Top 30 under Forty

Dustin Ainsworth, 39

Title: Business Development

Company: Kootenai Title Co.

Type of company: Title Insurance

Education: a lot of college

City of Residence: Coeur d’Alene

Family: Mom, Judy in Arizona, younger brother Jacob and Sister Marci from Santa Cruz California

First Job: Bus boy in Santa Cruz

Why did you choose your profession: Actually it chose me…

What was the turning point in your career: No single point, other then working for a successfully owned and operated title company that has called Coeur d’Alene home for over 36 years. Coeur d’Alene has done so much for me, and I feel blessed to work for a company that supports my volunteer and civic duties, and at the same time representing Kootenai Title day in and day out.

What tools or factors helped you achieve early success: My charming personality, infectious smile and positive attitude.

What is your ultimate career goal: Not to have one….

What is your guiding business principal: To continue raising the bar and treat everyone in the manner that I would expect to be treated.

Characteristics for a good leader: To be supportive and suggestive instead of demanding or forceful

Who are your mentors: Of course, my mother. I’m her No.1 fan and she may be my No.1 fan too. It’s a win-win for both of us.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received: From my mother… to kill people with kindness… I can always walk away from an uncomfortable situation knowing I did the right thing with my dignity in tact.

What’s the worst advice you’ve ever received: I try to forget “those” people. But when I cross their paths, I seem to reflect back on the best advice I was given.

Most Important lesson: Not sure if its learned or just inherent.. I am such a positive person that I struggle with negativity. I also try to learn something from each day and before I go to sleep at night, I thank God for the opportunity and the experience to take something from it.

New career: I so wish I could be a stand up comedian… I love making people laugh and smile. Otherwise, to be some kind of a life coach who experiences life to the fullest each and everyday and then reports back to help others who cannot enjoy such experiences.

Favorite book: Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren

Favorite movie: The Man from Snowy River

Civic organizations: Original founding member of the COEUR Group since 2004.  Coeur d’Alene Public Library Foundation since 2007. Sunrise Rotarian since 2008, Elder Help, CASA, Coeur d’Alene Association of Realtors PR Action Team leader 2007-2009, Coeur d’Alene Chamber of Commerce Business Development Committee 2010

Hobbies: Golf, fly fishing, Snowmobiling, Snowboarding, Wakeboarding,

Cheri Bloom, 38

Title: Dr. Cheri C. Bloom

Company: Cheri C. Bloom, DDS, PLLC

Type of company: General Dentistry Office

Education: Bachelor of Science (BS) Zoology, University of Idaho — 1994

Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS), Creighton University — 1999

City of residence: Hayden

Family: Husband, Jim., 6 yr. old twin daughters, Tessa & Sophia

First job: Dishwasher, Hayden Lake Country Club

Why did you choose your profession?  Dentistry is a great combination of art and science, plus working with people and your hands.

What was the turning point in your career?  Buying a practice back home.

What tools or factors helped you achieve early success?  A good education, supportive extended family, a strong drive, and knowing what I wanted.

What is your ultimate career goal?  I’m fortunate to have achieved my career goal of owning my own dental practice and helping people.

What’s your guiding business principle?  To provide quality dental care in a caring, comfortable environment.

What are the necessary characteristics for a good leader?  Have a vision, integrity, dedication and a good sense of humor!

Who are your mentors?  Dr. Vince Rossi, Dr. Gabe Don Sing and my Mother.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?   “This too shall pass”

What’s the worst advice you’ve ever received?  “The Chargers are going to make it to the Super Bowl this year!”

What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned?  Forgiveness is for the forgiver, not the forgiven.

What would be your first choice for a new career?   I love dentistry, but if I had to pick another career in a non-practical world, it would be as a zoologist working with gorillas and chimpanzees.

Favorite books?  “Pillars of the Earth”, “The Art of Racing in the Rain”, “The Boy in the Striped Pajamas”

Favorite movie?   “The Godfather”

Civic organization involvement:  Veterans Administration Local 890 “Stand Down”, Medical Reserve Corp. of North Idaho, 2009 “Give Kids A Smile” program coordinator

What are your hobbies? Travel, reading, exercise, spending time with family.

Carl Bryan, 27

Title: Customer Service & Sales

Company: Tavis Throm State Farm

Type of company: Insurance & Financial Services

Education: BBA Marketing

City of residence: Coeur d’Alene

Family: A wife and 2 happy dogs

First job: WWII DUKW pilot & tour guide

Why did you choose your profession?

I am eager to please and enjoy communicating with people all day. The best way for me to do that is on the front end of business: Sales and marketing. My personality and lifestyle naturally fit this well.

What was the turning point in your career?

Being a homeowner and husband in this last year has really directed me and kept me focused; working for what I love in life. My early work after college was not as meaningful as it is today, or will be tomorrow.

What tools or factors helped you achieve early success?

Role models and a little motivation can take you a long way. This not only pushed me through college and 1,000 miles west, but it’s empowered me and given me confidence to succeed in any endeavor I attempt.

What is your ultimate career goal?

Although I love the people I work for, the leader in me is calling to be the team leader and create the work for those I work with. I intend to maximize every opportunity available, and give others the opportunity to work and enjoy it together.

What’s your guiding business principle?

The golden rule is exactly that. However, when I’m faced with adversity I look to the role models who have led me through life. They are constant reminders of the actions I choose. When I need guidance, I visualize those people to emulate what they would do and what I’ve learned to be scrupulous.

What are the necessary characteristics for a good leader?

A leader must first have direction and conviction to accomplish synergistic goals. To know where the ship is going as Christopher Columbus did, even before they knew what existed. Although his crew may not have known either, they believe his direction was true and just. And finally, a leader must have character. The strength to prevail in times of adversity, pull the weight of the team, and harness the power of others so the overall outcome is greater than the sum of each individual.

Who are your mentors?

My first mentors were my family, who instilled core values in me. I’ve since relied on teachers, professors, coworkers and the leaders I’ve worked for. I am interested in their direction and the past they came from. I look up to my boss every day, personally and professionally.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?

That’s not a good idea.

What’s the worst advice you’ve ever received?

Do it again; faster.

What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned?

It’s not what you do to know people, or the people you know. It’s what you do for people that you don’t know.

What would be your first choice for a new career?

If only I could fit in the cockpit of an F-16 fighter jet. Unfortunately, I’m 6′5″ which doesn’t give much headroom.

Favorite books?

Malcom X. Although controversial, and perhaps not the most significant figure. It challenged me to open my mind at a young age and empathize something I could not see or experience.

Favorite movie?

Forest Gump, everyone has the opportunity to achieve great things.

Civic organization involvement:

Toastmasters, Eagles, Habitat for Humanity volunteer.

What are your hobbies?

Ski, hunt, hike, fish, bike and get to know you!

Kim Dahlberg-Phelps, 37

Title: Owner

Company: Dahlberg Architects

Type of company: Architecture

Education: Bachelor of Architecture, 1996 University of Idaho

City of residence: Liberty Lake, WA

Family: Husband of 8 years, Shawn; children: Hayden, age 6 and Alysse, age 4

First job: Lamonts (when I was in high school)

Why did you choose your profession? My father, who was an architect, sparked my initial interest in architecture. After seeing him work, I realized that I would enjoy the creative aspect.

What was the turning point in your career? When I moved back from the Seattle area in 2005 to work with my dad.

What tools or factors helped you achieve early success? After I graduated from college, I moved to Seattle and worked for a big firm that spent a lot of time training interns. This gave me the opportunity to develop my architectural knowledge and skills.

What is your ultimate career goal? To continue running my own firm, designing the highest quality buildings for many years to come.

What’s your guiding business principle? Do what you can to achieve client satisfaction.

What are the necessary characteristics for a good leader? Communication, integrity, and dedication are essential characteristics for a good leader.

Who are your mentors? My mentor up until his death in 2007, was my dad. Now I consider all of the construction professionals I work with my mentors, as I learn something new every day from them.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received? You will never know the answer to every question, but you will always be able to find out.

What’s the worst advice you’ve ever received? I honestly do not think I’ve ever received any bad advice, or maybe I just don’t know it yet.

What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned? The key to any successful business is effective communication.

What would be your first choice for a new career? I don’t think I could choose another career. I love what I do!

Favorite books? Having two children, I don’t have much time to read, except to them. My current favorite is Skippyjon Jones.

Favorite movie? I don’t have a favorite movie, but my favorite genre is Romantic-Comedy.

Civic organization involvement: Coeur d’Alene Chamber of Commerce Commodore

What are your hobbies? Cooking and gardening.

Ryan Davis, 36

Title: Executive Director

Company: Boys & Girls Club of Kootenai County

Type of company: Non-Profit / National Youth Development Agency

Education: Highland High School / Lewis Clark State College

City of residence: Post Falls, Idaho

Family: Wife-Jame’ Davis, Daughter- Emily Davis 12, Son- Samuel Davis 10

First job: Picking Rocks out of the fields and loading hay on my family farm. I was 10 years old.

Why did you choose your profession? I wanted to pursue something that I was passionate about, and loved the feeling that at the end of the day I could make a difference in someone’s life. My wife grew up In a Boys &Girls Club and now my kids go to the Club. It’s a lifestyle for us in the Davis family.

What was the turning point in your career? May 2004 when I went back to work for the Boys & Girls Clubs after eight years of working outside the organization in a couple different fields. It was at that point that I knew it was a career rather than a job.

What tools or factors helped you achieve early success? An ingrained strong work ethic, caring about others more than myself and having a commitment to excellence.

What is your ultimate career goal? To see the Clubs impact grow in this community with our new facility and through expanding our programs throughout the entire county. Ultimately, to give 100 percent always, and to bring a spirit of excellence to whatever I am involved in.

What’s your guiding business principle? Care about your staff, treat your clients with respect and do things right the first time.

What are the necessary characteristics for a good leader? A good leader must have influence, not be afraid to take a calculated risk and never delegate something they are not willing to do themselves.

Who are your mentors? My father, who I am still learning from today. Bob Liming, my first Executive Director in Lewiston who taught me the science of being a Director. Mitch Minnette, who taught me the art of being a Director. People in this community who don’t even realize they are like Chris Cheeley, Pat Whalen and Ron Nilson.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received? One piece that I always pack with me came from my best friend who is also my wife. “Use your past as a trampoline, not an easy chair.” We can’t sit and bask in past success or revel in past failures, let them propel you into the future.

What’s the worst advice you’ve ever received? At one point in high school a family friend (who was also a college professor) told me that it would be ridiculous to go into teaching or working with youth in any capacity because there is no money in it… Wealth isn’t always measured in dollars.

What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned? Learning how to hear what someone is saying. It’s one thing to listen, but it is a completely different thing to hear what is and is not being communicated.

What would be your first choice for a new career? Running a Foundation.  I think in the back of many non-profit executives mind there is a desire to be able to help distribute funds rather than request them. I think bringing experience from the requesting end would be very valuable in the development of a Foundation and how funds are distributed.

Favorite books? Anything by Stephen Ambrose (history) or John Maxwell (leadership)

Favorite movie? Man on Fire with Denzel Washington. (Boys & Girls Clubs of America National Spokesperson) This movie is an amazing story of sacrifice.

Civic organization involvement: Board Member of the Post Falls Chamber of Commerce, Member of the Coeur d’ Alene Rotary Club, Involved In the Leadership of Heart of the City Church, Member of the Post Falls Mayor’s Youth Alliance Advisory Board, Management Professional member of the Association of Boys & Girls Club Professionals.

What are your hobbies? Hanging with my wife and kids because Team Davis Rocks! Training & competing in triathlons, and the occasional pick up game of basketball.

Jessica DeHaan, 28

Title: Franchise Owner

Company: Express Employment Professionals

Type of company: Employment & Human Resources Solutions

Education: HS Diploma, some college

City of residence: Coeur d’Alene

Family: Engaged to Bob Bauman

First job: Cleaning a dentist office at the age of 12.

Why did you choose your profession? My passion is helping people reach their goals, being a Volleyball coach, I love to motivate and inspire people to reach for their potential and not hold back. This translates perfectly into helping people with their career goals.

What was the turning point in your career? Visions of the economy declining compelled me to face a potential layoff or take a leap of faith to purchase the Express Franchise; I chose to invest in not only my own career but provide career opportunity for others.

What tools or factors helped you achieve early success? Accountability, mentorship, solid training through a variety of avenues including company training, leadership workshops, SHRM, industry colleagues, Dale Carnegie courses, and perseverance.

What is your ultimate career goal? To be the #1 recognized Staffing and Human Resource solution organization in the NW region by consistently serving our customers: Companies, Employees, and Community.

What’s your guiding business principle? I have a couple, Help people succeed and consistency over time equals trust.

What are the necessary characteristics for a good leader? Consistent, flexible, open and honest communication, mentorship, servant leader, responsibility, and focus on accomplishing goals.

Who are your mentors? My business partner, Roger DeHaan; Developer, Tammy Vincent; Express Franchisee & previous employer, Eric Schubert

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received? Be yourself-resilient, focused, determined, and pleasantly persistent; life is not a sprint it is a marathon.

What’s the worst advice you’ve ever received? Without direction or expectations, I was told: “Go get ‘em tiger, you’re going to be great” I didn’t know what the goals, expectations were for the outcome.

What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned? From my grandfather: Poor planning on your part does not constitute an emergency on mine.

What would be your first choice for a new career? Good question, much later down the path I would love to be a High School Guidance Counselor and Volleyball Coach. Interestingly enough, I am in a similar field assisting people succeed through new employment/career opportunities to achieve their goals

Favorite books? Good to Great by Jim Collins; All Buts Stink by Walter Bond; personally I could read the Twilight series over and over again.

Favorite movie? I love animated movies; both Toy Story 3 and Mega Mind are quite entertaining!

Civic organization involvement: Board Member-Post Falls Chamber of Commerce, participant-Business Education and Workforce Development committee, Private Member-Kootenai Perspectives, Facilitator-River City Leadership Academy

What are your hobbies? Anything outdoors: Camping, hiking, skiing, boating, sledding, taking pictures of nature; Volleyball, Tennis, and painting.

Rachel Dupin, 34

Title: Co-owner

Type of Company: Clothing Boutique

Education: High school Diploma

City of Residence: Coeur d’Alene

Family: Jean-Paul, Husband, children Saydee, 17, D’Andre 11 1/2, Sayla, 8 1/2

First Job: Regence Blue Shield of Idaho, I was the part-time coffee girl.

Why did you chose your profession?

I’ve wanted to go into business with my friend, Kareen for a while and the opportunity to purchase Tiffany Blue presented itself at eh right time, so we went for it.

What tools or factors helped you achieve early success?

Moving to our new location, adding a wide range of price points to suit the economy and having a willingness to always learn and improve the way we do business.

What’s your guiding business principle?

Our desire is that each customer leaves our store with an added sense of value.

What are the necessary characteristics for a good leader?

Humility, boldness, honesty, perseverance, and compassion.

Who are your mentors?

Jesus (who better to look to than the perfect man?), my mom taught me compassion, my dad taught me how to work hard and with integrity, and my best friend and business partner, Kareen, has taught me not to take no for an answer (at least not the first time).

What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned?

To love others above yourself.

What would e your first choice for a new career?

Anything having to do with traveling and helping those in need.

Favorite books?

The Bible, any biography or autobiography.

Favorite movie?

I get so excited to watch any Disney/Pixar movie with my kids.

Civic organization involvement:

Open Arms Pregnancy Crisis Center and Real Choices Clinic and Baja Ministries.

What are your hobbies?

I love to thrift store shop and yard sale for items that I can fix up and use in my store or to decorate my home. I enjoy working in my yard and decorating my house. Spending time with my friends and family.

Miranda Fisher, 29

Title: Customer Service/Membership Supervisor

Company: The Salvation Army Kroc Center

Type of company: Nonprofit

Education: BA in Recreation Management, with a minor in Spanish from Eastern Washington University, AA in General Studies from North Idaho College

City of residence: Coeur d’Alene, ID

Family: Parents and sister in Post Falls

First job: drive-thru at Taco Bell when I was 15 years old

Why did you choose your profession?

During my first two years of college I thought I wanted to be a school teacher. After some fieldwork at an elementary school, I decided I couldn’t handle spending day after day in one classroom. I talked with an advisor at Eastern and said, “So I thought I wanted to be a teacher. Now I don’t.”  I told her I liked working with people and kids. She suggested Recreation Management, and I was sold.

What was the turning point in your career?

When I started working at the Kroc Center I knew a lot of opportunity had landed at my feet. I have been promoted to my current position since then, which I have really enjoyed. I am a part of things here like planning movie nights, handing out free school supplies, making videos, and more. These are all things I only dreamed about doing (and getting paid for) when I was in college.

What tools or factors helped you achieve early success?

I am blessed to have felt God’s hand on me. I thank Him for anything good that has come my way. The three and a half years I spent at Starbucks left me with a lot of management skills. I also gained invaluable insight into the way a Fortune 500 company treats its customers and employees.

What is your ultimate career goal?

I have a hard time extending my vision more than about a year. I tend to look at what is right in front of me. Ultimately, I just want to serve the Lord and serve people. I am open to how that will play out.

What’s your guiding business principle?

Treat the customer right. Without them, you don’t have a business.

What are the necessary characteristics for a good leader?

A good leader needs the ability to empathize with others, and lead by example.

Who are your mentors?

My parents, Casey and Robin Fisher, are amazing, fun, selfless people. They have taught me an immeasurable amount about life and how to treat others.

I have learned a lot from my current supervisor, Amy Evans. She has empowered me to grow and make decisions on my own, but will always offer advice if I ask. She is a talented lady in many ways, and I am glad to be able to learn from her.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?

“Just play the gig. Never get involved in the politics.” —Floyd from The Muppets. My family likes to quote this a lot.

What’s the worst advice you’ve ever received?

“Do what’s best for you.” This sounds nice, but I have found that this mindset is pretty destructive. The decision to put others first is often a difficult decision, but it is almost always the right decision.

What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned?

As much as I love to plan, I realize that life will not go as I have planned. Learning to adjust, reevaluate, and keep going has helped me not to stress out.

What would be your first choice for a new career?

I really enjoy acting. I’m also learning to drum. Maybe I could incorporate those two things into a career. Miranda’s One-Woman-Show.

Favorite books?

Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer

Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers

To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

Favorite movie?

The Shawshank Redemption

Civic organization involvement:

The Salvation Army Ministry team: I lead a middle and high school girls’ small group and help with youth group nights and events.

Coeur d’Alene Ironman Volunteer Captain

IHSAA District Drama Judge

Ain’t it Good Productions Children’s Theater Actor/Mentor

What are your hobbies?

I love being outside, whether it is hiking, biking, running, or walking. I sew a little. Music feeds my soul. I love dancing, singing karaoke, and going to concerts.

Janie Givas, 37

Title: Business Development Asst. Manager

Company: First American Title Company

Type of company: Title Insurance and Escrow

Education: Bachelors of Social Work/Business LCSC, Working (slowly) on MBA at Gonzaga

City of residence: Coeur d’ Alene

Family: Three beautiful children- Tasha 16, Chloe 6 and Anthony 4

First job: I was a waitress at a Chinese food restaurant when I was 14.

Why did you choose your profession?

I chose this profession because it allows me to work with so many different people on many different projects. I am able to assist people with their business and also work within the community.

What was the turning point in your career?

When I realized that having balance in my life is the most important thing. My current position allows me to be to have a career that I enjoy while not having to give up all of the wonderful opportunities that I have as a mom.

What tools or factors helped you achieve early success?

I grew up knowing that I had to work hard. I think this has helped me tremendously in my career because my bar is just set higher.

What is your ultimate career goal?

Life changes so fast that I don’t think that far into the future.

What’s your guiding business principle?

“Be genuine”. My goal everyday is to be genuine in all of my business dealings. That way, even if I do something incorrectly or it doesn’t turn out the way I planned, I know I did it with a good heart.

What are the necessary characteristics for a good leader?

I think to be a good leader you must be able to always be in service to the people you lead.

Who are your mentors?

Most of the people I aspire to be more like are people I have never met. The people who dedicate their lives to helping others and never look for recognition or wealth. I recently heard a story of a women in Haiti that has dedicated her life to keeping an orphanage going despite the terrible conditions and lack of funds. She is all the children have and with out her they would be on the streets. There are thousands of people out there like that. They are the ones I look up to.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?

“Bloom where you are planted”. If you do your very best right where you are at today you are more than likely going to move forward. Too many of us keep waiting for the “big break” or “that dream job” that we don’t pay attention to what we have in front of us.

What’s the worst advice you’ve ever received?

“Business is business, it’s not personal”. Although this may be somewhat true I have learned the hard way that sometimes a great “business decision” can have hurtful consequences and that’s just not how I want to live my life.

What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned?

The most important lesson I have learned is that really all that matters are the people we care about. Professional success is nice but in the end it is all but forgotten and the impact you make on people is remembered.

What would be your first choice for a new career?

I plan on staying in my current position until I am kicked out.

Favorite books?

The Bible

Favorite movie?

Schindlers List.

Civic organization involvement:

Current chair of the Coeur d’ Alene Association of Realtors Community Outreach Committee, Coeur d’ Alene Association of Realtors Board Member, Coeur d’ Alene Chamber of Commerce, Post Falls Chamber of Commerce. Involved with The Windermere Foundation , Children’s Village and Lake City Community Church

What are your hobbies?

My kids are my hobby!!!!

James A. Hail III, 29

Title: Accounts Receivable Manager/Customer Relations Manager

Company: Hagadone Directories, Inc.

Type of company: Phonebook directory publishing company

Education: Bachelor of Arts in Political Science & History, University of Idaho; attended Thomas M. Cooley Law School

City of residence: Post Falls

Family: Father, James A. Hail II, mother, Joy Hail, sister, Elizabeth Hail-Stutzke, and brother-in-law, Brent Stutzke.

First job: Worked in a baseball card shop sorting cards when I was 10 years old.

Why did you choose your profession? I followed in my dad’s footsteps.  He is the founder and co-owner of Hagadone Directories and currently serves as President & Publisher.

What tools or factors helped you achieve early success? A great upbringing because of my parents, support from family & friends, and a strong work ethic & morals has helped me achieve early success.

What is your ultimate career goal? To start a successful business.

What’s your guiding business principle? Live the Golden Rule (treat others with courtesy and respect).

What are the necessary characteristics for a good leader? Honesty, forward-looking, competent, inspiring, intelligence, courage, strong internal motivation, self-assurance, and empathy are all necessary characteristics to being a good leader.

Who are your mentors? My parents and everyone who I have worked for who has helped me become who I am today.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received? The Serenity Prayer: Lord, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.

What’s the worst advice you’ve ever received? “Turn here, I know a short cut.”

What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned? Uncertainty is caused by lack of knowledge. Hesitation is the product of fear.

What would be your first choice for a new career? At this point I am happy where I am currently at in my career.

Favorite books? Fighting the Odds: The Life of Senator Frank Church, The Warren Buffett Way, The 48 Laws of Power, The Last Lecture, political biographies

Favorite movie? It’s a tie between Casablanca and It’s A Wonderful Life

Civic organization involvement: Big Brother for Big Brothers/Big Sisters of the Inland Northwest, Commission Member for the City of Post Falls Parks & Recreation Board, Committee Member for TESH Resource Development Committee, Board Member for Promenade Condominium Home Owner’s Association

What are your hobbies? Soccer, golf, bowling, tennis, reading, watching college sports, spending time with family and friends

Vickie Isakson, 38

Title: Assistant Manager

Company: Idaho Department Of Labor

Type of company: State Workforce Agency

Education: Bachelors of Science in Management – Lewis & Clark State College

City of residence: Coeur d’Alene

Family: One 15 yr. old son – Austin

First job: My first official job where I was on a payroll was a prep cook/dishwasher/janitorial at Camp N-Sid-Sen near Carlin Bay, 28 miles south of Coeur d’Alene on the lake. I began working there when I was 14 years old and did whatever needed to be done, from assisting with preparing meals for 200 people, to scrubbing toilets and cleaning cabins.

Why did you choose your profession? Upon graduation from high school, I contacted someone I knew who worked for the Department of Labor, and she told me that they had an opening. I applied and got the job. I was 16 years old at the time and was hired as a temporary employee. I quit twice – once to pursue college and once to pursue a full-time job elsewhere, but I returned as a full-time permanent employee at the age of 18. I don’t believe I chose this profession until I was in my late 20s. I always thought I would figure out what I wanted to be when I grew up and move on, but the longer I worked here, the more I realized it’s a great fit for me and is a great career.

What was the turning point in your career? Once I got into a supervisory role in my late 20s, I realized I had a good thing with the Department of Labor. I loved the challenge, the responsibility, and what everyone loves – being in the know!

What tools or factors helped you achieve early success? I am a very determined individual and thrive on new challenges. I continuously look ahead to what might be next and what needs to be done to make the next step a success. Because I started my career at a very young age, I always made it a personal priority to prove that I could do anything no matter my age. If I wasn’t selected for a promotion I wanted, I asked for specific feedback and was then well prepared by the time the next opportunity came around.

What is your ultimate career goal? At this time, I believe that the highest position I would want with the Department of Labor would be an Area Manager position that is responsible for the 10 northern counties. I love the Coeur d’Alene area too much to aspire to have a position that would not allow me to live in north Idaho.

What’s your guiding business principle? Always treat others with respect if you want respect in return — that applies to dealing with customers (even if they are angry), my staff, and my superiors.

What are the necessary characteristics for a good leader? A good leader has to be transparent. Honesty and openness are key to building good relationships and mutual respect and trust is a necessity. You must be willing to listen and not be too quick to react. I also believe a good leader will always look for ways to make the job enjoyable so you want to come to work each day — I definitely believe in having fun at work!

Who are your mentors? My boss, Jo Ann Edmiston, has been a great mentor all around. She has helped me reach my career goals, offered sound advice for both my work, personal, and spiritual life, and is always there if I need her. There are several pastors and individuals on staff at my church that have also been great “life” mentors.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received? To live by this saying — No expectations, no disappointments. It’s hard to live by, but if you can, it can make life a lot easier. The best career advice was to prove myself (due to my age), and although it made me mad at the time that I had to do so, it was good advice.

What’s the worst advice you’ve ever received? To keep my mouth shut and just let it go! I believe there is always a way to express your opinion, frustration, or feelings. No one can ever argue with you if you tell them how something made you feel. There is just a proper way to approach things.

What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned? If you decide to put your heart and soul into something, you must do it for yourself and expect nothing in return, as you may get nothing, and that can quickly stifle your determination, excitement, and dedication.

What would be your first choice for a new career? High School Counselor. I love working with kids and have a lot of life and work experience that would help me to provide good advice, a listening ear, and assistance in being resourceful. I would also have no issues dealing with disciplinary issues or high volumes of students and would take each day and each student as a new challenge to help them reach their goals.

Favorite books? I don’t make the time to read much, but The Shack was one of my most recent favorites. I also think Rick Warren’s Purpose Driven Life is a must read for everyone. I am reading Eat, Pray, Love right now and am enjoying that so far!

Favorite movie? Remember the Titans was a great movie, but I cannot say I have an absolute favorite. Maybe Jeremiah Johnson.

Civic organization involvement: I am on the Coeur d’Alene Chamber Board of Directors and also on their Business Development and Leadership Committees. I am the Vice Chair of Kootenai Perspectives, which is a sub-committee of Jobs Plus. I also serve on the Workforce Development Task Force and have coordinated the Hard Hats, Hammers, and Hot Dogs event the past three years.

What are your hobbies? I love to whitewater raft, hunt, fish, snowboard and ski, hike, camp, ride 4-wheelers, dirt bikes, snowmobiles, remodel or do home improvement projects and pretty much enjoy everything else the outdoors has to offer.

Gavin Jacobson, 29

Title: Northern Region Business Development

Company: North Idaho Title

Type of company: Title Insurance and Escrow Services

Education: Lake City High School (1999), North Idaho College (2002)

City of residence: Coeur d’ Alene, Idaho since 1992

Family: Wife Terra, daughters Natalie, Annika, and Addyson

First job: I started mowing lawns and also helping with my Dad’s construction company when I was in 6th grade.

Why did you choose your profession? My profession chose me and I’m very happy that it did. I had just graduated from NIC and wanted to get into the work force full time. A friend of mine had worked at North Idaho Title at one time and arranged an interview. I was hired to answer phones and eventually worked my way into the marketing department.

What was the turning point in your career? The turning point was when I realized that this was more than just a job. I realized that I had the opportunity to work hard and advance professionally. Work became really fun when I found this out.

What tools or factors helped you achieve early success? My work ethic has been the biggest factor. Coming from a farm family and working early in construction taught me about the value of hard work. It also makes me feel very lucky to have this job. I wasn’t cut out to be a farmer or carpenter.

What is your ultimate career goal? It would be to just be happy doing my job. There’s no specific position or title. Having good balance between work and home is the most important goal for me.

What’s your guiding business principle? I have a simple philosophy. Work hard/smart, talk to people, ask the right questions and do what you say you’re going to do. Oh, and I answer my phone when it rings.

What are the necessary characteristics for a good leader? A good leader needs to listen, be patient and lead by example.

Who are your mentors? I learn something new everyday from my bosses and colleagues at North Idaho Title. They are a wealth of information. I have a circle of friends and clients that I would also classify as mentors. Also, my mom and dad have been huge influences in all aspects of my life.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received? I had an old basketball coach that told me that discipline is what you do when no one is looking.

What’s the worst advice you’ve ever received? It’s not really advice, but up until a few years ago I always felt that life was this long journey and I was going to live forever. Then my mom was diagnosed with cancer and passed away very quickly. That was a real wake up call for me.

What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned? To trust my instincts. In business and in my personal life. A person’s intuition doesn’t very often steer them wrong.

What would be your first choice for a new career? Growing up I wanted to be a landscape architect and design golf courses. Also, what little boy doesn’t want to be a cowboy.

Favorite books? The Great Gatsby, anything by John Steinbeck and biographies

Favorite movie? Shawshank Redemption

Civic organization involvement: Coeur d’Alene and Selkirk Association of Realtors, North Idaho College and Lake City High School Booster Clubs, Big Brothers and Big Sisters, CASA toy drive volunteer, past member of Rotary International and various instances for my daughter’s schools.

What are your hobbies? I golf, exercise, attempt to play basketball, and my favorite thing to do is spend time with Terra, my daughters and friends and family.

Jayme Johnson, 28

Title: Account Manager

Company: BookWorks Connection

Type of Company: Accounting

Education: Bachelor degree in Business Administration with the emphasis of Accounting.

City of Residence: Post Falls

Family: Jeff Johnson (Husband), Jayda Johnson (daughter), and Jaylyn Johnson (daughter)

First Job: Bernhart & Buck, Inc.

Why did you choose your profession?

I wanted to get into a field that would challenge me, and allow me to be a part of an ever growing competitive field.

What was the turning point in your career?

In a progressive industry, like accounting, I don’t know that I’ve actually reached a turning point. I feel that I have much more to learn in this industry before I reach my turning point.

What tools or factors helped you achieve early success?

The combination of confidence that others had in me and I have in myself, has motivated me to achieve early success.

What is your ultimate career goal?

My ultimate career goal is to become a partner in a very well respected firm and become a productive member of my community.

What’s your guiding business principle?

My guiding business principle is to always do a job that is above what is expected of me with integrity, honesty, and ethically.

What are the necessary characteristics for a good leader?

A leader leads my example and has the ability to motivate other to be the best that they can be. They have a vision and know how they want to achieve that vision. When they talk about the future they do so with positive enthusiasm.   A leader must be excited about the challenges which face them and they must anticipate each hurdle with excitement.

Who are your mentors?

My mom, I ask her for advice daily, from family, to cooking, to accounting, and everyday life.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?

That college is worth all the pain and suffering.

What’s the worst advice you’ve ever received?

It won’t hurt!

Favorite movie?

I like any cute, cheesy, and funny movie!

Civic organization involvement:

I have volunteered my time and services in the past, but with a recent job change, a young family, and studying for the CPA exam. It does not leave me much time for civic organization involvement.  I look forward to be involved in many organizations in the future.

What are your hobbies?

My hobbies are softball, kickboxing, camping, being with my family, and hanging out with friends.

Heather Keen, 29

Title: Director of Programs and Community Outreach

Company: Human Rights Education Institute

Type of company: Non-profit

Education: BA, Political Science- Colorado State University; Master of Business Administration – University of Idaho (will complete in May 2011)

City of residence: Post Falls

Family: Spouse: Jason Keen, Spokane Fire Department

First job: My first job in high school was administrative work at a jewelry store. My first ‘real jobs’ were as an intern and then as legislative staff for a U.S. Congressman in Washington, D.C.

Why did you choose your profession? It’s always been important to me to feel as though the work I am doing is making a difference in my community; working for the Human Rights Education Institute allows me to have a very positive and direct impact here in North Idaho.

What was the turning point in your career? I’ve learned a lot of things in my career. Each job has taught me very valuable lessons about what is important to me professionally and personally. Over the past few years, it’s become very clear to me that it is important for me to work for an organization that has a mission and vision I really believe in. This helped me set my path towards a career in the non-profit field.

What tools or factors helped you achieve early success? My parents taught me to always to believe in myself and to go after what I want, so I developed the drive and determination to succeed early on. This helped me to have the confidence to pursue a position in Washington, D.C. after graduating from college.

What is your ultimate career goal? I would eventually like to run a non-profit organization as the Executive Director.

What’s your guiding business principle? I am committed to doing the best I can in everything that I do.

What are the necessary characteristics for a good leader? A good leader must have the ability to see the big picture and be strategic in his or her thinking in order to be able to guide an organization to success. And of course patience, listening, and understanding are always necessary when working with other people.

Who are your mentors? I’ve been fortunate to have a lot of influential people take interest in my career and help guide my professional development. I try to learn as much as I can from each person I work with and I find a lot of inspiration in the people I meet in normal, every day life. I admire people who work on issues they are passionate about and I admire the people who are driven and determined to succeed despite obstacles and challenges that arise. These are the people who make things happen and enact change in the world and I admire such perseverance.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received? I’ve been taught to always do my best and not to ever give up. This has stuck with me and continues to guide me in my career and personal life.

What’s the worst advice you’ve ever received? Gosh, I don’t know. Nothing comes to mind. Hopefully that’s because I didn’t listen to it!

What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned? Spend your life doing the things you enjoy the most: Find work you are passionate and excited about. Spend time with your family and the people that matter to you. The rest will fall into place.

What would be your first choice for a new career? There are times that I wished I had gone to work for the Daily Show in New York and moonlighted as a drummer in a rock and roll band. But in all seriousness, I love being in North Idaho and being able to work on issues that matter to our community. I hope to be able to continue this kind of work in some capacity for a very long time.

Favorite books? I enjoy a lot of books that talk about sociology and how and why we behave the way that we do. Political sociology, social psychology and cultural studies are especially interesting to me.

Favorite movie? It’s hard to pick one favorite. But I liked Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind.

Civic organization involvement: I serve as the President and founding member of Kootenai County Young Professionals (KCYP); Board member and PR committee member of The United Way of Kootenai County

What are your hobbies? I love being active and spend a lot of time running and playing sports. I completed my first half Ironman this past August and I usually spend quite a bit of my summers backpacking with my husband and our 2 dogs.

Mark Latham, 37

Title: President

Company: ML Architect & Assoc., Full Services Architectural & Planning Firm, also, MLA Home, Residential Consulting & Design Agency

Education: B. Arch – Kansas State University Minor – Regional & Community Planning – Kansas State University

City of residence: Post Falls, Idaho

Family: Wife, Alicia, kids Nicholas, 11, Julia, 9, Ben, 7, Anneka, 5, Mark, 3, and Sam, 1.

First job: Construction Worker and general construction laborer.

Why did you choose your profession?

I grew up in Madison Wisconsin, home of the famous architect Frank Lloyd Wright. My dad would point out the Wright buildings as we passed by, not realizing then how important in the world of architecture they were. Also, my dad drafted a custom home for our family when I was young. This left a deep impression on me. In high school, I attended a school along the Oregon Trail in Kansas which contained a campus of incredible and historical buildings built out of native limestone from the 1890’s. All of these formed a love of architecture, both new and historic.

What was the turning point in your career?

Working for a renowned preservation architect in Kansas in the late 90’s. He was tough and demanding but caring and nurturing to my professional development. Only a few years out of school, I was leading historical renovation projects and making critical decisions on the jobsite. He demanded and expected this out of me.

What tools or factors helped you achieve early success?

I was raised in a quintessential entrepreneurial family in the Midwest with five brothers and one sister. Going to college was completely optional, but full support was provided if we followed through with secondary education. However, success was never demanded from us, but merely expected. I was surrounded by a supporting, solid and deeply religious family. We worked hard when I was young. We all helped out in the start-up family business and grew up with the notion that it was “our business.” We realized early on that there were rewards for hard work, both financially and otherwise.

What is your ultimate career goal?

At this time it is to keep doing what I am doing to the best of my ability. In other words, to run my business efficiently and to keep our clients happy.

What’s your guiding business principle?

1. Listen to your wife. My wife is our business manager, and she is extremely intuitive. When it comes to a financial or important business decision, she is almost always right.

2. Always, Always, Always tell the truth no matter what.

3. When you say you’re going to do something, do it. In other words, “under-promise and over-perform.” In contrast, my personality is to say I can do something and end up over promising. It’s something I work hard to overcome.

What are the necessary characteristics for a good leader?

1. Listen. It’s hard to do, but truly listening to what is in the other person’s head, whether it’s with clients, consultants, contractors, or employees, the outcome is beneficial.

2. A good leader cannot be merely a technician. A good leader must also be a manager, and a good one at that. A good leader is a thoughtful, open-minded and balanced manager.

Who are your mentors?

My father — he is a successful businessman.

My brothers — we have an amazing informal mentorship over the years – just an e-mail or phone call away.

Cliff Mort, Neighborhoods Inc. — He is a wealth of knowledge, and willing to share that knowledge with me.

John McLean, Blue Room Architects — a Spokane Architect peer I can turn to with help and advice. We were hired at the same time at the same firm In the 90’s, but came from completely different backgrounds. Our professional paths have varied immensely but we have both ended up managing our own small firm and value each other’s input and expertise.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?

Local financial consultant, Donald Morgan: (paraphrased) Do not work for money. Work to do the best you can and to please your clients and the money will flow naturally.

My Father: If you don’t know how to do something, never say no. Get training, ask experts for help, or check out a book at your library and learn to do it.

What’s the worst advice you’ve ever received?

From unknowledgeable contractors: “Don’t give ‘em anything they don’t need” — about preparing drawings for building departments and review agencies. This is a recipe for a project that will end in disaster.

What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned?

It’s fine to spend money to golf, but never spend money to do architecture (in other words, don’t make expensive mistakes).

What would be your first choice for a new career?

Chef, but I still like architecture more.

Favorite books?

I tend to read too much of the trade magazines, so lately I’ve been reading discovery books about the miners, settlers, and the settling of the west. It takes you back and makes you realize what they lived without. I am a Catholic and really like to read about the lives of saints and the incredible people who lived before us.

Favorite movie?

I have no favorites. I am an avid movie watcher and try to be open minded — I like a vast variety of genres (even romantic comedies when my wife gets her way).

Civic organization involvement:

Our firm is very active in the Post Falls Chamber. I am proud to say that we joined the chamber on the second day our business opened. I am personally active in my church and children’s school.

What are your hobbies?

My wife and I are avid organic gardeners. I grow veggies and my wife grows herbs on an acre of land. The children pitch in and we sometimes sell at fairs and markets.

I get the itch to build a home for myself every so often. It seems that house remodels and construction occupies much of my time.

I coach Post Falls youth soccer and play in pick-up adult groups.

With a large family, we’ve changed our weekend hobbies to “family together time.” This involves hiking, biking, and boating/swimming on the lakes and rivers.

An interesting thing about me:

I am an identical twin. Tom, my twin brother, owns Signal Point Advertising, an advertising and marketing firm. He and his employees share a building with our firm (designed by the both of us) and we share a dynamic open studio concept. Clients walking in the door get a surprise and it sets the tone for the casual fun atmosphere we like to create for our clients.

Jimmy McAndrew, 31

Title: Home Mortgage Consultant

Company: Wells Fargo Home Mortgage

Type of company: Mortgage Financing

Education: Heyburn Elementary, St. Maries High School, North Idaho College, Lewis Clark State

City of residence: Hayden

Family: Wife, Julie and daughter Gracie Belle on the way

First job: Cleaning golf carts at St. Maries Golf Course in sixth grade

Why did you choose your profession? I was interested in real estate and took the superb advice of my brother in law to check it out

What was the turning point in your career? Going to work for Wells Fargo Home Mortgage

What tools or factors helped you achieve early success? First and foremost, being raised by my grandmother helped me believe I could achieve anything. Once given the chance, I was able to find great mentors to learn from and I surrounded myself with positive and dynamic people.

What is your ultimate career goal? I would like to oversee the mortgage piece of the company in some capacity at a regional or national level

What’s your guiding business principle? There are no shortcuts out there and absolutely no substitute for hard work

What are the necessary characteristics for a good leader? Being dependable, motivational, a great listener and humble

Who are your mentors? My local manager, Dan Stubbs, statewide manager Jeff Grutta and my Aunt Kristi Hagan, also with Wells Fargo

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received? Don’t “know it all,” and “you get more bees with honey.”

What’s the worst advice you’ve ever received? I don’t know that I can recite “the worst” advice but the advice I have trouble with is “don’t worry.”

What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned? In everyday life, to value people and leave them in better shape than they were before you encountered them. In terms tied more directly to a work setting, to set reasonable expectations.

What would be your first choice for a new career? Easy… SportsCenter broadcaster.

Favorite books? “The World is Flat” although most of my reading is dedicated to newspapers and magazines.

Favorite movie? Braveheart

Civic organization involvement: Co-founder of The Coeur Group, board of directors for EXCEL FOUNDATION, board of directors and finance committee person for Coeur d’Alene Summer Theatre, member of Coeur d’Alene Sunrise Rotary

What are your hobbies? Golf, music, good food, travel, theater and watching sports with my wife who is also a sports nut

Toby McLaughlin, 36

Title: Attorney

Company: Berg & McLaughlin, Chtd.

Type of company: Law firm

Education: B.S. in Economics, University of Idaho

M.B.A., University of Oregon

Juris Doctorate, University of Oregon

City of residence: Sandpoint, Idaho

Family: N/A

First job: Mr. Sub, when I was 14 years old

Why did you choose your profession? Discovered a love of the law when I was an undergraduate at University of Idaho. It is a career with continuing challenges, and allows me to significantly impact the lives of my clients in a meaningful way.

What was the turning point in your career? After four years working as an associate in a firm in Spokane, Washington, I moved to Sandpoint and opened a new firm with one other attorney, Bill Berg. Since that time we have established our firm and grown significantly.

What tools or factors helped you achieve early success? Having the support of family and friends in Sandpoint gave me the ability to grow my practice with a support base already in place, as well as joining with a well respected and established attorney. Without this, my practice would have taken far longer to develop.

What is your ultimate career goal? I hope to be among the premier real estate and business attorneys in the region, with a practice that conveys competence and integrity.

What’s your guiding business principle? To provide aggressive advocacy on behalf of my clients, while trying to resolve issues rather than aggravate issues. As a firm, it is important to continue to grow gradually, so that each client gets the service to which they are entitled.

What are the necessary characteristics for a good leader? A good leader is one who obtains the respect of his or her peers without demanding it. How this is achieved depends greatly upon the characteristics of the individual.

Who are your mentors? First and foremost, my father, Dan McLaughlin, who has shown through his actions how to start and maintain a business, and whose support allowed me the luxury of taking the time to find my calling. Other mentors include, Leslie Weatherhead, of the firm Witherspoon Kelly, who acted as my mentor in my first legal job, and Bill Berg, my current business partner.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received? If you are not happy, change your life.

What’s the worst advice you’ve ever received? “Now is the time to buy.” In 2008, when looking to buy a house.

What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned? Do not be afraid to take a risk if you are confident that you can obtain the result you desire.

What would be your first choice for a new career? Professional basketball player – if only I wasn’t so short and could jump higher than a Chihuahua.

Favorite books? All Quiet on the Western Front, Erich Remarque; A Song of Ice and Fire (series), by George R.R. Martin; The Grapes of Wrath, John Steinbeck.

Favorite movie? Shawshank Redemption; The Godfather, Part II; Ten Angry Men

Civic organization involvement: Rotary

What are your hobbies? Snow skiing, mountain biking, camping, hiking, wake boarding.

Ben Miller, 37

Title: Vice President, Financial Consultant

Company: D.A. Davidson & Co.

Type of company: Investment Firm

City of residence: Coeur d’Alene

Family: Not married, no kids, amazing girlfriend

First job: Changing pipes for an alfalfa farmer in Post Falls and Newman Lake.

Why did you choose your profession?  We have a family friend who was a stock broker.  He was well spoken, well dressed and he really talked to us kids like we were important. I decided at about the age of 10 that was what “I wanted to be when I grew up.”

What tools or factors helped you achieve early success? Fear, stress and anxiety. I am very competitive when it comes to succeeding in the workplace.

What is your ultimate career goal?A career goal is a moving target. In 2007 the goal was to retire early. In 2008 the goal was to survive. Now the goal is to help clients adopt a strategy that can withstand another 2008.

What’s your guiding business principle?Treat every client like I would treat my grandparents, parents or sibling.

What are the necessary characteristics for a good leader? The only way to lead is by example.  Good character, enthusiasm, confidence and a positive attitude are what attract good people.

Who are your mentors? My business partner Chris Barone hired me into the business.  He has taught me a lot over the years.  In the past I have been very fortunate to work with some very dynamic people who have mentored me in sales and marketing.  Come to think of it, I have worked with as many people who taught me what not to do.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received? Shut up and listen, and when you think you are ready to speak, shut up and listen some more.

What’s the worst advice you’ve ever received? Always Be Closing

What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned? Not to avoid conflict. Tackle issues/problems immediately and move on. If it’s your fault, admit it, fix it and learn from it. It is challenges not successes that build character.

What would be your first choice for a new career? Teaching

Civic organization involvement: I am proud to be a founding member of “The Coeur Group.” Together, we have done some really great things for the community.

Chad Murray, 34

Title: Broker/Partner

Company: Helbling Employee Benefits

Type of company: Insurance/Employee Benefits Brokerage

Education: B.S. in Management Information Systems from the University of Idaho

City of residence: Coeur d’Alene Idaho

Family: Wife Colette, two kids Katelyn and Ben

First job: Worked in a lumber mill during my summers and breaks in College. First job out of college was for a small software company in Seattle doing computer software and hardware implementation.

Why did you choose your profession? Quality of life — We wanted to move back to North Idaho and the opportunity with Helbling Benefits came up. I enjoy serving our clients and creating solutions that create value to their business and employees.

What was the turning point in your career? There are several but becoming a manager at Safeco Insurance Co. was probably a turning point in my career. Overnight I became responsible for 20 employees and approximately 30 contractors. It was a very steep learning curve and really challenged me to develop my interpersonal skills.

What tools or factors helped you achieve early success? Determination and Hard Work

What is your ultimate career goal? Always exceeding client expectations, healthy productive employees, continued passion and purpose for serving our clients.

What’s your guiding business principle? High Integrity, deep industry knowledge, and business friendly.

What are the necessary characteristics for a good leader? Humility and Passion for the cause… not yourself. Listen and Communicate

Who are your mentors?  I have had several mentors throughout life but most recently I’d have to say my father “Rick Murray” and my business partner “Greg Helbling”.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received? You have good instincts… follow them. Always surround yourself with positive people

What’s the worst advice you’ve ever received? I don’t pay attention to bad advice

What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned? Don’t jump to conclusions until you have both sides of the story

What would be your first choice for a new career? Air force Pilot

Favorite books? “Good to Great” Jim Collins — “Into Thin Air” John Krakauer

Favorite movie? “A Few Good Men”

Civic organization involvement: TESH Inc. Board of Directors and Resource Development Committee. Rotary

What are your hobbies? Road and mountain biking, running, swimming, snow skiing and spending time at Priest Lake with family

Rocky Owens, 38

Title: Associate Director, Student Services

Company: LCSC-Coeur d’Alene

Type of company: Higher Education Institution

Education:

M.A. Language and Communication Research, University of Wales, UK

B.A. Communication Arts, Lewis-Clark State College, Lewiston Idaho

A.S. North Idaho College, Coeur d’Alene, Idaho

Associates Certificate, Pacific Rim Studies, Nagasaki Junior College, Japan

City of residence: Coeur d’Alene, Idaho

Family: Spouse, Ute and Daughter, Sophia

First job: Coeur d’Alene Press Newspaper Carrier (6th Grade)

Why did you choose your profession? The college/university experience represents an essential period in most individuals’ lives where they are introduced to new ideas and encouraged to view the world from a different perspective. As an idealist, I cherish such a professional environment where ideas can be discussed and implemented with an idea to make the world a better place to be.

What was the turning point in your career? When I realized that the biggest mistake that most people make is not trying to make a living at what they most enjoy.

What tools or factors helped you achieve early success?  I should not like to pass judgement on “successfulness,” but early connections with people and a willingness to be involved in civic and school activities, helped me gain an appreciation for working with diverse groups of individuals.

What is your ultimate career goal? Fulfillment as a Higher Education administrator.

What’s your guiding business principle? Business/Education is 80 percent relationships. What you invest in people, you will see in returns.

What are the necessary characteristics for a good leader? A committed work ethic; a keen observer of those around you; and a willingness to advocate for those who need you.

Who are your mentors? Anyone who doesn’t take themselves too seriously.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received? “The rearview window is always clearer than the windshield,” as observed by Warren Buffet.

What’s the worst advice you’ve ever received? “Don’t sweat the small stuff.” The devil is always in the details. Details are often overlooked for the big picture; with focus on details, you intuitively understand the big picture.

What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned? Learn something about everything and everything about something.

What would be your first choice for a new career? If I were considering a new career, I believe I might just seek out a hospitality career at Casino Royal, Monte Carlo. (That’s the idealist part of me speaking)

Favorite books? Immortality, Milan Kundera

Favorite movie? Life is Beautiful

Civic organization involvement: Vice-President of the Human Rights Education Institution, Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. Education Committee Member, CDA Chamber

What are your hobbies? Reading, hiking, travelling

Ashley Piaskowski, 28

Title: Public Information Coordinator

Company: Lewis-Clark State College Coeur d’Alene

Type of company: Education/Non-profit

Education: Bachelor of Science, Business Administration (Marketing Minor)

City of residence: Coeur d’Alene

Family: Husband, two brothers, two sisters, parents

First job: Cashier at Maelstrom Air force Base

Why did you choose your profession? Sometimes you get lucky and your profession chooses you. Lewis-Clark State College hired me right after graduation. It was good timing and a good fit for both the institution and my professional goals.

What was the turning point in your career? The turning point for my career was when I committed to going back to school and getting my bachelor’s degree.

What tools or factors helped you achieve early success? Good communication, flexibility, honesty, and dependability are all factors that contributed to my success to date.

What is your ultimate career goal? My ultimate career goal is to look back on my career and know I made a real impact on the community. Ultimately to get into a major nonprofit on administration levels.

What’s your guiding business principle? Be flexible. It makes life easier for you!

What are the necessary characteristics for a good leader? Consistency, follow through, organization, and honesty.

Who are your mentors? Mentors for me include teachers, parents, committee peers, students, and co-workers. I will concede being challenged and pushed every day can be hard. But the value in learning from each other is irreplaceable.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?  Everything in moderation, even moderation.

What’s the worst advice you’ve ever received? I can’t think of anything off hand.

What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned?  There is always another side or point of view – be open to them all.

What would be your first choice for a new career? Marketing or nonprofit.

Favorite books? Count of Monte Cristo, Brave New World, Aldous Huxley

Favorite movie? Lock, Stock, and Two Smoking Barrels

Civic organization involvement: United Way Marketing Committee, IdahoGoes Committee, Post Falls Reverse Job Fair Committee, Kootenai County Young Professionals, Vice President

What are your hobbies?  Reading, hiking, volunteering, watercolor painting, and snowboarding.

Jordan Redman, 25

Title: Vice President

Company: Redman & Company Insurance, INC.

Type of company: Insurance Agency

Education: North Idaho College, Whitworth University, University of Idaho, The Hartford School of Insurance

City of residence: Athol, ID

Family: Amy (wife) and Roman and Bailey (weimaraner dogs)

First job: NBC Basketball Camps and Abercrombie and Fitch

Why did you choose your profession? From high school I knew I wanted to do something involved with the financial industry. After college, I had a great opportunity with my parents’ agency so I jumped right in.

What was the turning point in your career? Completing the Hartford School of Insurarnce.

What tools or factors helped you achieve early success? The education I received at the Hartford School of Insurance as well as the local ties I have with Northern Idaho and Eastern Washington.

What is your ultimate career goal? To grow the agency and branch out and write business in all the Western states.

What’s your guiding business principle? The Golden Rule, as stated in Matthew 7:12, ‘Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.’

What are the necessary characteristics for a good leader? Listen to the good people around you, whether you take their advice or not. Listening to others and looking at different points of view are key in good leadership.

Who are your mentors? My dad, Eric Redman

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received? Don’t be afraid to ask for help.

What’s the worst advice you’ve ever received?

What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned? Don’t procrastinate, be honest.

What would be your first choice for a new career?  A professional mixed martial artist

Favorite books? The Bible and The Places You’ll Go, by Dr. Seuss

Favorite movie? James Bond Casino Royale

Civic organization involvement: North Idaho Health Underwriters – Treasurer, Rathdrum Chamber of Commerce, Rathdrum Community Star Selection Committee

What are your hobbies? Playing football, basketball & snowboarding

Sean Rogers, 34

Title: President

Company: Blacks INC

Type of company: Fireplace Service and Seamless Rain Gutter Company

Education: Ninth Grade

City of residence: Coeur d Alene ID

Family: Wife of 10 years Lacey Rogers, 12 year old Daughter Alexis Lynn Rogers, 4 year old son Cadence Terin Rogers, and 1 year old son Titan Daniel Rogers

First job: buss boy in mexican restaurant

Why did you choose your profession? career change, wanted to be self employed, able to work alone

What was the turning point in your career? quit a career supervising construction and framing of high rises to spend more time with my family- started over to have some control over schedule

What tools or factors helped you achieve early success? My wife primarily, and very serious dedication without fear of working to hard to provided for my family

What is your ultimate career goal? haven’t thought that far

What’s your guiding business principle? Build a team of good people with good attitudes who actually care about their company and let that reflect in their relationships with our customers. Each employee knows their ultimate goal is to make our customer happy, sometimes at the expense of profit.

What are the necessary characteristics for a good leader? communication, priorities, respect employees, never ask someone to do something you wouldn’t do, praise in public, discipline in private, trust enough to delegate and never discipline for something you didn’t teach them to do right.

Who are your mentors? Younger brother and step-father

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received? own your mistakes and take responsibility

What’s the worst advice you’ve ever received? take care of you first, don’t worry about anyone else

What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned? you cant change lazy

What would be your first choice for a new career? business consultation and re-structuring combined with being a venture capitalist

What are your hobbies? my kids

Derik Levon Scott, 37

Title: VP of Financial Operations, Enrolled Agent

Company: BookWorks Connection, LLC.

Type of company: Accounting and Tax Preparation

Education: Bachelors’ Degree in Accounting

City of Residence: Coeur d’Alene, Idaho

Family: Christine Scott (Wife)

First Job: Airborne Radar Technician with the US Air Force

Why did you choose your profession? I love the subject and I was encouraged by Scott Paxton, my college professor, who told me that I had a knack for it.

What was the turning point in your career? I volunteered to head the development of our current tax department at BookWorks Connection.

What tools or factors helped you achieve early success? Integrity, faith and the continuous thirst for knowledge and self improvement have been the driving forces.

What is your ultimate career goal? To establish BookWorks Connection as the benchmark company for accounting, tax and business consulting.

What’s your guiding business principle? Treat your clients as business partners and take a stakeholder’s approach to their successes.

What are the necessary characteristics for a good leader? Vision, perseverance, compassion, discipline, integrity, motivational, encouraging, and have the ability to lead by example.

Who are your mentors? Scott Paxton, College Professor at North Idaho College and LCSC, Jacklyn Holovka, Executive Member/Owner of Paycheck Connection LLC.,  Carolyn Schultz, Owner/ Partner of Paycheck Connection LLC., My mother, Donalyn Scott, and Wife, Christine Scott, who continue to lead by example and give continuously to those in need.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received? “Surround yourself with people that are great in areas that you are not.”

What’s the worst advice you’ve ever received? To stay at the job that I was at when I decided to leave to finish college and follow my dreams, “Because it was secure.”

What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned? To treat everyone with respect, you never know who they might know and/or introduce you to.

What would be your first choice for a new career? College Business Professor

Favorite books? “The World is Flat” and most any book or publication about self improvement.

Favorite movie? The Natural

What are your hobbies? Fitness, baseball and studying accounting and tax theories.

Amy Spoelstra, 30

Title: Doctor of Chiropractic

Company: Spoelstra Family Chiropractic

Type of company: Health Care

Education: B.S , Excelsior University

D.C. Sherman College of Chiropractic

City of residence: Coeur d’Alene

Family: Husband, David Spoelstra

First job: Life Guard

Why did you choose your profession?

I know that I was born to be a Chiropractor!! When I learned about Chiropractic and heard the amazing healing that happens in peoples bodies due to a Chiropractor locating and adjusting the interference everything clicked for me and I knew what I was meant to do with my life.

What was the turning point in your career?

My first adjustment on a 2 hour old child. It made me realize I wanted to help as many families as possible reach optimum health from day one. Nothing is more gratifying than having young families in my office.

What tools or factors helped you achieve early success?

My absolute conviction for the healing abilities in each of our bodies. With and understanding and conviction behind what you do, all things are possible.

What is your ultimate career goal?

To help as many families in this community achieve better health by helping them understand that the power that made the body heals the body!

What’s your guiding business principle?

Always tell the truth, no matter how it is perceived. To educate people so that they can make informed decisions concerning their health and the health of their loved ones.

What are the necessary characteristics for a good leader?

Strong, centered, confidant and the ability to PERSEVERE!

Who are your mentors?

Dr. Lee Wood and my father, Dr. Steven Ingersoll.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?

Perseverance is the key to all success.

What’s the worst advice you’ve ever received?

To give up.

What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned?

Some will, some won’t, so what, someone else is waiting!

What would be your first choice for a new career?

I would never change careers! I am a Chiropractor!!

Favorite books?

Changes with the season but for now Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett and the Sara books by Ester and Jerry Hicks.

Favorite movie?

Changes all the time.

Civic organization involvement:

Rotary, Women in business, Chamber of Commerce

What are your hobbies?

Music, traveling and reading.

Aimee Tenneberger, 32

Title: Principal

Company: Atchley Financial Group

Type of company: Wealth Management Firm

Education: B.A. in Communication Studies from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor

City of residence: Coeur d’Alene

Family: Married to Michael for 7 years. Son Brayden is 3 years and daughter Emily is 7 months.

First job: My first real job was at a small interior design store. I was responsible for opening the store, making sales, and closing the store.  I always thought this was pretty brave of the owner since I was only 15 years old.

Why did you choose your profession? I grew up watching my step-father, Les Atchley, establish his wealth management firm (now Atchley Financial Group). I always enjoyed hearing him talk about his clients as if each one was a close friend or family member. It was this relationship building that drew me in to the profession more than the financial aspect of the industry.

What was the turning point in your career? Having my son, Brayden, was a major turning point in my career. After having him I noticed I became more confident in everything I did. This was especially true in my communications with clients and my knowledge and expertise in the financial planning process.

What tools or factors helped you achieve early success? The work ethic my parents instilled in me at a young age has helped me succeed. I was taught to work hard, be responsible and always tell the truth. They always taught me that if you make a commitment to someone or some goal then you need to follow through on that commitment.

What is your ultimate career goal? To work with wonderful families and know they will achieve their financial goals because of the advice and management we have provided.

What’s your guiding business principle? Our business guiding principles are faith in the future, patience and discipline. On a personal level, I use honesty as my guiding principle. It is easy to tell the truth when things are going well but clients need to hear the truth especially when times are tough. This is what builds the foundation for the trust in our client relationships.

What are the necessary characteristics for a good leader? Honesty, motivation, a passion for learning, and strong communication skills.

Who are your mentors? On a professional level my mentor is my step-father, Les Atchley. His drive and work ethic created our successful business. His devotion to our clients and excitement for what we do is contagious. On a personal level my mom, Janet Atchley, is my mentor. She has always made the challenge of juggling work and motherhood seem easy. In addition to having a full-time career and caring for her family, she made charitable work a significant part of her life. As a child she would take me to Rotary meetings and introduced me to philanthropy. Our family trips to Mexico would often include a trip to the local orphanage or elementary school to deliver clothes and school supplies.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received? To put my goals down in writing. This makes a goal more achievable. I believe this has helped me throughout my life from getting into a highly competitive high school to passing the grueling Certified Financial Planner exam.

What’s the worst advice you’ve ever received?

What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned? To take time for myself. If I don’t take care of myself then I won’t be able to care for my family and clients the way they deserve.

What would be your first choice for a new career? I have always thought it would be interesting to be a teacher or a psychologist. The interesting thing is that my current career combines both of these jobs. I have the joy of teaching our clients every day and helping them work through some of their psychological issues with money.

Favorite books? I enjoy reading such a variety of books that is hard to give a specific favorite. I loved reading Seabiscuit. It was a wonderful story but I think part of my enjoyment was thinking of my grandfather because of his love for horse racing. Plus I read the majority of Seabiscuit on the beaches of Tahiti during my honeymoon. You can’t beat that setting!

Favorite movie? Rocky.

Civic organization involvement: I’m on the Board of Directors of 3Cs and a member of the Coeur d’Alene Sunrise Rotary club.

What are your hobbies? With two young kids I don’t have much time for my personal hobbies right now.  I do enjoy reading, walking and traveling.

Michael Tanneberger, 35

Title: Principal, AFG

Company: Atchley Financial Group

Type of company: Wealth Management/Financial Planning

Education:

St. Mary’s University

San Antonio College for Financial Planning

City of residence: Coeur d’Alene

Family: Wife, Aimee Tanneberger, kids, Brayden, 3, and Emily, 7 months

First job: Pavlov’s Dog & Cat Hospital

Why did you choose your profession? I’ve always loved working with numbers. My father is a retired engineer and my mother is an accountant, so I guess I get that from them.

What was the turning point in your career? Moving to Los Angeles in 1999 and working for a pension firm as their Operations and Record keeping Manager.

What tools or factors helped you achieve early success? Hard work, lots of

studying/research and an analytical mind.

What is your ultimate career goal? Become a Registered Principal and run a successful wealth management firm.

What’s your guiding business principle? That every client has unique goals and dreams and they deserve a wealth management plan customized to those needs.

What are the necessary characteristics for a good leader? Someone who can inspire and motivate effectively.

Who are your mentors? My parents Marshall and Barbara Tanneberger and my in-laws Les and Janet Atchley.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received? A client retained is a client gained.

What’s the worst advice you’ve ever received? It’s easier to ask for forgiveness than for permission — THANKS RYAN!

What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned? Self confidence and overcoming social anxieties.

What would be your first choice for a new career? Accountant

Favorite books? Agatha Christie novels (with Hercule Perot) and The Lost Symbol

Favorite movie? DaVinci Code

Civic organization involvement:

Board of Directors – Boys & Girls Club of Kootenai County

Events Committee – Boys & Girls Club

Board of Directors – Coeur d’Alene Sunrise Rotary Club

Member – Coeur d’Alene Chamber of Commerce

What are your hobbies?

Sports – basketball, baseball/softball & football

John Thomas Sinclair, 32

Title: Associate Broker / Realtor

Company: Windermere Coeur d’Alene Realty

Type of company: Real Estate Sales

Education: 3 years with the University of TN toward entrepreneurship degree /Associate Broker Designation

City of residence: Coeur d’Alene

Family: Wife Amanda, 9 1/2, Alexander, 8, Emily Grace, 7, Kaitlyn, 5, Anne, 2 mo., and one peanut due in May

First job: Vincent Shoes — I packaged used shoes that were sold and shipped overseas

Why did you choose your profession? I have always had a love for real estate and don’t really know where it came from. When I was in high school I would stay up late to watch Real Estate infomercials and beg my mom to buy me the course. The first purchase on my first my credit card was that real estate course. When I was 18 I took all my graduation money and put it towards my first rental property. A few years later I realized I could make money by helping others purchase a product that I had a passion for.  I have been hooked since.

What was the turning point in your career? When I was 22 I was laid off from a good factory job. It forced me to dive full force into my real estate career. We had a baby and another one on the way. I had no options but to make my real estate career work. Being laid off was the biggest blessing that ever happened to me.

What tools or factors helped you achieve early success? Supportive parents were a big help. My parents never gave me money to get me going but they were always there to support and encourage me. I would get in trouble if I didn’t say my wife too. She was with me through the very lean times and always encouraged me; she is a super positive woman.

What is your ultimate career goal? World Domination, no seriously, I would like to finish my career and have people tell my kids “your dad was a good honest salesman.” Maintaining a good reputation is more important than the temporary income that could come from being a shady character.

What’s your guiding business principle? Sounds cliché but it really is timeless and true: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”

What are the necessary characteristics for a good leader? Respect, if people don’t have respect for you then how can you lead them?

Who are your mentors? Pepper Smock is my broker and a great mentor & a positive motivator. He started on a paper route as a kid and has built a well respected real estate business along with an Impressive real estate portfolio. Also Belinda Overman my first broker in TN. She still puts deals together on napkins over coffee. She can sell homes to buyers or sellers that haven’t yet realized that they need to buy or sell.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received? “The more you give the more you get.” It is a theme that I whole heartedly believe in from a best selling must read The Go Giver.

What’s the worst advice you’ve ever received? Probably to stop believing in Santa Clause or the Tooth Fairy, that’s a toss-up. I am still fans of them both.

What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned? You can’t do everything on your own and it is OK to share the business with others. The more you give the more you get!

What would be your first choice for a new career? I have always wanted to know more about owning Billboards and renting them out. It seems like a lucrative business that no one really talks about.

Favorite books? I’m a John Grisham fan so I read all of his books, I like business books like The Go Giver, Endless Referrals, See You at the Top, Rich Dad Poor Dad, The Millionaire Next Door.

Favorite movie? Christmas Vacation hands down. I watch it year round.

Civic organization involvement: I am heavily involved in the Windermere Foundation. Our foundation does so much good for local families and I am glad to be a part of it. My favorite is our Boots and Socks program. We provide hundreds of boots and socks to local families in need. It is just such a basic need that we are able to help with. All kids deserve warm boots and socks. I also help out at the Food Bank.

What are your hobbies? I love to snowboard in the winter. In the Summer I fill it with family stuff like trying to find the perfect undiscovered hidden places on the lakes to swim (still looking). We like to camp and I am always looking for an excuse to build a camp fire.

Natisa Viogt, 27

Title: Banking Center Manager — Appleway Branch

Company: Bank of America

Type of company: Financial

Education: Easter Washington University – Economics

City of residence: Coeur d’Alene

Family: 3 little girls and a step son

First job: Village Inn – server

Why did you choose your profession? Alligned perfectly with a business degree and it was a competitive field where I could aggresivly advance in.

What was the turning point in your career? When I advanced to Assitant Manager in Post Falls and I saw how with strong leadership you could make a team really successful.

What tools or factors helped you achieve early success? Hard work and always keeping focused on what is best for the company.

What is your ultimate career goal? To continue to climb the corporate ladder Next step would be a cmm (consumer market manager) position or I would love to lead a team in a project/change management position.

What’s your guiding business principle? Keep the entire team focused on the same common goal every day to ensure success.

What are the necessary characteristics for a good leader? Confidence, ability, determination and the desire to help build others to be the best they can be.

Who are your mentors?

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received? “Go big or go home”

What’s the worst advice you’ve ever received? “It is what it is.” (thats a cop out, dont accept failure, find a way to overcome it)

What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned?

What would be your first choice for a new career? Lawyer

Favorite books? Loved the twilight series and the agent pendergast series by Lincold Childs and Douglas Preston

Favorite movie? Tombstone

Civic organization involvement:

What are your hobbies? An avid reader and a workaholic and in the summer anything outdoors with the kids.

Craig Wilcox, 27

Title: Financial Consultant

Company: D.A. Davidson & Co.

Type of company: Brokerage Firm

Education: A.S.-NIC, B.S. Marketing-Portland State, B.S. Advertising Management-Portland State

City of residence: Post Falls

Family: Parents-Cort and Valerie Wilcox, Sister-Shannon Lee, Nephew-Jamie Lee

First job: Stateline Speedway

Why did you choose your profession? I’m good with math, people and money and I enjoy it. My dad also happens to be my business partner.

What was the turning point in your career? In my last year of school I entered into a collegiate advertising competition. We won in our region and went to nationals. At nationals we placed dead last because our campaign didn’t present the product as “being health”, which were some of the parameters we were given. It was soda pop. If this was the standard for the Ad industry, I had to find something different. I’m not bitter about losing. I just don’t want to go to hell.

What tools or factors helped you achieve early success? Out of college I ran a house painting business. I’ve never worked so hard in my life. I’ve never slept so little. After that, anything else seemed easy.

What is your ultimate career goal? My goal is to have a book of business comprised of people who understand they can trust me with their life savings. My father and I would like to manage $1 billion in assets. Someday…

What’s your guiding business principle? In business I believe everything that comes out of my mouth should be honest and true. To the best of my ability I always tell my clients exactly what they can expect from me. This is a priceless asset. A reputation of honesty is free to create, but can never be purchased.

What are the necessary characteristics for a good leader? Leadership is a process of listening to those around you, then answering a call to step up to the plate. When I assume a roll to lead it’s because I feel I have a calling and purpose to serve. In my leadership, I’ve always strived to be the greatest servant. If I don’t work the hardest, how can I expect anyone else to?

Who are your mentors? My mother and father. I’m definitely their son. I’m also very fond Jesus and Buddha.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received? “Craig, I wish you’d just come home.” -My Sister, telling me to leave a failing marriage and move back from Portland.

What’s the worst advice you’ve ever received? I tend to tune that stuff out.

What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned? I’ve had a few ruff times. I’d say I do know about rock bottom. We just get back up and be grateful for our life.

What would be your first choice for a new career? I’ve got a little idea I’m working on. However, I love being a financial consultant and don’t intent to ever change careers.

Favorite books? Stocks For the Long Run, The Kybalion, The One Minute Manager.

Favorite movie? ?

Civic organization involvement: Chair: Benches For Bus Stops, Chair: Kootenai Perspectives, KTEC Campaign Manager, President: Panhandle Kiwanis, Board of Directors: Post Falls Chamber.

What are your hobbies? Waterskiing, Snowboarding, Painting, Weightlifting.