* All winners were under 40 at the time nominations opened.
20 Under 40 is presented by The COMO Companies.
A record-setting 195 nominations and three rounds of rankings later — plus some energetic planning for an upcoming epic celebration at The Blue Note — and the 20 Under 40 Class of 2025 is ready for prime time.
The new honorees come from myriad professions, backgrounds, and experiences. The persona of the 2025 honorees is someone who is resilient, has a voracious appetite to keep learning, is a community collaborator and a work-until-your-dream-comes-true type of personality, and a person who exemplifies the best in an employer or an employee.
The 20 Under 40 honor selection process is not a popularity contest; there’s not a public vote or an online polling system that solicits multiple votes. The process included numbered rankings from COMO Companies staff, members of the COMO Magazine and COMO Business Times advisory boards, and a special ad hoc committee made up of seasoned Columbia business executives. The ad hoc committee was a new feature of the selection process this year as a transparent measure to affirm the credibility of the process.
In fact, the rankings by the ad hoc committee and advisory boards were weighted higher than COMO Companies staff rankings. The end result was a clear-cut list of twenty local individuals to make up the 20 Under 40 Class of 2025.
Members of the special ad hoc committee were:
- Randa Rawlins, retired CEO/president of Shelter Insurance.
- Steve Smith, retired CEO of Job Point.
- Andrew Beverley, retired bank vice president, CEO, and board chairman.
- Bob Reid, retired insurance executive.
- Gary Thompson, retired president/CEO of Columbia Insurance Group.
Each year, the 20 Under 40 class is honored at a ticketed celebration, and this year’s event is set for October 8 at the Blue Note. The 2025 celebration is more than an awards ceremony. It’s also a vibrant community networking event where guests can make connections and share inspiration. Doors open at 6 p.m., and the program begins at 7 p.m. There’s a cash bar and musical entertainment by Soul Root for the business casual event. Buy your tickets before they sell out!
Tony Galbreath Jr. (Age: 38)
Director of Creative, American Outdoor Brands
Fun fact about Tony Galbreath Jr.: He finds it difficult to walk through a store without turning it into a master class in design. He views the world as one vast creative classroom, analyzing the creative packaging of gum and explaining how a blinking countdown on an arcade game connects with consumer psychology.
“I probably drive my wife and kids a little crazy,” he says. “But when something truly catches my eye or heart, I stop and appreciate the craft behind it. Creativity is everywhere.”
As the creative director of American Outdoor Brands, Tony applies that same keen awareness and instinctive curiosity to every project. His approach emphasizes function over flash: He believes in creating designs that connect, captivate, and convert.
Tony’s creative journey began with an associate degree in mechanical drafting from State Tech, followed by dual studies in graphic design and photography at Columbia College. He joined American Outdoor Brands as a design intern over a decade ago. Through hands-on experience, determination, and self-teaching, he progressed into a leadership role that now encompasses branding, packaging, marketing, and merchandising across numerous brands.
His passion for making an impact is rooted in his upbringing, while his faith, friendships, and relentless pursuit of creative excellence continue to be an inspirational force on him.
Ashli Eaves (Age: 39)
Financial Advisor, ChSNC
Aligned Wealth Group
Ashli Eaves has added “author” to her list of impressive credentials that includes twelve years of teaching experience and helping launch Aligned Wealth Group alongside a team of other financial advisors. Getting the financial advisory firm off the ground was energizing.
“It was a move I didn’t expect to make so early in my career,” she says, “but the opportunity to build something from the ground up, rooted in shared values and a client-first mindset, was one I couldn’t pass up.” Ashli is also a bit surprised to earn a 20 Under 40 nomination — and to be selected as one of the twenty awardees.
“I never expected this,” she says. “It’s a reminder that showing up, doing the work, and leading with purpose can create real impact.”
Ashli has also earned the Chartered Special Needs Consultant (ChSNC) designation, and her book, Special Needs, Special Plans, focuses on special needs financial planning and builds on that work by offering practical tools and encouragement for families in the special needs space.
“Publishing my book on special needs financial planning was a key goal of mine and one I’m proud to have accomplished,” she adds. Ashli is also developing a series of workshops specifically designed to help women feel more confident and empowered around investing and financial decision-making.
“In a male-dominated industry, it’s important to create space for women to ask questions, build financial literacy, and take ownership of their financial future on their terms and without intimidation,” she explains.
Garrett Walker (Age: 36)
Assistant Vice President, Simmons Bank
Banking is less about numbers and more about people for Garrett Walker.
In his role as assistant vice president and private banker at Simmons Bank, his focus is set on removing barriers, simplifying financial lives, and building relationships that last well past a transaction. His days are rarely the same, and they can look anything like helping clients navigate life changes, connecting them with trusted professionals, or creating lending solutions that fit their goals.
Garrett’s work ethic was apparent from a young age. At 14, he walked from Jefferson Junior High to clean bathrooms downtown, later working in service jobs before starting his banking career at Landmark Bank (which later merged with Simmons Bank) in 2013. Over the years, he’s built a reputation for integrity, empathy, and community connection — qualities that earned him the Columbia Chamber of Commerce Emerging Professional of the Year award in 2024 and a seat on its board of directors.
“It has always been important for me to recognize and appreciate the advantages and opportunities I have had,” he says. “Following that, it is equally important to identify and work hard to overcome the disadvantages and setbacks as they arise.”
Outside of the bank, Garrett invests his time in causes that matter most to him, from serving as chair for EPIC (Emerging Professionals in Columbia) to supporting Blue Ridge Elementary through Simmons’ Partners in Education program.
Samantha Boisclair (Age: 35)
Self-Employed Owner, Party Perfectly
Half a lifetime ago, when she was 17, Samantha Boisclair auditioned for American Idol. Despite having pneumonia.
“While I didn’t make it past the first round of singing to the producers, I will never forget sitting in the stands at the old Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, with thousands of people singing ‘California Dreamin’ by the Beach Boys,” she recalls. “Definitely a unique experience.”
Samantha owns Party Perfectly, a boutique party supply, balloon, and event planning business. She was the lead behind Shakespeare’s Pizza’s fiftieth birthday bash.
“That was an absolute joy,” she says. Samantha is also the events manager for the Missouri Symphony (MOSY), which has led to some memorable moments. This season, for example, the symphony sold out two of its three performances.
“MOSY had not had a sold-out performance since pre-COVID,” she explains. “From guest entrance to exit, creating a memorable experience for the guest was key.”
Samantha learned event planning early on, noting that events at her house “were things of legend.” She was raised by two independent women with strong personalities, “both of them dramatically different, as much as a mother and daughter could be.” Her mother and her grandmother, Mimi, were driving forces in her development, teaching her to be independent, forward-thinking, and problem-solving.
“Taking the leap into small business ownership was absolutely terrifying but continues to be the greatest adventure,” she says.
Allie Teagarden (Age: 37)
Owner/Producer/Director, That’s What She Said Columbia
Allie Teagarden’s work in Columbia is one year-round act of empowerment: on the stage, behind the scenes, and in the heart of the COMO community.
As the producer and director of the annual That’s What She Said Columbia production, she curates an unforgetta
ble night that amplifies the voices of local women leaders where they share their stories of hardship and success — and as soon as the curtain drops, she begins building the next one.
Her influence also extends beyond the spotlight. She collaborates on The Daily Blend with AC, helping bring in nonprofits to share their mission. She also publishes a newsletter to more than 13,000 mid-Missourians with resources that inspire civic engagement and voter participation. In 2025, she completed the competitive LeadMO Staff Cohort Program, and earned her group the award for best campaign.
Allie is vice chair of the city of Columbia’s Human Services Commission and an active member of When She Votes, Boone County Democrats, and First Baptist Church, all of which strengthen the city’s civic and social fabric.
“I strive to work hard for my family and for my community,” she says. “I want to do all that I can to ensure my daughter and all children have a brighter future and live in a society that is just, equitable, kind, and hopeful.”
Joe Knight (Age: 40*)
Development Director, Coyote Hill Foster Care Ministries
Owner and Tour Guide, Columbia Culinary Tours
“Jesus is Number 1 for sure,” says Joe Knight, the development director for Coyote Hill Foster Care Ministries. Joe also is the owner of and tour guide for Columbia Culinary Tours.
“My faith and relationship with God are what lead me to do what I do to help others thrive and live lives that are more full and engaging,” he explains.
Joe tips his cap to the mentorship of Marshall Robb, who saw Joe’s leadership skills “and gave me opportunities to learn.”
“It is part of why I still work with kids today,” Joe says. “He took this punk kid and helped me take the skills I had and put them onto a greater path than I was going.”
Joe also has a passion for connecting entrepreneurs to resources that would be helpful for their businesses to grow and be seen, adding, “I love connecting people to each other and then seeing them grow a relationship that is mutually beneficial.”
Coyote Hill recently expanded into a new office on Tenth Street to continue to give more children safe homes by training and nurturing foster parents. And that means also increasing regular, reliable monthly contributions.
For his culinary tours company — by the way, he has no sense of smell but can still taste — Joe is looking to offer more tour options while ensuring that new businesses are connecting with existing clients “to help their businesses thrive and be successful.”
Jacob Adams (Age: 39)
Principal, Jefferson Middle School
Some people discover their true calling over time — Jacob Adams grew up already knowing his.
Jacob, a Columbia native who attended Columbia Public Schools from elementary through high school, has devoted seventeen years to education, including the past five as an assistant principal. Today, he guides Jefferson Middle School — the same building where both his parents began their teaching careers and where he once walked the halls as a student.
That path was built step by step. Jacob earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Missouri (Mizzou), a master’s in career and technical education from the University of Central Missouri, and a specialist degree in educational leadership from Mizzou. He is now pursuing his doctorate at William Woods University, researching the perceptual impacts of school bonds, with a goal of completing his dissertation while continuing to lead Jefferson.
His deep roots in CPS and commitment to education inspire him to create the same kind of formative, positive experiences for today’s Cyclones.
“Seven Thirteen Rogers Street has a special place in the Columbia community, and being able to count myself among the storied leaders of this institution is one of the greatest professional accomplishments of my life,” he says. “Middle school is such an important time for growth in a student’s life, and we are here to support them through all parts of that journey.”
Tanner Ott (Age: 33)
General Manager, Ott Historic Rehab, LLC
Tanner Ott may be a young professional, but he sure does love old buildings with lasting legacies.
Tanner, the general manager of Ott Historic Rehab LLC, blends business acumen with a deep appreciation for preservation, converting often-forgotten structures into functional, beautiful spaces that honor their history.
He earned his Bachelor of Business Administration with a finance focus from the University of Minnesota’s Carlson School of Management. Following this, he completed ten historic redevelopment projects in Minnesota before returning to Columbia in 2020, where he has since led four successful downtown revitalizations, including the award-winning restoration of Columbia’s former City Hall, built in 1901.
Tanner’s approach is hands-on: His briefcase is his mobile office, and there’s always a shovel and broom in the back of his truck. He’s often spotted within a half-mile radius of downtown — on job sites, solving building issues, meeting with community members, or advocating for smart growth through his roles with the North Village Arts District, The District CID, and Columbia’s Historic Preservation Commission.
His work has earned recognition from Missouri Preservation and Rethos, but Tanner’s drive transcends working on buildings. He’s also passionate about addressing homelessness and mental health, working toward a community that’s well-designed and well-supported.
“I want to see our local and state community address mental health and bring healthier lifestyles to people currently living on the streets,” he says.
Ashley Minor (Age: 38)
Owner and Lead Planner, Delight Events
Resilience is the go-to word for Ashley Minor, the owner and lead planner at Delight Events. You might picture champagne, cake, and stunning flower arrangements when hearing that Ashley is a wedding planner, but the reality, she says, is “far more complex.”
“People see the beauty of the final event, but it’s the behind-the-scenes strategy, planning, and leadership that bring the magic to life,” she says. “My work is part therapist, part time wizard, part creative director — and always about making people feel seen, celebrated, and stress-free.”
Ashley is focused on empowering women in business and insists that women be kind to themselves. She is serving her second term on the True North board of directors, and she has also coached girls’ basketball at Rock Bridge High School, in addition to serving as women’s director for Columbia KLIFE for three years and leading worship at The Crossing Church for seven years.
She credits where she is today to resilience, faith, and the examples set by people who shaped her early on, especially her grandfather, Larry Gross.
“I lost both of my parents when I was 11. That loss forced me to grow up quickly, but it also gave me a different lens for life,” Ashley says. “I learned that nothing is guaranteed, and the only way forward is through.” Her grandfather was also her greatest role model.
“He taught me by example: work hard, serve others, and show up with integrity no matter the circumstances,” she says. “His advice shaped everything I’ve done.”
Taylor Drennan (Age: 39)
Principal, John Warner Middle School
Even at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Taylor Drennan, principal at John Warner Middle School, didn’t let anything stand in the way of his passion for community education.
In 2020, he helped lead the opening of the school, working with staff and students to build something entirely new. With more than a decade in education and a deep-rooted family history of teaching, Taylor brought the experience and steady leadership needed to guide the community through such an unprecedented time.
“I grew up witnessing the impact my parents had on students and the community,” he says. “Even now, former students still thank them. That kind of lasting legacy is what I strive for.”
As a middle school principal, Taylor’s role is more multifaceted than most realize. While discipline plays a part, much of his day is spent observing instruction, mentoring teachers, managing operations, and fostering a positive, student-centered culture.
He’s often the first to arrive — around 6:30 a.m. — and among the last to leave, regularly attending concerts, games, and student events. His leadership is built on visibility, consistency, and connection.
In 2016, Taylor was named Columbia Public Schools’ Middle School Teacher of the Year, a recognition of his commitment to excellence and relational leadership. For him, the work doesn’t end at dismissal.
Martina Hoyt-Vail (Age: 40*)
Chief Executive Officer, Boys and Girls Clubs of the Columbia Area
A lot of Columbia businesspeople and nonprofit executives wear many hats — often at the same time — but consider the roles Martina Hoyt-Vail filled in 2024. Not too many people will envy her to-do list.
“I successfully carried the titles of newly appointed CEO for the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Columbia Area, expectant mother, and graduate student simultaneously,” Martina explains. “Each of those experiences was challenging on their own, and I’m proud I was able to successfully manage all three.”
Martina, a first-generation college student, graduated with honors from Mizzou in May 2024, earning a Master of Public Affairs degree, focusing on nonprofit management. Her career has been focused in educational nonprofit work, spending fourteen years as a site manager for Mizzou’s Jumpstart program prior to joining the Boys & Girls Club of the Columbia Area in August 2022.
“Every day is an adventure at the Boys & Girls Club, and no two days are the same,” she says. “But each day reminds me of my ‘why.’ Our kids are our future, and they deserve every ounce of energy poured into meeting their needs.”
Martina knows firsthand the value and benefit of that energy.
“I was blessed to be raised by parents that pushed me to excel academically, encouraged a strong work ethic, and supported me every step of the way — and still do,” she says.
Jessica Caldera (Age: 40*)
Partner at Harper, Evans, Hilbrenner & Netemeyer
Jessica Caldera has an undeniable and unapologetic “bring it on” attitude.
As a partner at the law firm of Harper, Evans, Hilbrenner & Netemeyer, she has vast experience as both a prosecutor and a criminal defense attorney.
“I’d love to tell a witness, ‘I was the president of a sorority. If you think you can out-manipulate me, you are wrong,’” she says. But more seriously, Jessica wants to be the go-to criminal defense attorney for Columbia and the surrounding area.
Jessica is a 2003 graduate of Parkway North High School, and she earned a journalism degree from Mizzou, graduating in 2007. She earned her Juris Doctor at Indiana Maurer School of Law.
“I would love to pioneer a restorative justice program in Columbia,” she says. “Too many people believe the system is against them. We often treat issues as all-or-nothing, or purely good versus purely evil. That leads to a vicious cycle in which both victims and defendants (and their families) lose trust in the system.”
In Jessica’s view, a restorative justice program could facilitate dialogue and community engagement.
“More so than a prison sentence or prohibition on hiring felons, we could foster real offender accountability, address the root causes of crime, and strengthen our community,” she says.
Fun fact: Jessica is only 5-feet, 2-inches tall … but she was an all-conference high jumper in high school.
Anna McDaniel (Age: 34)
Manager, Love Coffee – Columbia Post Acute
Growing up in a home as one of six siblings, Anna learned how to be a part of a team, how to be kind to others, and how to work together. Guided by her family and her faith, Anna has been part of Special Olympics since she was 9, and she is a multisport, multimedal-winning athlete. She has twice represented the United States in competition, and more recently she qualified to compete in the U.S. Special Olympics in pickleball.
Anna, the first Love Coffee employee to earn promotion to a management position with the company, is also the athlete representative for the Missouri Special Olympics board of directors. She manages Love Coffee’s site at Columbia Post Acute and became the first Columbia Post Acute volunteer to be hired to assist with patient activities.
Her elevation to a manager position has inspired another Love Coffee employee to train and reach for that promotion as well.
“There should be fewer employment barriers and more companies willing to find ways to let all the people of this incredible city work and participate in local businesses,” says Anna, a 2009 graduate of Rock Bridge High School. “Not hiring a person because of a disability diagnosis is a loss to a company. Given the opportunity, many potential workers can prove that they can be and are an asset to the company that brings them in.”
Ellen Young (Age: 37)
Assistant Director, Mizzou Alumni Association
Ellen Young knows what it’s like to stand at a crossroads and to help others through theirs.
At just 20, she became a mom while still a sophomore at Mizzou, a turning point that could have derailed her degree. Instead, it fueled her determination to graduate, earn her master’s, and build a career devoted to guiding others through their own life transitions.
“I have a high sense of responsibility and duty. If something is in my life, even adjacently, I see it as my responsibility to participate or pitch in,” she says. “If people need help, I help. There have been times in my life when I haven’t been able to help, so when I can, I do.”
Today, Ellen is the assistant director of MizzouMade Career & Professional Development for the Mizzou Alumni Association, connecting Tigers of all ages with tools for success — refining resumes, preparing for interviews, and building professional networks. She also leads the MizzouMade Business Network, linking nearly 200 alumni-owned businesses through outreach, events, and mentorship.
Her commitment to betterment bleeds into the community, through serving on the Parks & Recreation Commission, chairing the board for Women’s Intersport Network (WIN) for Columbia, and supporting youth employment at the Southwest Swim Association.
Rachel Flynn (Age: 39)
Owner and Marketing Director, Betz Jewelers
Creator and Curator, Flynn & Stone
Honoring legacies. Celebrating milestones. Finding comfort during loss. Those missions probably don’t fit the stereotype that many of us have for the jewelry business, but they are fuel for Rachel Flynn’s boundless energy and passion as the owner of Betz Jewelers, her family’s fourth-generation jewelry store.
Rachel, the valedictorian of Hickman High School’s Class of 2004, is also the creator of Flynn & Stone jewelry.
“There are often happy tears in our showroom,” she says, “and that’s how I know the work we do is meaningful, valuable, and important to the humans we live alongside in this community.”
Since taking on the marketing director’s post at Betz, the store’s business has grown by more than 200 percent, the team has expanded, and community relations are even deeper, Rachel said. And more than the community has taken notice. Betz Jewelers was honored as the Columbia Chamber of Commerce Small Business of the Year in 2024.
Rachel says her children are her biggest motivators.
“They inspire me to lead with kindness, work hard, and build something meaningful, not just for myself, but for their future,” she adds. I want them to have the option to continue building a legacy as the fifth generation of Betz Jewelers.”
Rachel is a huge fan of Art in the Park, an event that “brings together artists, families, and the entire community in a way that feels joyful, inclusive, and energizing — exactly the kind of atmosphere that makes Columbia such a special place to live.”
Adam Saunders (Age: 40*)
Co-Founder, Columbia Center for Urban Agriculture
Adam Saunders plants seeds that feed both people and possibility. How about them apples?
Adam is a farmer, builder, and social entrepreneur whose work is deeply rooted in growing community through food, education, and innovation. Adam co-founded the Columbia Center for Urban Agriculture (CCUA) in 2009 and has spent the last 16 years growing it into a thriving nonprofit with over 27 full-time staff, hundreds of volunteers, and a powerful mission: hands-on education in farming, gardening, and cooking.
Serving as campaign director for the Agriculture Park project, Adam has helped raise nearly $12 million from private donors to build a campus that now houses the Columbia Farmers Market and CCUA’s headquarters.
“CCUA has an amazing team of people. We’ve been able to recruit some of the smartest and hardest-working people I know to our staff, board, and volunteers base,” he says. “Further, I’m grateful for all the generous donors who’ve seen the promise of investing in our food system via hands-on education and the food system infrastructure at Columbia’s Agriculture Park.”
When he’s not building partnerships or raising funds, Adam’s growing apples. Through Adam’s Apples, he grafts trees, manages orchards, and helps landowners plant and sell fruit using holistic, sustainable methods. Adam’s schedule may shift with the seasons, but one thing stays constant: his belief that better food systems and stronger communities start from the ground up.
Casey Elliott (Age: 40*)
Shareholder and Attorney, Van Matre Law Firm
Co-Owner and Event Organizer, Just Between Friends of Columbia
Whether she’s focused on her “day job” as a shareholder and attorney of the Van Matre Law Firm or her side gig as co-owner and event organizer at Just Between Friends of Columbia, Casey Elliott thrives on finding solutions to problems.
“Creative problem-solving is my forte, and I love to find ways to get the deal or project done,” she says.
Casey, a “preacher’s kid,” graduated in 2011 with a Juris Doctorate and Master of Business Administration from the University of Missouri. She’s been practicing law since 2011 at Van Matre Law Firm, P.C., and became a shareholder in 2015. In 2017, she and her bestie, Nichole Clark, opened a Just Between Friends (JBF) children’s consignment sale franchise in the community. JBF Columbia is now the area’s largest children’s and maternity consignment sale.
As an attorney, Casey has been named a “Rising Star” by Super Lawyers for eleven out of fourteen years of her practice. At Just Between Friends, she and Nichole won the 2025 Just Between Friends Franchise of the Year Award, up against more than 150 nationwide franchises.
Casey is grateful for the support from her husband, Philip, who is “one hundred percent on board with whatever is next,” she says. Professionally, she gushes about the mentorship of attorney Craig Van Matre.
“He gave me permission to learn from my mistakes, but also the confidence to believe in my abilities,” she says. “For that, I am eternally grateful.”
Ashley Perry (Age: 36)
President, Doug Perry Towing
Ashley Perry knows exactly when someone’s having a terrible day: Their car won’t start, they’re stuck on the side of the road, and they’re not sure what to do next. That’s when they call her team. And for Ashley, that moment of trust is everything.
As president and third-generation operator of Doug Perry Towing, she values the combination of logistical expertise with a deep sense of responsibility and care.
“From keeping customers calm while stranded roadside to managing the logistics of getting their operator to them in a safe and timely manner, my job as a dispatcher is the most important one!” she says.
Ashley, a proud Hickman Kewpie, spent 15 years working at all three Columbia Hy-Vee locations, climbing the management ladder and developing a passion for people-first service. That foundation, combined with a family legacy and a natural ability to lead through chaos, made her the perfect fit to carry her family’s business into a new era.
Since taking the wheel, she’s doubled the company’s call volume through relationship-building, introduced health benefits for employees, and created a workplace culture where her team feels supported and valued.
Though she honors the legacy passed down to her, Ashley’s eyes are on the road ahead: streamlining operations, enhancing safety training, and continuing to earn the community’s trust.
Adam Brietzke (Age: 39)
Marketing and Development Director, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Missouri
Much like an improv scene, Adam Brietzke’s career has been shaped by saying “Yes, and …”
That might explain why his journey to becoming the marketing and development director for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Missouri is anything but ordinary. A 2004 graduate of Rock Bridge High School, Adam earned his Bachelor of Fine Arts in Acting from Missouri State University. He then worked in the film industry and spent several years managing GameStop stores in Louisiana. When he returned to Columbia in 2016, he discovered his true calling: using storytelling, community building, and creativity to help children access life-changing opportunities.
“Something I feel strongly about now is to always be curious. It’s easy to dismiss people, activities, ideas, and so much more because you think you already know everything. But it’s a more positive experience to assume otherwise and to explore possibilities,” he says, embodying a mantra perfect for someone dedicated to helping children and communities grow.
Adam, a longtime theater enthusiast, served as artistic director for Talking Horse Productions from 2018 to 2022 and continues to perform with his improv team, The Ponies. He credits his parents with instilling his work ethic and passion for service and his theater teachers for teaching him to believe in his own voice.
Rodney Dixon (Age: 32)
Recruiting Manager, EquipmentShare
An extraordinary sense of humor — even when it’s used in a self-deprecating way — is an attribute that Rodney Dixon seems to possess.
“Most people think I’m a full-blown extrovert, but I’d really consider myself an extroverted introvert,” he says.
A 2011 graduate of Hickman High School, Rodney is the recruiting manager with the talent acquisition team at EquipmentShare. He started his working career as an intern at Central Bank of Boone County while working toward his Bachelor of Business Administration degree at Columbia College. Rodney is named after his grandfather, who also earned a business administration degree from Columbia College.
“My grandfather was a major mentor for me for my entire life,” Rodney says, adding that his grandfather passed away in 2019. “I still live to make my grandfather proud.”
Rodney was named 2014 Employee of the Year at Central Bank of Boone County. He still holds that honor “in high regard.”
“Knowing the caliber of professionals who work at the bank, I am still deeply honored that they would recognize me for such an award so early in my career,” he says.
He later joined EquipmentShare’s community engagement team, where he formed and strengthened partnerships with Columbia Center for Urban Agriculture, Habitat for Humanity, Columbia Public Schools, and many others. Rodney adds, “Working in a position that enabled me to offer support to these critical organizations is truly a highlight of my career.”
