13th Annual McHenry County’s
INDEX Leslie Blake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Arturo Flores . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Wayne Jett . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 David Lammers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Paul Letizia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Deidre Martinez . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Twelve people were chosen for the Northwest Herald’s 13th annual Best Under 40 edition. They were selected by five judges, including last year’s winners and Northwest Herald staff. The judges looked at overall professional contributions, community involvement and leadership experience.
Patricia Miller . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Sponsors
ABOUT BEST UNDER 40
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Matthew Potts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Stephen Taylor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Shaun Tessmer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Bonnie Ungaro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Adam Wallen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 President & CEO John Rung
Stories Northwest Herald staff
General Manager Jim Ringness
Photos H. Rick Bamman
Leslie Blake Age: 29 Occupation: Executive Director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of McHenry County Town: Crystal Lake Family: Husband, Paul Blake; parents, Patrick and Susan Coen; grandmother, Joan Kulovsek Favorite McHenry County restaurant: 1776 in Crystal Lake First job: I started my own pet care business taking care of farm animals and pets when I was 10 years old. My mother still has the original business plan done in crayon. Looking back, I had quite the client list, including horses, pigs, chickens, dogs, cats and even a few iguanas. One word that describes you: Determined
What is your job and what makes you good at it? As the Executive Director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of McHenry County, my job is to ensure the health of our youth mentoring programs serving McHenry County. It is easy to be “all in” when you truly believe in the mission and the power of influencing a child’s future for the better. I know firsthand what a mentor can do for a person and because of that, I will never lose sight of our “why.” I am also not afraid to engage or involve people for the betterment of our community. Advocating for those who need it, through a genuine interest in people, is what I love to do.
participating in various nonprofit committees and serving on various nonprofit boards, including the Crystal Lake Chamber of Commerce. I am driven by a genuine passion for the missions I support. I usually look to see if I can make a ripple change, meaning if I get involved, can I make a worthwhile contribution that will engage others to help beyond what I could do by myself to bring more value. What is something you have never done but want to do someday? I would love to visit all of the big 20 waterfalls in the world. I have seen six so far, so there is a lot more traveling ahead.
What recent accomplishments and innovations are you most proud of?
What is the best career advice you have ever received?
I am most proud of the relationships that I have been blessed enough to be part of. It is an honor to be part of such an amazing family of staff, volunteers and donors who are so passionate about the future of our children and in turn our community. The accomplishments of our matches are the real reward. I also am proud to be a Big Sister myself. My Little means more to me than she will ever know. Innovation never comes from a stagnant situation, so by developing relationships between mentors and children, innovation is inevitable in its many forms.
“You can get more done empowering others than working alone, but others will not follow if you don’t bust your butt and show them you have grit. People may hear words but they follow actions.” – Grandpa
How do you give back to the community, and what drives your service? I give back to the community by volunteering,
Nominator’s comment: “Leslie goes above and beyond not because she has to because it’s in her DNA,” nominator and fellow Best Under 40 winner Bonnie Ungaro wrote. “Settling for ‘alright’ isn’t an option. She sets large, but realistic, goals that help organizations move to the higher level of performance they deserve to be at. Her commitment to this community is unlike most you meet. She puts 200 percent into anything she gets involved in this community.”
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Arturo Flores Age: 33 Occupation: Real estate broker, owner of Success Realty Partners in Woodstock, entrepreneur Town: Woodstock Family: Wife, Teresa; children, Giovanni, 7; Giselle, 6 Favorite McHenry County restaurant: 3 Brothers in Woodstock First job: Burger King. I moved from Mexico to the United States when I was 15 years old. I had a friend that worked there and he helped me start this job a couple years after moving here. One word that describes you: Inspiring
What is your job and what makes you good at it? I’m a real estate broker and owner of Success Realty Partners in Woodstock. I believe that I am good at what I do because I am dedicated and honest. I always put my clients’ needs first. What recent accomplishments and innovations are you most proud of? Being one of the top real estate agents in the area, selling over 100 homes a year. And through this process helping many families achieve the dream of homeownership. I am a real estate investor, proud of acquiring investment properties to provide housing for the community. Another accomplishment is having one of the most soughtafter banquet halls in the Woodstock/McHenry County area, providing flexibility and affordability for customers to have their special event at my banquet facility (Flores Banquets). The banquet hall is what was home to the VFW for over 70 years. How do you give back to the community, and what drives your service? The success that I have achieved is thanks to the community that has supported me with my business ventures, therefore I am extremely thankful and that is why I always try to give back as much as I
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can. Giving my time to different organizations and groups, as well as donating money to different people, groups and organizations. The community knows that they can always count on me. What is something you have never done but want to do someday? Travel the world. What is the best career advice you have ever received? Never give up. Nominator’s comment: “Arturo moved to the United States at age 15, with no English, he went to Woodstock High School and after graduating he went to McHenry County College. He is an entrepreneur at heart. He has been a Realtor for 11 years, owns his own brokerage, Success Realty Partners, where he has succeeded immensely,” nominator and wife Teresa Flores wrote. “He has 5 other agents who work for his brokerage. For two solid years he has been selling over 110 properties a year. He also owns the former VFW building, Flores Banquets, and has turned that into a successful banquet business. As if that was not enough, he owns 22 units of rental real estate. At his age, that is something to truly admire.”
Wayne Jett Age: 34 Occupations: Owner of Jett’s Heating & Air, Sideline Sports Marketing, McHenry Downtown Indoor Theater, and mayor of McHenry Town: McHenry Family: Wife, Amber Jett; children, Caleb, 10; Landon, 9; Alexa, 5; and Greyson, 11 months Favorite McHenry County restaurant: Kyoto Japanese Steak House & Sushi Bar in Crystal Lake First job: Mid-American Heating & Cooling One word that describes you: Honest
What is your job and what makes you good at it? As mayor of McHenry, it is my responsibility for representing not only the people who elected me, but all citizens of McHenry. To act as chief executive officer and leader of our community. As mayor, I have the resources to work with the City Council to continue to find better ways to provide quality services, recreation destinations and quality infrastructure for our citizens.
recently supplied the McHenry Police Department with 44 Ballistic helmets and also raised $8,000 for a local family that lost their loved one in a fight against cancer. I am driven by the opportunities that has come my way over the last 15 years. I am blessed to be where I am and I feel it is my duty to pass that on. What is something you have never done but want to do someday?
What recent accomplishments and innovations are you most proud of?
I have never traveled to Paris. I would love to do that with my wife and kids.
Engaging many investors and businesses to get involved in opening the McHenry Downtown Indoor Theater. Within a few days I was able to raise nearly $550,000 to get this theater to be community-owned.
What is the best career advice you have ever received?
How do you give back to the community, and what drives your service?
“He cares so much about this town. He’s helping to bring new business and revitalize the downtown area of McHenry,” nominator Kim Loewe said. “He’s stepped away from his own company to do so. He has a lovely wife, Amber, and four beautiful children.”
I have always done a lot for McHenry and surrounding communities. I have been a large supporter of many organizations in the community and continue to do so on a daily basis. I have
I was told if I want something, I need to work for it. Nominator’s comment:
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David Lammers Age: 29 Occupation: Financial advisor at Edward Jones in McHenry Town: Palatine Family: Parents, Dan and Julie Lammers; brothers, Jared and Andrew Lammers Favorite McHenry County restaurant: BBQ King Smokehouse in Woodstock First job: I started delivering papers for the local newspaper around the age of 14 One word that describes you: Active
What is your job and what makes you good at it? As a financial advisor with Edward Jones, I help folks manage their finances through the most meaningful moments in their life, whether that’s starting their first career, putting their children through college, or when they are ready to leave the working world and retire to do the things that bring them the most joy. Helping people to develop a plan so that they can achieve those goals in confidence is what I enjoy most about my work. What recent accomplishments and innovations are you most proud of? Building a successful financial planning practice here in McHenry, as well as recently accepting a position on the Leadership Team serving Edward Jones advisors in the area. How do you give back to the community, and what drives your service? I am fortunate to sit on the executive board for the McHenry Area Chamber of Commerce. We all have received help and guidance along the way as we’ve built our careers, and the chamber provides an excellent opportunity to support the growth and development of business owners in the McHenry area. One of the programs I’m most proud to be
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associated with is the “Shop with a Cop” program raising funds for area children in need. What is something you have never done but want to do someday? See the Pyramids of Egypt. What is the best career advice you have ever received? Work hard, always do your best for your clients, and the rest will take care of itself. Nominator’s comment: “David is the epitome of what we want in McHenry County to lead us in our future. He deserves this honor,” said nominator Kay Rial Bates, president of the McHenry Area Chamber of Commerce. “I feel passionate about David’s future success and am blessed to have him utilize his strong leadership skills with McHenry Area Chamber. This young man exemplifies all the skills to get ahead. David is a relationship builder. He is a leader by example with a gentle persuading touch when he is opposed. David does what he says he will do with great followthrough. Did I say he is exceptionally bright? He is brighter than most and must know it, yet David is totally without arrogance.”
Paul Letizia Age: 38 Occupation: Owner of Financial Dynamics Inc. in McHenry Town: McHenry Family: Wife, Shannon J. Letizia; daughter, Teagan J. Letizia, 10 Favorite McHenry County restaurant: Cucina Rosa in McHenry First job: IHOP in McHenry One word that describes you: Courageous
What is your job and what makes you good at it? Investment and insurance planning. Every financial adviser has a different bedside manner, I take a positive approach and often take the role of a counselor. Financial and risk management is about much more than just money – it’s about seeing people’s dreams come true.
Organizing the Green Street Cruise Night and Back to Family Outdoor Movie Night. I believe in community spirit. Helping people and giving back. What is something you have never done but want to do someday? Go on a whitewater rafting trip in the Grand Canyon.
What recent accomplishments and innovations are you most proud of?
What is the best career advice you have ever received?
Graduating with the Leadership Greater McHenry County Class of 2012, being a Kiwanis Club of McHenry member for eight years, and with the Million Dollar Round Table for 14 years. The Million Dollar Round Table a global financial professionals association of more than 43,000 life insurance and financial services professionals from more than 500 companies in 67 countries. Membership in the association is widely recognized as the standard of excellence in the life insurance and financial services business.
Always do what you say you’re going to do – and always follow through on your promises.
How do you give back to the community, and what drives your service?
Nominator’s comment: “My primary reason for this nomination is that Paul always goes above and beyond when it comes to his profession and his community involvement. He’s always looking for the next great thing to do for his community as well,” nominator Karen Funari wrote. “Paul’s professional passion is 100 percent to help people to secure their futures, eliminate financial stresses and protect what they value most in their lives.”
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Deidre Martinez Age: 38 Occupation: Membership development manager for the Crystal Lake Chamber of Commerce Town: Crystal Lake Family: Sons, Issac, 21; Cameron, 17; and Christian, 13 Favorite McHenry County restaurant: Las Cazuelitas First job: Selling subscriptions door-to-door for the local newspaper One word that describes you: Resourceful
My job is to advocate for business and I am able to do that through listening to understand the needs of business owners and leaders and helping to bridge the gap. Building relationships, sharing best practices and connecting people have proved very beneficial in my role at the Crystal Lake Chamber of Commerce. I genuinely enjoy learning about people, their businesses and what drives them. Really, my job is to socialize, and I love it.
Saturday of each month – if you’re ever available to help out, please join us. Recently I have provided some marketing assistance to TLS Veterans for some of the organization’s fundraising events. And I’m active in my church, Vineyard Christian Crystal Lake, through helping with our Kingdom Kids classrooms or being on the welcoming committee and sometimes I even do some social media work. I love helping people, but I really enjoy working with kids and building them up.
What recent accomplishments and innovations are you most proud of?
What is something you have never done but want to do someday?
Following God and raising my sons are by far my greatest accomplishments. Beyond that are the relationships that have developed through service to God, service to my family and service to our community because working together is what will change tomorrow. My blessing has been how closely interwoven these things are for me. Serving on the board for the Crystal Lake Food Pantry allows me to broaden my children’s view of community and responsibility. I can work my faith and I take great joy in knowing I’m a part of something so meaningful to so many. It is truly a gift to me.
I’ve always wanted to learn how to fly fish. So, if anyone is interested in a fly fishing expedition, let me know.
How do you give back to the community, and what drives your service?
Nominator’s comment:
What is your job and what makes you good at it?
For the past couple of years, I have served on the Board of Directors for Girls on the Run Northwest Illinois and have also coached a team at Coventry Elementary School. For the first time last year I was a “big sister” for Big Brothers Big Sisters, which was a wonderful opportunity to connect with a young lady weekly for lunch. I am currently serving on the Board of Directors for the Crystal Lake Food Pantry and my family and team serve clients the second
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What is the best career advice you have ever received? Money isn’t everything; sometimes it’s just better to not focus on the financial aspect and enjoy going to work every day. Trust that God will provide, and give yourself a break. If you’re miserable at work, you’ll be miserable at home and not serve to your fullest potential in life. Love what you do. “I have met many people, but nobody is as selfless a human being as Deidre,” wrote nominator Rik Fregia, a previous Best Under 40 winner and vice president of Courtesy Buick GMC in Crystal Lake. “Besides working her normal hours and overtime at the Chamber, she can be found being a football mom for the Crystal Lake Raiders, serving on the boards of Girls on the Run and the Crystal Lake Food Pantry. She does all of this while raising three growing young men as a single mom.”
Patricia Miller Age: 35 Occupation: Owner/CEO of Matrix 4 in Woodstock Town: Crystal Lake Favorite McHenry County restaurants: 1776, Public House, Shakou, Montarra Grill, Duke’s Alehouse & Kitchen, Farmhouse on North First job: Labour Party Headquarters, London, England One word that describes you: Bohemian
What is your job and what makes you good at it? CEO and visionary of Matrix 4, a design and manufacturing house. I’m a creative and strategic thinker with a background in marketing, commercializing and launching brands now launching a brand in manufacturing. Also, my ability to simplify the complex, love people and build relationships and teams. What recent accomplishments and innovations are you most proud of? Having a meeting with the president of the United States at the White House to discuss manufacturing in March and making the Inc. 5000 List of Fastest Growing Private companies. How do you give back to the community, and what drives your service? I give back through time, talent or treasures where I can. I’m give my time to being a board member of Centegra Health System and Prairie Ridge High School Incubator program. I give back by using my talent to donate 3D printing and engineering services and engaging in entrepreneurial/STEM/ marketing initiatives. I give back with treasure by sponsoring the Keep Woodstock Beautiful initiative yearly. My service is driven by interest, capabilities and strategic fit with business and culture. What is something you have never done but want to do someday? Go on Safari.
What is the best career advice you have ever received? Be you. Own your personal brand. Relationships are everything. And, not all career paths are linear, follow what excites you, that you are passionate about, and be open to the opportunities and experiences. But do something, and have it make sense. Nominator’s comment: “Patricia moved to McHenry County to stop Matrix 4 from closing. She has a vested interest in the community and manufacturing recognizing its important contribution as an economic driver. She started with 6 employees in business at end of its life mid-2014 and transitioned it to a startup in its third year with double-digit growth, currently employing about 50 McHenry County residents. She is on the board of Centegra Health Systems and Prairie Ridge High School Incubator. Matrix 4 received the Business of the Year award from McHenry County Economic Development Corp. in 2015,” the Matrix 4 team wrote. “She launched the Keep Woodstock Beautiful Initiative with Laura [Witlox Middaugh] and has hosted it each year. She has received local and national press for Matrix 4 and what it is doing in the community and business shining a spotlight on McHenry County. Her team donates engineering hours, business insight and mentors several startups in the area, as well as 3D printing when needed. Currently she is launching an ecosystem to support an entrepreneurial community driving revenue and growth to the area. And hosts Entrepreneurial ’Therapy’ Dinners with other entrepreneurs to create a support system for each other.”
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Matthew Potts Age: 30 Occupation: Musician, business owner, president of Culture, Arts and Music and Potts and Pans Town: Crystal Lake Family: Parents, Jim and Kathy Potts Favorite McHenry County restaurant: Joe’s Place in Marengo First job: Soccer referee One word that describes you: Eccentric
1. What is your job and what makes you good at it? I have many jobs and it’s difficult for me to answer that but I am good at what I do because of a strong desire to bring something unique to McHenry County. In addition to being a performing musician, educator and music store owner, I am one of the only steelpan builder/tuners in the Midwest and an ambassador for cultural understanding. Brazilian author Paulo Coelho said it best with “Culture makes people understand each other better. And if they understand each other better in their soul, it is easier to overcome the economic and political barriers. But first they have to understand that their neighbor is, in the end, just like them, with the same problems, the same questions.” I use my passion for music to share various cultures to young and old in hopes of making meaningful connections between people. 2. What recent accomplishments and innovations are you most proud of? I organized and managed a sold-out Woodstock Opera House performance with Trinidad steel band.
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3. How do you give back to the community, and what drives your service? I work with multiple schools, for free or nearly free, providing various music services. 4. What is something you have never done but want to do someday? Bring my students to Trinidad. 5. What is the best career advice you have ever received? Don’t let others tell you what you can’t do. 6. Nominator’s comment: “I think it is long overdue for Matt to receive recognition for all his hard work, dedication and commitment to his causes,” nominator Judith Elgas wrote. “Matt is like the ‘Energizer Bunny’ extending himself not only to his businesses, but to so many volunteer organizations with his endless inner commitment of sharing his love of music and the steel pan to all. He is especially enthusiastic abut educating children and opening up a new venue of music with a ‘hands-on’ environment.”
Stephen Taylor Age: 33 Occupation: Technology consultant and CEO at LeadingIT in Crystal Lake Town: Crystal Lake Family: Eligible Bachelor Favorite McHenry County restaurants: 1776, Mixteca, Quarry First job: When I was 16, I would ride my bike down to Crystal Lake Country Club to caddy on weekends. One word that describes you: “Shifted.” My life motto to never settle, to do more, to be better, and to give back.
What is your job and what makes you good at it? Our company provides truly all-inclusive technology support to Chicago area nonprofits, municipalities and businesses. I have always been a self-taught techie and now I focus on sharing our story and leading our awesome, hardworking team. What recent accomplishments and innovations are you most proud of? I quit a well-paying job in 2010 at 25 years old to start LeadingIT. I knew we could do tech better. That alone is one of my favorite accomplishments and now seeing how far we’ve come. We listened to our clients and we deliver the fastest and friendliest support. It’s that simple. Early on we were recognized in our industry earning a 16th spot on the MSPMentor Top 100 for our growth and capability. Our IT owners accountability group in Nashville earned “Accountability Group of the Year in 2016.” We were nominated for the Chicagoland Tyree Award Finalist in 2017. And we are just getting started. How do you give back to the community, and what drives your service? I serve on the Crystal Lake Chamber of Commerce Finance Committee, chair the Young Professionals group, captain our Nashville group, and I serve on the board for Big Brothers Big Sisters McHenry County. At LeadingIT, we support organizations like
BBBSMC, Extra Life, Leadership Greater McHenry County, District 155 INCubator and all of our great local nonprofit clients. What is something you have never done but want to do someday? To travel everywhere, to see everything. Ask me about my last trip, Cuba. What is the best career advice you have ever received? “You’re gonna die.” Kidding, but something along the lines of “you’ve got to start.” We all have opportunity, you have an idea, go start and just hustle until you are successful. I call it “jumping in the pool with all your clothes on.” Let’s talk about starting your idea. Nominator’s comment: “Stephen is the great story of someone who decided to change their life,” said nominator and former Best Under 40 winner David Albanese. “He was selling insurance for a while and not really liking it. He had dabbled in the IT field on and off when he was in college, but never made it a career until deciding to take a step of faith – really, just hard work, 80-hour weeks, phone call after phone call – to build an IT support business from scratch. Stephen has built a work environment that employees love and he is constantly getting them involved in fun activities and in serving the community.”
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Shaun Tessmer Age: 35 Occupation: Manager of advisor services at Exemplar Financial Network in Crystal Lake Town: Crystal Lake Family: Wife, Devon Tessmer; daughter, Cecelia, 2 Favorite McHenry County restaurant: Georgio’s Chicago Pizzeria & Pub in Crystal Lake First job: Pizza Stop in Cary One word that describes you: Driven
What is your job and what makes you good at it? I love my job because every day I get to make a difference in the lives of others. I am the manager of advisor services at Exemplar Financial Network in Crystal Lake. I have the privilege of working with about 110 independent financial advisors whose offices are located throughout the Midwest. As the manager of the advisor services department, I manage a team of individuals whose jobs are to work directly with these financial advisers to help them stay compliant and process their paperwork as efficiently as possible. We also have to keep up with the rules and regulations of the ever-changing financial service industry while maintaining a positive and compassionate attitude. I take great pride in my work, because of my team there are thousands of people being helped to achieve their financial goals. What recent accomplishments and innovations are you most proud of? I was just honored to be nominated and voted in by my peers to be the vice chairman of the board of directors for Big Brothers Big Sisters of McHenry County. I won the Presidential Award of Excellence in appreciation of my commitment and dedication to the Crystal Lake Chamber of Commerce. I was on the executive committee of the Crystal Lake Young Professionals for 2 years. During that time, we restructured the bylaws and created a three-pillared foundation that focuses on making connections, personal and professional growth and philanthropy in our community. How do you give back to the community, and what drives your service? I think my biggest giveback to the community is through Big Brothers Big Sisters of McHenry County. I just finished my first term on the board of directors and I look forward to sitting for another. I have been a “Big” in the organization for six years now with
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my same “Little” and I have enjoyed every minute we have spent together. What this organization is doing for the children of this community is truly special and necessary. My hat goes off to all the volunteers, staff, donors and board members who keep this great organization thriving. I think my driving factor to give is the people I am surrounded by, especially my wife, family, friends and other community members who are really trying to make a difference in the lives of others. Things will not just change in our county on their own, we “the people” need to continue to roll up our sleeves and be the difference. I think it is best said in a quote by my dear friend and mentor Mary Margaret Maule’s father: “Show up, suit up and pick up the rope. The load’s lighter when everyone pulls their weight.” What is something you have never done but want to do someday? At some point in my life I would like to do a yearlong trip around the world with my family to learn about other cultures, people’s beliefs and what makes them get up and go every morning. I think this would really give us a better perspective and the ability to make a global difference. What is the best career advice you have ever received? A quote that has always resonated with me is from Henry Ford: “Whether you think you can, or think you can’t, you’re right. Believe that you can succeed, and you’ll find ways through different obstacles. If you don’t, you’ll just find excuses.” Nominator’s comment: “Shaun is special because he gives his everything to those who he cares about,” nominator Leslie Coen wrote. “You can see this with his commitment to his little brother, his love for his family and his love for his community. Shaun is always the first to be willing to step up and do what needs to be done.”
Bonnie Ungaro Age: 35 Occupation: Human resources recruiter with Centegra Health System Town: Crystal Lake Family: Husband, Corey; children, River, 4, and Layla, 5 Favorite McHenry County restaurant: Benedict’s La Strata in Crystal Lake First job: Book wrapper at the Algonquin Area Public Library One word that describes you: Passionate
What is your job and what makes you good at it? As a recruiter for Centegra Health System, I actively seek candidates who align with our organization’s values. It’s one thing to find a candidate with excellent skills and talents – it’s another to find a person who understands our vision, and I take that to heart. When I talk to a candidate who really loves our community, it’s exciting to introduce them to Centegra. What recent accomplishments and innovations are you most proud of? I was part of a team that led the staffing process for Centegra Hospital – Huntley. It was the largest volume of recruiting our team has achieved, and we were committed to finding people who align with our values. It was an incredibly challenging time, and it also was the most satisfying and rewarding project of my career. My other greatest accomplishment is my family, and seeing glimpses of thoughtfulness my kids show each other. We’re like any family – not everything is perfect at every moment – but already they understand that we want to give back to our community and that kindness counts. How do you give back to the community, and what drives your service? Doing good feels good. Around 2011, I became involved with the Crystal Lake Chamber Young Professionals group. Since that time I’ve been exposed to a vast number of volunteer
opportunities. The dedication from this group to serve our community is inspiring. It is because of my involvement with the Crystal Lake Young Professionals that I’ve been able to touch so many organizations in such a short time – I’ve gotten my family and friends involved, too. A lot of my work is through the Crystal Lake Chamber of Commerce and through Centegra Health System. We raise food for Community Harvest and serve on Thanksgiving Day. We ring bells with The Salvation Army and have painted bells in the past. We’ve helped raised money at Lakeside Festival, and my friends and family did a Habitat for Humanity Build Day for my birthday. My husband and I have even made a date night out of volunteering for CASA, and we take our kids to Community Cleanup Day. What is something you have never done but want to do someday? I’d love to travel. With young kids, I feel like I’m only going to see the Wisconsin Dells for the next 15 years. What is the best career advice you have ever received? Do what you love. Nominator’s comment: “Bonnie is passionate about giving back to the community, not just with her time, but with a positive attitude, compassion and a fun spirit,” nominator and husband Corey Ungaro said.
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Adam Wallen Age: 33
Occupation: Architect, building official Town: Crystal Lake Family: Wife, Ashley; children Colette, 5; Everett, 2; Scarlett, 2 Favorite McHenry County restaurant: The Tracks in Cary First job: Referee One word that describes you: Compassionate. What is your job and what makes you good at it? I am the building enforcement officer for McHenry County Department of Planning and Development. I oversee the building permits. In doing so, I am responsible for the application and initial interpretations of the building codes as adopted by McHenry County. I believe what makes me good at my job is the ability to listen and interpret a customer’s project goals and provide referencebased guidelines to achieve those goals in a compliant manner. What recent accomplishments and innovations are you most proud of? Over the past two years, the department has successfully reduced permit review timeframes by more than 50 percent. A contributing factor in that reduction was the implementation of applicant checklists outlining the submittal, compliance review and inspection guidelines for each permit type required in unincorporated McHenry County. The project remains ongoing as innovations and modifications to the checklists and procedures are continually being tested and implemented to achieve the goal of a 10-day initial review period for the department. I have worked on many projects. While simple in nature, I am particularly proud to have been on the leading edge of this one because of its impact. With each stride toward a successful completion, the number of people positively impacted is twofold. Better dialogue is created with customers, staff capable of accomplishing more in less time, and the workplace culture is very positive. How do you give back to the community, and what drives your service? Construction projects, be it a deck or a completely new structure, can be an overwhelming and intimidating experience for anyone. As an architect, I have worked in nearly every facet of construction: designer, construction management, even a laborer. I try to provide resources and insight for people taking on their own project. The result drives me. Not only the finished product but the pride someone carries when they accomplish something
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they never thought they could. That pride and excitement extends beyond the footprint of the physical structure. It pours into other aspects of their life and has a positive impact on the people they are around. To be a part of it, in any capacity, is very rewarding. What is something you have never done but want to do someday? Someday my wife, Ashley, and I want to get in an RV and travel throughout the United States. We want to see every state, meet people, see the monuments, the architecture, everything we can. Notably, on that bucket list is a visit to every NFL stadium along the way. What is the best career advice you have ever received? The best career advice is from my parents, Tom and Karen, but they rarely said it. Rather they lived it and through example instilled in our family: Never Complain. Nothing is perfect and rarely do things go exactly as you planned, especially in construction. Therefore, be prepared to adjust and use the resources you have to make the best possible decisions. Nominator’s comment: “Adam strives to provide customers, his clients, and his students with fair, professional and quality services. Construction projects can be hectic, confusing, and intimidating. Adam takes great pride in providing people in our community with a comprehensive understanding of a situation and putting them in the best position for success,” nominator and wife Ashley Wallen wrote. “Prior to his professional career, Adam was involved with Habitat for Humanity with St. Thomas Church working in Detroit on a residential rehabilitation project and received the Eagle of the Cross award from the Rockford Diocese for his volunteer efforts. He enjoys helping others achieve something they never thought they could, something that will help provide a higher quality of life, or something they can be proud of.”
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Transform Your Business! Transform Your Life!ÂŽ uring her 20-year sales and marketing career, Business Strategist Kathleen Caldwell restructured, revitalized and re-energized corporate teams and organizations. In the process, she learned more than how to sell complex products and build effective teams.
“Through my experience I realized that I educated and inspired people not only to succeed in business, but also enjoy a fantastic quality of life,� said Caldwell, who held major leadership roles within several startup and established companies. She could have stayed in Corporate America, but... “I stepped back and realized that what I truly wanted to do was to bring this success methodology and knowledge to a broader corporate and individual audience,� she said. That decision led to the founding of Caldwell Consulting Group, LLC and a series of specialized educational and mentoring programs known collectively as the WHEE Institute Ž. An acronym for the Wealthy, Healthy, Energetic Edge, the institute is unique. Its philosophy and approach are holistic and comprehensive. “Our mission is to help people be successful in business, health, vitality and life. We focus on strategies to love our business and career, body and life, Caldwell explained.
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A sought-after speaker, business consultant and author, Caldwell has developed programs that incorporate education, coaching, mentoring and collaboration with other WHEE participants from around the globe. WHEE participants learn and implement new strategies for successfully managing their business and career, which carries
over to their lives replacing exhaustion with inspiration, and recapturing the thrill of setting and achieving new goals. The WHEE Institute’s Team Intelligence™ program focuses on strategies for the group to succeed as a whole, renew the energy and creativity of team leaders and inspire the emergence of new group leaders. Active in the community, Caldwell’s collaboration with local, national and global business leaders continues to fuel her innovation and spark new ideas. She is the Chair of the Crystal Lake Chamber of Commerce Foundation, graduate of LGMC and a member of many Chambers of Commerce and professional organizations. She has also received numerous awards and honors including a Women of Achievement Award, a Women and many others. Caldwell also holds three United States trademarks for her work in entrepreneurship, team building and leadership. Her book, Blueprint for Success features Caldwell, Dr. Ken Blanchard, author of the One Minute Manager, Dr. Stephen Covey, author of Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, and thirteen business experts, sharing their insights on success and how to achieve it.
notherapist, ZUMBAŽ “Not only can you achieve your dreams and goals, you can have a fun time doing it,� she said.
See what WHEE can do for YOU and YOUR organization: For More Information Contact:
Kathleen Caldwell
815.206.4014 www.caldwellconsulting.biz