Name: Raven N. Turner
Age: 37
Employer: McNamara & Jones
Title: Partner
If you could give one piece of advice to a young person embarking on a professional career, what would it be?
Know yourself, be confident and be confident enough to know when you don’t yet know yourself. I think it is important to be happy and find joy in things. Those methods of measure and satisfaction can look very different depending on the person. Having that appreciation is helpful.
If you ruled the world for a day, what one change would you make?
This is a difficult question to answer. If I had to make one thing different, I would want everyone to have compassion. I think compassion itself can change so many other things.
Name: Corey Nichols
Age: 35
Employer: Apollo Law Office
Title: Attorney/Partner
What kind of affect do you hope your services have on people?
I practice family law, so I always hope to take difficult, confusing situations and make them easy for people. By the time they get to my office, many of my clients have already been through the ringer emotionally, so I want to ensure that I’m part of their solution, and not part of their problem. My goal is to be open and honest with them, and to make sure they know every step of the process we’re about to go through together. I really hope that our work helps to keep families uplifted and secure, knowing that even though things are changing, it doesn’t mean they can’t figure out a new path forward.
What do you like most about living and working in Frankfort?
I grew up in Frankfort, in the Meadows, and love being back. My wife and I moved in from Lexington earlier this year, and it’s so great to be able to live and work around all the same people. We enjoy going to Juniper Hill Park and the Salato Center (or Game Farm, as we call it) with our two kids. My youngest, who is 2 years old, always insists that he is an “outside boy,” so we make sure to visit all the playgrounds around town. I’m most excited about the next five to 10 years in Frankfort, because I feel like we are on the verge of adding some great things here in town, and really becoming the best community around.
Name: Lauren S. Hogan
Age: 25
Employer: Babbage Cofounder
Title: Director of Advocacy and Media
If you could give one piece of advice to a young person embarking on a professional career, what would it be?
Take risks. Step outside your comfort zone. Hard work and determination go a long way. Stay true to yourself.
What do you like most about living and working in Frankfort?
Frankfort blends small town vibes with an eclectic atmosphere. Downtown dining and entertainment provide identity.
Name: Kaylah Smith
Age: 27
Employer: Downtown Frankfort, Inc.
Title: Executive Director
What kind of affect do you hope your services have on people?
The services I provide mostly come from the events that DFI coordinates. I hope this year’s scheduled events provide joy for our citizens. I hope they bring their family and friends to downtown Frankfort and enjoy each other and create lasting memories. At the end of the day, if I can bring people to our beautiful downtown, help support our businesses and see people laugh and enjoy themselves, then I’ve done my job.
If you could give one piece of advice to a young person embarking on a professional career, what would it be?
Have an open mind, but most importantly, have an open heart. Don’t be afraid to make that jump. Believe in yourself and know it will be okay.
Name: Mandy Heacock
Age: 39
Employer: Franklin County Schools
Title: Youth Service Coordinator
If you could give one piece of advice to a young person embarking on a professional career, what would it be?
Be patient; patient with the journey, patient with yourself, success doesn’t happen overnight. Be present; mentally present everyday, leave whatever you’re going through outside of work at the door and be present!
If you ruled the world for a day, what one change would you make?
I think it’s best said with this quote from Robin Roberts “I don’t want good for myself, I want to be able to create more good.” I would want to create one good thing that day and pray it snowballs into more good.
Name: Suzy Hosley
Age: 38
Employer: Frankfort Area Chamber of Commerce
Title: Director of Member Relations
If you could give one piece of advice to a young person embarking on a professional career, what would it be?
Whether you like it or not, you are always creating a personal brand for yourself — so work to find your uniqueness, build a reputation on the things you want to be known for, and put in the extra effort to make those professionals connections. Also remember, you are your own advocate. If you have an idea or concern, speak up otherwise you will never be heard.
What do you like most about living and working in Frankfort?
Frankfort is a charming small town with a big community. It has that “big little town quality” of friendliness, neighborliness and authenticity. I also think that Frankfort truly embodies the essence of everything that I love about Kentucky — rich in history, beautiful landscapes and waterways, unique local businesses, architectural charm, a strong arts network and of course bourbon — all in this amazing community!
Name: Zack Hamilton
Age: 32
Employer: 3DR Laboratories (Louisville, KY) and entrepreneur
Title: 3D Reconstruction Technologist and drone photographer
If you could give one piece of advice to a young person embarking on a professional career, what would it be?
Always strive for more, never settle for anything less than what you dream of. You’ll encounter some hardships and detours along the way, but those are meant to just make you push even harder for excellence!
What do you like most about living and working in Frankfort?
I’ve only lived in Frankfort for a year, but within my first year, I’ve met some wonderful people and have experienced a lot of what Frankfort has to offer. And, I’m very impressed with what this city has going for it and what’s to come!
Name: Lukas Hosley
Age: 36
Employer: Teachers’ Retirement System of Kentucky and self-employed
Title: Retirement Counselor and author of the book “Into the Wallwood”
What was your first job, and what role did it play in your subsequent career success?
My first job was delivering The State Journal when I was in fifth grade. It was a small route, but I felt like those 30 people depended on me for their local news. That feeling of responsibility to others to accomplish tasks has stuck with me.
What do you like most about living and working in Frankfort?
I love the music scene in Frankfort. There are too many great local bands to name, and even more amazing local musicians. Another thing that’s great about Frankfort is the history of the area. You can go downtown to get a coffee and wind up walking up majestic marble steps at the Old Capitol or stumbling over the plaque showing the spot where Gov. William Goebel was shot. And, while your marveling at 200-year-old mansions that housed Civil War soldiers, there is probably some good music playing somewhere within walking distance.
Name: Zachary Hubbard
Age: 33
Employer: Frankfort Plant Board-Cable 10
Title: Video Producer/Director II
What kind of affect do you hope your services have on people?
After watching all of the content we produce — our live morning show (Around 10), local government meetings, high school sports and community events — I hope to keep our viewers informed about important news and events in Frankfort while entertaining them and highlighting all of the great things our community has to offer. It’s also nice to know that maybe we’ve brightened someone’s day a little by helping them discover something new they love about their community.
If you could give one piece of advice to a young person embarking on a professional career, what would it be?
The best piece of advice I can give to a young professional is to be willing to take a few risks and always be interested in learning new skill sets. Just by trying something new or agreeing to fill a need at work that is a bit outside your comfort zone, you might find a new thing that you love and the benefits to your personal and professional life can be monumental. And sometimes you’ll find that it doesn’t necessarily click with you, and that’s okay too! But, at least you’ve made an effort and learned something about yourself that you didn’t know before.
Name: Hannah Wathen
Age: 34
Employer: Self; Be Well with Prana
Title: Owner, Occupational Therapist, Group Fitness Instructor, Wellness Coach
What kind of affect do you hope your services have on people?
I aim to empower women to make decisions for their health and wellness based on their goals and lifestyle. I hope that each woman I work with leaves feeling more self-aware and confident in herself and her body.
What was your first job, and what role did it play in your subsequent career success?
I was an occupational therapist on a Spinal Cord Injury Unit, where I helped people relearn daily activities following trauma. I feel that I do a very similar thing now, but on a larger, holistic scale and not only for physical trauma. Being able to hold space for the struggles someone is facing and being present to problem solve, has always been a huge part of my job.
Name: Christian Wilkins
Age: 27
Employer: City of Frankfort (Parks, Recreation and Historic Sites)
Title: Parks and Rec Supervisor
What kind of affect do you hope your services have on people?
It is my hope, that through my services, I can provide an environment everyone can enjoy. Whether it’s a park or city event; people can gather together, have some fun, get active, spark creativity and fully embrace what this city has to offer.
If you could give one piece of advice to a young person embarking on a professional career, what would it be?
The greatest things in life aren’t given to us, they are earned. They are earned through hard work, education and perseverance. Learn all you can about what you are doing, then learn some more. Work the overtime and the hard nasty jobs everyone else complains about. You never know who is watching. If you fail, don’t quit. Keep going and learn from your failures. The days may be long and the work may suck, but the lessons you learn and the relationships you build make it all worth it.
Name: Lauren Prichard
Age: 25
Employer: Harrod Brothers Funeral Home & Crematory
Title: Licensed Funeral Director and Founder of Evergreen Marketing
What kind of affect do you hope your services have on people?
Being a funeral director means supporting families during their most difficult times. That’s what I hope to provide — support. Support of any kind. Whether I am the professional to provide trusted guidance and knowledge or a friend just to sit with and listen, I hope that they feel supported and comforted. I am dedicated to easing the overwhelming-ness of arrangements, services, and grief that most experience. As someone who takes pride in my attention to detail and organization, I hope people feel relieved and peace of mind knowing that these special details are carefully handled and recorded. I hope that people feel the sincerity in my words and actions, knowing that during these cloudy, hard times, I am there to help guide them in a trusting way to honor their loved one with the most personal and loving details. My job means the world to me. Taking care of this community means the world to me — and I hope they can feel that.
If you could give one piece of advice to a young person embarking on a professional career, what would it be?
No mistake is a mistake if a lesson can be learned from it. I am my biggest critic, and I don’t often take criticism well — but I believe that social media and the continuous comparison of our lives online makes it even more difficult for younger generations (and older) to accept messing up or being imperfect. Lessons learned are how we grow in our careers. Don’t be hesitant to ask your older coworkers, bosses, or friends for advice, because chances are they’ve already made the mistake and learned from it. I have learned a lot of my best career qualities from my boss (don’t tell him that though) and it’s because of his experience. Now I’m sharing my experience with those younger than me that I’m training. We always continue to adapt, grow, and learn. Never stop learning in anything that you do.
Name: Matthew James Freire
Age: 30
Employer: WesBanco Securities, Inc.
Title: Associate Financial Advisor
If you could give one piece of advice to a young person embarking on a professional career, what would it be?
Show up … in person… even when it’s uncomfortable, and especially when you think an email would suffice instead. Many of my biggest career moves and entrepreneurial finds resulted from relationships that began over coffee or lunch. Invest in those relationships, and you may be surprised where they take you.
What do you like most about living and working in Frankfort?
I enjoy being called by my first name when I walk into a business and having a “usual” at my favorite restaurants. It’s nice to feel like you belong, and the Frankfort community has its own way of reminding us all.
Name: Anna Beth Bobbitt
Age: 39
Employer: Traditional Bank
Title: Client Relationship Officer, AVP
What kind of affect do you hope your services have on people?
Our customers are already pulled in so many different directions. I believe banking shouldn’t be one of them. My goal is to ask the right questions and provide the tools and experience to make business banking easier. By providing unparalleled service and knowing my customers personally, I help simplify their processes so they can get back to what they love most.
If you could give one piece of advice to a young person embarking on a professional career, what would it be?
Relationships are the key to success and the most important part of your career and life. Always keeping a professional and positive attitude will go a long way. Having good working relationships will not only make work more enjoyable, but it will create a stronger team that will produce better results. It’s also good to keep in mind that the connections you make early on in your career could help you further your career later on.
Name: Ross Kline
Age: 27
Employer: Advanced Financial Solutions
Title: Wealth Advisor
What kind of affect do you hope your services have on people?
I believe that success is not simply about making a lot of money and having wealth, but about managing and protecting your wealth in such a way that provides you with the peace of mind to focus on non-financial aspects of life, such as family, recreation and philanthropy. So, I do what I do to help my clients achieve a work-optional lifestyle that enables them to spend more time enjoying their family, the earth, and supporting causes they are passionate about. The mental and emotional effect of knowing you are financially free is priceless.
If you could give one piece of advice to a young person embarking on a professional career, what would it be?
Understand yourself before committing to a career. Take personality tests like the Myers-Briggs and talk with your parents to get guidance on what type of work harnesses your strengths and avoids your weaknesses. Once you’ve decided where you belong in your industry, create a written plan with specific targets and make a short list of action items that will move you closer to your goal. Then print it and hang it on the wall where you’ll see it every day! Now put 100% effort into accomplishing your plan.
Name: Eddie James
Age: 34
Employer: Franklin County Public Schools
Title: Head Football Coach/P.A.S.S. Teacher and Special Education Department Chair
What kind of affect do you hope your services have on people?
I hope that my work with young kids impacts them throughout their lives and teaches them important lessons to help them become productive members of society. I hope the love and relationships we have in our program show our students and players how to treat others as they transition into the real world.
If you could give one piece of advice to a young person embarking on a professional career, what would it be?
My best piece of advice to young professionals would be that “it’s not about you.” It’s about how you treat others and invest in them. It’ s not about the next job or promotion, but instead it is about loving the people in your organization and investing in them so that you can all grow together.
Name: Bryan Wathen
Age: 34
Employer: Wathen Woodworks & Remodeling LLC
Title: Owner
What kind of effect do you hope your services have on people?
My hope is to bring joy to each and every client by making their dreams a reality.
What was your first job, and what role did it play in your subsequent career success?
My first job was trim carpentry during the summers of high school. This, on top of my woodshop classes, led to my passion for woodworking and home remodeling. The intricacies of trim carpentry taught me to be very detail-oriented, have helped me progress my workmanship and perfect my skills.
