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 Sotomayor
Photographed by: Chris Redd
Stacey Rollins, Forever 29 but really I’m 34
Hilton Hospitality Sales
About me: Through my work in the hospitality industry I network and help others. I’m also committed to BNI (Rain-makers), United Way, and a board member of the Emerging Leaders of Ocala Noteworthy business accomplishment: I won that contract for American Airline crew members to stay at our hotels (three major hotel brands in Gainesville) adding over $100,000 yearly to my sales Noteworthy personal accomplishment: Graduating from National Speakers Academy. It has helped me prepare to launch my children’s series books and humorous adult book about the travel industry Proudest moment: Every time my daughter, Charlee, smiles at me Strengths: Visionary, extrovert, self-starter and eternal optimist Ocala’s best-kept secret: Hands down the Hilton’s Friday Party on the Patio – a serene back yard, acoustic best hits and two for one drinks Favorite movie: “The Devil Wears Prada” Favorite sport: Sand Volleyball How would I improve Ocala: Better transportation options and an affordable SOHO-style downtown.
Matthew Bumbach, 33
Professor of Vocal Music at College of Central Florida
About me: As director of choirs at CF and as conductor of the Marion Civic Chorale, I am privileged to work with some of the finest singers in the area Noteworthy business accomplishment: In Feb. 2013, I took 20 singers from CF and 23 singers from the Marion Civic Chorale to New York City where we performed at Carnegie Hall Noteworthy personal accomplishment: Married to my wonderful wife, Melissa Bumbach for five years Proudest moment: As an educator I am most proud when I see my students go on to do great things Life-changing event, moment or revelation: I started college as a business major, but singing with my college choir showed me that I wanted to make music every day Playlist: Ben Folds, J.S. Bach, Mozart, and many Broadway soundtracks Ocala’s best-kept secret: The Marion Civic Chorale! 26 years old with free public concerts Greatest extravagance: My Keurig Luxury is: found in small things.
Meghan Shay, 28
Public Relations & Development Manager for The Centers
Ocala connection: Born and raised here Life-changing event, moment or revelation: My ballet lessons with Amy Roberts-Mejia. I was taught discipline, grace, and the value of working hard for something you’re passionate about Playlist: Ellie Goulding, Blues Traveler, Maxwell, Led Zeppelin, Coldplay Last book: “The Case for Christ- A Journalist’s Investigation of the Evidence for Christ” Guilty pleasures: Ice Cream Favorite food: My Mom’s homemade potato soup and corn cakes Favorite TV show: “Saturday Night Live” Favorite movie: “The Sound of Music” (lifelong favorite) Marathon-worthy: The Centers, because it impacts everyone in this community and is saving the lives of children and adults every day. The ripple effect is tremendous Luxury is: time with my family Ocala needs more: quality transitional housing Save the: abused and neglected children I would rather be: in California, walking through Sequoia National Park with my hubby.
Julie Fagan, 28
Blogger, Writer, Personal Trainer & Group Exercise Instructor at the YMCA
Noteworthy business accomplishment: My blog regularly receives upwards of 2 million monthly page views and has been featured in national magazines, including Fitness, SHAPE and Women’s Health. Currently work with reputable brands, including Reebok, Harry & David, Old Navy and Stonyfield. Currently working as a certified personal trainer and group exercise instructor at the YMCA Ocala connection: My husband was offered a job with Class One in the summer of 2011, so we moved from Orlando to Ocala Life-changing event, moment or revelation: When my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer, it made me reevaluate everything, such as the importance of exercise and healthy eating for health not vanity Last book: Mindy Kaling’s “Why Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me?” Strengths: Optimism Ocala’s best kept secret: The Artisinal Dish Favorite movie: “Father of the Bride” Steve Martin and Diane Keaton remind me of my parents Favorite sport: Diving Ocala needs: more healthy dining options.
Thiroshan Chetty, 36
Director of Tennis Golden Ocala Golf and Equestrian Club, ESPN tennis analyst for North Central Florida
About me: My job allowed me to create one of the most recognized tennis programs in the nation. I help charities and fundraise for them, including the Susan G. Komen Foundation, Veterans Helping Veterans, Hands that Help Project (which I founded), and the Marion County Literacy Council Noteworthy business accomplishment: I partnered with Ed Krauss and Tennis Channel to bring One on One Doubles to Ocala and expose Ocala to 50 million viewers nationwide Noteworthy personal accomplishment: Overcoming Apartheid in South Africa Proudest moment: The birth of my amazing daughter Ocala connection: I teamed up with Robin Givens and Lori McNeil in New York to start up the Lori McNeil Tennis Academy in Ocala in 2001 Life-changing event, moment or revelation: The abolishment of Apartheid in South Africa in 1992 Favorite food: South African braai Favorite sport: Soccer – Liverpool Football Club Historical figure I most identify with: Nelson Mandela.
Part seven of Ocala’s 40 Under 40 coming soon!
