Business Observer 40 Under 40 event: The night in pictures

The Business Observer honored the region's top young professionals from Polk to Collier County at the annual event.

By Mark Gordon
| 9:35 a.m. November 12, 2024
| 2 Free Articles Remaining!

The Business Observer has published a 40 under 40 issue every year since 2003.

Class of 2024

The Business Observer held its annual 40 Under 40 event Nov. 6 at the Grove in Lakewood Ranch. The event was rescheduled from Oct. 10 due to the hurricanes.

More than 200 people celebrated the winners, including mentors and family members.

The 40 Under 40 issue includes stories and profiles of each winner, including how each winner’s mentor helped shape their life.

2024 40 under 40 winner Vlad Ljesevic, second from right, with his wife and colleagues and friends.

20204 40 under 40 winner Taylor Morello, far right, is joined by John Joyce, far left, who was a 40 under 40 winner in 2023. Both work for Fort Myers-based CRS Technology Consultants. — 20204 40 Under 40 winner Taylor Morello, far right, is joined by John Joyce, far left, who was a 40 Under 40 winner in 2023. Both work for Fort Myers-based CRS Technology Consultants.

The Business Observer received morte ore than 200 nominations for the 40 under 40 issue this year. — The Business Observer received morte ore than 200 nominations for the 40 Under 40 issue this year.

40 Under 40: The quotes

In answering questions from the Business Observer about their career and life, some of the 40 Under 40 winners shared some wisdom — and fun nuggets. The list includes

At what percentage on your phone do you start to get Low Battery Anxiety? I have less anxiety when my phone is dead — Maximillian Chillura

What's your top tip for being productive? The 5-9 is more important than the 9-5. It’s the best time to control your priorities and agenda. — Albie Kaminsky

What's the most significant item on your life bucket list — and what's keeping you from completing it? I don't keep a bucket list, if I want to do something, I just do it. — Ivory Matthews

I've been lucky enough to check off a lot of items already! Right now I really want a tattoo, but I'm chickening out. It's not the needle, it's my mom I'm afraid of. — Eleni Sokos

Making the Forbes 30 Under 30 list. I’ve got a few years left! I’m feeling bullish about Freeman Ventures. — Will Freeman

Visiting Antarctica; Money and time. — Kate Massey

If you could have a side hustle, what would it be?

Professional Pickleballer. — David Habib

Vending Machine operator. All about cash flow. — Nate Walcker

As odd as it is, 1-800 Junk. I'd love to help people get a fresh start, which is what 1-800 junk does. They help people get rid of things (tons of things) that are holding them back so they can start anew and I love that.” — Stephanie Heredia

What's the weirdest job you've ever had? Or the weirdest task you've ever been assigned? As an apartment maintenance manager, I was once assigned to find an escaped hamster in a residence's apartment. — Jacob Kinsel

Kristie Calandro with 2024 40 under 40 winner Ivory Matthews. — Kristie Calandro with 2024 40 Under 40 winner Ivory Matthews.

40 under 40 winners work at both for profits and nonprofits. — 40 Under 40 winners work at both for profits and nonprofits.

More than 200 people attended the 40 under 40 event. — More than 200 people attended the 40 Under 40 event.

By the numbers: 40 Under 40

Each 40 Under 40 winner submits answers to a questionnaire about their career and life. Some highlights include

3:People reading A Land Remembered, the novel written by Patrick Smith that follows three generations of a Florida frontier family.
Five of the class of 2024 40 Under 40 winners are from outside the United States.
Photo by Lori Sax
2: Real estate brokers who drove for Uber/Lyft while hustling for commercial deals early in their career (Chris DiBitetto and Kris Dumke.)
4: People who say their happy place is with their family and kids.
3: People who say their happy place is their home.
17: People who say their happy place the beach, on the water or pool is their happy place.
5: People born outside the United States: Ivory Matthews in Italy; Vladimir Ljesevic in Austria; Ryne Johnson in Peru; Nikesh Patel in Zambia; and Vanessa Evans in Germany.

author

Mark Gordon

Mark Gordon is the managing editor of the Business Observer. He has worked for the Business Observer since 2005. He previously worked for newspapers and magazines in upstate New York, suburban Philadelphia and Jacksonville.