In September 2003, Gulfshore Business magazine debuted a story that was meant to celebrate Southwest Florida’s rising stars and the promise they held for our future prosperity and well-being. Named after articles appearing in publications across the country, our 40-under-40 story would recognize dynamic young professionals who distinguish themselves on the job and in their community.
This year’s 40-under-40 class once again demonstrates the wealth of talent in an array of professions, including medical, law, education, finance, public service and the arts, as well as entrepreneurs. During the day, these rising stars separate themselves from their peers, whether it’s by serving their clientele with superior dedication, improving the bottom line or representing their organizations in dignified fashion. After hours, these winners volunteer, serve on boards of charitable organizations and still find time to spend with their families.
And we’ll need all the help as we continue to climb our way out of a difficult economy. Fortunately, this youthful and gifted generation of leaders is ready to carry forward. Please join us in saluting our 2012 40-under-40 honorees.
Darla Betzer (36)
Executive director, American Cancer Society—Lee County
While growing up and playing sports [like tennis], learning how to work on a team, led her to see how her individual contribution impacted the greater picture.
“You can’t be successful by yourself. It takes a group of people to accomplish a task whether it’s a team you’re directly responsible for or in the case of volunteers. They are the ones that have helped to make us successful and bring us to this point.”
Off the Clock: Playing sports with her kids. Singing.
Andrew Bokan (38)
Shareholder, Knott Ebelini Hart law firm
The cake topper from is from his grandparents’ wedding 71 years ago, and he and his wife used it at their nuptials.
“Your reputation is the most important thing you can have. It precedes you, it’s the only thing you can take with you. It can take years and years to develop, but it can be torn down in a matter of minutes. So you need to preserve it and protect it.”
Off the Clock: He’s active with the YMCA and Rotary Club. He enjoys cooking and activities with his family.
Yvonne Bourk (36)
Wealth advisor, BB&T Wealth
She’s currently Pace Center for Girls’ Love That Dress! Collier County chair, hence the fine couture.
“If you follow your passion, success will come. Also, seek a cause you feel truly passionate about. Be able to describe the problems you solve and how you’re different. Follow the golden rule and you’ll never go wrong.”
Off the Clock: PACE Center for Girls, Children’s Museum of Naples, and the Women’s Philanthropic Network. She seeks to be a role model for her children, Chloe, four, and Levi, three, and for young girls in general.
David Breitenstein (37)
Higher education reporter, News-Press Media Group
Newspapers highlighting work from the past year covering the Edison State College story about its accountability and the pencil he’s taken everywhere for more than 20 years.
“I try to give my best to my job, my best to my family and the best to my community. Every child needs to have a better future, and I will do my little part to make sure that the education system is the best it can be.”
Off the Clock: Coaches little league baseball, plays basketball and works out.
Tom Buckley (36)
Owner/Realtor, McWilliams Buckley & Associates
Florida Everblades fans likely saw him on the ice when he played for the team.
“I am determined, strive for goals and work with our team. These are qualities I developed during my time as a player and team captain for the Florida Everblades, and those qualities have shaped the philosophy of my work ethic. I apply my team leadership to my personal life, career and the charities I’m part of.”
Off the Clock: He assists local charities, and he has a passion for golf and spending time with friends and family.
Stacey E.J. Bulloch(32)
Director of operations, Leslie Hindman Auctioneers
A Christmas gift from her husband after she was elected president of the Naples Art Association board. It reminds her that anything she signs her name on she must be passionate about.
“It’s important to develop your own perspective and your own point of view, to be informed and give your input. It doesn’t help when you’re quiet. Everything can always be improved. Whatever it is, there’s always something that can be streamlined or paired down to be more effective.”
Off the Clock: Cooking, traveling and downhill skiing.
Patrick Costello (35)
Attorney, Quarles & Brady
A signed football from the University of Miami—law-school memories from 2001 when the team won the championship.
“Don’t miss the forest for the trees. Law can be a very complex field with a lot of issues, and cases can involve many parties and arguments, but you really have to look at your client’s primary objective before anything else. You can get lost if you don’t stay focused on what your client wants in the case.”
Off the Clock: Owns two rescue dogs and takes advantage of the outdoors at the beach and golfing.
Blake Crawford (39)
CEO, Crawford Landscaping
It’s a jungle out there, but he knows how to tame the greenery and make the landscape look might fine.
“Treat people how you want to be treated. A lot of times people tend to look at their bottom line, and they fail to look at how it affects another person. What’s most important is that the client feels understood. The idea of being committed to honoring our word is incredibly important.”
Off the Clock: He loves his three young daughters and balancing work with family time.
Georgia Dawkins (24)
Producer, Waterman Broadcasting (WBBH/WZVN)
She’s noticed that over time the source has changed—you don’t see many TVs like that anymore—but the information hasn’t.
“I only compete with myself. People are always trying to compete with each other but constantly topping one’s own self is important. I believe that it should be ‘Outdo Georgia’ every day. I love the quote, ‘Live for the moments that you can’t put into words.’ I can’t dwell on past successes. I focus on pushing forward.”
Off the Clock: She places major importance in taking time to find peace and joy.
Loretta De Marco (38)
Vice president, De Marco Tile; owner, Retta’s Sweets
Sweets symbolize her passion mixed with patience of running her business. Two years ago she took the leap of faith to start her own company.
“Shyness is a part of personality; you have to put your own self out there. Never forget who you are, stay honest, and keep your morals and ethics intact, and always remain very cautious.”
Off the Clock: Training in 5k running. She is also active in the North Naples Rotary Club, And she will be participating in the upcoming Down & Dirty Mud Race in Miami.
Josh De Tillio (36)
Chief administrative officer, Gulf Coast Medical Center
His bike represents the discipline he must have to train as a triathlete, and this stems from learning to set challenging goals and work hard every day to achieve them.
“Over the next 10 years, demand for healthcare services will increase significantly with fewer dollars to pay for those services. We have to deliver more efficient, cost-effective and team-focused care. I empower my team to make decisions and provide them with the tools and resources they need.”
Off the Clock: On the Quality Life Center board. He and his wife have a daughter on the way.
Brandon Dowdy (39)
CEO, YMCA of the Palms
An American flag that was dedicated to his organization from a father on active duty in Iraq. Upon one of his visits home, he noticed his daughter’s positive change and credited it to the Y.
“Counsel individuals to take something away from every circumstance they find themselves in. Really be present and listening and understanding, and always stay optimistic. You never know when something you learn will become relevant in the future.”
Off the Clock: Snorkeling and spending time at the beach and at church together with his family.
Justin Einstein (37)
Director of operations, Aubuchon Homes
A former pro baseball player, he coaches five youth baseball teams.
“Work was always first. But when my daughter was born with congenital heart disease, it put things into perspective. When she was only four days old, she had open heart surgery. I was there for her when she woke up in the morning, commuting to work from the hospital in Saint Petersburg to Fort Myers, and returning to say goodnight to her. At the end of the day, work is just that. It’s the part of life that allows us to live our life.”
Off the Clock: He’s on the ball diamond.
Josh Evans (38)
President/owner, JR Evans Engineering, Estero; owner of KMF Environmental Consulting, Louisville
He is joined by his son and buddy, Cameron, five, with whom he spends a lot of time, whether they go to the beach or catch a Kentucky basketball game on TV.
“People just beginning their careers should slow down and not focus so much on the next advancement. Focus on now and enjoy every minute of it. It goes by fast and you wake up one day and you’re almost 40.”
Off the Clock: Married to his wife, Shelby, for 15 years, he enjoys snow skiing, tennis, golf and autocross racing.
Derik Fay (33)
Entrepreneur
The hammer culminates the journey he started as a little boy. Now he has the ability to directly impact kids who are where he was.
“The fear of failing is paralyzing to most people. I think the true entrepreneurial spirit is based on not only fearing to fail but actually looking forward to it. You very rarely learn from succeeding. I’ve learned most from the failures. Always stay open-minded.”
Off the Clock: His charity, Around the Clock Caring. He’s home for dinner each night to be with his daughters.
Anne Frazier (36)
President and CEO, Junior Achievement of Southwest Florida
Her workouts bring her balance. Plus, sometimes she has to do the heavy lifting.
“Learning never stops, and you should expose yourself to as much as you can. Read, travel, say yes and take advantage of various opportunities that come your way. Keep challenging yourself and embrace those challenges and know that if you take the easy route you’ll never get anywhere.”
Off the Clock: She teaches Power Sculpt and yoga at the Y. She’s on Special Olympics of Collier County board.
Brooke Gabrielsen (32)
Founder and managing partner, Re:Action Consulting
The gold medal she won at age 13 during the AAU Gymnastics Nationals.
“Be flexible and build skills that will translate into many fields. The world is changing, and people aren’t staying in one job or even one field for their entire career. But we know that critical thinking and relationship-building skills, for example, are important in almost every job. Use all available resources to help you grow.”
Off the Clock: She loves playing with her two children, Joseph, four, and Christian, one, as well as cooking and entertaining.
Jason Fry (39)
Owner, four local Batteries Plus stores, the Daniels Driving Range & Teaching Center, and the Sun Cup Golf Tournament
He considers golf a game of integrity, so he always plays by the rules. And no matter how bad of a hole he has, he keeps playing on and grinding it out.
“Treat employees with respect and make them feel a part of the company. Coming from being an employee for such a long time to becoming a business owner, I know what it likes to be treated poorly, and that’s not what I want for my employees.”
Off the Clock: Runs the Sun Cup, a four-day golf tournament in the first week of May.
Brandt Henning (32)
Architect, pkStudios
The architectural model is of an affordable and sustainable house design.
“Exceed the client’s goals from vision to completion. First, understand the client’s goals and project parameters. Then, extract the essence and find inspiration through research, culture, context, materials and forms throughout the design process to develop a strong concept. Merging the creative concept with the latest technology … provides a one-of-a-kind, functional and sustainably built environment.”
Off the Clock: He’s renovating his house with reclaimed materials.
Erin Houck-Toll (35)
Business and tax attorney, Henderson, Franklin, Starnes & Holt
She grew up with horses and learned to ride English when she was in college.
“It’s not just one project when you work with a client. They’re your customer, and you want them to be continually satisfied and knowledgeable about the process. Even if the case isn’t settled exactly as they hoped, it’s important that they understood the whole process going on.”
Off the Clock: She horseback rides as much as possible and travels with her husband. They’ve gone to Paris, London and Hawaii.
Juli Kern (39)
Marketing director, Johnson Engineering.
The wig she wore while undergoing chemotherapy.
“I had to juggle being diagnosed with cancer while five months pregnant, all while seeking chemotherapy treatment and working. Although I was fortunate to be able to work from home, I had to continue to work hard to remain a vital part of the team, produce quality work and stay focused, despite what was happening in my personal life.”
Off the Clock: She likes to take advantage of Florida beaches. She’s the mom of Dayton, six, and Kayli, four.
Nicole Laquis (38)
Pediatric nurse practitioner, Canterbury School
A pediatric stethoscope and otoscope are her tools of the trade.
“Follow through on your commitments. Be reliable and responsive. I think that’s been a lot of my success over the past 10 years not only working professionally as a nurse practitioner but also being a practice administrator for a large medical-surgical practice.”
Off the Clock: PACE Center for Girls and Make-a-Wish. The mother of four also enjoys horseback riding and traveling.
Trista Meister (38)
Communications director, David Lawrence Center
The megaphone symbolizes her commitment to being a team player; she’s won awards for that. Plus, as a marketing pro, she has to spread her message—loudly.
“If you love what you do it won’t seem like work. My personal interests complement my work, and it makes me do my best because I believe in it, not just to pay the bills. Look for jobs where you get to do what you’re good at.”
Off the Clock: The married mother of one daughter volunteers in the community and enjoys scuba diving, snow skiing and traveling in the U.S. and abroad.
Dr. Chad Luce (36)
Chiropractor, Luce Family Chiropractic
The model spine represents his love of being a chiropractor.
“Being profoundly deaf in both ears is the single biggest challenge with which I’ve had to work. In fact, it’s a challenge every day, a challenge that resets itself every morning when I wake up. The greatest compliment I receive, ironically, is when people tell me that being deaf makes me a better ‘listener’ because I have to put all my focus into the conversation with that one person.”
Off the Clock: Attends car races and spends time with his new baby boy.
Reggie Morgan (39)
CEO/principal, DeAngelis Diamond Healthcare Group
He likes to fish, and, yes, he has hooked a shark before.
“After being in construction for 16 years I’ve had to learn how to balance family, work life and the way I respond to issues or setbacks. Always be flexible, trustworthy and take on challenges. Don’t let your circumstances define you; commit to working hard and being reliable.”
Off the Clock: He’s big into being outdoors and near the water with his children.
Felix Mehler (37)
Attorney, Cohen & Grigsby
He attended a performing arts high school and pursued a career as a professional percussionist in a symphony orchestra in Germany.
“You have to know yourself and know what you’re capable of doing. This goes hand in hand with being humble, staying flexible and never taking yourself too seriously. Don’t try to be anyone else or what you think anyone else wants you to be.”
Off the Clock: Loves music, the arts and volunteers on the board of the United Arts Council. He seeks to pass on the value of the arts to his own children.
Mauricio Pallares (33)
Entertainment TV Host, Executive Producer of Dimenzion AZ on Azteca America Southwest Florida—Media Vista Group
The wireless microphone is a must for on-the-go reporting.
“Music, fashion and the arts are working in crossover markets. In our scenario, the young Latin community is learning everything in English but has the Spanish influence. The more languages you learn, the better the advantage; we live in a multicultural and diverse country that encourages interaction with different cultures.”
Off the Clock: He bikes and goes to the beach.
Tara Parla (37)
Sales and marketing director, T&M Portables; Founder, Passion Foundation
The hats represent her journey over the past two-and-a-half years. She has more than 30.
“Every day is a challenge but I know that cancer is the biggest blessing in my life. It brought me to starting my foundation; my family has been brought closer. I’ve learned so much more about myself versus where I’d be if I had never been diagnosed. Be open to life.”
Off the Clock: Traveling is a love, and she takes advantage of living in Florida on the boat and the beach.
Jonathan Romine (32)
Architect/director of architecture, EnSite
The photo of his three-year-old daughter, Ava, reminds him why he does what he does.
“Find balance between personal, professional and community life. Learning to speak up takes getting used to; become confident in your professional abilities. Do what you’re passionate about, not because you think it pays well. Don’t be afraid to speak up and trust yourself.”
Off the Clock: The Foundation for Lee County Schools and Take Stock in Children Program, for which he serves as a mentor. A die-hard st. louis Cardinals fan.
Danny Rosenfeld (27)
Play specialist, the Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples
The award symbolizes the work he’s done for epilepsy by starting a support group when he realized none existed in Southwest Florida.
“Never let anyone tell you that you can’t do something. I’ve lived with epilepsy for over 17 years, and I’ve had to make peace with the curve balls I’ve been thrown. Sometimes things don’t always go as planned. Try to find ways to get yourself in the door.”
Off the Clock: He supports others coping with epilepsy, planning future events such as a rock fest.
Sam J. Saad III (35)
Attorney/partner, Saad & Krause; and president, Paradise Coast Title; Naples city councilman
He enjoys a good cigar. The red Matchbox Corvette was a gift at 16 from his dad in lieu of the real thing.
“Pick a career path and stick with it; don’t be flighty. Make sure that any change you make will prove to be a true step forward. I could be a maniacal politician or a lawyer on TV, but I choose to handle my profession in a more subtle manner.”
Off the Clock: He’s training to run the New York City Marathon in November.
Duncan Scarry (37)
CEO/founder, Haystak Digital Marketing; CEO/founder Moore & Scarry Advertising
He has a saying: “If you’re going to be a bear, be a grizzly bear,” meaning if you’re going to do something, go big.
“Don’t be afraid of failure. If everything goes wrong, it’s not like a tiger is going to eat your kids. The worst-case scenario really isn’t that bad. Once you realize that, you can take bigger risks, and bigger risks will lead to bigger successes.”
Off the Clock: He enjoys fishing and boating, as well as spending time with his two sons, wife and two dogs.
Katie Schweikhardt (37)
Collier County food coordinator and programs director, Harry Chapin Food Bank
The children she delivers food to call her “Katie the Food Lady.”
“I am new to the career of nonprofit. What I’ve learned to be important in my career is to continue to do the things that are important to you. When I was in private [law] practice I always volunteered … and it led me to this path. I never would have bet that this would have happened. This is where I truly belong.”
Off the Clock: Her son and family are the most important to her. She also practices yoga.
Amy Sedlacek (33)
Corporate sales manager, Norman Love Confections
Chocolate is just part of her job, which is good because she says she has a huge
sweet tooth.
“Always do the right thing. You have to be honest and ethical at all times. There’s an old saying that at the end of the night you have to be able to sleep and rest well. Business is about people and knowing to do right by them.”
Off the Clock: She’s a Make-A-Wish Foundation Wish Granter. She loves outdoor activities and photography, cooking and baking.
Reuben Silva (31)
Owner, Reuben’s Catering
The plaque that he made reminds him that “we can get through anything when we have our family.”
“Life is an endurance race, and a big part of that race is career. When you get knocked down during your biggest problem, there’s always going to be something good to take from it. Keep pressing on and go to the next challenge. Once you accomplish your goals everything falls into place.”
Off the Clock: The married father of three daughters is involved with PACE Center for Girls.
Jake Spanberger (33)
Co-owner, Entech Computer Services
He’s in the computer biz, which he says he’s quite passionate about.
“Many people want everything to be in black and white. The trick to providing solutions is to not assume that everything is in black or white but to find the gray. Find a solution and always be looking for the gray to provide support. That way you will be able to provide better help to everyone around you.”
Off the Clock: He’s a member of the Rotary Club, volunteers for Habitat for Humanity and is newly married.
Tracy Taylor (36)
Director of marketing, Premiere Oncology
The antique British Telecom phone comes from the company for which she and her husband once worked. Plus, she’s always making calls.
“Never, under any circumstances, burn a bridge; you never know when you will be crossing over it again. Work hard at the job and tasks you are given, even if you think they are small. To show that you are diligent and competent is half the battle in moving ahead in your career.”
Off the Clock: She spends time with her husband, Gary, and two sons, Jenson and Conrad.
Heather Tice (38)
Assistant vice president, director of marketing, First National Bank of the Gulf Coast
The puzzle pieces represent autism awareness; her oldest son is on the spectrum, and that diagnosis brought her to the path of doing what she was meant to do.
“I learned the most important lesson from my dad who ingrained in me from a very early age to know that the answer is always ‘no’ until you ask. You can’t lose anything by asking. I’ve grown up without a fear of asking people for just about anything.”
Off the Clock: She’s on the board of the Ricky King Children’s Fund. She’s also a diehard Chicago Bears fan.
Kathleen Van Bergen (36)
President and CEO, Naples Philharmonic Center for the Arts
The orchid represents how she values aesthetics in arts and culture, the home, office and life.
“I’m a firm believer that people get things done with other people. Working creatively and collaboratively is what I really believe in. Arts and culture are not a privilege but a right. I want to do my best to … create an environment where artists and performers can do their best work.”
Off the Clock: She enjoys gardening, walking on the beach, yoga and going to concerts.
Cyndee Woolley (31)
Owner, C2 Communications
The wine bottle is symbolic of her approach to life: going big and having big ideas.
“If you want to be known for doing something awesome, do something awesome. You must be passionate about what you’re doing. There are very impactful things you can do on a daily basis such as helping out a not-for-profit. Rally a community around something important that they didn’t know about before.”
Off the Clock: She’s proud that her daughter, Bridget, six, is an entrepreneur. woolley went sky diving even though she was petrified of heights.
At The Naples Philharmonic Center For The Arts
Photo Assistant: Stefan Batista
Hair and Makeup: Dani Taverna, Duality Artistry
