Presenting this year’s group of dynamic 40 under 40 movers and shakers who have made and are poised to continue to make a significant impact on the future of our region, thanks to their many talents, interests and passions.
Compiled and location conception and arrangement by: John Sotomayo
Photographed by: Chris Redd
Ryan Woodall, 28
Professional Cyclist / co-owner Top Gear Bicycles
About me: I am very passionate about cycling and have tried to be a leader in the local cycling community for the past decade. As an athlete, I understand people are always watching. I am far from perfect, but as a follower of Christ, I do my best to let the love of Jesus shine through to everyone I meet Noteworthy business accomplishment: Joining my brother, Regan, in starting Top Gear Bicycles in Nov. 2011 Noteworthy personal accomplishment: Finishing up the 2012 Pro Cross Country Tour with an 8th place ranking Ocala connection: I was born and raised here Life-changing event, moment or revelation: Moving to Haiti at the age of 15 to help my parents do mission work for three years Playlist: Luke Bryan, Blake Shelton and Darla Hadley Last book: the Bible Strengths: Determination Marathon-worthy: Wounded Warrior Project A drink with anyone, dead or alive: My Grampa. We’d catch up on the last five years
Ashley Leith, 37
Owner/Operator of Ashley Leith Equestrian, LLC
About me: In 2011, I moved my business to Ocala full-time to pursue my three-day eventing career. In 2012, I was ranked in the top 60 event riders in the U.S. and in 2013 in the top 50 international level American event riders. I sit on the Rider Advisory Board of the Professional Riders Organization (PRO). Proudest moment: From my younger years, achieving my “A” rating in Pony Club and also being a national finalist for the Rhodes Scholarship. Recently, I helped a student to become the highest placed rookie at her first FEI (international level) competition Life-changing event, moment or revelation: After studying English and art history at Rutgers, I moved to Manhattan and took a job working for Christie’s Auction House. One afternoon, I came across a Brancusi sculpture, then a small Picasso painting. That moment inspired me to follow my own passion Historical figure I most identify with: Katherine Hepburn.
Jamie G. Losito, 27
Client Service Associate, Raymond James
Noteworthy business accomplishment: Completing the education required to sit for my CFP, Certified Financial Planner, certificate in Nov. 2012 Noteworthy personal accomplishment: In May 2008 I graduated with Honors from the Warrington College of Business at the University of Florida, a top ten ranked business college in the country. Proudest moment: The day I married my husband, Gene Losito Life-changing event, moment or revelation: Professionally, the day I asked my now mentor, George E Mathis III, to go to lunch with me. Playlist: A little bit of everything…Bruno Mars, Justin Timberlake, Journey, Kenny Chesney, Frank Sinatra Last book: “Think, Act, and Invest Like Warren Buffett” Strengths: I am a perfectionist and give all endeavors complete devotion Guilty pleasures: A great pedicure, and Wine Wednesday with my girlfriends Historical figure I most identify with: Jackie Kennedy Art or science: Art, it shapes our culture In 10 years: partner in the financial business with my mentor.
Brittany Lacey, 26
Brand Manager for Signature Brands – PAAS Easter Egg Decorating Kits
About me: In three years, I went from graduating college, unsure of my path to working as a brand manager for the top brand in Easter. Noteworthy business accomplishment: Planning and executing PAAS’ involvement in the White House Easter Egg Roll, while getting to spend Easter in Washington, DC Noteworthy personal accomplishment: Graduating with my master’s degree in Business Management from UF. It’s great to be a Florida Gator! Ocala connection: I am an Ocala native Last book: “Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me?” by Mindy Kaling Strengths: Perseverance Guilty pleasures: Pizza and old Disney movies Ocala’s best kept secret: How much Signature Brands does for our community and all of the nationwide products that they make right here in Ocala Favorite sport: College football – Go Gators! My motto: If God brings you to it, He’ll bring you through it I never leave home without: a positive attitude
Kyle Yancey, 27
Insurance Agent, The McDonald Allstate Agency
About me: Being born and raised in Ocala, I have a very strong connection to this community. I’ve become very involved throughout many organizations in town that help to support and enhance Ocala, such as Emerging Leaders Ocala, Boys & Girls Club of Marion County and Rotary Noteworthy personal accomplishment: Completing my first marathon last Dec. Proudest moment: Finding out my wife is pregnant with our first child and due in Dec. Life-changing event, moment or revelation: Marrying my beautiful wife, Courtney Playlist: Mumford & Sons. Last book: “No Easy Day” by Mark Owen Guilty pleasures: “Dancing with the Stars,” bad 80s music and ice cream Ocala’s best-kept secret: Emerging Leaders Ocala, a fantastic group for young professionals to meet like-minded individuals in Marion County Favorite TV show: “24” Favorite movie: “Gladiator” Favorite sport: Football Dream car: Bubba Watson’s BW1 hovercraft golf cart If money were no object: I would travel the world year-around Favorite fictional hero: Jack Bauer.
