20 Under 40, 2016

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by: Robin Bishop / in Catalyst, Feature

Each year Inland Business Catalyst asks our readership to submit nominations for 20 Under 40, a celebration of rising stars in our region who embody an entrepreneurial spirit, innovation, and excellence in their chosen industry, and demonstrate a commitment to giving back to the community, as well. This year the winners were selected from an outstanding body of 90 nominees through a review of vetted area professionals and 20 Under 40 Hall of Famers.

The dedication, enthusiasm, and great style these 20 exceptional professionals exhibit might make us wonder if they’ve figured out how to be in two places at once. Whether aided by a TARDIS, hot tub time machine, or just old-fashioned hard work, we celebrate you, class of 2016 20 Under 40!

ADAM HEGSTED

Chef/Owner at Eat Good Group (Wandering Table, Yards Bruncheon, Le Catering Co., Eat Good Café, Gilded Unicorn, Cellar Restaurant)

Lessons learned from past failures, if any? My first restaurant was a failure. It stung and still does. I learned that I didn’t know everything and that I still don’t. We’re always trying to grow and evolve, trying to hone our offering, how to be more efficient, be better to our people, create better food, better hospitality, it goes on and on. Failures help us learn how to do those things.

What is one thing from your bucket list? Learn to speak Italian (better), then visit small towns and experience them like a local.

What is one thing you’ve learned from a parent or mentor? To listen. It’s the most important skill someone can have.

What does Spokane’s business environment offer young professionals? It’s an amazing time to be in Spokane. Opportunities for growth are at a peak. I think our region is about to explode. Things are cheap right now in our region. Get in at ground level and be patient.

What book has had the greatest impact on you professionally? Danny Meyer’s Setting the Table.

If you had a time machine, what point in the past or future would you visit? I’m excited about what’s going on here in our region. If I didn’t have to wait I would love to visit Spokane/Coeur d Alene twenty-thirty years in the future.

ADAM JACKSON

Professional/ Commercial Banking Officer, Mountain West Bank

Lessons learned from past failures, if any? Being a lifelong competitive athlete, who has lost high school championships, and races in track by tenths of seconds, I’ve learned lessons in each experience. Failure forces us to revise our approach and re-focus on what we want. Success is a journey. We have to learn to enjoy the process.

What is one thing from your bucket list? I would love to travel more.

What is one thing you’ve learned from a parent or mentor? My grandpa was a realtor in Spokane for over 40 years. As I was getting into business, he told me, “Spokane is the biggest little city you will ever be a part of. Remember you’re never more than a handshake away from anybody in this town.” That keeps me grounded, and reminds me to be a man of my word.

What does Spokane’s business environment offer young professionals? The business community has done a tremendous job providing avenues for growth through involvement and leadership for young professionals. I am excited to be a part of the future in Spokane.

What book has had the greatest impact on you professionally? I’ve read many. Picking just one is difficult. Most recently, Shoe Dog by Phil Knight, CEO of Nike. He had to learn how to keep his goals in focus, learn when to take risks and when to be patient. Good stuff.

If you had a time machine, what point in the past or future would you visit?

I would love to travel back to Ancient Greece. The Greeks were a sophisticated society that fostered development of new technology, military advancement, sporting competition, and the groundwork for modern day democratic political systems.

ADRIAN FOLSOM

Director of Sales and Marketing, Ptera Inc.

Lessons learned from past failures, if any? A measure of failure is a key ingredient in any successful person. I believe if you don’t experience failure then you’re not trying. Failure’s only valuable when lessons are learned ensuring you don’t make the same mistake twice.

What is one thing from your bucket list? See all five major sports championships in person: World Series, Super Bowl, Stanley Cup Final, NBA Finals, World Cup Final.

What is one thing you’ve learned from a parent or mentor? Don’t do what you love, love what you do. If you do what you love, it becomes work and you will eventually hate it, but if you find a vocation you’re passionate about then you’ll be fulfilled on all fronts. And from my dad: “Work hard so you can play hard.”

What does Spokane’s business environment offer young professionals?

The diversity of opportunities available in Spokane right now is unprecedented. In addition to our larger mainstays of industry, I hear weekly of new startups or small businesses making a significant splash. I find the ability to choose your career path highly attractive.

What book has had the greatest impact on you professionally? The Cat in the Hat Comes Back by Dr. Seuss.

If you had a time machine, what point in the past or future would you visit?

I would want to be in the locker room and on the bench during the 1980 USA vs. USSR Olympic Hockey Semifinal, more commonly known as “The Miracle on Ice.”

ALISSA KENSOK

Community Engagement Manager, Umpqua Bank

Lessons learned from past failures, if any? Every experience, good or bad, helps make us the people we are today. It’s important that we take all experiences as learning opportunities and adjust our behavior or path based on what we’ve learned.

What is one things from your bucket list? I would love to take an extended family trip to Europe with my daughters and husband to experience the culture, history and culinary enjoyments of another country, and to have a better understanding of life beyond the United States.

What is one thing you’ve learned from a parent or mentor? Never be discouraged and don’t allow others to determine your fate or success. It has been important for me to celebrate the small accomplishments and keep doing fulfilling work every single day.

What does Spokane’s business environment offer young professionals? Growth and community-minded businesses and professionals. Our community business leaders are unique in the passion they have for professionals interested in furthering their careers.

What book has had the greatest impact on you professionally? Lean In (Sheryl Sandberg) and Leading People from the Middle (William P. Robinson). I would highly recommend both to anyone striving to be, or currently in, a leadership role.

If you had a time machine, what point in the past or future would you visit?

I’m not one to dwell much on the past, I wouldn’t change the experiences I’ve had for anything. I do, however, think it would be interesting to travel 10-15 years into the future to understand the challenges our children and young leaders will be facing as we continue to evolve and face challenges in our society.

ALLISON ROSE SATTIN

CEO & Social Media Strategist, 1-Stop Media

When have you experienced failure, and what did you learn from that experience? My biggest failure was assuming that entrepreneurship would be a walk in the park. It is so easy to be romanced by the idea of starting your own business. I learned the hard way how untrue this is. In reality, it’s the hardest thing I’ve ever done. It takes a daily dose of perseverance, commitment, consistency and passion to be successful.

What is one thing from your bucket list?

I only have one item on my bucket list, and that is to maximize every moment of my existence and live life to the fullest.

What is one thing you’ve learned from a parent or mentor? Details are the heartbeat of your business. We operate in a competitive world regardless of your industry, if you want to be the best at what you do, managing every minute detail is critical. Be consistent, be intentional and play to win.

What does Spokane’s business environment offer young professionals?

I have lived in Spokane for most of my life and have found that its diverse business environment gives few reasons to leave; you can go to college, begin a career, or start a business. I have also seen an emergence of female entrepreneurs and am excited to be a part of this movement.

What book has had the greatest impact on you professionally?

The Tipping Point by Malcolm Gladwell. The tipping point is that magic moment when an idea, trend, or social behavior crosses a threshold, tips, and spreads like wildfire.

If you had a time machine, what point in the past or future would you visit?

Tough choice as I am a product of my past which is part of living. I’d go back and watch—to look at my life as an observer, celebrate the good and learn from the bad.

CRYSTAL R. OLIVER

Managing Partner & Co-Founder,

Washington’s Finest Cannabis

When have you experienced failure, and what did you learn from that experience? As a small business in a new industry that is still federally illegal setbacks come with the scenery. One of the first hard no’s we received was from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office when we attempted to trademark our company name and logo. They refused to award us the trademark partially because it was not federally “lawful.” This experience prepared us for the reality that operating a state-legal cannabis business would mean hearing no frequently, and that we’d have to utilize creative solutions to bypass no’s.

What is one thing from your bucket list? To see federal drug law reform and an end to mass incarceration in the United States.

What is one thing you’ve learned from a parent or mentor? My parents were small business owners themselves and they emphasized the importance of sourcing supplies, equipment and services locally from other small businesses. This has helped me develop long term relationships with local businesses.

What do you feel Spokane’s business environment has to offer young professionals? Spokane offers a wide range of entry level positions in a variety of industries. It’s a great place to get your foot in the door and start building your resume.

What book has had the greatest impact on you professionally? When I first became a manager I read the Dalai Lama’s The Compassionate Life and his message really resonated with me.

If you had a time machine, what point in the past or future would you visit? I’m all about trying to improve things so I’d have to travel to the future, 50 years or so. If things weren’t ideal I could come back and try to influence the present to make the future better for them.

JOHN D. LEONETTI

Executive Chef/Owner, Prohibition Gastropub, LLC

When have you experienced failure, and what did you learn from that experience? I experience failure on a regular basis. I personally believe if you don’t fail you’re not challenging yourself. I set high standards for myself and my team. I do tend to take it incredibly personally when someone is unhappy or things do not go the way I planned them in my head.

What is one thing from your bucket list? I would love to be able to travel, and eat food all over the world. There are so many types of cuisine, spices and cultures; I would like to visit, eat, and learn about them all. Paris is first on my list.

What is one thing you’ve learned from a parent or mentor? Don’t be afraid to take risks. Mark Smith, who was basically my father, helped me when I was younger. My work ethic comes from my mom; she worked multiple jobs to make sure we had things we needed.

What does Spokane’s business environment offer young professionals? Spokane is a very friendly town. It’s amazing how many people I’ve met that have offered to help me, mentor me, or teach me. I am thankful for the collaborative business environment that I think Spokane offers.

What book has had the greatest impact on you professionally? Anthony Bourdain’s Kitchen Confidential.

If you had a time machine, what point in the past or future would you visit? I would probably go the future—let’s be honest, to buy a lottery ticket. Then I could build the restaurant of my dreams!

JORDAN ALLEN

CEO, Stay Alfred

When have you experienced failure, and what did you learn from that experience? Failure is a strong word. Hiccups is a better word. Had a ton of hiccups. Learn to stay focused on what you’re good at and keep doing it over and over.

What is one of the things on your bucket list? My wife is Croatian, so maybe see the U.S. vs Croatia World Cup Championship game, or sideline tickets to the Seahawks Superbowl game.

What is one thing you’ve learned from a parent or mentor? Tom Simpson, Jeff Thomas, and Jon Wood are all on our board. Our greatest asset is our human capital.

What does Spokane’s business environment offer young professionals? There are a bunch of cool companies popping up all over the area. If you want to learn a lot at a fast pace, join a startup.

What book has had the greatest impact on you professionally? Great By Choice by James Collins. Build a SMaC list early and stick to it.

If you had a time machine, what point in the past or future would you visit? I’m pretty much a caveman, so I’d want to travel back to 10,000 BC.

KATHERINE MORGAN

President & CEO, Greater Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce

What is one thing from your bucket list? Learning how to pilot a hot air balloon! I appreciate the peaceful serenity that comes from every ride while gazing on the beauty that surrounds me.

What is one thing you’ve learned from a parent or mentor? My greatest mentor and inspiration is my mother. This woman is my moral compass, my cheerleader, and my best friend. She has taught me to take chances in life and pursue every one of my dreams – from going to college, accepting new roles in my career, and ultimately living out my life’s vocation.

What does Spokane’s business environment offer young professionals? I feel strongly that this is a community rich with leaders who harness the energy, passion, and vision of our youth and young professionals trusting that the investment will only benefit the future of our region we are all proud to call home for generations to come.

What book has had the greatest impact on you professionally? The Greatest Gift by Philip Van Doren Stern is the inspiration for my favorite film, It’s a Wonderful Life. The character of George Bailey epitomizes the value of integrity, loyalty, love, self-sacrifice, and gratitude in his family, his work, and in his community.

If you had a time machine, what point in the past or future would you visit? “Spread love wherever you go. Let no one ever come to you without leaving happier.” – Mother Teresa. I would very much like to go back in time and meet this incredible woman of faith and compassion.

KEITH O’BRIEN

Development Director, Vanessa Behan Crisis Nursery

When have you experienced failure, and what did you learn from that experience? On some level, we make mistakes every single day and to me it’s a badge of honor. The thought of being perfect is dangerous because it means you’re not done learning. The biggest mistake I’ve made in my career was not being true to what drives me. When I ‘m disconnected from my passions it’s less fulfilling and my work suffers as a result. My work at the Nursery is my passion.

What is one of the things on your bucket list? I’m a huge foodie and love to cook and bake in my off time. I’ve even been known to make lunch for the kids at the Nursery every now and then. So, in keeping with that, one of the things on my bucket list is a foodie trip to Paris. I love all kinds of food but I’ve connected to French cuisine the most.

What is one thing you’ve learned from a parent or mentor? Marge Rusch, a great friend, and my predecessor at the Nursery (I call her my Yoda) has given me so much great advice. The best nugget from her is that our work at the Nursery isn’t about any one of us (the staff at the Nursery)—it’s about these kids. The moment we let our own ego and self-interest get in the way of doing what is right for these kids, and our community, then we have gone off course. It will never be about me—and I love that.

What does Spokane’s business environment offer young professionals? There is a really diverse background of industries represented in the Spokane area, not to mention how involved many companies are in giving back to the community. Find a job that you love, and would do with no pay, and everything else will fall into place.

What book has had the greatest impact on you professionally? There are many that have spoken to me professionally, but the best has got to be The Power of One by Bryce Courtenay. It taught me some incredibly smart approaches to telling the Nursery’s story—start with the head and then go to the heart.

If you had a time machine, what point in the past or future would you visit? There are so many times and places I would want to see—but from a career perspective, I would want to go fifty years into the future and see what the Nursery’s like. I love this place so very much. If it’s continuing to keep kids safe and strengthen families, it would be incredible.

KJERSTIN BELL

Anchor, Good Day Spokane on FOX,

KHQ Local News

When have you experienced failure, and what did you learn from that experience? I am reminded that life sometimes gives us second chances and it’s up to us to learn and make better choices.

What is one of the things on your bucket list? Ski Japan-Pow.

What is one thing you’ve learned from a parent or mentor? Always write thank you notes … not email or text, but pen to paper.

What does Spokane’s business environment offer young professionals? I’m concerned there are not enough opportunities for small business growth.

What book has had the greatest impact on you professionally? The Associated Press Stylebook.

If you had a time machine, what point in the past or future would you visit? The day I graduated college … I would thank my parents more profusely for their sacrifice.

LANCE KISSLER

Marketing Manager, STCU

When have you experienced failure, and what did you learn from that experience?

After college, I was fortunate to have developed a great network of professionals in hiring positions, so I had a “foot in the door” when seeking employment. I struggled with finding a new job, however, when I changed my career. It was a reality check to the mindset “if you go to college and work hard, it’ll pay off.” While I’m not suggesting the opposite, I do think that it’s important to realize that we’re not entitled to anything.

What is one of the things on your bucket list? To travel abroad. I’ve never been anywhere outside of North America.

What is one thing you’ve learned from a parent or mentor? One of my graduate studies professors suggested we ask the question, “So what?” I use that to evaluate everything I do and participate in, to get to the root of why we do what we do.

What does Spokane’s business environment offer young professionals? Creativity and entrepreneurship. I think Spokane is embracing young professionals who are entrepreneurs with creative ideas, and is willing to take a risk on them.

What book has had the greatest impact on you professionally? The Servant as Leader by Robert Greenleaf. This was required reading before we started our Leadership Spokane class, and it really helped me understand what servant leadership is … and that many of us are practicing it every day.

If you had a time machine, what point in the past or future would you visit? I’d love to see the moment in time when the first human took their first steps. We all feel the emotion—joy, excitement, and inspiration—when a baby takes its first steps, but seeing it happen for the very first time, knowing all of the many steps to follow, in the form of all our accomplishments we’ve made and will make, would be absolutely amazing.

LINDSEY DIAMOND

Founder and CEO, Araza Natural Beauty

When have you experienced failure, and what did you learn from that experience? If you’re trying hard enough, failure will always happen, so I suppose it has taught me perseverance. I think failure is all perspective, so when something doesn’t go according to plan it’s just a way to learn, grow and improve. There is a quote by Mark Twain that says, “Good judgement is the result of experience and experience is the result of bad judgement.”

What is one of the thing on your bucket list? Well I am a travel and adventure junkie so that bucket list is long. Business wise, I want to grow Araza into a huge company that’s mission is to inspire and support women to be their best self in all aspects. Support for young women, like I had, would be awesome!

What is one thing you’ve learned from a parent or mentor? Take it one day at a time. I tend to get so many ideas and get excited about all of them and then feel overwhelmed. My family and mentors help me to stay grounded.

What does Spokane’s business environment offer young professionals? Spokane is such a great city for young entrepreneurs. It offers many opportunities, events and groups to network with like-minded individuals.

What book has had the greatest impact on you professionally? I am always reading. I have to say I am in love with Tony Robbins. His book, Awaken the Giant Within was so impactful to me and full of amazing information. I also enjoyed John Assaraf’s The Answers.

If you had a time machine, what point in the past or future would you visit? I get so curious about the decisions we make now and how they will impact our future generations. It’d be fascinating to jump 100 years from now and see what’s happening. Also, I’d love to travel into space so hopefully by then, I could go!

MATT GOODWIN

Owner/Operator, Goodwin Group (Boiler Room Wood Fired Pizza, Fast Eddies All Purpose Pub, Press Public House, Volstead Act Cocktail Lounge, Backyard Public House, Remedy Kitchen and Lounge and Residential/Commercial Real Estate)

When have you experienced failure, and what did you learn from that experience? I have previously owned three establishments that were very focused on nightlife and entertainment. It’s hard to stay on top of the trends and remain relevant in that world. I’ve learned that I am much better suited for creating establishments that become part of a neighborhood or community and gain repeat customers through quality food, drink and customer service.

What is one of the things on your bucket list? I would really like to open a brewery. The challenge of building a brand for a product as opposed to a restaurant is very appealing to me.

What is one thing you’ve learned from a parent or mentor? My parents instilled a strange combination of optimism and skepticism in me. In order to pull the trigger on a restaurant project you need to be blindly optimistic. In order to make sure that a restaurant project will be successful you need to go through a checklist of about 100 reasons why it will not work.

What does Spokane’s business environment offer young professionals? If I had started out bartending in Seattle I am not sure I could have opened my first establishment at age 26. The competition is so stiff and so well-funded that the barriers to entry are quite daunting if not insurmountable. Spokane, however, is a place where a young professional can branch out and make a run at owning and operating their own business.

What book has had the greatest impact on you professionally? Anthony Bourdain’s Kitchen Confidential. After reading his book I knew I wanted to make the restaurant and bar world my career.

If you had a time machine, what point in the past or future would you visit? I was a history major in college and would love to go back and experience many different points of human history. I am also extremely curious to see the impact of technological advancements on human kind. I suppose I would like to head back to the 1920s and experience The Speakeasy culture.

MEGAN SNOW

Executive Director, American Red Cross

When have you experienced failure, and what did you learn from that experience?

Failure is when the real work begins. I’ve found that it’s easy to get comfortable and have less focus on my personal and professional growth when things are going well. But when I experience failure, it forces me to reexamine if that potential accomplishment is still a priority for me and what work I need to do to be successful.

What is one of the things on your bucket list?

Dine in at least five Iron Chef restaurants across the country (one down).

What is one thing you’ve learned from a parent or mentor? To be successful, you have to be authentic. There may be pressure to change your leadership style to fit what you think is the “right” model, especially for younger, female professionals, but the truth is that you are more likely to find lasting success when you remain true to who you are.

What does Spokane’s business environment offer young professionals?

I’m inspired by the many area companies who actively work to engage and develop young professionals, the organizations that encourage connection through service, and the spirit of young professionals who want to give back and make our community better.

What book has had the greatest impact on you professionally? To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee.

If you had a time machine, what point in the past or future would you visit?

January 14, 1973 – Elvis’ Aloha from Hawaii concert.

NICK PIERRE

General Manager, Northern Quest Resort and Casino; Kalispel Tribe of Indians

When have you experienced failure, and what did you learn from that experience? Acceptance is key where failure is concerned. Through this humble act, one can fully open one’s self to learning the lessons that can come from failure.

What is one of the things on your bucket list? Aside from capturing all the Pokémon on Pokémon Go and celebrating every major holiday at a Disney Resort, every aspect of my life to include my bucket list is centered on family. I guess my family values are the essence of my bucket list.

What is one thing you’ve learned from a parent or mentor? Growing up Kalispel translated into powerful life lessons. Beginning with my parents, Chop and Audrey, I was taught to sacrifice for my family. Everyone, young and old, humbly shared in the work because service was an honor. My current mentor and COO, Phil Haugen, is teaching me the value of “learn-one, teach-one.” Today, and forever more my wife, Janelle, is my life mentor. Unconditional support and pure humility are the values she instils in me through our partnership.

What does Spokane’s business environment offer young professionals? The fact that Spokane’s business community works collaboratively with local universities in an effort to create an environment where education translates into local jobs is significant. The Kalipsel Tribe believes that when many live as one, we all grow stronger.

What book has had the greatest impact on you professionally? Though I enjoy many business books that have topped Harvard’s Business Review, most notably Maxwell’s, 360 Degree Leader and Collin’s, Good to Great, my favorite leadership author is Teddy Roosevelt. Referenced in many a leadership tome, his “Man in the Arena” speech is one I value most.

If you had a time machine, what point in the past or future would you visit? I would love to go back to the days when my grandfather, Raymond Pierre, became our first tribal chairman. To bear witness to the formative work every one of my ancestors of that day did in creating the values we still live by as Kalipsel people would be an honor. I would to share that their legacy of Kalispel Hospitality is alive and well.

R. SKYLER OBERST

President, Spokane Interfaith Council

When have you experienced failure, and what did you learn from that experience? I experience failure every day. It can be intimidating to find common ground with people who in some cases may not agree with anything you do or say, but I find that we all have more in common than we think. Once we make connections by setting aside the labels we put on one another, we’re only left with people who love Spokane and call our region home.

What is one of the things on your bucket list? Experience the Centennial Trail on a tandem bike with Walt Worthy and Ruth Bader Ginsburg.

What is one thing you’ve learned from a parent or mentor? My parents have always taught me to put others first, and that serving others is our highest duty. My dad, who’s undergoing cancer treatment, reminds me every week when I talk with him on the phone, “What did you do nice for someone today?” I’ve incorporated this into my daily routine.

What does Spokane’s business environment offer young professionals? I think Spokane is an up-and-coming community, and has so much potential. It’s amazing some of the innovation.

What book has had the greatest impact on you professionally? Marcus Aurelius’s Meditations

If you had a time machine, what point in the past or future would you visit? 3 July, 1973, London, David Bowie live at the Hammersmith.

RYAN OELRICH

Executive Director, Priority Spokane, CEO, Connex Consulting Services, Project Founder, Spokane Sidewalk Games

When have you experienced failure, and what did you learn from that experience? I once applied for a job I was really excited about. I didn’t get it. I had to swallow my pride and learn to just let it go. A year later serving on a board I found myself having to tell someone excited about a job that we weren’t going to hire them. I learned to see the other side. I also learned that always proceeding with compassion is how I want to live.

What is one of the things on your bucket list? My partner and I have a goal of visiting at least one new country every year.

What is one thing you’ve learned from a parent or mentor? I watched my father, an educated and successful professional, always treat others with respect and compassion. He was never too busy to lend a hand and help if he could. I’ve tried to live my life the same way.

What does Spokane’s business environment offer young professionals? Spokane offers young professionals an opportunity to take chances, be inspired, and be challenged by new ideas while finding some amazing mentors and friends in the process.

What book has had the greatest impact on you professionally? JRR Tolkien’s The Hobbit. He inspired, encouraged, and challenged me. It reminded me that relationships are most important, not to give up, and adventure in all its forms is marvelous.

If you had a time machine, what point in the past or future would you visit? I’m a huge fan of all things dinosaur. I’d visit a past point where I could see dinosaurs in person then to a future point where humanity has hopefully learned how to live in harmony and truly celebrate and value one another’s differences.

SARAH NEBLET

Co-Founder, etailz, Inc.

When have you experienced failure, and what did you learn from that experience? All the time. The biggest piece of advice I’ve received on failure is not to let it define you or take it personally. Resilience is a key factor to how successful and happy you are.

What is one thing from your bucket list? Watch and/or participate in the Iditarod.

What is one thing you’ve learned from a parent or mentor? My seventh grade teacher, Mr. LaForest, emphasized the philosophy that life is about relationships. That’s always stuck with me.

What does Spokane’s business environment offer young professionals? The startup scene is being nurtured through things like Startup Weekend. It’s burgeoning not only with new professional companies, but also with new restaurants, bars, and coffee shops, creating a dynamic and creative energy ideal for young professionals.

What book has had the greatest impact on you professionally? The 5 Dysfunctions of a Team by Patrick Lencioni. I’ve referenced his five dysfunctions of a team concept countless times throughout my career and would recommend it to other leaders.

If you had a time machine, what point in the past or future would you visit? Ironically, I’d like to experience a time pre-Internet.

THOMAS TEDDER

CEO, Tedder Industries LLC

When have you experienced failure, and what did you learn from that experience? I’ve experienced failure in business the most when I was first learning to advertise. I lost a lot of money figuring things out. We’ve learned where to put money and how to advertise by analyzing our successes and failures.

What is one of the things on your bucket list? I just checked skydiving off my list last month. That was an amazing experience. I’d like to explore some castles in Europe next. My family is planning to do just that, within the next year.

What is one thing you’ve learned from a parent or mentor? My stepfather taught me that you are where you are, because you put yourself there. I learned that the only way to achieve your dreams is to work hard to make them happen. No one else is going to do it for you.

What does Spokane’s business environment offer young professionals? The Spokane area has an extremely talented pool of professionals that makes starting a business easier. There are patent and business attorneys, the universities are graduating engineers and marketers that hit the ground running fast, and there are many great companies that support manufacturing businesses in the area.

What book has had the greatest impact on you professionally? Guerrilla Marketing by Jay Conrad Levinson. Hands down.

If you had a time machine, what point in the past or future would you visit? I would go back to my high school graduation and tell myself not to accept the world as I knew it then. I would tell myself failure is okay and driving the bus is way more fun than riding on it. –

20 Under 40, 2016

Bozzi Media

Delectable Catering

Venues

20 Under 40, 2016

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Bozzi Media

Delectable Catering

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