20 under 40
porting their path of growth for 12 years - from a small gastro brewpub concept to an award-winning commercial (domestic and international) brewing operation. My career path encompassed several roles – Front of House Manager, Brewery Brand Ambassador, and Logistics Manager. Community involvement: My community involvement with DESTIHL supported many non-profit groups and fundraising events. I coordinated and delivered upon robust corporate philanthropy efforts. The Rivian team is also passionate about community support. I have participated in several volunteer events with co-workers to support local non-profit groups like The Midwest Food Bank and Boy’s and Girl’s Club. Have you passed up any chances you now regret? I did not pursue the chance to study abroad in college. I was afraid of the unknown at the time, but now wish I had jumped on the chance to expand my world view and experience life in a new country and culture. Who had the greatest impact on your life so far? My mother – for her constant support and unwavering belief in me (sometimes more than I believe in myself). She inspires me to trust my abilities and skills as a woman in the workforce and to reach for things that seem beyond me. She sets the example that my intent should match my behavior, and to be present and invested in relationships both personal and professional. What is the first career you dreamed of having as a kid? I wanted to be a teacher – kind-hearted, resourceful, and encouraging. Think Miss Honey from Matilda, but maybe just a bit bossy. Name three of your favorite movies? Waiting for Guffman, The Royal Tenenbaums and Up. (So I Married an Ax Murderer gets honorable mention) What is the best Halloween costume you have ever had? My best Halloween costume was Snow White – handmade by my grandmother – supporting my life-long obsession with Disney movies (see guilty pleasure). What is your guilty pleasure? My guilty pleasures include all things Disney/Pixar, binge watching RuPaul’s Drag Race and starting craft projects (but never finishing them). What is the best and worst piece of advice you’ve ever received? The best piece of advice I’ve received is to be brave – try something new, don’t over think it, and just do the best you can. The worst piece of advice I have received was to pursue a career that I disliked (my first job out of college) because the company/job prospects were solid and “safe”. I chose to ignore that advice and made the leap to a new adventure (a seasonal management roll at a ski resort in Colorado). I made the right choice and am thankful for that path through my work history. Brandon Vercruysse, 39 Troxell Insurance, Bloomington/Normal, Vice president Career highlights and/or accomplishments: Been in the insurance industry for 17 years. Started my own agency 10 years and merged with the Troxell to start the property and casualty division of Troxell, Bloomington/Normal five years ago. Community involvement: Board member Bloomington Normal Baseball Association, Coach of Bloomington Renegades baseball teams, past board member of the YMCA, Junior high small group leader at Eastview Christian Church, and past board member of Fellowship of Christian Athletes of Central IL. Have you passed up any chances you now regret? Playing baseball at a higher level in college. I went to a small school to stay closer to home. Who had the greatest impact on your life so far? My father—the qualities that he has brought to our family include loyalty, hard work and
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faith in Jesus Christ. What is the first career you dreamed of having as a kid? Major League Baseball player Name three of your favorite movies? Major League, Gladiator and Braveheart What is the best Halloween costume you have ever had? A bottle of siracha hot sauce What is your guilty pleasure? McDonald’s Diet Coke What is the best and worst piece of advice you’ve ever received? Best- Always work hard in everything you do and treat people the way you want to be treated. Worst—Run away from conflict. Ashley Walter, 33 Alzheimer’s Association – Walk To End Alzheimer’s, Walk Manager Career highlights and/or accomplishments: Best of Weddings Award – The Knot (2019); Illinois Hotel and Lodging Association Stars of the Industry Regional Manager of the Year (2018); Employee of the Month – DoubleTree and the Snyder Companies Community involvement: United Way’s Power of the Purse Planning Committee; Marcfirst’s A Divine Affair Planning Committee; Jaycee’s Brews at the Zoo and Bruegala and additional fundraising events; Bloomington Normal Boys & Girls Club as a Club 92 monthly gift member; United Way’s Women United group; United Way’s Read Across McLean County Day in 2020 Have you passed up any chances you now regret? Although I may have felt like they were passed up chances in the moment, I truly believe that everything happens for a reason –no regrets. Who had the greatest impact on your life so far? Debbie Haney-Kath. She was a coworker and friend for a short period of time but her words and wisdom will forever guide my future. Thank you, Debbie. What is the first career you dreamed of having as a kid? Becoming a published photographer living in the city. Name three of your favorite movies? It. I absolutely HATE clowns, but the movie brings back memories of watching it with my mom (probably at too young of an age ha); Elf. I can watch this movie any day of the year – just thinking about it now makes my bust out laughing; Anything I can trick my daughter in sitting down and watching with me. What is your guilty pleasure? Impromptu Dance Parties! In the kitchen, dancefloor or Target parking lot, I’m always ready to bust out my sweet white girl moves! What is the best and worst piece of advice you’ve ever received? “Keep Smiling.” Positivity is huge in our household (just ask my 13-yearold how many times I force it down her throat), but sometimes it’s OK to let the world know you aren’t happy and you are putting up a strong fight! Kimberly Ward, 36 Miss Kim’s Konfections, Owner Career highlights and/or accomplishments: Miss Kim’s Konfections is an ever growing, evolving, and satisfying accomplishment for me. It began as a creative outlet and has taken flight in amazing ways. Some of my highlights have been in working with local organizations to provide large scale dessert tables and treats for their events. It was also an absolute honor