- October 7, 2024
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In one short answer, Ivory Matthews, vice president of community and governmental affairs for Lakewood Ranch homebuilder Neal Communities, personifies a key characteristic in the Business Observer’s annual 40 under 40 class: she’s a doer.
“I don't keep a bucket list,” Matthews says when asked what's the most significant item on her life bucket list — and what's keeping her from completing it? “If I want to do something, I just do it.”
That sense of accomplishment abounds on this year's list, much like previous years. Half the winners have either started or run companies or organizations. That ranges from a large network of oncology practices to a sauce, dressings and condiments company. Organizations launched by the founders on the list vary from ice cream shops, dance studios and make-your-own candle stores to the more traditional roofing, accounting and tech companies.
Others on the list are high-achievers in a variety of fields that drive the region’s economy, such as health care, commercial real estate, insurance, construction and logistics.
Not only is the class accomplished, but more than a few have overcome some difficult obstacles and life hurdles.
Consider Ryne Johnson, the second-generation owner of Sarasota-based Spirit Movers. He was born in Peru in the 1990s during that country’s cholera epidemic. His older brother died from the illness, and his mother put him up for adoption. “I was given an incredible opportunity to come here and to be able to experience everything that America has to offer,” says Johnson.
The family that adopted Johnson in the States also founded Spirit Movers. Johnson, after pursuing a career in cybersecurity, started working for the company. He took over running the business, from his father Mike Johnson, at the end of 2023.
While many business and other publications honor its community’s up and coming leaders, one aspect of the Business Observer’s that’s different is we are celebrating not only the winners, but their mentors. It’s a recognition that the lessons and guidance today’s leaders learn from people they are close to are many times universal pieces of wisdom for anyone, in any field and career stage.
A strong example lies with Stephanie Heredia, CEO and founder of Taxes Tampa. She founded the accounting firm more than six years ago, and has many clients who are self-employed — which she loves. In her 40 under 40 nomination, she said it’s “beyond rewarding” to help other business owners in this way. “Anyone can do your taxes but not anyone can meet you where you're at, hold your hand and help you on the enormous journey that is self-employment,” she wrote.
But for Heredia to get there she needed a mentor — which is her stepmom, Donnetta Clayborne Stafford. “She was the first person to teach me that self-employment was even an option in this world,” Heredia wrote in her 40 under 40 survey. “When you have someone so close to you in life show you a path that places like school won't show you, the lens through which you view life and opportunity is shaped so differently.”
