Community Bank’s commercial loan officer, Burnell works with entrepreneurs and business owners to start or expand their businesses. While supplying cash is part of the equation, Burnell sees himself as “consultative resource” for his clients. Part of it involves balancing enthusiasm for a project with the realities of risk management for the bank. “So many times, someone has a good plan and I think, ‘Darn! That’s a really great idea; I wish I’d thought of it!’ I’m passionate about my work, especially when I help people become successful,” he said. “But I’ve also had people come by later, thanking me for saving them from making a bad investment.” While Burnell has been with Horizon since 2004, he didn’t begin at the top. He worked his way up over time, starting
September 27, 2017 - 7
Jason Helart
NATHAN AT A GLANCE Vice president of commercial lending, Horizon Community Bank Age: 36 Education: Associate’s degree in buisess plus six years of continuing education in banking Family: He and wife Brandy have a son, Brayden Interests: Incoming president of the Kiwanis, working out, golf, playing guitar, family-centric activities Business address: 225 N. Lake Havasu Ave. Phone: 928-854-4121
as a teller. He appreciates his many mentors, which is why he looks for ways to help fellow employees succeed. In his teen years, Burnell trained himself to be a selfstarter. He had a newspaper route, cared for stabled thoroughbred racehorses and did a stint at McDonald’s. He was honorably discharged from the Marine Corps as a sergeant before coming to Havasu in 2004. Of all his experiences, though, Burnell says his best is being a husband and father.
Jason Helart was born in September of 1980 in San Diego at Balboa Naval Hospital. His family moved to Louisville, Colorado in 1982. Jason attended St Louis School for kindergarten then Louisville Elementary thru fifth grade. He played baseball and soccer during his grade school years. He attended middle school at Louisville Middle School and played football one year. He attended Centaurus High School for ninth-tenth grade and then transferred to Arapahoe Ridge High School in Boulder, Colorado. Jason worked at a local restaurant in the kitchen during high school years. After graduation from Arapahoe Ridge, Jason attended the Colorado Institute of Art in Denver studying Videography. He was offered a job in Lake Havasu City, Arizona working for the local PBS station so he moved there with his friend from high school. Jason then went to work for Shugrue’s, a local restaurant, learning many positions within the company and eventually working in the brewery as an apprentice. Jason decided to enlist in the Navy at 26, following in his father’s footsteps. He spent his training in the Chicago area, then was assigned in the San Diego region. It was during this time he met his future wife, Andrea Johnson, who was living in Lake Havasu City and had worked with Jason for several years prior. Jason and Andrea married and she moved to San Diego with Jason. He was assigned to a position in Honolulu on a merchant ship. So, the newlyweds moved to Hawaii, and soon after decided to start a family. While Jason was on deployment overseas, Andrea returned to Lake Havasu City to live. Their first son Liam was born in Lake Havasu City. When Jason returned from overseas, they moved back to San Diego for the remainder of Jason’s service in the US Navy. During that time, another son, Myles was born at the same hospital his father was born. Jason left the Navy after six years and the family returned to Lake Havasu City to live to pursue career opportunities there. At that time, Jason was offered a job at College Street Brewhouse and Pub, beginning as an Assistant Brewer and working his way up to his current position as Production Manager/Directory of Brewery Operations. He is always willing to volunteer and donate to fundraisers and events. He’s always open to trying unique and experimental ideas for the sake of keeping things fresh and new. Jason and his wife, Andrea, are active members of the community. They both strive to make a difference in their community.
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Under 40
CATIE SONDROL
Catie Sondrol truly believes that nothing you do for a child is ever wasted. During her August missionary trip to Thailand, the occupational therapist worked with several developmentally disabled children. Though her time with each youngster was brief, she intended to make a lasting impact. “If I could just teach them one thing that would make their lives easier, well, that’s what I hoped for,” Sondrol said. Improving the lives of the developmentally disabled is her life’s work. While she primarily concerns herself with pediatric clients, Sondrol also addresses the needs of
CATIE AT A GLANCE Co-owner of Milemarkers Therapy since 2006 Age: 36 Education: Masters from the University of North Dakota in occupational therapy Family: Husband Josh and two daughters, Madilyn and Peyton Interests: Travel, camping and diving. Pinterest-inspired crafting is a guilty pleasure. Mount Olive Lutheran Church member Business address: 1515 N. Lake Havasu Ave. No. 100 Phone number: 928-854-5439
adults with developmental issues. She and her business partner, Colleen McShea, serve families in the Lake Havasu City area through Milemarkers Therapy. The company has 90 employees, including 18 therapists. Sondrol traced her path
NICHOLE BURNETT For Nichole Mull Burnett, returning home to Lake Havasu City after graduating from the University of Arizona was a natural decision. “I was studying for the LSAT; I wanted to go to law school. But in the end, I was just done with school and ready to come home. I like Havasu’s small town vibe,” she said. “The scenery is beautiful and there’s so much to do.” “Much to do” is an understatement, at least in Burnett’s case. She enjoys boating, working out and world travel in her spare time, but she confessed that there really aren’t enough hours in a day for her. As a wedding and event planner, Burnett’s chosen career consists of managing hundreds of details and keeping clients happy. While she plans Havasu events through her own Posh Planning & Event Co., she also is venue coordinator/ planner for Havasu Springs Resort. The
to becoming a professional therapist back to a time when she herself needed in therapy as a teen in Madison, Wisconsin. “I had physical therapy for a sports injury — my Achilles tendon. I watched other therapists there getting people
back to (the condition) where they were before. It was so impressive. I thought, ‘That’s it! That’s what I want to do,’” she said. Madison is home to the University of Wisconsin, so attending college there would have been a logical choice for Sondrol. But the school’s occupational therapy program was not as strong as the one offered at the University of North Dakota. So Sondrol packed up and moved West. But that wasn’t that last stop. After visiting family members who were wintering in Havasu, she and husband Josh decided to make a life here as well. It’s a busy life, with family and a bustling business to look after. “I’ve learned to just release and realize I might not get it all done,” Sondrol said.
NICHOLE AT A GLANCE Havasu Springs Resort venue coordinator and wedding planner. Also owns Posh Planning & Event Age: 27 Education: 2007 Lake Havasu High School graduate; earned her bachelor’s degree in public administration from the University of Arizona. Family: Husband Michael and two important dogs Interests: Boating on Lake Havasu, working out, world travel, family-centric Business address: 2581 SR 95, Parker Phone number: 928-208-1849
facility near Parker is owned by her husband, Michael. “The resort has become a minidestination wedding place Southern California and Phoenix residents. Our banquet hall seats 250 people, has a full catering menu, 44 motel rooms on site and an outdoor ceremony area overlooking the lake. I make sure the venue is ready to go for the couple,” Burnett said. She chose her career while planning her
own wedding to Michael. “I had such a good time doing it that I thought I could a good job for other couples,” she said.
Under 40
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Under 40
TERI JAMESON For Teri Jameson, there is no such thing as giving too much. This is evident in all areas of her life — whether it’s serving in her position as branch president of First Savings Bank, volunteering wherever it’s needed in Lake Havasu City, pursuing a college education or nurturing her family, Jameson gives it her all. “My life is not mine anymore, it’s all for other people,” she said. According to Jameson, she first moved to Havasu for a brief period of time at the age of 19. She then moved back to her hometown in Florida for ten years before returning to Havasu in 2009. She has since married her high school
TERI AT A GLANCE Branch President at First Savings Bank Age: 37 Education: Graduated from Sebring High School (Sebring, Florida) in 1998 and is currently attending the University of Phoenix with an expected graduation date of January 2018 for a bachelor’s degree in accounting. Family: Married to Jason in 2011; son Krystian, 16, son Jayden, 13, daughter Cayelynn, 10, and daughter Emma, 5. Interests: Enjoys anything sports related, camping with family and volunteering.
sweetheart, with whom she is raising four children. Jameson said her banking career began at Wells Fargo upon her return to Havasu. Through promotions, she worked as a personal banker, business specialist and
Business address: 1031 S. Acoma Blvd. Phone number: (928) 855-0777 Website: Firstsavingsbanks.com
commercial lender. In May, she was recruited for her current positon, where her duties include commercial lending
JENNA LOWDER When she was in second grade, Jenna Lowder realized she wanted to be a teacher. She has spent the past 15 years teaching at all levels of academia across Lake Havasu City to achieve that life-long dream. “I follow my heart and I do the things I feel compelled to do,” said Lowder. “If I could just be a full-time student and constantly go to school, that’s what I would do, so I guess, as a teacher, I am fulfilling that.” Lowder’s teaching career began while she was enrolled in Northern Arizona University’s education program in Havasu – she said she was hired as a non-certified kindergarten teacher at Calvary Christian Academy at the age of 19. While in college, she was also a student teacher at Thunderbolt Middle School alongside the same English teacher, Jennifer Johnson, who taught her when she attended the school, she said. Soon after student teaching, Lowder was hired as a full-time
and managing a staff of five, she said. While tending to her family and career, Jameson has been enrolled as a full-time student at the University of Phoenix, taking online courses to obtain a Bachelor’s degree in accounting, she said. She’s also served as an ambassador of the Lake Havasu Area Chamber of Commerce for the past four years and was recently appointed to the board of Milemarkers Therapy, she added. “When it comes to my profession, to my role as a wife and a mom and my job as a community member of Havasu, where I have a hard time is when I feel I haven’t given enough…I don’t want anything falling by the wayside,” she said.
JENNA AT A GLANCE English faculty resident at ASU Havasu Age: 34 Education: Graduated from Lake Havasu High School in 2000 before attending Northern Arizona University in Havasu, where she obtained a bachelor’s degree in elementary education in 2003, a master’s degree in English with an emphasis in literacy, technology, and professional writing in 2008 and a master of education degree in leadership with an emphasis in community college and higher education in 2016. Family: Married to Trevor in 2003; son Liam, 5, and daughter Abigail, 4. Interests: Enjoys yoga, hiking and spending time with her family.
resource teacher at Thunderbolt, where she taught math, reading and English for a year. Lowder went on to teach eighth grade language arts at the school for three more years before accepting a British literature teaching position at Lake Havasu High School in 2007, where she worked for the next ten years, she said. While teaching at the middle school and through her career at the high school, Lowder said she taught English 101 at
Business address: 100 University Way Phone number: (928) 854-9705 Website: Havasu.asu.edu
Mohave Community College and then later taught communication and public speaking classes until this past July. Additionally, she said she worked as an English faculty associate at Arizona State University in Havasu until this past May.
Under 40
September 27, 2017 - 11
Congratulates all the Hardworking
DALTON CURTIS Dalton Curtis seems to be in a perpetual state of trying to improve his skills, knowledge base and the community. Curtis, 30, is a durability test engineer supervisor for Fiat Chrysler Automotives in Yucca. He supervises a group of test engineers who essentially try to fix durability concerns before those automobiles reach customers. Of course his interests extend beyond the supervisor position with Fiat Chrysler. Curtis has a supplement business, Ketogenix, that he started in March and operates out of his home. To expand his knowledge to help his upstart business, Curtis is working toward an online masters in business administration degree from Wilmington University in Delaware. Curtis’s education through Lake Havasu schools provided him the opportunity to meet and make friends with those
DALTON AT A GLANCE Durability test engineer supervisor for Fiat Chrysler Automotive Age: 30 Education: Bachelors degree in mechanical engineering from ASU in 2009; working toward an MBA via Wilmington University’s online program. Family: wife, Kylee; mom and dad, Sandy and Kevin Interests: Boating, off-roading, nutrition, volunteering, traveling Business address: 1 Proving Ground Road, Yucca
Up and Coming Leaders Under 40 Dr. Kevin O’Brien Foot & Ankle Specialist
D.P.M., Inc.
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who in recent years have formed the Only Orchids nonprofit community-oriented group. He said he’s thrilled to be a part of that “energy and movement.” Curtis also has volunteered to help with the Realtor Olympics and helped distribute food to needy families during the Christmas holiday from the Interagency Food Bank. When he’s not busy with work, his home-based business and volunteering, he’s spending time with his wife Kylee,
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12 - September 27, 2017
Under 40
JUSTIN JANECEK Since 2007, Justin Janecek has owned and operated Janecek Homes. The home building business is in his family’s blood. “I started working with my dad (Bob Janecek),” Janecek said. Homes by Bob Janecek gave Justin a sneak peek into his future. “I grew up (in the industry) since I was little,” said Janecek, 32. “I have a passion for it.” Janecek was born in the Southern California city of Upland but his family has called Lake Havasu City home since 1988. So he’s known Lake Havasu City as his home for most of his life. Justin said he was “raised” on job sites through his father’s business. It was there his
with Havasu Heat, a traveling team of college-age baseball players. He also ended up playing in a prospect camp for the Chicago Cubs farm league organization. Those baseball dreams weren’t fully realized but today Janecek enjoys coaching his son Jax’s Little League team. Janecek also plays in a men’s softball league. Janecek also spent four years as a firefighter with the Buckskin Fire Department. Aside from his homebuilding subcontractors, and that in turn business, he’s also community helps create 300 local jobs. oriented, having joined His path toward the the Only Orchids group, homebuilding business wasn’t which includes many of his a straight line though. classmates, more than a year Janecek also had dreams of ago. The group is designed to playing professional baseball. provide positive support to After high school, Janecek favored projects and efforts played for a couple of years throughout the community. JUSTIN AT A GLANCE Owner and operator of Janecek Homes Age: 32 Education: Lake Havasu High School graduate; Emergency Medical Technician certified Family: Wife, Janessa; Two sons, Jax, 6; Jaze, 3; Dog, Charge Interests: Coaching son’s Little League team, camping, men’s league softball Business address: 116 Lake Havasu Ave. No. 102 Phone number: (928)- 486-5645 Website: janecekhomes.com
dreams of becoming a general contractor emerged. After years of being his father’s superintendent, Janecek got his general contractor license and created Janecek Homes. As owner of Janecek Homes, he works with 35
JENNIFER JOHNSTON Growing up, Jennifer Johnston says people would always make fun of her. “They said I was too nice,” said the now Lake Havasu City resident who was born and raised in Orange County, California. She said she got it in her head that she would be a police officer or lawyer to show those family and friends that she can be mean and tough. That’s not how things ended up, however. “I’m OK with being nice,” Johnston said. “I just embraced it.” Johnston found her true calling as a nurse. “I love every minute of nursing,” Johnston said. She has worked with La Paz Regional Hospital in Parker for five years and Havasu Regional Medical Center for the past six months. It’s clear Johnston is more than a mere cog in the area’s medical field. She has won numerous awards for work with her patients , including employee of the fourth quarter and employee of the
JENNIFER AT A GLANCE Registered nurse at Havasu Regional Medical Center and La Paz Regional Medical Center Age: 27 Education: Nursing program at Mohave Community College Family: Husband, Justin Keep, 17-year-old daughter Interests: Making sock monkeys Business: Havasu Regional Medical Center, 101 Civic Center Lane, Lake Havasu City La Paz Regional Hospital, 1200 S. Mohave Ave., Parker Phone number: HRMC - 928-855-8185 LPRH – 928-669-9201
year both at the Parker hospital. She’s also earned two Daisy Awards which is a nationwide program that recognizes nurses providing extraordinary care. Johnston started her nursing career as a Licensed Vocational Nurse in 2004, serving special needs school children. Johnston wanted to advance her skills, and she did that by going through the Mohave Community College nursing program to become a registered nurse.
She’s happy where she is at in her career but wants to advance her skills to be a nurse practitioner in future years. Johnston currently works full-time at Havasu Regional Medical Center in the intermediate care unit, which is a step away from intensive care. Johnston works part-time at the Parker hospital.
CHRISTOPHER SAUTNER Although Lake Havasu City Police Sgt. Chris Sautner had to travel halfway across the world to find his passion, he’s come back to Havasu and leads a successful career in law enforcement. Sautner is a Lake Havasu High School graduate and played football for the Knights until a knee injury sidelined him. After graduating in the late 90s, Sautner wasn’t immediately sure what he wanted to do in life. “I remember calling my grandma and I said, ‘Hey, grandma, I think I need to do something positive with a sense of self — do something more than what I am now.’ I said I’m going to join the Marine Corps,” Sautner said. He enlisted and was stationed in Okinawa, Japan as well as other bases in California, serving for a total of five years. “Once I got over to Okinawa, I found a passion of teaching, meaning I was doing firearms. I became a primary
Under 40
CHRISTOPHER AT A GLANCE Police officer Age: 38 Education: Family: Married to Ginny, with two kids, Macy, 7, and Wren, 5 Interests: Fitness, football, shooting and being outdoors Business address: 2360 McCulloch Boulevard (Police Department) Phone: 928-855-1171
marksmanship instructor and a close combat instructor for the Marine Corps martial arts program and then their firearms program,” Sautner said. That experience allowed him to eventually come back to Havasu with his wife, Ginny, and settle down to start a family. Sautner has come up the ranks since he was hired in 2004 and he’s held many duties, including serving as a narcotics detective, SWAT team member and instructor. He says although his job thrusts him into some violent situations, the most memorable moments come when he’s able to make a difference for people in the community.
September 27, 2017 - 13
Congratulations on your success.
Lake Havasu Area
Chamber of Commerce 314 London Bridge Rd. 928 855-4115 havasuchamber.com
14 - September 27, 2017
Under 40
RAY BHAWANI When Ray Bhawnani moved back to Lake Havasu City to open an escape room, the 30-year-old said he it was a struggle for people to understand his business venture. But once he explained the concept, the rest was pretty easy. And now, Bhawnani said, he’s working on expanding Gray Matter Escape and will add two rooms. “Essentially, we had a really hard time just explaining to people what we do,” he said. “Older people in general are very skeptical of our idea.” The Lake Havasu High School 2005 graduate said he never really planned on owning a business in town. It just kind
RAY AT A GLANCE Owner of Gray Matter Escape Age: 30 Education: B.S in Finance from Indiana University — Bloomington Family: Mother Archana Aliyar, Father Pareed Aliyar, sister Richika Bhawnani Interests: Tennis, bowling, computers, movies Business address: 387 S. Lake Havasu Ave. Phone number: 928-486-6363 Website: graymatterescape.com
of happened. “It was not something in particular that I wanted to do,” Bhawnani said. “The opportunity presented itself and we jumped on it.” Bhawnani moved to Havasu from India with his family as a pre-teen. He lived in Phoenix before moving back
REGAN ROSS While attending Arizona State University, Regan Ross fell in love with the serving industry. Mix that love with an ambition to become an entrepreneur and the result is Schlotzsky’s. “I always wanted to be an entrepreneur (and) own my own business,” Ross said. “I grew up with my parents who were fortunate to have that. So those were always my goals.” However, had Ross known 10 years ago what she knows now, she said she may have never opened Lake Havasu City’s only Schlotzsky’s. “I always say what In ‘N Out is to California, Schlotzsky’s is to Texas,” Ross said. “So I thought that craving was more apparent, but because our tourism market is so California driven, and they don’t know what Schlotzsky’s is, had I known that 10 years ago, I may have made
to the Havasu area last year. And, although the 30-yearold left the world of finance in the state’s capital, Bhawnani is actively involved in the management of a school for underprivileged girls in India. While Bhawnani and his parents are in Havasu and
his sister lives in Boston, his extended family is still back in India. Now, Bhawnani, along with his girlfriend Erin Grider and his parents, said he hopes to use the concept and idea he built Gray Matter on to start up more escape rooms in other cities.
REGAN AT A GLANCE Owner, Schlotzsky’s Age: 36 Education:Arizona State University Family: Husband Chris Robertson, parents Alex and Cinda Ross Interests: Traveling, skiing, going up to the mountains Business address: 2144 N. McCulloch Blvd. Phone number: (928) 854-2144 Website: schlotzskys.com
a different decision. Just for that main reason.” Although Havasuians may not all be familiar with the Texas-based chain restaurant, it hasn’t stopped Ross from adding to the sandwich shop. Ross’ Havasu location is the only Schlotzsky’s in the nation that has a full bar — Lotz on the Rockz. Ross also has a second Schlotzsky’s in Goodyear and is in the early negotiation stages of getting a third location. Along with trying to keep the menu fresh
and bringing back popular deals, Ross said she also uses the business to help with fundraisers around town. Ross and her husband, who recently celebrated their first anniversary, try to support the community, she said. “We do the honey backed hams,” Ross said. “This year we’re going to partner with the Humane Society for the honey baked hams. That’s actually a really good fundraiser.”
Under 40
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Under 40
AYMIE SPITZER Two weeks after graduating from Lake Havasu High School, Aymie Spitzer moved away to Phoenix to attend the Art Institute of Phoenix. She then lived in Brooklyn and San Francisco. But less than two years ago, Spitzer decided to come back to Lake Havasu City and try to bring back what she’s learned to the community she called home as a child. Spitzer said it took her a while to finish up school, but she left Phoenix for an internship in graphic design in Brooklyn. While interning, she worked for a boutique design studio and freelanced. After three years, Spitzer then moved to San Francisco, where she continued freelancing and got into the start-up world by working with Lyft. “Then I just thought ‘maybe I should try moving back to Havasu so I can start a design studio and to start a co-working space,’” Spitzer said.
SAM STEBILA Sam Stebila is a professional BMX rider, a founder of PixeoPro, member of Vision 20/20 and volunteers will multiple different organizations, including working with Woodward Camp — a summer camp for action sports, gymnastics and cheer. And he’s only 25 years old. Stebila said he played with cameras enough over the years to where a hobby became a job, and now PixeoPro — a photography and videography company — has been running successfully for three years. A big part of his success, Stebila said, is being active in the community. Stebila was born and raised in Lake Havasu City and therefore, said he feels
AYMIE AT A GLANCE Freelance graphic designer Age: 34 Education: : B.A. in Graphic Design, Art Institute of Phoenix Interests: Pinball, traveling, road trips, community involvement Business address: 116 Lake Havasu Ave. No. 102 Phone number: (928)- 486-5645 Website: aymiespitzer.com
While Spitzer no longer has family in Havasu — her dad now resides in Northern California and her mother died in 2002 — the 34-year-old said she’s still in contact with some high school friends in town and has met some “really awesome people”
since she’s been back. “I knew, coming back from living in all these places with so much culture and so much opportunity, that it was going to be challenging,” Spitzer said. “But I was willing to make a life here because I was really driven to help the community and bring things I learned and create a space, a workshop co-working space.” As for her current goals, Spitzer said she hopes to buy a house, and possibly a dog, and will continue to try to create a coworking space for the community.
SAM AT A GLANCE Videographer/photographer Age: 25 Education: Business degree from Northern Arizona University/ Coconino Community College Family: Father John Stebila, mother Suzanne Stebila, sister Carly Stebila Interests: Freestyle BMX, snowboarding, wakeboarding, jet skiing, traveling Phone number: 928-230-4033 Website: Pixeopro.com
even more invested. “Don’t be afraid to take risks,” he said. “If you’re trying to promote your business, you absolutely have to be engaged in the community. Show up for the events and be part of it. I think that’s huge.” Through Vision 20/20, Stebila helped promote America’s Best Communities and helped the city make their video presentation, which
ultimately resulted in a second place finish in the national competition. Stebila said he doesn’t mind helping with and attending so many city events. If anything, it just helps his business, he added. “It’s my job. What else am I going to do?,” he said. “You have to show up. You have to show your face.”
As far as what his favorite job has been, Stebila said he really enjoys making people happy through his photography and videography, especially at weddings. “It’s fun. I love it. I really do enjoy it,” Stebila said. “I really love making people happy, especially with weddings. You get a lot of joy out of making people so happy they cry.”
Under 40
JAIME SNETHEN Described as inspiration to be around, someone always with a kind word, dependable and a having a giving heart, Jaime Snethen loves being in the business of helping others. She’s an 18-year veteran of Havasu Regional Medical Center and she volunteers her time with several organizations in town. Joined by her daughter Madison, volunteering has always been a family affair. “Growing up my mom would have me volunteer at our church and adopt a family during the holidays and these are some of my fondest memories,” Snethen said. “I’ve really tried to teach my daughter it truly is better to give than to receive. The gift you give yourself when you give something away is absolutely amazing. It gives me goose bumps thinking about some of my experiences.” As recognition for the time the mother
September 27, 2017 - 17 JAIME AT A GLANCE Girl Scouts troop leader, radiology office coordinator at Havasu Regional Medical Center Age: 38 Education: Palatine High School, Palatine, Ill., 1996, course work at Aurora University, Aurora, Ill., Mohave Community College – Lake Havasu City campus Family: Husband Presely and daughter Madison, 12 Interests: Girl Scouts, Troops1892/1925 Business address: 101 Civic Center Ln., Lake Havasu City, AZ 86403 Phone number: (928) 855-8185
and daughter dynamic duo has put in to helping others, they have twice received the second-highest-level President’s Volunteer Service Award — gold — putting in 500 hours of volunteer time. Along with being part of their Girl Scouts troop service team, mother and daughter also give of their time with the London Bridge Pet Partners. The two, Snethen said, have the greatest joy in taking their service cat Pebbles, 4, around Lake Havasu.
“While visiting hospice patients in their homes holds a special meaning, they are not the only ones getting something out of the relationship. “We have a lady that we’ve been visiting weekly for quite some time, and she definitely looks forward to the visits,” Snethen said. “I have to say it’s therapy for me at times. We put Pebbles on her lap, she pets her and we watch game shows.”
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Under 40
BRIDGET HAGEST
BRIDGET AT A GLANCE Starline Elementary 5th-6th gifted teacher Age: 36 Education: Comsewogue Senior High School Port Jefferson Station, N.Y. 1998, State University of New York College at Geneseo, University of Phoenix in Pasadena, Calif. Family: Husband Chris, son Dylan, 11, and daughter Guinevere, 9 Interests: Reading, running, crafts and taking the Jet Ski out on the lake Business address: 3150 Starline Dr., Lake Havasu City, AZ 86406 Phone number: (928) 505-1490
Bridget Hagest is one of a dozen national board-certified teachers working for Lake Havasu Unified School District. As the gifted program instructor for fifth and sixth graders at Starline Elementary School, she loves her job. Hagest has been with LHUSD for 12 years, with the last six at Starline. Along with being its former academic coach Hagest also played an instrumental role in opening the schools intervention lab. This is her third year teaching the gifted program. “It’s an absolute passion. I’ve always loved working with kids,” Hagest said. “I’ve had many jobs before this in which I worked with and volunteered for kids, but I had no idea getting into education how much work it is. There are times where I question my sanity, but at the end of the day it’s always about my students. There is always that reason to get up the next day and work just as hard as you
SARAH FREICK Of all the hats that Chef Sarah Freick wears, it’s probably the one working with the high school students in the culinary arts and hospitality program at WAVE that is the most rewarding. As Lake Havasu’s only Le Cordon Bleu trained chef, Freick takes keen interest in passing on her culinary expertise to the next generation of line cooks, sous-chefs and restaurant entrepreneurs. “Being a mentor is a great way for me to connect to the kids, because I have a passion in helping finding their passion,” Freick said. “At the same time working in this industry, especially in small town Lake Havasu, it gives me the opportunity to make an impact on them. It gives me nothing but pleasure that they can learn from me and to watch them grow.” The three-year WAVE curriculum starts out with the fundamentals of cooking,
did the day before.” Although Hagest has taught in other grade levels and disciplines, she said she loves working with children who perform at such a high level in areas such as intellectual, creative, artistic, leadership or specific academic fields.
SARAH AT A GLANCE Executive Chef at the Refuge Gold & Country Club, culinary instructor for Mohave Community College and mentor chef for the Western Arizona Vocational Education (WAVE) Lake Havasu City culinary school Age: 38 Education: Torrance High School, Torrance Calif., 1996, Le Cordon Bleu – Scottsdale, 2005 Family: Mother Laura, father Ken, sister Kelly and brother Ken Interests: Being out on the lake with family and friends Business address: 3275 N Latrobe Dr., Lake Havasu City, AZ 86404 Phone number: (928) 764-1404
learning knife skills, basic techniques, mise en place and developing a flavor palate. The second year things ramp up with a focus on French classic cooking including learning about the five mother sauces, knowledge crucial to any chef’s cooking repertoire. The third year the students
“The kids are with me all day, so I teach them all subjects. The difficult thing is getting it all in,” Hagest said. “But, if I can earn the students’ trust and they believe in me they will do anything for me. They will work hard, but I make it fun. Half the time they don’t even realize they are learning because they are enjoying it so much. I do set the bar high, but I give them plenty of opportunity to reach the bar and fly over it.”
becoming further immersed in the world of culinary arts and enter into an internship at a local restaurant. Two of Freick’s former students now work with her at the Refuge. “For me, working with the kids is not work. It’s fun,” she said. “Although it spreads me pretty thin sometimes because I have a lot going on, it’s very rewarding.”
Under 40
KHAMRANIE PERSAUD It’s hard for Khamranie Persaud to choose between her role at Midwest Internal Medicine and guiding people to a healthier slimmer self. “At Midwest it’s more like watching the television show ‘House, MD,’ where I see patients and order complex tests to figure out what’s going on,” Persaud said. “This brings me joy because sometimes I can unlock a very rare diagnosis in order to give someone the proper medication to help them.” Express Health is rather straight forward, Persaud said, helping people navigate through a weight loss program. “This brings me joy as well,” she said. “It’s great to ween people off their medications when someone is 150 pounds lighter.” Walking into Express Health, patients are met with an informal setting of couches to conduct group support meetings. The walls are lined with inspirational quotes that tell Persaud’s philosophy. “The difference
September 27, 2017 - 19 KHAMRANIE AT A GLANCE Internal medicine physician for Midwest Internal Medicine and chief executive officer and medical director for Express Health Age: 34 Education: Bronx High School of Science 1997, City University of New York Honors College at Queens College, State University of New York at Downstate Medical Center Family: Mother Kemla, father Naresh, and brother Caesar, 29 Interests: Loves cooking Business address: Express Health, 2150 McCulloch Blvd N b, Lake Havasu City, AZ 86403 Phone number: (928) 208-1327 Website: http://www.expresshealthmd.com/
between who you are and who you want to be is what you do — Bill Phillips.” Persaud takes this sentiment seriously. “Everyone has goals and aspirations, but to bring that to reality takes something more than just dreaming,” she said. “It’s about what you bring to the table day to day to achieve a goal. You can’t sit around dreaming all day, at some point you have to put pen to paper.”
A quote form President Teddy Roosevelt also brings inspiration. “Don’t look back you are not going that way,” Roosevelt said. “If you keep looking back that means you are taking you eyes off the prize,” she added. “Especially in a weight loss clinic, we are very motivated to keep moving forward and not looking at what mistake you’ve made.”
CONGRATULATIONS to all Recipients & Nominees, We Celebrate Your Success! Dr. Carlos Ruiz & Dr. Ilan Shamos
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928-733-6199
2872 Jamaica S. • Lake Havasu City, AZ
20 - September 27, 2017
Under 40
BRADY KRUEGER Never one to be daunted by a challenge, Lake Havasu High School’s new athletic director and assistant principal Brady Krueger sees the next step in his career as an opportunity for growth and leadership along with the chance to learn the inner workings of an athletic department that has many bright spots. With 12 years working for Lake Havasu Unified School District, Krueger worked as an eighth grade social studies teacher and track coach at Thunderbolt Middle School before moving on to teach U.S. history and psychology, and coach track, at the high school. His number one goal is to mentor the town’s youth. “It’s a cliché, but you have to like being around kids and be willing to constantly help them better themselves,” Krueger said. “It’s about being here every day, day in and day out to push them to college and beyond. It’s also about helping kids simply graduate or just make it through their day. It’s all the little things that make this job fulfilling.” As with all other educators, some days are better than others, but it’s the idea of helping children to become responsible and productive adults that motivates Krueger. “That’s the end goal,” he said. “There is nothing more rewarding and gratifying than when I see former students out leading successful lives, especially when I had them as eight graders or in high school and you wonder what are they going to do. Then, you see them and realize they came a long way. It’s always a proud moment.” To Krueger the community also plays an important role in developing a positive life on campus. “One of my goals in this new position is to reach out more to the community, because this isn’t my athletic program, this isn’t the high school athletic program, it’s
really representative of the people who live here,” he said. “We are trying to establish and atmosphere and an environment where the students know they have a place, a community on campus that is safe and somewhere you can feel excited about attending school at Lake Havasu High School.”
BRADY AT A GLANCE Lake Havasu High School assistant principal and athletic director Age: 36 Education: Hudson High School, St. Croix County, Wis. 2000, University of Wisconsin–La Crosse, Arkansas State University Family: Wife Tonya, twin daughters Sophie and Ellie, 5, and 10 month old daughter Caris Interests: Travel, reading, golf, watching high school and college sports, and the NFL, and spending time with friends and family Business address: 2675 South Palo Verde Blvd, Lake Havasu City, AZ 864036 Phone number: (928) 854-5001
Under 40
September 27, 2017 - 21
The A TEAM wishes to congratulate Chad Nelson and all the Up and Coming Community Leaders Under 40! Chad doesn’t just think outside the box… for Chad, there is no box! His creativity, innovation, and determination has catapulted his real estate team to the number one team in Lake Havasu City. He leads his team of agents with knowledge, compassion, and professionalism, setting a high standard for customer service that continues to exceed all expectations.
It’s a great time to BUY, SELL, or INVEST in Real Estate!
Call the 928-486-9946
Not only a successful Realtor and Team Leader, Chad is also a devoted husband to his beautiful wife and father to his five adorable children. Putting faith and family first, Chad exemplifies all the qualities of a community leader and is most deserving of being recognized as an Up and Coming Community Leader Under 40!
Congratulations Chad! Your family and team are so very proud of you! 94 S. Acoma Blvd., Ste 103 • www.havasuhero.com
Congratulations to all our Under 40 professionals! Thank you for going above and beyond for our community!
22 - September 27, 2017
Under 40
CHAD NELSON If you have a problem, if no one else can help, and if you can find them: Maybe you can hire the A-Team. Real estate agent Chad Nelson has never advertised himself this way, but since 2005 Nelson has raised his team of Realtors into the top sellers of real estate in Lake Havasu City. Nelson calls them the “A-Team,” and while a lot of businesses might claim to be “number-one,” Nelson says his team proves it every day. “We focus on residential real estate,” Nelson said. “We strive to provide the best possible service, and we give a little more attention to the smaller details.” Nelson’s team places an extra bit of emphasis on technology, and all of the A-Team’s listings are available in 360-degree digital imaging when listed for sale. Nelson is continuing to expand his business through Havasu, and was as of September working with four construction companies on more than a dozen new
CHAD AT A GLANCE Owner, A Team at Keller Williams Arizona Living Realty Age: 39 Education: Studied general education at Yavapai, Coconino and Cabrillo Community Colleges Family: Married with five children
Havasu homes. According to Nelson, his team is stepping up its game for Havasu’s future. Beyond Nelson’s business, he participates in community projects as well. Nelson serves as one of Havasu’s Cub Scout leaders, and served with Havasu’s “Vision 20/20” planning committee to
JESSE STOPKE Some smiths train for years before they take their own hammer to the anvil, fashioning iron and steel into tools and weapons. Jesse Stopke’s work is a little more delicate than that. For four years, Stopke has owned what he describes as Havasu’s only full-service gun shop (including a store front), having taken over the business from longtime Havasu gunsmith John Ryan, under whom Stopke served as an apprentice. “It started out as a hobby, and it turned into a business,” Stopke said. “It became a passion. I started as an apprentice and worked my way up…I learned a lot from John Ryan.” Gun Solutions, at 2143 McCulloch Blvd, is a place where customers can interact directly with local gunsmiths, and see employees at work, Stopke said.
create the city’s first long-term economic and community development plan. Nelson also serves on Havasu’s Planning and Zoning Commission. Nelson also serves the Havasu community through the Lake Havasu City Association of Realtors, working alongside more than 700 others of his profession to aid in charitable donations and community events. “Whether it’s a school drive, or anything else, we’re always willing to contribute to Havasu,” Nelson said.
JESSE AT A GLANCE Gunsmith and owner of Gun Solutions Age: 38 Education: Graduated from Lake Havasu High School Family: Married with three daughters Interest: Firearms and family.
“We plan to keep growing,” Stopke said. “We’ve already expanded and outgrown our old shop, and Havasu has been good to my family. It’s a great place to be.” Stopke often does volunteer work with the Minute Men Search and Rescue Team, and assists U.S. Border Patrol agents with search and rescue missions. He has also done charity work through his business with Wounded Warriors, Hospice of Havasu and the Veterans of America. Gun Solutions also offers discounts to veterans and first responders in Havasu.
Under 40
September 27, 2017 - 23
ASHLEY BUCKLES Ashley Buckles has always wanted to be in a “helping” profession. Buckles has worked in family services since 2013, helping children and adults to thrive in Arizona, or to help families overcome trauma. As a victim services specialist at Havasu’s H.A.V.E.N. Family Resource Center, she has dedicated her career to helping those in distress, and helping those individuals in finding a safe place.
ASHLEY AT A GLANCE HAVEN Family Resource Center victims services specialist Age: 36 Education: Applied science at Mohave Community College Family: Married to Cory VanCleave, two children. Interests: Being a mother, leading Girl Scouts, Jet Skiing, camping, everything that Havasu has to offer.
Buckles also serves a troop leader for the Girl Scouts of Lake Havasu City, and is working with Havasu’s community action team to create more efficient crisis-response teams. “I wanted to help people, and this was the best setting that would help me do that,” Buckles said. “I’m not just a victims’ advocate. I’ve done other programs for kids, and I want to help facilitate a greater bond between the community, children and victims of trauma.”
ongratulations C Branch President of
to
First Savings Bank
Teri Jameson
Branch President of First Savings Bank
for being recognized as one of the Up & Coming Leaders in our Community.
1031 Acoma Blvd. S. Lake Havasu City 928-855-0777
24 - September 27, 2017
Under 40
JASON HELART
JASON AT A GLANCE College Street Brewery head of brewery operations Age: 37 Education: General studies at American Military University, now studying Environmental Science at Arizona State University. Family: Married to Jamaica Elementary School Principal Andrea Helart, with two children.
Jason Helart is a purveyor of craft beer. His wife is a purveyor of education. According to Helart, they’re not so different. Helart left the U.S. Navy in 2013. But even thent, Helart couldn’t escape the water for long. His wife, now Jamaica Elementary School Principal Andrea Helart, wanted to pursue her career in education in Lake Havasu City. It was in Havasu that Helart found his own calling as owner and proprietor of Havasu’s College Street Brewery.
community,” Helart said. “But I do a lot of fundraisers for teachers in Havasu, and for the Havasu Art Guild, and I’m heavily involved with what the Humane Society is doing in Havasu.” Last year, Helart and other of Havasu’s brewers created the city’s own “Bright Future Pale Ale,” the sale of which went to support charitable organizations throughout the city.
“I like making beer,” Helart said. “It’s a craft, and I like the community involvement. I can have conversations all day long with people at the bar, and I get to drink as part of my profession. You can’t beat that.” Unlike “Cheers’” Ted Danson, however, Helart’s life extends beyond the set of his
HEATHER COURNEYA For nearly four years, Heather Courneya has led the city’s “Denise’s Day” organization in its fight to help Lake Havasu City cancer victims. The organization was started by local country musician Matt Farris, in order to help a local cancer victim. When Ferris’s career began to take off, however, the musician turned to Courneya to see “Denise’s Day” continue onward. Courneya took the reins of the organization in 2014, and continues to provide support to cancer-sufferers throughout the city. “Every year we raise more money, and we give more back to those who need it,” Courneya said. “People in Havasu are battling cancer, and we see what we can do the help. It feels good to be able to help people who need it.” Denise’s Day is a nonprofit organization,
bar and into the community itself. “I don’t feel that I do enough for the
This fall, Helart is planning an auction with the Havasu Art Guild, and in November will host College Street’s fifth anniversary charity fundraiser.
HEATHER AT A GLANCE Denise’s Day organizer, employed at LHC Printing Plus Age: 30 Education: Graduate of Lake Havasu High School, Alumni of Northern Arizona University Family: Long-term boyfriend, Havasu resident Kyle Springman. Interests: Spending time with family and travelling.
consisting entirely of unpaid volunteers. “It just makes us feel good in our hearts,” Courneya said. “We want to help people in our community. I think it helps people when they need it the most, and we bring hope into the situation victims are going through.” As she continues to lead Denise’s Day, Courneya has also trained for years to take over her family’s business, LHC Printing Plus. Denise’s Day’s next event will take place
Oct. 21, with the organization’s 3rd Annual Denise’s Day Cancer Walk.
Under 40
KELLY GARRY
KELLY AT A GLANCE
Lake Havasu City Attorney Kelly Garry has been employed with the city since 2006 after moving from South Dakota. “I always knew that I wanted to work either in a nonprofit type of firm or in government,” Garry said. She came into Havasu as assistant city attorney and was appointed city attorney in December 2011. She and her team at the city work on a host of duties that require legal expertise, which brings lots of variety to her job. “It is very varied, which is one of the things I enjoy most about it. Things kind of come up as the day goes on. It can be anything from dealing with a contract to giving advice to city staff or council members, or writing and reviewing policies, ordinances and resolutions,” Garry said.
C O N G R A T U L A T I O N S
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Age: 38 Lake Havasu City Attorney Website: Family: Married with two kids Interests: Spending time with family, running, CrossFit Education: Bachelor of Science from South Dakota State University; Juris Doctorate from University of South Dakota Business address: 2330 McCulloch Boulevard North (City Hall) Business phone: 928-453-4146
She also helped with the rewriting of the city’s development code, which she said was a huge undertaking. Even though it’s a lot of work, Garry said she loves her job and the people she gets to work with. She is also able to find a balance and enjoys time spent with her family. She’s passionate about fitness and sometimes travels to compete in Ragnar Relays and CrossFit events with her husband.
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26 - September 27, 2017 MIKE AT A GLANCE Sergeant with the Lake Havasu City Police Department Age: 33 Family: Married to Anna with a son, Cody, 10 Interests: Spending time with family, working out and watching movies Business: MetCon Madness - Private Personal Training Phone number: 928-412-4648 Website: metconmadness@gmail.com
MIKE MUNDING Lake Havasu City Police Sgt. Michael Shea Munding oversees eight people with the Police Department’s school campus officers, animal control, boating officers and neighborhood watch. He also coordinates the department’s Citizen’s Police Academy. On top of that he’s also an entrepreneur along with his wife. They’re working on setting up a personal training business out of their home with hopes to expand in the future. He says his dream is to open his own gym after retiring from his job with the city. Originally from Orange, California, Munding initially pursued a career in law enforcement in California after he graduated high school. He later applied at the Havasu PD and was offered a job as a patrol officer 11 years ago. He says Havasu was a perfect fit for his family. “Moving here was probably the best decision we could have made,” he said. He says his time at the PD has taught him a lot, and he’s proud of the cases he’s been a part of, particularly his work investigating crimes against children. “They’re victims that don’t really have a way to protect themselves because they’re so vulnerable, so that was really rewarding,” he said. Another notable case he worked was the “Bombshell Bandit” who robbed a bank in Havasu and others in the region. Through research, Munding tied her to the other robberies and of the several police detectives that later interviewed her after her arrest, Munding was the only one who got her to confess to the robberies.
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BRITTIN WOLF
BRITTIN AT A GLANCE
Brittin Wolf used a networking opportunity to propel him into a civil engineering career with Desert Land Group, which is behind several major land developments and construction projects in the area. Wolf, originally from Parker, began his career as a firefighter/paramedic with Buckskin Fire Department after receiving a degree in emergency management. But a few years in he decided he wanted to try something new. “I guess I always kind of knew I would find my way into something else, but I just hadn’t figured out what that would end up being. So, I was studying building construction for a ladder operations class and became very interested in building construction and kept wanting to learn more and more,” Wolf said. He learned as much as he could about construction online before moving back to Tempe for three years to pursue a degree in
Age: 27 Education: ASU BS Civil engineering Family: Parents Robert and Donena, sister Abbey Interests: Traveling, food, being on the water Business address: 92 Acoma Boulevard South Phone: 928-208-6250 Website: Desertlandgroup.com
civil engineering. While still in school, Wolf met with Luke Still, who is a partner and founder of Desert Land Group. As Wolf was about to graduate he called Still and was able to secure a job with Desert Land Group. “I worked my way up from smaller
Congratulations!
Nathan Burnell
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September 27, 2017 - 27
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projects and now I primarily work on the Havasu Riviera project and Havasu Foothills project,” Wolf said. Wolf has been designing a portion of the Riviera’s roadways, sidewalks and utility plans. He’s also been working on water tank designs for the Havasu Foothills project. He says he’d like to continue growing as an engineer with Desert Land Group and eventually build his own business and explore other areas of engineering. “I have an entrepreneurial spirit. It would be important for me to create something for myself,” Wolf said.
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STEVE & ALLIE PALMIERI Steve Palmieri owns Palmieri Construction. Allie Palmieri owns Main Street Salon. And together the couple owns Armstrong McCall — a wholesale beauty distribution business. The couple, who started dating in 2008 and married in 2010, also have a 3-yearold and 5-year-old daughter together. Soon, Allie will add Girl Scout Troop Leader to her ever-growing to-do list and, when the girls are a bit older the pair of them may coach a softball team. Running a combined three businesses — one locations in Havasu, Bullhead City and Yuma — and having children is a lot of work, but Allie and Steve said they, along with help from their family and office managers, make it work. “(Allie) typically gets the girls out in the morning and I pick them up, because I start earlier. And that helps,” Steve Palmieri said. “We just build the schedule around that. We try to take the weekend off for ourselves, and do what we can. It’s a challenge, but it’s fun.” Steve Palmieri, who got his contractor’s license in 2009 while waiting to hear back about admission to the City of Las Vegas Police Academy, also uses his company to help give back to the community. At the moment, Steve Palmieri is helping with the construction of Western Arizona Humane Society’s new shelter. He also donates helps
with the hospice and the Lake Havasu High School music program, where Steve’s sister is the band director. “That’s sort of how we give back,” Allie Palmieri said. “Trailers, storage closets — whatever construction projects she has he goes and helps her out.” And even with everything the Palmieries already have going on, they’re not looking to stop any time soon. The Palmieries said they are looking into another business venture
STEVE & ALLIE AT A GLANCE Owners of Palmieri Construction, Main Street Salon and Armstrong McCall Ages: Steve, 34; Allie, 31 Education: Steve- Coconino Community College, Allie- Euphoria in Las Vegas Family: daughters Ava, 5 and Stella, 3 Interests: Camping, spending time with the kids and family Business Address: Main Street Salon 2171 McCulloch Blvd. N Phone: Palmieri Construction 928-486-9618; Main Street Salon 928-302-1911; Armstrong McCall 928-733-6222 Website: Palmiericonstructioninc.com; Ketogenixsupplements.com
and just want to continue growing their businesses. “You’ve got to work for it, not be afraid to work,” Steve
Palmieri said. There’s a lot of opportunity in Havasu. The answer’s always going to be ‘no’ if you don’t ask.
JERAD PENNINGTON Pennington’s Pub owner Jerad Pennington was able to take his background in the food service industry and use it to become a leader in several local restaurants and eventually open his own business in November 2013. Before Pennington’s, he spent time opening La Vita Dolce and then oversaw food and beverage services at the Refuge Golf and Country Club for three years. “I guess you could say being in the business for so long, since I was 15, I always thought that I could do it on my own. I had my own ideas — some were traditional and some were my own,” Pennington said.
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JERAD AT A GLANCE Owner, Pennington’s Pub Age: 36 Family: Married to Sarah with two dogs Interests: Traveling, music Business address: 29 Acoma Boulevard South Phone number: 928-680-5555
He took those ideas and opened Pennington’s, which has become a favorite spot for musicians, comedians and Moscow Mule lovers from all over. Although he enjoys running his own business, it wasn’t always easy. “There are so many things you learn about being a small business owner when you’re the one in the driver’s seat, but didn’t realize before,” Pennington said.
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He says he was lucky to work with some great leaders, including Tim Shugrue, who showed him that even bosses need to push up their sleeves and help out. “The biggest moment for me was back in the 90s. Here’s this guy, he’s a multimillionaire, and he’s in the kitchen with all of us getting burnt on the grill cookin’ when he doesn’t have to,” Pennington said. To give back to the community, Pennington donates to the Western Arizona Humane Society, Women with Willpower and Toys for Tots. In the future, he said he’d like to open another Pennington’s Pub in the Flagstaff area as well as a nightclub in Havasu. He also shared aspirations to run for city council.
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40 UNDER
A recognition of up-and
-coming leaders helping to shap e the future of Lake Havasu City
Illustration by
Aymie Spitzer
FIRST CLASS
The first Havasu Under 40 class gathered at College Street Brewhouse and Pub last October to celebrate. The class included: Andrew Campbell, Jaime FestaDaigle, Mychal Gorden, Tonya Krueger, Richard Rahnema, Cal Sheehy, Stephanie Woo, Brett Qualls, Stephanie Lueras, Autumn Boyle-Robinson, Colleen McShea, Ilan Shamos, Nicole Norona, Eric Gedalje, Jeni Coke, Cameron Moses, Dustin Runyon, Ginny Sautner, Clay Connelly, Brian Francis, Heather Franklin, Debra Levi, Jana Stump and Amber Whitaker.
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