Documentos de Académico
Documentos de Profesional
Documentos de Cultura
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Jill M.
Armbruster
Page 3
Elisabeth
Bischofberger
Page 4
Shannon Furr
Bobertz
Page 9
Murray
Coleman
Page 18
Melissa
Constante
Page 8
Ryal F.
Curtis
Page 5
Steve
Eigenbrot
Page 13
Lisa M.
Hostetler
Page 12
April Glenn
James
Page 6
Emily M.
Johnson
Page 14
Will
Johnson
Page 12
Craig Q.
King
Page 15
Chakisse
Newton
Page 16
Patrick T.
Palmer
Page 4
Heather R.
Price
Page 10
Jamie
Scott
Page 17
{ 20 UNDER 40
Rising to
the challenge
This years Class of 20 under 40 is filled with people who suffered setbacks and managed to regroup,
pull themselves together and rebound into rising
stars in the Midlands business community.
From overcoming cancer to having their dreams
of playing professional sports dashed, these dynamos know adversity. They also know the keys to
overcoming it: perseverance, hard work, a positive
attitude and, maybe most importantly, leaning on
each other.
Each of these young professionals is making a
mark on the Midlands, choosing to make a home,
raise a family or build a business here. They also all
know the importance of helping the community be a
better place, from mentoring young children to
helping build an emergency shelter for homeless
families to helping athletes in the Special Olympics.
Each year, The State honors 20 rising business
stars under the age of 40 who are making an impact
in their workplaces, their neighborhoods and their
professions.
Meet the latest group of young leaders who are on
the road to a bright future for themselves and the
Midlands the 12th annual Class of 20 under 40
honorees.
Kristy Eppley Rupon
Bios compiled by: Kristy Eppley Rupon
Blake G.
Taylor
Page 7
Lauren
Truslow
Page 19
Ben
Wilson
Page 20
Michael D.
Wright
Page 11
20 UNDER 40 }
Age: 36
Occupation: Director of marketing,
UCI Medical Affiliates
Family: Boyfriend, Walker Daves;
parents, Jim and Gloria Armbruster;
brother and sister-in-law, Jimmy and
Ashley
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GERRY MELENDEZ/GMELENDEZ@THESTATE.COM
D3
Congratulations!
Jill M. armbruster
Director of Marketing
We are so proud of you and
appreciate all that you do.
DoctorsCare.com
D4
Age: 28
Occupation: Territory recruiter, Colonial Life
Family: Single; fur child, Bernard
(French Bulldog)
WWW.THESTATE.COM
Elisabeth Bischofberger
Education: B.S., business administration with concentration in marketing, College of Charleston; MBA,
University of South Carolina
Community and professional highlights: Board of directors, American
Red Cross Central Carolina Chapter; Junior League of Columbia and
Charleston; Young Leaders Society,
United Way of the Midlands; Humane Society for the Prevention of
Cruelty to Animals; Special
Olympics
What saying do you live by? Nothing
great has been and nothing great
can be accomplished without passion. (G.W.F. Hegel) This applies to
all aspects of my life personal,
professional and spiritual. It is a
testament of what drives me.
TRACY GLANTZ/TGLANTZ@THESTATE.COM
TIM DOMINICK/TDOMINICK@THESTATE.COM
Age: 37
Occupation: Commercial real estate
broker, director of retail services, NAI
Avant
Family: Wife, Amanda; daughters,
Hannah, 11, and Hallie, 9
Education: B.S. in business administration, University of South Carolina
{ 20 UNDER 40
Worldwide)
Columbia is in the midst of revitalization, and the commercial real
estate industry plays a vital role in
that. Where do you see the city headed? Columbia is in the midst of an
estimated $1 billion of commercial
investment in the downtown market.
We are seeing interest from retailers
and restaurants that have previously
dismissed Columbia. The enormous
growth in student housing, continued expansion of the University of
South Carolina and the melding of
the Vista and Main Street markets
has been transformative for our city.
The desire of people to once again
live in the downtown urban setting
has been a tremendous boost to
retailers and restaurateurs, who at
one time could only depend on
daytime office traffic. We see this
growth trend continuing for the
foreseeable future. The citizens of
our city will play a large role in how
this growth plays out. We need
continued participation in events
that occur in the downtown market
such as Soda City, Trustus Theatre,
The Nickelodeon, and Main Street
Ice at Boyd Plaza, as well giving the
new restaurants and retailers a
chance to earn our business while
not forgetting our old favorites.
20 UNDER 40 }
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Ryal F. Curtis
Age: 33
Occupation: Senior social media
strategist at BlueCross BlueShield of
South Carolina
GERRY MELENDEZ/GMELENDEZ@THESTATE.COM
Congratulations!
20 Under 40
Congratulations to Patrick on this
outstanding accomplishment. Patrick is
an exceptional member of our team and
has had an impressive year performing
at the top of his field. We are grateful to
have his talent with our firm.
-Bruce Harper
NAI Avants President
& Broker-in-Charge
#CongratsRyal
for Being Named
20 Under 40
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{ 20 UNDER 40
Age: 33
Occupation: Owner and principal
broker of iRealtyInternational and
founder of YogaCheer
Family: Husband, Kevin James;
stepson, Coleman, 9
Education: B.A. in psychology and
Masters of public health administration, University of South Carolina
Community and professional highlights: Founding member of CREW
Midlands, Assistant Treasurer of
SCNAREB, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., Certified International Property Specialist, YogaCheer DVD,
volunteer at Oliver Gospel Mission.
In my own words: I located my business in close proximity to my community in order to provide great
services and help others live a
healthy lifestyle. It warms my heart
to see a young couple move in a new
home or a child learning how to
handle their anger through yoga. As
long I can teach people the skills
and tools to manage their lifestyle,
we will have a healthier and happier
community.
TIM DOMINICK/TDOMINICK@THESTATE.COM
Congratulations
APRIL JAMES,
2015
20
Under
40
Recipient
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Following in the footsteps of her father
CONGRATULATIONS
APRIL JAMES
P
Principal
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founder ooff iiRealty
Realty
aand
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Yoga
Cheer
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THE STATES
20 UNDER 40
20 UNDER 40 }
Age: 34
Occupation: Banker at Southern First
Bank
Family: Wife, Kieley; three children,
Hadley, 3, Landry, 2, Hayes, 6 weeks
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Blake G. Taylor
Community and professional highlights: South Carolina Bankers Association, Young Bankers Board, vice
chairman; Junior Achievement
board; Lexington Fellowship of Christian Athletes board; USC Lettermen's
board; Leadership Columbia; YLS
golf committee; chairman, Young
Bankers golf committee; Cayce
Beautification Board; board of directors, South Carolina Cancer Alliance.
Graduate of LSU Banking School
and Bank Sim winner. Former USC
and minor league baseball player.
In my own words: I am in the banking
profession because I love working
with people. Its a lot of fun helping
someone purchase their first home
or start a business. Getting the
opportunity to ride around town and
GERRY MELENDEZ/GMELENDEZ@THESTATE.COM
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{ 20 UNDER 40
Melissa Constante
son University
Community and professional highlights: Leadership Columbia Class of
2015, Rotary Foundational alumna,
board member for the AIDS Benefit
of South Carolina, Pi Beta Phi Fraternity for Women
In my own words: I love the work that
I do because Im always working
with a team to build something new.
We always find a way to overcome
challenges and deliver new solutions. My favorite part is crossing the
finish line together.
What saying do you live by? Work
hard and play hard.
GERRY MELENDEZ/GMELENDEZ@THESTATE.COM
Age: 33
www.scottandco.com
Scott and Company LLC provides a comprehensive range of tax, assurance, small business and specialized consulting services to clients across the Southeast.
With clients ranging from individuals to multi-state and international organizations, the firm has particularly deep expertise in serving closely-held businesses and
their owners, as well as leaders in the healthcare, hospitality, real estate, government, manufacturing, professional services and non-profit arenas. The firm is an
independent member of the BDO Alliance USA, providing talent and resources to clients through a network of thousands of skilled professionals in more than 400
independent alliance firm locations across America. Learn more online at www.scottandco.com.
20 UNDER 40 }
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Age: 39
Occupation: Chief legal counsel,
South Carolina Department of Natural Resources
Family: Husband, Jason; daughter,
Sarah, 7
Education: USC School of Law, J.D.
cum laude; Cornell College, B.A.
Community and professional highlights: American Board of Trial Advocates, associate member; advisory board member, Nelson Mullins Center on Professionalism;
member, South Carolina Bar; adjunct professor, USC School of Law;
Board of Law Examiners; Compleat
Lawyer Award, USC School of Law,
2014.
What saying do you live by? I have a
postcard by my desk that reads,
Most obstacles melt away when we
make up our minds to walk boldly
through them, by Orison Swett
Marden. It reminds me that life is all
about perspective, and that I cannot
let fear limit me.
My life changed when: I was an ex-
TIM DOMINICK/TDOMINICK@THESTATE.COM
BEN WILSON
D9
Congratulations,
Shannon!
Furr & Henshaw
Attorneys at Law
congratulates
Shannon
Shannon Furr
Furr Bobertz
Bobertz
for
for the
the richly
richly deserved
deser ved
award of being
chosen for this
year's 20 Under 40!
D10
WWW.THESTATE.COM
{ 20 UNDER 40
TIM DOMINICK/TDOMINICK@THESTATE.COM
the dog
Congratulations to all
the 20 under 40!
www.leadershipsc.com
20 UNDER 40 }
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Michael D. Wright
Age: 31
Occupation: Attorney and partner at
Savage Royall & Sheheen in
Camden
GERRY MELENDEZ/GMELENDEZ@THESTATE.COM
and are entrusted with solving complex problems. This profession allows lawyers to help those who need
it the most and gives us the opportunity to use the law to make some-
Congratulates
Lisa Hostetler
Of
on being one of
the Midlands
20 Under 40!
803.758.4444
ResourceColumbia.com
803.563.5163
LawyerLisa.com
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Age: 32
Will Johnson
GERRY MELENDEZ/GMELENDEZ@THESTATE.COM
Age: 34
Occupation: Shareholder, Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd
Family: Single
Lisa M. Hostetler
GERRY MELENDEZ/GMELENDEZ@THESTATE.COM
{ 20 UNDER 40
this is a firm where clients arent
intimidated. When our clients feel
good about the legal experience,
they are more likely to ask questions
that allow us to provide them better
service, they are more likely to deal
with issues that they may be avoiding, and we can be more effective
when helping them.
You volunteer with various organizations, including the Cinderella Project
to provide prom dresses to girls who
need them. Why is it important to help
them have that prom experience where
they can feel special and confident? It
is important for young women to
develop self-confidence. Certain
experiences in life will shape who a
person becomes. Our goal with the
Cinderella Project is to provide high
school girls with prom dresses, shoes
and jewelry so they can participate in
this important milestone in their
lives. I dont want their familys economic situation to affect them because they cant afford to buy a
dress for prom. Last year, we helped
over 400 girls in the Midlands find
dresses and the gratitude they expressed was worth more than they
could have ever paid.
20 UNDER 40 }
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Steve Eigenbrot
Age: 31
Occupation: Assistant athletics director, University of South Carolina
Family: Parents, Ed and Carol; sisters, Karen and Sara; brother, Joe;
and dog, Riley
Education: B.S. in finance, international business, University of Maryland; MBA and MSA, Ohio University;
Ph.D. in educational leadership,
University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Professional and community highlights: Volunteer at the Oliver Gospel
Mission and the American Red
Cross; has raised more than $5
million for scholarships and new
facilities for Gamecock athletics in
the past three years.
What saying do you live by? Theres a
funny line in the movie The Departed, which I always find myself quoting. When Jack Nicholsons character inquires about a patrons dying
mother, hes informed that shes on
the way out to which he quips, We
all are. Act accordingly. The wisecrack may not be inspirational,
TIM DOMINICK/TDOMINICK@THESTATE.COM
D13
when they razz me about a Gamecock loss are a great reminder of the
positive things sports can do for our
society.
You have been called one of the most
respected leaders in Gamecock athletics. Why is it important for college
students to have mentors and what do
you try to model to them? Ive
learned a lot about leadership from
some amazing people in this industry and whatever Ive learned I have
them to thank for that. On that note,
I think its important for any young
person to have strong mentors,
student-athletes or otherwise. Entering the workforce, young folks benefit a lot from strong examples of
work ethic, communication and how
to adapt to a professional work
environment our team works hard
to establish those values, while also
having a good time so work doesnt
feel like work. Our team also takes
a lot of pride in our undergraduate
interns who play a really important
role in helping Carolina athletics.
Their future successes are something that we all take pride in.
D14
Age: 38
Occupation: Veterinarian and partner
at Dutch Fork Animal Hospital
Family: Husband, Christopher; son,
Coleman, 5
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Emily M. Johnson
{ 20 UNDER 40
TIM DOMINICK/TDOMINICK@THESTATE.COM
inmates train them to provide assistance for people living with disabilities. The inmates are transformed
through training the dogs.
When you were diagnosed with breast
cancer, you continued to work and
also took up stand-up paddle boarding. Why? Continuing to work was
truly a form of therapy to give me an
escape from the reality that I was
living. The moment I walked into
Dutch Fork, I was able to forget the
outside world and enjoy the company of my colleagues. We were able to
find humor in pranks and joking
about my hormonal swings, hot
flashes and how lucky I was to get a
boob job. Also, the moment that I
got onto a paddleboard for the first
time, I was hooked. The motion
needed to paddle was perfect to
help me regain strength and range
of motion after multiple mastectomies. The beauty that I found paddling Lake Murray helped to
strengthen my faith, allowed me to
immerse myself in nature and provided a perfect distraction from the
stresses of being a survivor.
20 UNDER 40 }
Age: 33
Occupation: Director of Governmental Affairs at the Palmetto State
Teachers Association
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GERRY MELENDEZ/GMELENDEZ@THESTATE.COM
Congratulations to
Craig King, Director of
Governmental Affairs at
Palmetto State Teachers
Association, on being named
one of The State Newspapers
20 under 40!
under
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Chakisse Newton
TIM DOMINICK/TDOMINICK@THESTATE.COM
Age: 39
Occupation: Assistant vice president
of Marketing Communications,
Midlands Technical College
{ 20 UNDER 40
EntertainmentGuide.
EveryThursday.
20 UNDER 40 }
Age: 35
Occupation: Owner, Jamie Scott
Fitness
Family: Single
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Jamie Scott
TIM DOMINICK/TDOMINICK@THESTATE.COM
person.
My life changed: After a somewhat
successful freshman year at USC,
we had a coaching change. In 1999,
I remember sitting across from
coach (Lou) Holtz, the legendary
football icon, when he told me I
should quit and transfer because I
didnt have a chance at South Carolina. I fought and found a way to
contribute to the team. That conversation ignited a spark in me that I
never knew I had. Thanks, Coach,
you made me a winner!
What did you want to be when you
grew up? Growing up I thought I
wanted to be a doctor, but I quickly
realized I had a phobia of blood and
needles. At that point I decided that
being a doctor wasnt a good idea. I
then realized the power of a
spreadsheet.
You have a commitment to fitness and
helping other live a healthy lifestyle.
Why is that so important? There is no
better feeling than knowing youve
enhanced the quality of someones
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Age: 36
Occupation: Resource development
division director, United Way of the
Midlands
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Murray Coleman
{ 20 UNDER 40
GERRY MELENDEZ/GMELENDEZ@THESTATE.COM
20 UNDER 40 }
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Lauren Truslow
Age: 31
Occupation: Owner of barre3
Columbia
Family: Husband, Neal; daughter,
Peyton, 2
Education: B.S. in marketing and
management, University of South
Carolina
Community and professional highlights: Vice president of community,
Junior League; has served on numerous boards of directors; mentored at childrens homes. Teaches
fitness to children of Epworth Childrens Home, the lawyers at The Bar
Convention and youth and families
in Junior League projects. Hosts
classes that are 100 percent donation based.
In my own words: I go to my job every
day and get to do what I love, and
that is the best feeling in the world. I
get to lift people up, educate them
on nutrition, all while setting an
example for living an active and fit
lifestyle every day. I have also found
through emails, texts and phone
calls that I am bringing such happi-
TIM DOMINICK/TDOMINICK@THESTATE.COM
Discover
Your State of Mind
Whenever and wherever you are.
search for thestate
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Ben Wilson
GERRY MELENDEZ/GMELENDEZ@THESTATE.COM
Age: 33
Brooks, 3
{ 20 UNDER 40
ies on sustainable construction, but
the bottom line is that buildings are
major energy users, water users,
waste producers and contributors to
emissions. Sustainable construction
has been proven to have environmental, economic and social benefits. Some of those benefits include
protecting our fragile ecosystems,
reducing the waste stream, lower
operating costs, improved worker
productivity, increased property
values and more. Whether in S.C.,
the U.S., or globally, we all need to
strive to keep sustainable initiatives
at the forefront to protect both our
natural resources and our people.
You donate time and services to
groups that have a big impact on
struggling families. What drives this
involvement? Having been privileged
to have two wonderful, loving and
supportive parents and understanding the impact that family has on a
childs development, I have focused
my efforts around helping less fortunate children and families overcome
their hardships and helping them
realize the potential they have.