We already knew East Texas and its people were special, but that really hit home when we spoke to over 100 award nominees who echoed the same sentiment.
When compiling the stories for this commemorative magazine, we interviewed the finalists of each of the 40 categories of industry. We asked them all about themselves, their work and volunteer history, career goals, hobbies and everything in between, including what they love about East Texas. Many people expressed their love for the trees and environmental beauty. They also complimented the small-town atmosphere and closeknit community vibe. Many more called East Texas a great place to live and work because of its people. These answers affirmed that East Texans care about their neighbors and community as a whole. Rather than competing, East Texas professionals work together for the greater good to make a difference in our community. We’re all in this together, and that’s a beautiful thing.
ETX View created the 40 Under Forty awards program, event and magazine in 2021 with a goal to recognize these impactful East Texans who contribute to making this a place we’re proud to call home. The annual awards program begins with an online nomination phase, where the community can nominate any young professional who has achieved success, given
back to East Texas and excelled in their field of expertise before the age of 40. Next is the voting phase, during which readers have the opportunity to vote daily for one of the three finalists in every category. Lastly, winners are announced at our celebratory banquet then highlighted in this keepsake publication.
This awards program perfectly aligns with the intention of ETX View magazine – to celebrate East Texas. Ushering in our third year of ETX View and now with two successful 40 Under Forty events in the books, we can’t wait to see what comes in 2023.
Thank you to our sponsors, partners and staff who work together to make 40 Under Forty a successful endeavor. We are so humbled and thankful for your support. We also appreciate the community for participating and sending in thousands of nominations and votes each year. Thank you to all of our nominees, finalists and winners for taking pride in this exceptional honor bestowed on you by your community.
As you read about each of the winners, we hope you’ll feel inspired and proud to be part of the East Texas community where so many outstanding people live and work.
PRESIDENT Stephen McHaney
PUBLISHER Justin Wilcox
ADVERTISING DIRECTOR
Alyssa Purselley-Hankins 903-596-6295
EDITOR Tim Thorsen ETX VIEW EDITOR Santana Wood
PUBLICATION DESIGNER Haley Holcomb
EVENT COORDINATOR
Haylea Hudson
CONTEST PRODUCTION Danielle Prekker Ray Thomspon
WRITERS
Ana Conejo Maleri McHam Jessica Payne Santana Wood
PHOTOGRAPHY Richard Rossouw
ADVERTISING SALES
Candace Kozak Haylea Hudson Kelly Benton Kerri Esposito Morgan Perry Paula White Shawna Yockey Stuart James Tracy Stopani
THE COVER 2022 40 Under Forty Women in Business winner Alexis Marjason and Men in Business Winner Cody Yoder
COVER PHOTOGRAPHY BY Richard Rossouw
COVER DESIGN BY Haley Holcomb
SANTANA WOOD swood@tylerpaper.com
© 2022, M. ROBERTS MEDIA 100 E. Ferguson, Suite 501, Tyler, TX 75702
Congratulations to our 40 Under 40 finalists, Laken Finney and Michael Montanda!
At CHRISTUS Good Shepherd, we value what each individual brings to our faith-based mission of healing and our commitment to quality health care. In return, we aim to create a culture where quality of work and quality of life live harmoniously, talent is recognized and each employee’s unique passions and skills are nurtured to develop meaningful careers.
making a positive and impactful change in the community, and exemplifying extraordinary leadership and service.
Something she enjoys about the East Texas community is how philanthropic it is.
“I also enjoy the pine trees, the azaleas when they bloom, and how Tyler is a mid-sized city with such a big city feel,” she said.
Ross serves on many boards of directors, including People Attempting to Help (PATH), Alzheimer’s Alliance, Tyler Metro Chamber of Commerce, SPORTyler, National Association of Blacks in Criminal Justice (NABCJ), Smith County Bar Association and the East Texas Estate Planning Council.
Kristina Ross believes life is about service –helping others.
“We each have an obligation to lighten someone’s load and it is in doing that, that we make the world a little better,” Ross said.
Ross, 39, of Tyler, is an attorney at Beard & Harris, PC where she has been for the last 10 years. The practice focuses on sports agency, estate planning and probate law. Additionally, she is a certified NFL Sports Agent and an adjunct professor of business and social science and criminal justice at Texas College, a Historically Black College and University in Tyler. She has worked in the legal field in some capacity for the past 17 years.
What Ross enjoys most about her job is helping her clients come up with solutions to their legal problems.
“I also enjoy doing pro bono work and assisting clients that would not have otherwise had access to justice,” Ross said.
This year, Ross was awarded the LegalLine Champion of the Year by the Smith County Bar Foundation and Lone Star Legal Aid. This award is in recognition of outstanding and demonstrated commitment in equal justice for all. In 2021, she was honored by the State Bar of Texas Board of Directors with a resolution for service and commitment to the people and communities of East Texas and dedication to the legal profession. Also in 2021, she was crowned the Mardi Gras Queen for being the top female fundraiser at PATH’s third annual Mardi Gras event. In 2020, she was recognized by the Women of Tyler organization as a woman “who turned the table” for personifying excellence,
Additionally, she is in this year’s Leadership Tyler Core Class 36. She is also on the Black History Knowledge Bowl, which puts on the annual Black History Knowledge Bowl Competition. Finally, she is a proud member of the Greater St. Mary Baptist Church in Tyler.
She appreciates the opportunity to give back and serve her community.
“There are so many things that can divide us, but service should be the common thread that bridges us together to accomplish the primary objective of making our communities better,” she said.
She plans to continue being involved in the community and hopefully serving on more nonprofit boards, coordinating legal clinics that will benefit moderate income individuals who need legal services, and chairing the annual Black History Knowledge Bowl event for youth in the East Texas area.
When she’s not busy being an attorney or volunteering for various organizations, Ross has some hobbies like running, traveling, landscaping, thrifting and candle making.
“THERE ARE SO MANY THINGS THAT CAN DIVIDE US, BUT SERVICE SHOULD BE THE COMMON THREAD THAT BRIDGES US TOGETHER TO ACCOMPLISH THE PRIMARY OBJECTIVE OF MAKING OUR COMMUNITIES BETTER.” KRISTINA
Eric Yates has owned and raised cattle since he was just 14 years old. Two decades later at age 34, Yates continues to run his own farming operation in Longview.
Yates and his wife Kelsey operate Yates Family Farms, a local farm-totable operation with a cow/calf division, backgrounding and finishing division and retail sales for locally raised beef.
Yates, who earned his bachelor’s degree from Texas A&M University, said working in this field is his passion.
“I enjoy providing East Texas with top quality, locally raised beef that is significantly different from anything available in the grocery stores,” Yates said.
Yates Family Farms has whole, half and quarter calves available to reserve, as well as a limited supply of individual cuts, such as various steaks, slow cooks, hamburger, and specialty meats.
One thing Yates said helps his business stand out is that it is truly a small family
operation that caters to customers.
“A perk of having a small operation is that we are personally involved, from the first phone call of inquiry to the delivery of your meat,” he said.
Yates, a Carthage native, enjoys living and working in East Texas where he was born and raised.
“My love for East Texas runs deep,” he said. “The abundance of green grass (with the exception of this year), the southern hospitality and heavy support for local businesses is what I love most.”
He also loves the community and enjoys helping out neighbors or fellow community members.
His cattle operation keeps him busy, but when time allows he enjoys getting out in the woods to hunt.
He is a member of Woodland Hills Baptist Church, Harrison County Cattleman’s Association, and the Harrison County Farm Bureau.
Yates said he and his wife Kelsey, whom he calls his biggest supporter and best partner, plan to continue to expand their cattle operation.
Carmen Gadt has been working professionally in art for nearly a decade. Gadt, 30, of Longview, works as a professional artist and as an art teacher at Pine Tree High School.
At her day job, Gadt teaches Art I and II and AP Art History to students.
“In Art I and Art II we focus on the elements and principles of art and design and use a variety of techniques including drawing, painting, printmaking, and sculpting. In AP Art History, we are responsible for familiarizing ourselves with the form, function, content, and context of 250 works of art spanning from global prehistory to contemporary artworks,” Gadt said.
She enjoys getting to know her students and pushing them to be “the most creative and confident versions of themselves,” she said.
Nine years ago she started Carmen Gadt Art, where she mostly does commissioned paintings. “My style is predominantly abstract. I use a variety of materials including acrylic paint, oil paint, resin, markers, pens, and oil pastels,” she said. “I enjoy being able to create custom
art for peoples’ homes and businesses.”
Gadt was born and raised in Longview, where her family also lives.
“I couldn’t imagine living somewhere without my support system just minutes away. I am successful because of the love and support of my family, especially my parents,” she said. Without them, I don’t know where I’d be.”
She said ‘the Gadt family motto’ has always been, “It’s better to have and not need, than to need and not have.”
“This quote has always resonated with me and has become a personality trait of mine. I always overthink, over plan, and over pack for everything I’m involved in. I would much rather be overprepared than underprepared,” she said.
In her professional career, Gadt pushes herself and encourages others to do the same in their respective careers.
In her free time, she enjoys crafting and creating, and being a dog mom and also a plant mom.
Gadt graduated from Pine Tree High School and Southwestern University.
“I COULDN’T IMAGINE LIVING SOMEWHERE WITHOUT MY SUPPORT SYSTEM JUST MINUTES AWAY. I AM SUCCESSFUL BECAUSE OF THE LOVE AND SUPPORT OF MY FAMILY, ESPECIALLY MY PARENTS. WITHOUT THEM, I DON’T KNOW WHERE I’D BE.”
Known as “Spinnin’ Wheels with Spilman,” Tiara Spilman, 29, has been serving the East Texas community as a sales professional at Peltier Chevrolet in Tyler.
For almost six years, Spilman has served East Texas through the dealership company but most importantly her favorite thing about her job is making dreams come true.
“What I enjoy most would be the privilege of making small but yet big dreams come true. Helping people when they feel the ‘impossible’ can’t be done and turn it around to more than the possible for them. There is nothing greater than the smiles and joys it brings to them driving away in a new car knowing I’m the one to make it happen,” Spilman said. “The amount of trust and loyalty my customers have with me is truly a blessing. I told myself when I got in this business I wanted to be the one to make a difference and be the difference. I strive each and every day to live up to the expectations of that and to be the best I can be.”
Spilman earned the Best In Town award for 2021 and 2022, and has received Mark of Excellence for General Motors for the past four years. In June 2021, Spilman was also named Employee of the Month.
Spilman is originally from Brady and currently lives in Bullard.
“I grew up in a super small 2A town so moving to East Texas for me was a huge change of atmosphere for me. However, moving here has to be the best decision I ever could have made for myself,” Spilman said.
When deciding to move to the Tyler area, Spilman said the inspiration came from Google, and he moved two days after graduating high school.
“I love it here because of the people, the hospitality, the opportunities, and it is where
I met my beautiful wife, Candice. It is the perfect small city to live in, hands down,” Spilman said.
Spilman is currently involved with Peltier Chevrolet’s community partnerships and charities. Her favorite hobbies consist of dancing, spending time with family and friends, and deer hunting.
When it comes to her favorite thing about civic involvement, she said it is the feeling of people coming together and being selfless in the community to make it a better place.
“The joys of a helping hand to others big or small just gives me a feeling of peace,” Spilman said.
Favorite quote of Spilman is, “forgetting what’s behind & straining towards what’s ahead, I press on.”’
“I feel this in many ways defines my life and keeps me pushing forward. If we dwell on the past and what is behind us, no matter how brutal or bad or the struggles encountered, how can you move on to be the better you? It will only keep a person down. I truly whole heartedly believe everything, the good the bad the ugly, I mean everything happens for a reason. I choose to use it all as a tool to keep pushing, and to be better and “press on” to the better and brighter future ahead,” she said.
Narrowing down to the key to professional success, Spilman believes its the different individuals make.
“I think the key to professional success is not just about the numbers or how many cars can be sold in a day or a lifetime even. I believe it’s about the difference we make as individuals to your work, to your community, to the life you live. It’s being the best you can be on the best and the worst days, it’s staying humble. I came from a whole lot of nothing and being a nobody and the ‘girl going nowhere.’ My key is going to be when I leave this life is that I left my mark well enough to be remembered as the girl who never gave up, quit fighting, and gave the business a new meaning and purpose!,” she said.
In the future, Spilman hopes to hold a variety of positions in the dealership such as GSM and GM one day. She also dreams to own a dealership but most importantly she hopes to get there by pushing, learning, hustling, never setting and by staying humble, she said.
Ariana Thompson is the 2022 Banking and Lending 40 Under Forty Award winner.
Thompson, 31, of White Oak, has been a mortgage lender since 2016. She currently serves as residential mortgage loan originator at Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation where she has worked for nearly five years.
“I do many things as a loan officer, but most importantly, my role is to pre-approve and get my buyers/current homeowners to the closing table. I speak with potential buyers and listen to their wants/needs while figuring out which type of mortgage financing is best for them,” she said. “With the help of my amazing team, we work with our buyers from application, contract, processing, underwriting and all the way to the closing table.”
She enjoys many aspects of her job and finds it tough to pick the best part, but at the top of the list is being able to notify buyers of a clear to close milestone, she said.
“There are many people who go into the process thinking that they are unable to ever purchase a home, so when we get to closing, it is an extremely big deal filled with lots of happy emotions,” she said.
The Longview native has lived in White Oak for the last eight years. She enjoys the small-
town feel and “closeness” of East Texas.
“I am a huge relationship person, so being able to form friendships and/or business relationships with people and get to know them is very important to me,” she said.
One of her favorite quotes is “when we work, we work; but when we pray, God works.”
“We can work and do everything in our own strength, but until we truly give everything to the Lord and trust Him in all situations, we give Him a chance to do work in our lives that far surpasses anything we can do by ourselves. Prayer and trust in God changes everything,” she said.
When it comes to professional success, she believes consistency is the No. 1 key.
“There are highs and lows, but keep going. If you’re not moving forward, you’re going backwards,” she said.
For her future goals, she plans to continue helping East Texas families “make their dreams come true.” She also hopes to form more relationships and increase her community involvement as her children grow.
Thompson serves at her church, Grace Creek, and loves being involved in a variety of small groups. She enjoys being outdoors, traveling and anything crafty.
She earned her education from Pine Tree High School and an education degree from Kilgore College.
Museum and Library Sciences for Longview WOW. This was the organization’s first federal grant and the largest grant it has been awarded to date, she said. Along with this, she has also successfully secured annual Cultural Arts grants.
“Building community partnerships is a strength that I am incredibly proud of,” McKinley said.
Outside of her work at Longview WOW, McKinley loves to attend all of her kids sporting events, listen to true crime and current event podcasts and take weekend family trips to Lake Cherokee during the summer.
Longview native Sara McKinley, 39, was selected as the 40 Under Forty Childhood Learning and Activities winner.
She attended Spring Hill High School and went on to receive her degree from Texas A&M University.
McKinley has been serving as the assistant executive director at the Longview World of Wonders for one-and-a-half years where she works alongside the director to oversee operations of the facility and support staff.
Some of her key duties include working with the marketing and education staff to increase visibility of Longview WOW and develop new programing; researching and writing grants to fund programing such and new exhibits; and coordinating special events and collaborations with community partners.
“I truly enjoy working with community partners to bring fun new programming to our patrons and visitors,” McKinley said. “I love the process of developing projects, fundraising, and seeing those programs and exhibits come to life. It’s so rewarding to see kids and their families enjoy the events that we work hard to develop.”
McKinley said recently she wrote and was awarded a federal grant from the Institute of
She is also an active member of the Junior League of Longview and has served in numerous leaderships within the organization including chairing Poverty Conference and admissions/provisional chair. She is also involved in the Spring Hill Athletic Booster Club and the Deep East Texas Aggie Club.
Through her role at Longview WOW and others in the community, McKinley said she has really been able to connect with the community, which is her favorite thing about civic involvement.
“Learning the stories of others has long been a motivator for me to be involved in the community,” she said. “Being able to see the tangible outcomes of community projects is incredibly rewarding.”
Throughout all of her work and experiences one thing McKinley has learned is that success is subjective.
For her, “it’s about a willingness to try something that failed previously and a desire to learn from every roadblock or setback,” she said. “I firmly believe in asking for advice and guidance from mentors and humbly admitting that sometimes you just have to Google things.”
Michelle Gamboa, who has been serving on the Longview City Council for less than a year, is already one of East Texas’ most beloved city officials.
Gamboa, a Longview native, was elected to serve as the District 5 representative on the council in May. She earned nearly 60 percent of the vote that day, which also happened to be her 28th birthday.
Gamboa’s goals are to do everything she can to make sure each resident has their voice heard.
“I enjoy serving the community and giving back,” she said. “I truly enjoy making an impactful and positive impact, and the ability to see a need and meet it.”
Gamboa is also operations director for her family business Roof Care, where she has worked for five-plus years. Previously, she has worked for Gov. Greg Abbott and other elected officials before running for office. She also serves on various community and nonprofit boards.
She is the council liaison to Longview Economic Development Corporation, appointments and the construction advisory board. She also serves as a Court-Appointed Special Advocate, on the boards of the Longview Museum of Fine Arts, Longview Arboretum, Longview Community Ministries, Junior League of Longview, Rotary Club and more.
She believes East Texas is a special place to live, work and volunteer.
“I love that East Texas is filled with a community who enjoys giving back to others. People here are a different in that they look for ways to help others,” she said. “I love the people and organizations who make this a beautiful place.”
Gamboa says hard work, dedication and discipline are the keys to success. Her long-term goal is to just be the best version of herself so she can help others achieve their goals.
She believes “it’s up to us to not pull up the ladder, but let it down so that others can be motivated to lead and make a powerful impact too.”
Gamboa was also a runner-up in the Hispanic Community Figure category for the 40 Under Forty 2022 awards. She has previously been awarded the Purple Heart for Child Advocacy in 2020, received a Texas A&M University former student spotlight in 2017, earned a Community Leader Award in Miss Texas Latina 2022, 12 Under 12 Nomination in 2021 from Texas A&M and more.
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Local businessman Josh Smallwood has always dreamed of owning his own business, but it was never a profitmotivated pursuit.
“I really wanted to create something sustainable, and a culture where employees felt valued, inspired, and supported – beyond just picking up a paycheck,” said Smallwood, 34, who is the founder and CEO of Smallwoods and 80 Acre Market.
Over the last decade, Smallwoods has produced framed photos for millions of families across the nation. That small group of startup employees grew to a team of more than 400, who Smallwood worked alongside to launch 80 Acre Market – a community destination where families come and make memories together.
“Each day this is more than just a workplace, but an organization where my friends, families, and co-workers can set down roots in East Texas, and – more importantly – know they have the stability and support I didn’t have growing up,” Smallwood said, explaining he had a difficult childhood where family, stability and necessities were hard to come by.
“But those challenging seasons taught me how important fairness, family and stability are. Today our goal as an enterprise overall, is to be aware of and involved in the many different levels of the East Texas community that
our employees represent. Whether we are contributing to school functions or nonprofit events, we want to be a part of our community and the stories that live on down the road,” he said.
Smallwood said it takes a community to achieve big things. “And when you have the right people in the right position, doing what they love, that’s when the magic happens.”
Smallwood loves dreaming about the expansion that is to come for his businesses and how they can continue contributing to the community.
“We are invested in making sure our community sees and feels a bright, happy, fulfilled and thriving future,” he said. “We are committed to taking our difficult trials and unforeseen setbacks and using them to go at our goals smarter, better, and bolder while knowing that our people and our community is not just our how we get there, but our why we are on this journey to begin with.”
Allye Hernandez has worked her way up the ladder at The Brothers That Just Do Gutters, and she doesn’t plan to stop anytime soon.
Hernandez, 30, started off as the back office administrator at the Tyler branch one year ago and as time went on, she gained more responsibilities such as shop and team management, scheduling, compliance and other duties. Now, she’s the general manager and will soon be the owner of the branch.
It is all about investing in the team for Hernandez, as “no one wins alone,” she said.
“I love investing in people and watching them grow and achieve their dreams and success,” Hernandez said.
She truly enjoys being a leader, adding that listening to a team member’s concerns and offering solutions is very fulfilling for her. It’s also important for her to lead with integrity, she said, noting one of the quotes she lives by is “If you stand for nothing, you’ll fall for anything.”
“This quote is powerful to me because leaders should have stances and morals and when they don’t and they just sway with the judgment of others, they lose their integrity,” she said.
Another thing she enjoys about being in a leadership role is the opportunity to build relationships.
“It’s important to have a strong team and care for the individuals on your team,” she said.
Hernandez is most passionate about inspiring others to achieve their dreams.
“I’m not as much worried about awards as I am the support and bonds I am building with the community around me,” Hernandez said. “I want to give back to the community once this branch is mine. I want to run the most successful gutter company in the East Texas area and inspire others as young as I am to do the same. I want to impact those around me with my story.”
Her biggest goal is to grow The Brothers That Just Do Gutters into a
household name under her leadership.
“I want to be THE gutter company, like Coke, BandAid, Kleenez, Ziploc or Google. When people think gutters, they think Brothers Gutters,” she said.
A Breckenridge native who has lived in Tyler for the past eight years, Hernandez said East Texas is a special place.
“I love that it’s in Texas but it doesn’t feel like Texas,” she said. “I love all the trees and weather that East Texas has to offer, and I love how bonded the community is here.”
Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with family, gardening, and collecting tea sets. She is involved in several community organizations including the Lindale, Tyler and Mineola chambers of commerce and the HER Network. She is also a member of Dayspring Methodist Church.
Hernandez earned her education at Breckenridge High School then went on to earn her degree at the University of Texas at Tyler. 903-245-7260
graduated college and worked in home health for three years and then decided to be alongside her mother, Lisa Stiles, providing cosmetic injections for Face Studio.
Sanford is always working to set goals for herself.
Emily Sanford, two-time 40 Under Forty Cosmetic & Beauty award winner, believes “less is more” and applies that to her work at Face Studio! Wow! in Longview.
Sanford, 29, earned the title last year for the inaugural awards program. As a certified nurse injector/registered nurse, her role is to provide cosmetic injectable services such as neurotoxin, fillers, and PDO threading to clients to provide a smooth, youthful appearance as well as slowing the visual aging process, she said.
“When assessing an individual and what the client’s goal is, I believe a better look is when it is natural looking. Providing a ‘less is more’ outcome allows the patient to feel good about themselves while leaving others guessing,” Sanford said.
The clients are her favorite part of the job.
“They trust me and feel like family when they walk through the door. They know I will provide a natural looking outcome while achieving their goals,” Sanford said.
Sanford graduated high school at Hallsville in 2010, graduated the LVN program at Panola College in 2015 and graduated the registered nursing program at Panola in 2020. Shortly after high school, Sanford became a certified nurse aide working at the hospital, provided permanent cosmetic tattooing,
“There is always something new to educate on such as new products and techniques,” she said. “My goal is to continue to reach clients outside of East Texas as well as provide the best outcomes to my future and current clients, widen my injection territory to different states and travel the world with my mom to provide injection services,” she said.
Sanford was born in Wichita Falls but has lived in Hallsville nearly all her life.
“I enjoy the small town feel of East Texas. The town parades, events, and gatherings are always something to look forward to with the community,” she said.
She attends New Beginnings Baptist Church in Longview. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, attending concerts, shopping, traveling, and filling her weekends with sport activities for her children.
Blake Williams works at Longview Eye Associates. He is a fifth-generation East Texan and is involved with various nonprofit organizations and serves on multiple local boards. This information was provided based on availability.
Kendall Tomberlain earned the 40 Under Forty Education award.
Tomberlain, 32, has served Hallsville North Elementary as its school counselor for the last seven years.
“My role as school counselor is to support all students in their social and emotional wellbeing and growth in our elementary school which serves pre-K through fourth grade,” Tomberlain said. “I believe it is important to educate the whole child, not just academically, but also mentally and emotionally. I serve as an advocate for all students inside and outside the classroom in my role as a counselor.
“My hope is that the students in my school feel that I offer a safe place where they can work through feelings, learn coping skills, and leave my office feeling heard and understood.”
Tomberlain said the most rewarding aspect of her job is helping students every day.
“Since I began my career as a school counselor, I continually strive to ensure that every student knows who I am, what my role is, and how I can support them in and out of school,” she said. “When I started this job, I spent a lot of time breaking down walls to get students to open up and talk about the difficult things going on in their lives. This year I have had so many new student come into my office, whom I have never had the chance to have a one on one with, and they immediately feel comfortable unloading their heavy burdens and letting me help with whatever struggles they may have.”
Tomberlain began her career in education teaching third and sixth grade English as a second language in Bangkok, Thailand. Upon returning to Longview, she taught pre-K and kindergarten for three years at Longview ISD. In 2016, she moved to Hallsville North
Elementary to teach kindergarten for four years then transitioned into her current role.
The Longview native has lived in Hallsville for 27 years.
“When you grow up in East Texas it is very easy to take the small town charm for granted. After moving off for college and living on the other side of the world in a city with 10 million people, returning home was like walking into a scene out of a Hallmark movie,” she explained. “Friday night music, farmers markets, and art walks in our downtown square seems so mundane until you get to view our little slice of heaven from an outside perspective and the eyes of your own child. I’ll admit it was tough when I first moved back not being able to make it through dinner without 10 to 15 people stopping by our table to talk, but then I realized it is because everyone in a small town loves you like family and you can always count on the people in our town to help out in anyway possible if there is someone in need.”
She is currently focused on her family, career and completing her masters degree, but she has been involved in various nonprofits and organizations. She and her husband also founded Bourbon and Bowties for the benefit of The Longview World of Wonders.
Tomberlain enjoys traveling, meeting new people and learning about other cultures. She also enjoys cooking, working in her garden and spending time with her husband Cole and son Liam.
Tomberlain believes in being kind because you never know what someone else may be going through. “Treating others with kindness is the easiest and smallest way to change someone’s day for the better and it costs you nothing,” she said. She also believes in persevering and having integrity. Working hard and being trustworthy go a long way, she said.
In the future, she hopes to become a Licensed Professional Counselor and continue to work with children.
Bailey Haley loves helping people and is fortunate enough to do that daily through her job.
Haley, 24, of Kilgore, works as a registered nurse case worker at Heart to Heart Hospice servicing East Texas.
“As a hospice nurse case manager, my job is to not only provide comfort and care to my patients and their families but I also provide support while my patients navigates a difficult time in their life,” she said. I develop a plan of care for each patient that is very specific to their needs. Hospice nursing also requires lots of communication between the nurse, social worker, chaplain, and MD.”
Haley said working with patients is the best part of her work.
“I love the bonds I am able to build with my patients and their families. I get to hold their hand and walk them through this journey,” she said. “It’s so beautiful.”
Haley worked as an oncology nurse at UT Health Tyler for over a year before she started working for Heart to Heart Hospice.
“My background in oncology has allowed me to be able to care for very high pain management patients in the home setting,” she said.
In her professional career, she aims to always do her best and have a positive mindset. In life, she believes everything happens for a reason.
“I am a firm believer that God always has a plan and that His timing is always
perfect,” she said.
Haley graduated from Kilgore High School in 2016 then Tyler Junior College in 2019.
She plans to further her nursing degree and become a nurse practitioner specializing in oncology or hospice.
Haley is a member of Forest Home Baptist Church in Kilgore. She enjoys living in East Texas near her friends and family whom she enjoys spending time with. She also likes to read when she has time.
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In the middle of the pandemic, Trista Roel, 38, of Longview, took a leap of faith and started Pride Metals, a woman-owned and operated steel service center that primarily services the oil and gas industry.
Roel said that she loves that the business is female-owned and operated, especially in a male-domianted industry.
As a CEO and visionary of the company, she considers that the most important responsibilities are setting and protecting the company’s culture, setting and communicating vision and goals, establishing long-term relationships, strategic planning, research, and development.
Even though the company started two years ago, Roel has been in the industry for almost 20 years.
Roel has lived in Longview during her entire lifetime and loves living in a small town, especially because of the community.
“I’m a Longview native. I definitely think we have grown leaps and bounds over the past 10 years. I love the small-town feel, yet there is plenty offered for families to do. We have great community leaders that are always looking for ways to improve our quality of life here,” she said.
An accomplishment that Roel holds is Pride Metals being WBENC certified, which is a certification that validates that the business is at least 51 percent owned, controlled, operated, and managed by a
woman or women.
Roel is a member of the Longview Chamber of Commerce, and Vistage, a CEO mastermind group for East Texas. She is also a big supporter of the Gladewater round up rodeo.
Favorite hobbies of Roel consists of; working out, strength training, yoga, running, reading and listening to books, spending time with family, and supporting her kids with their extracurricular activities.
When it comes to her favorite thing about civic involvement, Roel mentioned that it is having an impact and being surrounded by people who share the same goals.
Roel’s favorite quote and motto comes from “Endure” by Cameron Hanes, which is “the only way to make dreams possible is to sacrifice.’”
“It seems like these days everybody wants things to come easy to them. And if someone else is successful, people think it was handed to them. People have to realize that it takes tremendous sacrifice and hard work to be successful. I also have to remind myself of that when I don’t want to get up early to workout, or work at night to get caught up, or spend time away from my family because I need to be at the office,” she said about her favorite quote.
According to Roel, the key to professional success is to the hardest worker you know. “It’s not talent or even smarts, it’s how committed you are to being successful,” she said.
When it comes to future plans, Roel hopes to grow Pride Medals into a company that everyone wants to work for.
Phaedra Bartley has been in sales or retail her whole life. Now, at age 39, she owns and operates The Velvet Pearl Boutique (VP) which she opened three years ago.
Bartley graduated from Del Norte High School in Crescent City, California before moving to East Texas in 2009 where she now resides in Tatum. Bartley said the move to East Texas was great for a business and to raise a family.
“I love the people here. The community in East Texas is like nothing I’ve seen before. They truly rally behind small businesses and support us any way they can. I know personally when starting out I would not be able to keep my doors open without the support from people in East Texas,” she said. “I also love the beautiful place we live. We are raising two country boys ages 6 and 7, and we love the lakes surrounding us, the outdoors and all the things we can do together as a family. There is literally nowhere else I would rather raise my family than right here in East Texas.”
At VP, Bartley does everything from ordering to marketing to building relationships with vendors, keeping up with social media with new arrivals, overseeing employees, and more. However, Bartley says the thing she loves most about her work are the relationships built.
“We are a family; you don’t just buy cute clothes with VP, you truly become a part of our family. We ship to over 40 states and we are just as close with someone that lives out of state as we are a local shopper,” she said.
“God has truly blessed me with a passion for fashion and has given me this platform to sell clothes but He also gave me this platform to speak about Him, to plant seeds inside shoppers whether that be through a live, prayer or a post on our social media.”
“I have met some of my best friends through having my boutique and that all started by them coming in to pick up a package or shopping the store. I love getting women out of their comfort zone with clothing,” Bartley continued. “Things they never would think to buy, they trust my judgment and my honest opinion. I have always stood out with what I wear and I love to bring that edge to VP. I literally have the best job ever.”
Bartley’s journey as a business owner came later in life and said she likes to share her experience with others that it’s never too late to chase your dreams.
“I chased after a dream later in life and I tell people all the time it is literally never too late to do what you want. You just have to start. You cannot get anywhere living in fear. It is a liar, it is the enemy,” Bartley said.
And her key to success?
“Stay the course – your course. Don’t worry about what other people are doing or saying, you stay true to yourself and what works for you. Be authentic. To be successful in life you have to hustle; work for it, grind for it, zero excuses,” she said. “Put your head down, block out the noises and get after it day after day. Have a specific vision and follow it through. Have the confidence to know that whatever you do, you will be successful and don’t settle for anything less.”
Bartley said the sky is the limit when it comes to expanding her business, as she hopes to make the brand well-known far beyond East Texas.
Longview. They plan to open up multiple offices and select specific advisors and clients to grow with them.
Rice has earned first place in the Best of East Texas for financial advisor the past three years in a row. His firm has earned Best Of for wealth management firm the past three years also. He is also proud to be part of Vistage Worldwide, the world’s largest CEO mastermind group, since March 2021 in the East Texas region. He graduated Leadership Longview in 2020.
Outside of work, Rice enjoys spending time with his wife and three boys; cooking; and fishing.
William Rice IV started his own firm four years ago with a goal to put the client first and run a business on his own true values and core beliefs – not someone else’s.
Rice, 35, of Longview, has been in the financial advising and planning industry for 14 years. He is founding partner and chief operating officer of Eagle Capital Advisors where he works to develop and implement business strategies, plans and procedures, and manage marketing, sponsorships and networking.
What Rice enjoys most about working at his firm is the culture they have created and the relationships that have formed from that. He said it’s important to him that clients have the ability to see complete transparency in everything they do.
Rice also believes in putting God first not just in his family and personal life, but also in business.
“Hard work comes with stressful situations sometimes. Being still and trusting God will work plans out is the most important thing to do. Good or bad, He is our comfort, our strength, our provider,” he said.
Keeping those core values and beliefs aligned with putting your all into everything you do is the key to professional success, Rice aid.
“Honesty and integrity with the things that go unseen will form your character. Your character will be remembered by everyone,” he said.
Rice plans to continue expanding the footprint of Eagle Capital Advisors in
Trent Montgomery enjoys the camaraderie of working in fire and rescue and takes pride in his ability to serve the community.
Montgomery, 30, of Longview, has been working as a firefighter and paramedic at the Longview Fire Department for the last eight years.
“I enjoy the opportunities it allows me to be able to help others, to be part of a brotherhood, to constantly be challenged – mentally and physically,” he said. “There’s never a boring day at the firehouse!”
Prior to working at LFD, Montgomery served for two yeast at the Marshall Fire Department. He earned his education at Pine Tree High School and Kilgore College.
“I got so much exposure and experience
at a young age that has been invaluable to my career,” he said.
He was awarded Rookie of the Year in 2016, and Paramedic of the Year in 2021.
“The men and women I work around are the best at what we do. It was a true honor to be recognized amongst them,” Montgomery said.
Montgomery said East Texas is a special place to live and work.
“It’s home. I love the family friendly, hometown environment,” he said.
He is a member of New Beginnings Church and is involved in many different aspects at the fire department. He enjoys spending time with family, coaching his daughter’s softball team and being involved in her activities, and going on vacation.
When it comes to professional success, Montgomery believes integrity is the No. 1 key. He says putting others before yourself and having a selfless mindset is something everyone should focus on in their careers and lives.
Montgomery also encourages others to take chances and believe in themselves.
“Everything in life starts with a decision to try,” he said. “Believe in yourself and put in the work and you can achieve anything.”
As far as future goals, Montgomery just strives to improve, personally and professionally, on a daily basis.
“My biggest goal is to be the best husband and father I can be for my family. Secondly I would like to be a company officer for the Longview Fire Department and leave a lasting impact well after I am gone,” he said.
ROBER TSLA WFIRM.COM
Kaitlyn Williams works as a personal trainer, nutrition coach and launch director at Camp Gladiator, where she has been for four years.
Williams, 31, has lived in Tyler for eight years but is a Longview native.
“I truly believe that I have the best job in the entire world. I get to wake up each and every day and impact lives amongst my community,” she said. “I have always felt called to lead and help others, and Camp Gladiator gave me a platform and community to make my dreams a reality. I aim to be one of the best parts of my athletes’ days, and always want to ensure that they leave me feeling a little better than when they arrived.”
As a trainer, Williams trains athletes of all different ages, athletic levels, and lifestyles to “help them become the best version of themselves all while ensuring they are happy and healthy,” she said.
“In July 2022, I became a certified nutrition coach so that I am able to help people not only on the athletic side of their journeys, but also on the nutrition side as well,” she said. “As a director and recruiter, I help find people with a passion for fitness and impacting lives all over the country to join the Camp Gladiator mission and help them begin their careers as a trainer.”
Williams enjoys living and working in East Texas.
“The East Texas community has been home for my entire life. I have traveled to other states on vacation and temporary stays, but East Texas is where my heart is,” she said. “The breathtaking views looking into the country and farmland outside of city limits, or spending time any of our beautiful lakes, yet with the hustle and bustle of our large cities, East Texas truly has it all. However, the best part of East Texas is the kindhearted people and love and support you can always find.”
She enjoys civic involvement.
“From spending time out at local businesses
working to grow my business, to the social gatherings and outings with friends and family, my heart is the most full when I’m able to be with and contribute to the people of the community,” she said. “The community is the livelihood of any organization, but especially fitness. I thrive on being able to touch lives and that can only happen by taking the time to get to know and the people and the community.”
In the community, Williams is involved on the board for the Kilgore College twirling alumni (Once...Always Kilgore College Twirlers) where she helps host numerous events, mentor young athletes, and do whatever is needed of her to help community events run smoothly.
Outside of work, Williams enjoys getting involved in other fitness activities like 5Ks and other races, and spending time with her family.
Williams says there isn’t one key to professional success but rather “a key ring that carries several keys.”
A few of the important ones are “hard work, persistence, empathy and integrity,” she said.
“Sometimes success just has to come from grinding through the mundane by identifying and tackling. Recognizing that continuous improvement is a neverending battle is important to push yourself and your business,” she said. However, it is also important to take the time to recognize and celebrate success with myself, my family, my friends, and my clients.”
She also credits the community to her professional success.
“Thanks to the support of the incredible East Texas community, I have found a passion for life in the fitness industry and realize that positively touching lives is my true north,” she said. “I know by using my personal compass, I can navigate the future and will use it to continue to grow my business, my career, my family, and the community.”
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she comes across, especially all veteranfocused groups. She is also a mentor with Aspire Mentoring in Longview. Her children are involved in First Tee and she loves to help any way she can for youth golf to grow.
Lucero Harris serves in the United States Army Reserves and is co-owner of Operation Unbroken, a Longview business that supports local veterans.
Harris, 32, said the retail/gift store is focused on selling veteran-owned brands.
“As a military family, we want to support our brothers and sisters in their civilian journey. The veterans behind each brand that we carry simply want to find their purpose after the military which is something that my husband relates to,” Harris said. “I am also currently in the US Army Reserves which humbles me every time I put the uniform on and allows me to appreciate my daily freedoms.”
Harris said although retail can be challenging, it is the encouragement from the community that keeps her going.
“The goal was to build a business. We ended up building a family of veterans and patriots that I am so proud to know,” she said. “Building a veteran network and connecting veterans together has given our small business a much bigger purpose.”
Previously, Harris served as an executive director of a Longview nonprofit.
“Through my time there, I was able to really get to know my community. I always believed that nonprofits should be working together, so I got to know many organizations in our area. East Texas has so many wonderful people that are constantly working hard to better our community,” she said. “I’m fortunate to be surrounded by them on a daily basis through various networking and volunteering opportunities.”
Harris aims to be a voice for any organization
“A few of my favorite organizations that I love to support in any way that I can are the Texas Wounded Warrior Foundation, Longview Ambucs TOO, our local VFWs, Run for the Wall, Vietnam Veterans of America, and Veterans Support Commission,” she said. “Being involved in the community has really opened my eyes to the behind-the-scenes work. I feel strongly that if you don’t love your community, you simply aren’t doing anything for it either. The people that I get to interact with on a daily basis truly fulfill my soul. More importantly, my kids are constantly around people that are role models.”
Harris hopes to continue serving the community any way she can while also raising her two children.
“Being a good example to them and my mentee is my biggest goal,” she said. “I hope that our business continues to grow so that I can be a voice for our veteran community.”
When it comes to professional success, Harris believes doing what makes you happy is key.
“Because we have sacrificed our time with our family through the military, time with our family is something that we don’t bargain in our profession,” she said. “I believe that when you are happy with yourself, you are happy professionally.”
Harris, a Kilgore native, has lived in her current community in Gladewater for four years.
“I grew up in East Texas and after my husband retired from the military, we knew we wanted to raise our kids here,” she said. “We love the small-town values. East Texas also has plenty of opportunities available for our children. As an active family, we enjoy all of the trails and golf that East Texas has to offer.”
“I FEEL STRONGLY THAT IF YOU DON’T LOVE YOUR COMMUNITY, YOU SIMPLY AREN’T DOING ANYTHING FOR IT EITHER.”
That support is paramount to anyone’s professional endeavors, Harris said.
“You need encouragement, but you also need accountability,” she said. “There are always ups and downs in business, and when your circle knows how to give you pep talks, offer advice, or even critiques you in order to help you identify areas of weakness and re-direct your focus, then you are truly blessed. You must be willing to listen to your support system though or you are letting wisdom slip out the door.”
Harris is proud to live in East Texas and said she and her husband wouldn’t want to raise their sons anywhere else.
Tara Harris believes support is crucial for professional success.
Harris, 36, of Gladewater, works as an insurance agent and agency owner at State Farm, which opened in 2019.
“As the owner, my job description is vast. I am responsible for everything from reviewing insurance policies with my current customers to recruiting and hiring licensed agents,” she said. “Our office sells auto and home insurance which is what State Farm is most known for, but we also sell life and supplemental health insurance.”
Harris said her favorite part of the job is building relationships with customers and ensuring their insurance needs are met.
“I have many families that have realized the value of life insurance, and it makes me proud knowing my team and I are protecting families and their future generations,” she said.
Harris, who earned a masters in education through UT Arlington and previously worked as an educator for a decade, said she is still blessed to educate in her current industry, just to a slightly different audience.
Harris said without God’s guidance and her husband’s support, they never would’ve started on the journey of owning their own agency.
“... When you choose to make a huge career change and move your family away from their comfort zones, it is always stressful. Walking in faith and recognizing what I call those God-wink moments, has been an amazing experience that I want to continue,” she said.
“Having lived in the Houston area most of my life, I prefer country living. I absolutely love waking up to our farm life regardless of how much work it is. The pace of life is much slower here, and people are definitely friendlier,” Harris said.
Outside of work, Harris volunteers her time as the vice president for the Kilgore Lions Club and has also helped out the last few years with the Halloween carnival and Christmas food drive. Civic involvement has helped her get to know the community better, she said.
“I have met some of the most wonderful people. I also enjoy teaching my boys about the importance of helping others. What may seem like a small act of kindness or a couple extra hours of your time spent, can make a huge impact on someone else’s. We need more of this in life,” she said.
Harris hopes to continue to grow their agency and educate the community about insurance.
“I want our office to be known for putting families first so that we can impact generations for the future,” she said.
“We are so proud of that accomplishment and so humbled by all of our wonderful customers that helped us achieve that honor,” he said.
McFarland is also a real estate agent with Texas Real Estate Executives, The Daniels Group. He also invests in real estate and flips homes.
He believes professional success comes from hard work and perseverance.
“There will be times that you will fail. But you have to dust yourself off and keep going. Eventually all the long hours and hard work will pay off. It just takes time and a relentless drive to succeed,” he said.
Tyler McFarland loves having the ability to completely turn a customer’s day around.
He works in the IT industry, which can often be frustrating for consumers.
McFarland, 28, is the co-owner of Longview Tech Pros.
“I head up the IT division of our company. I oversee all aspects of that division and handle any computer repairs that come in. I also maintain and service the needs of our commercial clients. In addition to overseeing the IT division, I also oversee a lot of the backend operations of our company,” he said.
He enjoys his customers and clients the most, along with the ability to help them through difficult situations and offer solutions.
“Technology issues can be very frustrating for the end user. It’s very rewarding to resolve the IT issues our clients are faced with,” he said. “We have a lot of customers who are older and they can sometimes get easily frustrated with various technology issues. There’s nothing more regarding than solving their problem and completely turning their day around.”
McFarland started his own IT company at just 15 years old, Tyler’s Computer Services.
“I can remember repairing customer’s computers on my grandmother’s kitchen table. I would also service computers at the customer’s home or business. Over time the company grew and we ended up moving offices three times to accommodate growth,” he said. “I eventually sold that company and worked for the firm I sold it to for a little over two years. I then went back out on my own, and that eventually led to co-owning Longview Tech Pros with my best friend Kevin Chavarria.”
The company was voted No. 1 in the 30th annual Best of East Texas contest.
McFarland also served as the vice president of Longview Type One Diabetes Foundation for over nine years. He and his wife are also deeply involved in their church, New Covenant Church.
Giving back to the community is something that McFarland enjoys and has been passionate about for many years.
“Longview and East Texas are full of amazing people that give their time and resources to make this area better, and I love being a small part of that,” he said. “From a very young age my grandmother instilled the value of volunteering and giving back in me.”
McFarland plans to continue growing his business and other companies, mainly aiming to be the No. 1 electronics repair firm in Longview.
“We strive to have the best customer service and reasonable prices to meet our customer’s needs and exceed their expectations. I feel customer service is something that is lacking in a lot of businesses today and that is something we have always strived to excel at,” he said. “When a customer has an issue with their cell phone, tablet, or computer, we want to be the first company that comes to mind.”
“TECHNOLOGY ISSUES CAN BE VERY FRUSTRATING FOR THE END USER. IT’S VERY REWARDING TO RESOLVE THE IT ISSUES OUR CLIENTS ARE FACED WITH.”
Jessica Allen works as an attorney at Goudarzi & Young in Longview. Allen, 29, has been at the firm for two years.
“I have the honor and privilege of representing victims and families of victims who were involved in catastrophic accidents, including car wrecks and 18-wheeler accidents,” she said. “When people need a personal injury attorney, they are having one of the worst days of their lives. The best part of my job is being able to find closure for our clients, helping them get the treatment that they need, and being able to hold the responsible company or person accountable.”
Allen, who grew up in Grand Prairie and now lives in Harrison County, earned her education from Trinity High School (Euless), University of Texas in Arlington and Baylor Law School.
She loves living in East Texas, mostly for its tight-knit community of people.
“Having grown up in a big city, living in Longview and working in Marshall has made me appreciate the closeness of East Texans and how kind people are to one another. The commitment of everyone in the community to better the community in some way is something I had never experienced before,” she said. “I also enjoy that I can have conversations with people in line at the grocery store and learn that we know the same people and attend the same events. These supportive communities are amazing to be a part of, and I’m very thankful my son will grow up in them.”
Allen also enjoys being involved in the community through service, attending New Hope Baptist Church, and serving as a member
of the East Texas Trial Lawyers Association and the Academy of Truck Accident Attorneys.
Prior to joining Goudarzi & Young, Allen was a misdemeanor, juvenile, and felony prosecutor in Harrison County.
Allen said one of her mentors, Judge Brad Morin, taught her the keys to professional success are preparation, communication and reputation.
“In the courtroom, I cannot guarantee that I will always be the smartest lawyer. But I can always be the most prepared by working hard and planning for everything. Being prepared for the expected and the unexpected gives me an advantage over my adversaries. Communicating effectively builds relationships with my clients, co-workers, and opponents … it is important to maintain a reputation of professionalism, preparedness, and kindness. A reputation takes years to build but can be lost in a minute.”
Some of Allen’s future goals include to continue serving the communities around her in any way she can.
“I hope to continue to be in a position where I can use my talents and expertise to serve those in need in my role as an attorney, community volunteer, or maybe one day as an elected official,” she said.
Among her proudest accomplishments are when she was awarded the Baylor Law School Pro Bono Bronze Award in 2016 and 2017 for her volunteer work with the Texas Innocence Project helping individuals who were wrongfully convicted of serious crimes.
“Also, in 2021, I was part of the Goudarzi & Young trial team that obtained a $730 million verdict for our clients who had lost their mother in a catastrophic trucking accident in Titus County. The verdict is the single largest verdict in American history involving an 18-wheeler,” Allen said.
department. He would like to move up into the command staff at the department and maybe become police chief one day, he said.
Bynum earned his high school diploma from Spring Hill High School and bachelors of business management from LeTourneau University. He is currently enrolled in the masters degree program at LeTourneau for strategic leadership.
In any profession, Bynum said things that help a professional stand out are “how hard you work, how well you respect others, and how you perform your job.”
Michael Bynum takes pride in having the opportunity to impact his community through his work as a law enforcement officer.
Bynum, 36, of Longview, is a patrol officer and field training officer on dayshift at the Longview Police Department. He patrols the northeast portions of the city and helps train new officers. He is also a SWAT team member, on the Honor Guard, and TCOLEcertified instructor for the Longview Police Academy.
“What I enjoy most about my job is the interaction with the community on a daily basis,” Bynum said. “I have the opportunity to make a profound impact on the safety in our community. I am able to enforce the law, partner with our community, and help educate citizens.”
Prior to becoming a police officer, Bynum worked in the natural gas pipeline business as a communication specialist. Before that, he proudly served the country in the United States Marine Corps.
When it comes to professional success, Bynum feels it’s important to know yourself and always seek self-improvement.
“This is a leadership trait that I learned during my time in the Marine Corps,” he said. “To me this is a constant reminder to not get stagnant with my personal self. I need to continue to push myself, continue to learn, and become a better than I was the day before.”
His goal is to become a traffic officer, which is a specialized division within the police
Bynum has received multiple commendations from the LPD, including being nominated for Rookie of the Year and OFficer of the Year. He was Officer of the Month in 2019, and is a two-time Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) Outstanding Service Award recipient for his work in reducing impaired driving.
Bynum enjoys living in East Texas because of its landscape, people, and culture.
Bynum is married to his wife and has two young daughters, whom he enjoys spending his free time with. When there’s time, he likes to work out, fish, golf, hunt or go to a shooting range.
He is a member of New Beginnings Baptist Church in Longview. He is also a coach at The Training Method gym. Bynum has served with a nonprofit veterans organization called Heroes on the Water.
“I enjoy getting to interact with the community and getting to meet new people. Being to make connections is such a great thing,” he said.
commitment and focus to a specific goal, and learning from mistakes. “Adjust for what you’ve learned,” he said.
One of his favorite quotes is, “I hate when people confuse education with intelligence, you can have a bachelor’s degree and still be an idiot.”
“It’s my favorite because it highlights the importance of humility and results over titles and accolades,” he said.
McDougal lives in Bullard and is originally from Tyler. He enjoys living in the area.
“I love being close to the outdoors and I love the trees. It’s great being close to my family and friends and East Texas has a great sense of community that I just haven’t felt anywhere else,” he said.
Kyle McDougal enjoys his job because of the challenge it gives him.
McDougal, 34, is a manufacturing engineering manager at Wastequip where he helps manage a group of engineers and technicians whose whose goal is to make manufacturing their products easier, more efficient, and safer for employees.
“I go to work daily and solve problems that make it easier and safer for our employees to do their jobs. My team and I come up with new ways to solve existing problems and novel ways to solve new problems. It’s never dull,” McDougal said.
McDougal earned high school diploma from what is now Tyler Legacy High School, his bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering technology from University of North Texas and his associates of applied arts and science in automotive technology from Tyler Junior College.
He believes the key to professional success is open and honest communication,
Outside of work, he enjoys tennis, hunting, fishing and competitive archery. He also likes working with his hands whether it be on cars, woodworking or metalworking. He and his wife are also members of Green Acres Baptist Church.
In the future, McDougal hopes to get more involved in the community in and around Tyler. He also hopes to continue moving up at Wastequip and spend more time with his family.
baseball, lifting weights, drinking iced coffee, spending time with her husband and three children, and shopping for deals. She and her family attend Highridge Church.
When it comes to professional success, Burton says it’s important to just keep going because that next step may be the one where you reach success. “If you quit, you’ll never know,” she said.
“I truly think professional success is gained by your relationships with people: how you treat those you work with, those you serve and everyone else you cross paths with,” she said. “Hard work and being kind and compassionate can get you far.”
Kelli Burton, 38, is the 40 Under Forty award winner in the Marketing and Advertising category for 2022.
Burton, 38, is the director of marketing at Hospitality Health ER. The Longview native says she enjoys serving the community through this role.
“... I get to serve our community and help with many local events and programs. With a background in marketing and as a nurse, I am able to educate the East Texas community on all we have to offer as a medical facility and use feedback to help make our ER a top choice for our patients’ needs,” Burton said.
Burton said she has met many people while working in this role over the last three years.
“I enjoy all the people I have gotten to meet and interact with in East Texas,” she said. “I love hearing the amazing stories from our patients of how our doctors and nurses have helped them through difficult times when they’ve needed to use our ER services. It’s heartwarming to have a career that can help so many people.”
Burton said East Texas is home for her and she wouldn’t have it any other way.
“I love the small town feel but with lots of amenities of bigger cities. I actually love the weather; even though it gets hot, it’s never too cold or rainy. It’s a great place for my husband and I to raise our family,” she said.
She enjoys civic involvement as well.
“I love how everything you do to help the community continues to make it a great place to live now and for future residents and generations to come,” she said.
In her free time, Burton enjoys watching
Prior to her current role, Burton worked as the assistant marketing director at Camp Olympia and RN, BSN at Longview Regional, Titus Regional and Christus Trinity Mother Frances.
For her future goals, Burton just wants to continue to strive to be the best version of herself.
“My goals for my future are always to continue to balance everything in my life and be the best person I can be,” she said. “Whatever that may look like, it includes balancing my family, faith, career and personal ambitions.”
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Reagan Roy-Young has earned the 40 Under Forty award in the media and news category once again.
Roy-Young, 35, was honored with the inaugural award in 2021. She works as the marketing director and digital content creator at CBS19 in Tyler, where she is responsible for facilitating, nurturing and growing the CBS19 brand and sub-brands to maximize market share and improve the organization’s competitive position, all while collaborating with necessary internal and external partners to bring the brand to life.
“I also manage the digital content team and lead digital strategy to grow multi-platform content, audience and engagement for CBS19,” she said.
The best part about her job is working with the people she’s fortunate to be alongside daily.
“I have such a great team who makes it so easy to come to work every single day,” RoyYoung said.
Previously, she has worked as an assignments manager, news manager, brand manager, sports reporter, investigative producer and teacher.
The Longview native has lived in Tyler for the last 16 years and said the people of East Texas “are what makes coming to work day in and day out a privilege.”
“I am honored we get to tell the stories of local heroes and the impact they have on the Pineywoods,” she said. “I enjoy meeting people from all walks of life. It truly helps us understand one another and how we all can make the East Texas community a better place.”
She believes relationships are the key to professional success.
“You always want to be someone others enjoy working with and being around. If you lose the room, it’s unlikely you’ll get the best result in the end. You must have teamwork to be able to achieve your goals, especially in the news industry,” she said.
Roy-Young is a member of various community
organizations, including: City of Tyler Census Committee; Steering Committee Member for Downtown Tyler Film Festival; Tyler ISD Career & Technical Education Executive Advisory Board; Children’s Miracle Network; SPCA of East Texas; and Christ Church Episcopal in Tyler.
One of her biggest goals is to leave East Texas “a better place” than when she started in this industry.
“I would like to become a general manager of a station in the future and help build upon the legacy I have been so blessed to be a small part of,” she said.
WE’VE GOT YOU COVERED
“I AM HONORED WE GET TO TELL THE STORIES OF LOCAL HEROES AND THE IMPACT THEY HAVE ON THE PINEYWOODS. I ENJOY MEETING PEOPLE FROM ALL WALKS OF LIFE. IT TRULY HELPS US UNDERSTAND ONE ANOTHER AND HOW WE ALL CAN MAKE THE EAST TEXAS COMMUNITY A BETTER PLACE.”
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) with BrainGuided at The Bradley Clinic.
Lockman enjoys seeing the difference she is able to make in her patients’ lives and the gratitude they give her in return.
Lockman grew up in Kilgore and has lived in Tyler for the last five years. She said East Texas is a special place to live and work.
“I enjoy the camaraderie between neighbors and feeling like a big family, the sense of community and the kindness people have shown, the beautiful scenery, the incredible food, and living close to family. My family lives in Longview and Kilgore, and I still feel like I’m right down the street,” she said.
Amber Lockman always knew her passion was taking care of others.
She began her nursing career as an emergency room nurse at Longview Regional Medical Center, where she learned a lot and gained valuable experience but lacked complete fulfillment.
“I found that I always wanted more,” Lockman said. “We would see so many mental health patients who would sit in the ER for quite some time waiting for placement at an inpatient psychiatric facility. I wanted to help those patients and started looking to expand my knowledge in mental health.”
That’s when she started working at an inpatient psychiatric facility for Community Healthcore.
“The team I worked with supported my want and drive to further my knowledge as a mental health provider. Unfortunately the facility closed and I went back to the ER,” she said. “I knew that my heart belonged in mental health and I began working on my MSN. After I left the ER, I began working at UT BHC as a staff RN/charge RN.”
There, Lockman was able to grow her knowledge while also working on her masters. Soon, the facility closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic which is when she had clarity that she was definitely going into the right field.
“I began seeing a pattern of patients not having the access to care and a lack of providers to treat mental health in our community,” Lockman said.
Now, Lockman, 37, is working with Cerebral, BrainGuided and The Bradley Clinic in Tyler. She sees patients in Texas, Florida, and Colorado through Cerebral, and also works with patients who have treatment-resistant depression with
As she works to break the stigma associated with mental health, she enjoys how the community is receptive to the subject.
“People in the community are open to talking about mental health and it is exciting to know that awareness is being brought forward,” she said, noting one of her biggest goals is to bring awareness to mental health and educate the community.
She hopes to also expand alternative therapies to mental health locally.
In her career, she plans to earn her Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP) to further educate herself and possibly get into an educator role.
Outside of work, Lockman is involved in the community through volunteering for the last five years for the annual Tyler Cattle Barons’ Gala benefiting the American Cancer Society.
In her free time, she enjoys crafty hobbies like sewing, painting, making T-shirts and more. She enjoys going to escape rooms and playing board games with her husband and competing head-to-head with her 17-year-old son playing video games. They also have three dogs that she loves to spoil and calls her babies.
Lockman went to Kilgore High School, earned her bachelors at University of Texas at Tyler, and masters at University of Texas at Houston.
Cody Yoder’s biggest professional goal is simple – to matter to those around him and make a difference.
He believes strongly in the quote, “Real wealth is not measured in dollars.”
“The idea of success has been taught to us all wrong. Mattering is all we should strive for. Matter to the people around you and your community and you’ll find real success – and true joy,” he said.
Additionally, “treating people like people and not being motivated by the dollar” is the key to professional success for anyone, he said.
Yoder, 39, works as a household goods mover at G.E.T. Moving & Storage. He describes his role as “trying to help folks move from point A to B without adding any more stress to their lives.”
Moving can be a difficult time for many, so Yoder aims to “bring some joy to a pretty stressful situation” for his “903 family.”
Yoder, who has lived in Longview nearly all his life, cares about his community and aims to better those around him. One of his biggest goals is to open a boys and girls club-type gym in his hometown on a side of town “where kids really need it,” he said.
Outside of work, Yoder enjoys Jui Jitsu, boxing, and golf. He is a member of First Missionary Baptist Church.
“THE
On his journey to success, he has found some key components that are needed are quality and consistency in everything you do, he said.
Doughtery believes “you have to have drive and passion to accomplish what you set out to do.”
Outside of his music career, Dougherty said he enjoys golfing, coaching youth baseball and fishing. He is involved with the East Texas Angel Network, which his wife is the executive director of, and was a past president of the Men’s Golf Association at Oak Forest Country Club.
Being able to help out and get involved in the community is about fulfilling the needs of others for him.
Musician and entertainer Ryan Dougherty earned the Music and Performing Arts title in the 40 Under Forty awards.
Dougherty, 35, is from Hammonton, New Jersey. He attended college at Louisiana State University in Shreveport.
For the last six years he has lived in Longview. He works full time at Axis Energy Services in the environmental health and safety department.
Having lived in East Texas for a time now, Dougherty said it is the people that make it great.
“The people here are supportive and caring,” he said. “There is a great sense of community here.”
Along with his full-time job, Dougherty has been playing music professionally since the age of 15. During eight years of his music career he had the opportunity to tour the country with multiple country artists. He also played bass touring with Neal McCoy for seven years.
In the past, he also owned a couple of bars – Brass Monkey and Strange Brew – in Shreveport.
Today, Dougherty can be found performing at local venues throughout East Texas, at weddings and private parties.
“I love the opportunity to entertain people,” he said. “I appreciate people taking their time to come to a show and I want to make sure they enjoy it.”
In the future, Dougherty has the goal of creating a platform for other musicians and artists where they can promote themselves and their events, he said. Through doing this, he would also be able to promote those venues that support live music.
“To me it’s very rewarding to fulfill someone else’s needs,” Dougherty said. “I take great joy in helping others.”
“I LOVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO ENTERTAIN PEOPLE. I APPRECIATE PEOPLE TAKING THEIR TIME TO COME TO A SHOW AND I WANT TO MAKE SURE THEY ENJOY IT.”
change, advocacy and getting things done,” he said.
Dolive is also involved in The Rotary Club of East Texas, Pastors for Texas Children, Longview’s Theology on Tap and attending First Presbyterian Church.
Dolive, a Longview native who now lives in Hallsville, graduated from Tatum High School in 2001, earned his Bachelors from Stephen F. Austin State University in Kinesiology/Biolog in 2005, his Masters at Lexington Theological Seminary, Master of Divinity in 2009, and Doctorate at Brite Divinity School at Texas Christian University, Doctor of Ministry Practical Theology in 2021.
Evan Dolive believes working together for the greater good is crucial for a thriving community.
Dolive, 39, is the executive director of the Greater Longview United Way, where he said he enjoys making “lasting impacts for so many people in Gregg County and beyond.”
The community coming together to benefit its neighbors is the only way to make great things happen for those in need, Dolive said.
“No one person can do everything for everyone,” he said. There are some amazing people and groups in our area who need support, and working with United Way is one way to connect the community with those groups.
“Aside from the ins and outs of running a nonprofit, I am a fundraiser for our annual campaign; I speak to companies, CEOs, business people, city officials, etc., about the needs of our community and how Greater Longview United Way is addressing those needs,” Dolive said.
Something he loves about working in this role is meeting “amazing people who are focused on
Dolive believes in learning, working hard, finding people who will help you and guide you in order to achieve professional success. “Education is key,” he said.
Dolive plans to continue to pour into the United Way and local nonprofits to better the health, financial stability and education of all people in Gregg County.
here, we are constantly pushing our boundaries and making our clients’ dreams come true.”
Ross earned his education at Arlington Lamar and Texas Tech University. Prior to Landvisions, Ross owned a construction company in the Dallas-Fort Worth area for 12 years. He and his wife are also co-owners of The Mortgage House, a local East Texas mortgage brokerage.
Ross and his family have lived in East Texas for eight years now.
“East Texas is absolutely beautiful, and that is one of the main reasons we wanted to move here. I love all things outdoors, so there is never a lack of things to do. We have so many lifelong friends that we have met in East Texas, the people out here are great,” he said.
Daniel Ross continues to be a leader in his field in East Texas, and he credits his passion to his success.
Ross, 39, works as a project manager at Landvisions and has earned the 40 Under Forty award in the Outdoor Beautification category for the second year in a row.
“To say I’m a slightly competitive person is an understatement. But as much as I love winning, I get the most pleasure watching others succeed,” Ross said.
He said being fulfilled daily is something that leads to professional success.
“For me, making sure whatever I am doing is something that I truly enjoy and am passionate about is the main thing. I believe the quote ‘If you do what you love, you’ll never work a day in your life’ says it best,” Ross said.
Ross also feels it is important to invest in those around him.
“I love being able to take my skills and experience and use it for a positive impact in our community,” he said.
In his role, Ross makes sure Landvisions’ designs are successfully carried out onsite through their superintendents and crews. He spends half of my time in the office working with landscape architects and designers. The rest of his time is in the field working with our superintendents, crews, and sub-contractors.
Ross said the company’s bond is something he really enjoys about Landvisions.
“We are truly a big family here; I look forward to coming to work because I love being around our team. The culture here at Landvisions is very strong, from the owner to every crew member, everyone works in sync to ensure we are constantly producing the highest quality projects every time,” he said. I also enjoy the creativity
Ross is a member of Wilderness Church in Tyler, is the Tyler chapter president of the East Texas Bourbon Society, and one of the founders of East Texas Whiskey Club.
“I love helping use a common theme such as whiskey to bring people together, we do a ton of charitable events and love to support local families and organizations in need,” he said. “For the Silent is a local organization we have been involved with for the last few years and look forward to continuing our support.”
In his free time, Ross enjoys scuba diving, bowling, hunting, camping, and participating in the whiskey clubs.
Ross has some future professional goals in the works now, he said.
As an avid scuba diver and lover of all things nature, we have a sustainable clothing company in the works that will help raise awareness and funds to reverse the global pollution crisis in our oceans,” he said, adding that he hopes to share more details soon.
“TO
TikToks.
“TikTok has become such a fun mental outlet for me,” she said.
A motto she lives by is to “focus on the good” because “the good gets better,” and to “love big.”
Patterson earned her education from Hallsville High School and Kilgore College.
Holly Patterson photographs some of the most important moments in her clients’ lives, and for her, there is no greater honor.
Owner of Holly Patterson Photography, she is a full-time wedding, portrait, family, and senior photographer in East Texas. She said she absolutely loves her clients.
“They are what makes my job so much fun. I truly think that I have been blessed with the best clientele, and I am so thankful for each and every one,” she said. Seeing my clients light up during our session is definitely a highlight, and hearing from my clients how I made them feel is just the icing on the cake.”
Patterson, 31, believes this profession is truly her calling, which makes working as a photographer that much more rewarding.
The Hallsville native has lived in Bullard for the last eight years. She loves East Texas “because it just feels like ‘home,’” she said.
“There is nothing better to me than being able to go practically anywhere and having a chance of running into someone you know. Some people may get annoyed with that, but I love it,” she said. “I just feel so at home in East Texas, and honestly couldn’t see myself living anywhere else.”
She believes professional success comes from persevering, “digging your heels in and just going for it.”
“If it seems crazy, it might be, but don’t stop,” she said. Just do it!”
Some of her professional goals for the future include shooting more weddings.
“Being part of their ‘best day ever’ is honestly just the best ever,” she said.
Outside of work, she is a member of the First Baptist Church in Tyler and enjoys hobbies like running, shopping, and honestly, creating
“THERE
John Wampler believes hard work and a love for his community have been key factors in his professional success.
Wampler, 37, has been a licensed Realtor for eight years and co-owns Realty ONE Group Rose alongside his business partner Jonathan Wolf.
Wampler and Wolf founded the company in April 2021 and now have 29 agents. Wampler assists with training, contract compliance, and agent questions for the office. Outside the office, he is a full-time Realtor and loves helping his clients with all their buying and/or selling needs.
“Being a Realtor, you get to assist your clients with the most influential purchase of their lives. A real estate contract can also create a roller coaster of emotions for buyers and sellers. I love being able to calm my client’s nerves, explain the process of a successful contract and walk them step by step through the process until I see a smile on their faces at the closing table,” Wampler said.
Before opening his own company, Wampler worked with RE/MAX Tyler. Currently, he is the chairman of the Greater Tyler Association of Realtors and has the opportunity to represent the local Realtor community at national and state events.He has been involved on the board of directors for the GTAR for the last five years, and will conclude his service next year as the past chair. He has also served on the MLS committee at the GTAR for eight years, and on the farm and ranch sub-committee for the MLS committee. He was awarded the Greater Tyler Association of Realtors Chuck Gregory Rookie of the Year award in 2017.
Wampler is also a member of the Tyler Strutters, a charitable organization that coordinates the Texas Rose Festival Parade and a yearly concert that raises money for the Tyler Police Foundation. He was also recently asked to be a committee member of the Tyler Junior College Business Management Advisory
Committee.
When it comes to civic involvement, Wampler enjoys working alongside many different personalities from different professions with a common goal.
“There is no pay or personal recognition behind our activities, just the joy of doing an excellent job for our community,” he said.
Wampler hopes to continue to grow his brokerage into “the best real estate brokerage in East Texas” and volunteer his time for his community and family.
Outside of work and volunteering, he enjoys playing golf, watching his favorite sports teams, and coaching his kid’s sports teams.
Wampler is a Mineola native and has lived in Tyler for the last seven years. He earned his education from the College Du Leman Switzerland, Mineola High School and Southern Methodist University College.
“BEING
various organizations and on boards.
“I want to be involved in what kind of community I live in and own a business in,” Cace said. “I believe if we don’t work to make it a better, more artistic, inclusive society with our own unique culture, we have no right to complain about it.”
Cace said she believes dedication, work ethic and a positive attitude are the keys to professional success.
A motto that has been framed on the wall of Johnny Cace’s and now at Cace’s Kitchen has guided her throughout her life. It says, “Success is not final, failure is not fatal, it’s the courage to continue that counts.
Chelsea Cace is proud to carry on a family tradition that East Texans have loved for more than seven decades.
Cace is the owner and operator of Cace’s Kitchen. She opened the takeout food establishment after the closure of Johnny Cace’s Seafood and Steak House, a beloved Longview restaurant that her family owned and operated for more than 60 years. Earlier this year, she and her mother closed their North High Street location and moved to 104 N. Green St. in the building where the original Johnny Cace’s restaurant opened in 1949.
“I love to think about the people who worked there and ate there back in the day,” Cace said. She also enjoys “seeing the happiness that memories of our food evokes in customers of all ages,” Cace said of the restaurant, which sells many of the fan favorite items from the former restaurant.
She carries on the Cace family tradition of “serving good food and good memories all over East Texas and beyond.” Cace oversees the kitchen, cooking, ordering and books events.
A Longview native, Cace graduated from Longview High School and from college at Texas Christian University in Fort Worth. Professionally, she’s held every job possible in the restaurant industry between working at Johnny Cace’s and now owning Cace’s Kitchen. She’s waited tables, bartended, washed dishes, served as a prep cook, done major quantity cooking and more.
In addition to the restaurant, Cace is committed to giving back to the community in which she grew up by being involved with
“In the last 10 years I have truly understood the meaning of this,” Cace said, noting that starting her own restaurant was tough but it is also among her proudest accomplishments.
“I WANT TO BE INVOLVED IN WHAT KIND OF COMMUNITY I LIVE IN AND OWN A BUSINESS IN. I BELIEVE IF WE DON’T WORK TO MAKE IT A BETTER, MORE ARTISTIC, INCLUSIVE SOCIETY WITH OUR OWN UNIQUE CULTURE, WE HAVE NO RIGHT TO COMPLAIN ABOUT IT.”
working in grant management for nonprofits.
The Sulphur Springs native said she loves living in East Texas because of the people.
“When we moved to the Longview area in 2012, we quickly realized that this is where we wanted to call home and eventually establish a business,” she said. “There are so many opportunities to serve and give back, and so many individuals and organizations are truly passionate about making it a better place.”
Currently, Belt serves as the president of the Junior League of Longview. She was awarded the President’s Award in 2021-22 and 2020-21. She is also a proud Leadership Longview alumnus and enjoys serving with her fellow alumni along with other opportunities within the Longview Chamber of Commerce. She graduated from Leadership Marshall as well.
“I am motivated by being able to see positive change in our community and believe it is a privilege to be able to serve alongside others who want to make big and lasting impacts for future generations,” she said.
Kelly Belt, 36, has earned the 40 Under Forty Social Entrepreneur award for the second year in a row.
Belt, 36, is a small business owner in Longview where she serves as a business coach and consultant to East Texans.
“My husband and I own and operate ActionCOACH of East Texas, a business coaching firm, based in Longview,” she said. “Because my background is accounting and finance, I also still currently serve as part-time CFO for two area businesses.”
Belt said she is fulfilled by her professional role on a daily basis.
“Every day is rewarding because I get to watch business owners take their businesses to higher levels, which, in turn, has a positive impact on them and their families,” she said.
Belt said she encourages others to not let their age hold them back in professional endeavors.
“Never be afraid to be the youngest person at the table,” she said. “Be confident in your abilities, and never be afraid to take a leap and try something new.”
Belt has a background in finance and prior to transitioning to full-time at ActionCOACH of East Texas, she held various finance positions, acting as the Controller/CFO for area manufacturers and
When it comes to her future goals, Belt hopes to identify new ways to better serve the community through volunteerism. She also hopes to impact the next generation through ActionCOACH of East Texas.
“Professionally, we believe that the work we do now with business owners will have the biggest impact on those who are still in school. Our hope is to create more job opportunities for them, as well as to inspire and ignite entrepreneurial passion for our youth,” she said. “My husband Robert and I plan to grow our firm’s footprint across East Texas to serve more business owners, as well as to seek other potential business opportunities alongside it.”
Belt earned her Commerce BBA from Texas A&M University and is currently in the TAMU Law School Master of Legal Studies program.
Longview native Ashlyn White is having fun at work each day – something she says is one of the most important things for a professional to have.
That principle was shared with her years ago, but it has stuck with her all this time.
“It’s so simple it’s silly,” she said. “My travel ball coach, Thomas Matulis, went on this twohour talk about the mental game of softball and life lessons. Then after everything that you thought was the most important part he ended it with, ‘... but above all things, have fun. If you’re not having fun, what are you doing?’”
She said life is too short not to have fun at work, so she truly enjoys working as a senior payments specialist at iClassPro Inc. and also teaching softball lessons.
White, 27, has been at local class management software business iClassPro for over four years. The company helps businesses manage classes, students, teachers, coaches, billing, and more. White works specifically in the payments department where she helps with the daily operations and payments development.
White stays busy, as she also teaches sports lessons and has another job.
“Along with working at iClassPro and giving softball lessons, I also work at the Neighborhood Walmart in Spring Hill. What started as a temporary part time job has become the biggest blessing in my life. It has allowed me the opportunity to connect with old friends, teachers and others in the community. I never would have thought working in Online Grocery Pick-Up for Walmart would give me such joy. I get to interact with so many people in our community and I love getting to know them,” White said.
She loves working and living in East Texas.
“The thing I enjoy the most about East Texas is the strong community. We are always ready to lend a hand when others are in need,” she said. “There is also so much to do around East Texas, we have grown a lot over the years.”
Most of her civic involvement revolves around youth development through her softball lessons.
“The most rewarding part of my lessons is watching these athletes grow into strong, confident individuals who seek to better themselves and those around them, on and off the field,” White said. “I am a firm believer that trust and respect must be built between coach and athlete in order to get the most out of them on and off the field. The first thing I tell parents when starting lessons with me is, ‘I am going to get to know your kid. There will be trust and respect built while I coach them softball but also teach them life lessons.’ Within any sport there is always an opportunity for life lessons to be taught.”
She hopes to continue growing her softball lessons and build a set location for them. She also hopes to start a nonprofit disaster relief organization within the next few years.
White said she believes professional success is achieved by having respect, gaining trust through clear communication and keeping an open mind when listening to others. “You also must be willing to take ownership of your mistakes in order to learn from them,” she added.
White went to Spring Hill ISD and earned a BBA in accounting from Henderson State University.
In her free time, White enjoys fishing, camping, kayaking and traveling. She has been a member of Calvary Baptist Church her whole life.
Joshua Prekker gets to hang out with his friends every day and call it work – or at least that’s what it feels like, he said.
Prekker, 33, is a tattooist at Skin Deep Studio in Longview where he has worked for 13 years. He designs and tattoos from several different styles to his customers’ specifications to make sure they get the artwork and tattoo they are after.
“My favorite is getting to meet and get to know all of my customers. It’s awesome getting to create art every day but getting to know all of my customers on a personal level is awesome to me, very much like getting to hang out with your friends every day.”
Born in Willmar, Prekker has lived in Longview for 31 years now and says his friends and customers “make it really easy to love it here.”
He enjoys getting involved with the community and giving back when possible.
“I recently donated a hand-painted skateboard to community ministries to raffle off to raise funds for the community and the local food banks,” he said. “Helping out the community can be very rewarding and I like to help when I can.”
Outside of work, Prekker enjoys golf, art and print collecting, and on rare occasions, he paints.
Prekker’s long-term professional goal is to open up his own shop with his wife. He believes staying focused and putting your best foot forward is the key to professional success.
Jessica Hughes always says if she didn’t have to pay for a mortgage, she would “be a professional volunteer.”
Hughes, 34, of White Oak said volunteering is where her heart is.
“I might not have a lot of money or resources to give to something, but I can give my time –and that’s just as valuable sometimes,” she said. “I have been a dedicated member of the Junior League of Longview for 10 years. I am currently serving as the President Elect and next year will be the President. I was recently elected to the School Board for White Oak ISD in May. Before that, I served on the White Oak Education Foundation for many years. I also served as the White Oak Elementary PTO Vice President for three years.
“In 2018 I helped bring the Boys & Girls Club to White Oak and served as the local council president for two years to get that program going. I also participate in the Aspire Mentoring program; I have been mentoring a White Oak student for over a year now. My husband and I are members at Grace Creek Church as well.”
Hughes said for her, volunteering is fulfilling and beyond rewarding.
“I love feeling that I have made a difference in any way. My goal is to make this crazy world a better place for my kids to grow up in,” she said.
Hughes recently started working as an accounting manager at JetPros, a private aircraft management company. Prior to that, she worked at H&W Powersports & Marine for 12 years.
Allen earned her education from White Oak High School, LeTourneau University, and is now working on her MBA with a concentration in accounting from LSU Shreveport.
She believes the key to professional success is to never stop learning and growing.
“I love to learn! I think this is why I get bored easily,” she said. “If I am doing the same thing over and over day after day, I will eventually get bored with it and move on. This is currently why I am pursuing my MBA. It is also why I love a good conference or convention.”
Once she completes her MBA in March, Allen will put a lot of her focus on serving as the president of the Junior League.
“The Junior League is a wonderful organization, and I am truly honored to be able to join the ranks of the women who have held the title of president,” she said.
“I LOVE FEELING THAT I HAVE MADE A DIFFERENCE IN ANY WAY. MY GOAL IS TO MAKE THIS CRAZY WORLD A BETTER
continuing the legacy of the studio, which was previously owned by Joan Fuller than Tina Grider-Lyon.
“My biggest professional accomplishment is taking ownership of Tina Grider Dance and turning it into my own, East Texas Dance Company. I am truly living my lifelong dream,” she said. “I owe my gratitude to the previous owners and their excellence in our community. It is an accomplishment in itself to continue their legacy.”
The studio is celebrating its 65th year of excellence, in addition to earning the “Best of East Texas” and “Locals Love Us” awards in the past. She hopes to show others that while striving for excellence, anything is possible. Another key to professional success is “trusting your gut,” she said.
Alexis Marjason spends her days inspiring the next generation through dance – something she says is a dream come true.
Marjason, 25, owns East Texas Dance Company in Longview where she also serves as the director and an instructor to nearly 600 dancers.
“It is a privilege and an honor to be able to inspire young dancers around East Texas. Some days I am so much more than just a dance teacher to my students; we truly are a family,” Marjason said. “It fills me with joy being able to have such a big part in my students’ childhood and provide my services to bring happiness through dance to their future.”
Marjason, who grew up in Longview and still lives there, went to Spring Hill ISD and Kilgore College. She directs three competitive dance teams and teaches multiple dance classes each day. She also assists with summer and holiday camps and birthday parties hosted by the studio.
The best part of running her business is investing in the hundreds of dancers who come into her studio to learn and grow. Something Marjason lives by is “practice makes permanent” – a quote one of her dancers shared with her that has become something they now live by in rehearsals.
“I am never one to say perfect,” she explained. “In today’s society, I always remind our dancers that we are never going to be perfect in any way, but we can practice to make permanent outcomes.”
Employed by the studio for the last 10 years, East Texas Dance Company is the only place Marjason has ever worked.
“My parents own a pharmacy in Longview and I ‘tried’ to work there for a few months,” Marjason said. “But let’s just say, I did more complaining than working! Dance is my life.”
Marjason takes tremendous pride in
“Everyone has the potential to become successful. You are the guide of your own destiny,” she said. “You have to believe in yourself. At the end of the day, you know yourself better than anyone. Trusting your gut and remaining honest, determined and righteous will grant you success.”
Marjason loves being part of East Texas and seeing the camaraderie among the community.
“What I love most about East Texas is the support from my community. We see multiple people come in and out of the studio and we have had nothing but support – some not even stepping foot in the studio,” Marjason said.
Marjason commits all of her time to the studio, and she wouldn’t have it any other way right now. She hopes to branch out and become more involved in community organizations in the future, but for now, serving her dancers and growing the studio is her top priority.
For the 2022-23 year, the studio is serving 570 dancers which Marjason is very proud of, but she also knows at some point, they will outgrow their current space.
“It is our goal to provide the best atmosphere for our dancers. With that in mind, a larger studio to allow for more classes, dancers and activities is one of our main goals,” Marjason said. “I am only in my second year of ownership, but with the support of East Texas and determination, we will meet our goals.”
LaDarian Brown’s biggest goal is to live out God’s true plan.
“(I want to) be what God has called and planned for me to be, whatever that may be,” said Brown, 30.
The Longview native has served for three-and-a-half years as the senior pastor at Parkview Baptist Church in his hometown. The role involves being a spiritual leader for the congregation.
“I love having to dig deeper into the scriptures to properly equip our members for Christian living,” Brown said.
He also serves as president of the Longview Area Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance.
He was an associate minister and an assistant pastor prior to his calling to Parkview, he said.
No matter what field one may be in, Brown feels it is important to stay humble in order to achieve and maintain professional success.
“Always keep in mind you dont know everything, no matter how long you have been doing something,” he said.
Brown is a graduate of Longview High School and Kilgore College.
He enjoys living in East Texas because it is a family environment, he said.
Community organizations Brown are part of include Arts!Longview, LAIMA, East Texas Advanced Academies and Thrive.
Having lived in Longview his whole life, Brown is passionate about sharing with the community and helping out where he can.
“I love being able to give back to a community that has given back so much to me,” he said.
He also enjoys spending time with his family.
Brown believes there is no dream too big.
“I firmly believe in dreaming,” he said. One of his favorite quotes is by Harriet Du Autermont, “No vision and you perish; No Ideal, and you’re lost; Your heart must ever cherish Some faith at any cost. Some hope, some dream to cling to, some rainbow in the sky, some melody to sing to, some service that is high.”
“(I WANT TO) BE WHAT GOD HAS CALLED AND PLANNED FOR ME TO BE, WHATEVER THAT MAY BE.”
