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Top 50 Frederick is an annual publication of Diversions Publications, Inc., 6 N. East Street, Suite 301, Frederick, MD 21701-5601 (ISSN 006-923). Periodicals postage paid at Frederick, MD. Subscriptions to Frederick Magazine, $24.95 per year, which includes the Top 50 Frederick and all other annual guides (available through the business office). Back issues w/in the last 12 mo/$3.95. Prior to 12 mos. ago/$7. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Frederick Magazine, 6 N. East Street, Suite 301, Frederick, MD 21701-5601. Customer inquiries to same address or call 301-662-8171. Distributed through mail subscriptions, home delivery, and sold at newsstands and other locations in Frederick, Upper Montgomery counties, and throughout the Central Maryland region. Advertising rates available on request. Manuscripts, drawings, and other submissions must be accompanied by a stamped, self-addressed envelope. Frederick Magazine is not responsible for unsolicited material. All rights to submissions, including letters and e-mail, will be treated as unconditionally assigned for publication and copyright purposes and as subject to Frederick Magazine’s unrestricted right to edit and to comment editorially, unless otherwise negotiated with the author. © DIVERSIONS PUBLICATIONS, INC. Printed on 2022. All contents of this publication are protected by copyright and may not be reproduced Recycled Paper in whole or in part for any reason without prior approval of the publisher.
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TABLE OF
Contents 8
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Young Entrepreneurial Spirit These Under 40s have creativity, leadership, commitment and a stellar work ethic.
18 Future Leaders Local companies work to attract and retain young talent.
27 Forward Frederick The Frederick County Office of Economic Development presents its 2021 annual report.
36 Business and Education Bond
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Even more opportunities are available to young workers when there is a partnership between higher education and business.
46 Profiles of the Top 50 Under 40 Fifty amazing individuals under the age of 40 who have dared to make their dreams into reality.
70 Work Hard, Play Hard A great benefit to a fulfilling career in Freder ick County are the activities available to those under 40 when they’re not on the job.
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78 At a Glance A look at the Fredrick County Office of Economic Development.
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Young
Entrepreneurial Spirit Front and Center Stand back, Frederick. They’re under 40 and they’re on FIRE! If you’re looking for inspiration and the bywords of the young entrepreneurial spirit, look no further. All our Under 40s abound with creativity, leadership, commitment and a stellar work ethic.
By Kristi Johnson Photos by Turner Photography Studio
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“At the end of the day, I wasn’t afraid to fail.“
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hree and a half years ago, 34-year-old Rebekah Ontiveros left a 10-year position in private corporate education to launch a dream that became the Hive Bakeshop. The business has been featured by Martha Stewart, Better Homes & Gardens, and Netflix, as well as appearing on season three of Sugar Rush, and Holiday Wars, 2021. “It’s so incredible how food can transform lives. The Hive is about food art,” says Ontiveros, a previous Fulbright scholar who sees the downtown Brunswick shop as a hub for fostering creativity in her employees. “I wanted to create something special so everything we do fits our brand. We are completely different from a regular bakery.” The Hive staff is empowered by Ontiveros to be part of the creative planning process. Besides making their own schedules, they have the ability to create food art themselves. Ontiveros does some training, but the Hive now attracts talented food artists that aspire to work with her. “If you don’t foster creativity, you won’t have a creative edge,” she says adamantly. Ontiveros started her marketing on a shoestring budget. “We took advantage of whatever was free,” she admits. “And we learned the skills—we
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Rebekah Ontiveros
focused on all the social media tools and learned the importance of good photography.” The future looks bright for this energetic entrepreneur, who dreams of expansion into a second location and partnering with culinary colleges to give classes. “We’re reaching out, looking for the ideal opportunities to grow,” Ontiveros says. Focusing on building her brand and creating unique, top quality product for clients has given the Hive a global reach. “We received Best Cupcake and Best Confection on season three of Sugar Rush,” says Ontiveros, “And while we lost in the final cake round, we found many new clients and fans.” Addressing life, business and baking, Ontiveros says, “At the end of the day, I wasn’t afraid to fail. Never be afraid of failure; you’ll never know what you would have missed out on.”
A
confirmed whiskey lover and entrepreneurial spirit, 36-year-old Monica Pearce, founder of Tenth Ward Distilling Company, Frederick, saw an opening in the market during the craft beer boom, and took advantage of it. Tenth Ward was founded in 2016 and has already seen significant expansion from their existing facility on Church Street, their cocktail bar and event venue in Downtown Frederick, to an 8,000square-foot production spot near the airport.
Covid provided the opportunity to introduce canned cocktails, a lower proof product that has seen a healthy increase in sales and that won Bronze in the 2021 American Craft Spirit Association ‘Ready to Drink’ category. Pearce credits her past work experience as giving her a leg up in marketing. “I did a lot of training in branding, marketing, strategic planning and a lot of this helped launch my entrepreneurship.”
“For us, it’s important to be recognized as experts in this field.“ Monica Pearce
What started as only retail sales has grown into a thriving wholesale business, with product available in MD/DC/VA liquor stores. The addition of liqueurs and canned cocktails increased Tenth Ward’s revenue streams, and the addition of gin, seasonal liqueurs and Maryland’s first and only Absinthe, rounds out their offerings.
Along with holiday events that are based around new releases, Tenth Ward has their Bottle Club with exclusive releases, and their Canned Cocktail Club. In business, Pearce fiercely believes in this philosophy for Tenth Ward Distillery. “We are proud to be a female-owned company in a primarily white, male dominated industry that can offer opportunities to women and minorities. For us, it’s important to be recognized as experts in this field.”
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A
year-and-a-half ago, Jay Jeffrey, owner of Lumber JAKKSS Millworks in Frederick, was the owner of an events business. Then he found his life upended by the COVID pandemic. Suddenly putting on beer festivals and mud runs came to a screeching
“I wish I’d done this 10 years ago.“
halt, and Jeffrey, father of four, needed to pivot, and pivot fast. As a passionate dabbler in woodworking, Jeffrey knew the goal of his new business needed to be one that incorporated his family lifestyle and was a full-time living, not a hobby. He believes so strongly in this that the JAKKSS part of his company name uses each family member. Jay, his partner and wife, Ashton, and their four children, Kiernan, Killian, Sloane and Shaye. Lumber JAKKSS works with both corporations and residential clients, bringing the customer’s dream to fruition through custom made pieces using furniture grade woods, such as cherry, walnut, ash and exotic woods. With a portable millworks, a solar kiln for drying, and the ability to laser engrave and include iron work in their pieces, Lumber JAKKSS is busier than ever. Looking down the road, Jeffrey says, “I hope to continue making custom pieces. I have the desire to pass this onto my children, if they’re interested.”
Jay Jeffrey
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It is obvious Jeffrey is passionate about his growing business and his life. “I wish I’d done this 10 years ago,” he says. “But I didn’t have the resources to pull it off back then. I now have membership in the Rotary, the relationships and business knowledge, and our farm where my shop is and where we live. The pieces weren’t in place yet.”
“I love seeing brands we’ve helped launched out in the marketplace.”
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e work with our client’s vision and goals to help develop a trademark analysis and strategy that includes all the protections needed,” explains Radiance Harris, founder and managing attorney for Radiance IP Law in Frederick, getting down to the nitty gritty of intellectual property law. Radiance IP Law works with clients from business inception—logos and naming, how to protect content creator work, copyright law, and trademark prosecution. “We work with small boutique companies all the way up to companies with national locations,” says Harris. “And we have experience working with big corporations and emerging businesses.” A whirlwind of energy, Harris is passionate about what she does. “All large and small companies have trademarks,” she says. “All big businesses protected their trademarks when they were small.” Harris is a content creator herself, and a savvy marketer. In August 2020, she independently
Radiance Harris
published Trademark Like A Boss: The Ultimate Step-by-Step Guide To Protecting Your Brand on Amazon, a how-to guide for business owners who understand the value of protecting a business with a trademark, but can’t afford an attorney. It immediately became a #1 Amazon Bestseller, and continues to sell well on a regular basis. Harris posts daily on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn, writes a regular newsletter and this year started a weekly video podcast on YouTube. Harris gets a hefty 53 percent of her clients through other satisfied clients. In looking at where to go from here, Harris envisions Radiance IP Law as a seven-figure firm in five years. “I love seeing brands we’ve helped launched out in the marketplace.”
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A
fter being told he needed surgery for a shoulder injured while playing collegiate sports, Josh Funk, CEO of Rehab2Perform, opted for specialized sports physical therapy that eradicated the need for surgery and changed his way of looking at sports medicine.
“Think of us as consultants, supporting you with plans and processes.” Now 35-years-old and recently married, Funk opened the first location of Rehab2Perform in Frederick in 2014 with the goal of providing everyone with the same depth and breadth of care that college athletes receive. With six locations in the Maryland area, and a seventh slated for early 2022, Funk has created a company with a commitment to both the highest level of patient care, to attracting the right staff and to creating an environment of growth and autonomy. Rehab2Perform offers individualization and personalization to put together a physical therapy experience dedicated to a wide range of client’s success, offering a hybrid between traditional physical therapy and personal training. “Think of
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us as consultants, supporting you with plans and processes,” Funk says. “We help you learn what your body can and can’t do, and we want you to have fun doing it.”
Josh Funk
Over the last two years, Rehab2Perform has hit the Inc. 5000 Fastest Growing Private Companies list and achieved a whopping 339 percent three-year growth in 2021. Another aspect of Funk’s business success lies in his commitment to organizational leadership, branding and strategic development, which he passionately passes on to his 50-plus person staff. Funk’s strategy to build his organization’s professional presence strategically includes a robust internship program, from high school, through college and physical therapy school, as well as continuing education, resulting in supporting the sports care industry by bringing more highly trained professionals into it.
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hirty-three-year-old Amber Seiss has her hands pretty full these days. The owner of Gateway Candyland, Gateway Liquors, and The Farmhouse Exchange manages her two small children and 47 employees across the burgeoning multiple business enterprise in Thurmont. Seiss, who acquired the business four years ago, began implementing a growth plan that included adding to the product lines, expanding the candy business into private label and wholesale distribution, and the newest addition, the purchase of nearby 327-acre Lawyer’s Winterbrook Farm. While Seiss plans to continue with the farm’s traditional seasonal
activities such as pumpkins and sunflowers, rebranding plans are in the works, as well as the opening of a new event venue and fall launch party. The Farmhouse Exchange, which is in the same building as Gateway Candyland, has a deli, locally raised beef, poultry and pork, and breads, cupcakes, cookies, and pies from the in-house bakery. Farmhouse is a new venture opened by Seiss in early 2020 at the beginning of the pandemic. The timing worked well for Seiss, who says, “Farmhouse is a super active store for us. It has turned into such an asset.” Diversifying revenue streams is important for Seiss, and the standalone liquor store caters over 250 weddings and events every year. Seiss likes the hands-on part of running her businesses and while involved in all the working parts of the companies, believes in setting the stage for her staff. She sums it up this way, “I set expectations and my staff meets or exceeds them—that’s the best way for me to lead.”
Amber Seiss
“I set expectations and my staff meets or exceeds them— that’s the best way for me to lead.” TOP50
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9460 Liberty Rd. Frederick, MD 301.898.1200
700 E. Diamond Ave. Gaithersburg, MD 301.670.9300
www.rippeonequipment.com
1115 Baltimore Blvd. Westminster, MD 410.848.5000
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hen choosing a restaurant, product or service, many folks will reach out to their network to find the best place. The same concept is relevant for businesses seeking to attract young talent.
Frederick-based Orases, a software development company, asks their team members to reach out to contacts when job openings occur and tell them about their own experiences and the work they are doing. “Recruiting is for everybody,” says Nick Damoulakis, CEO and president. “Just like sales is for everybody, recruiting is a companywide initiative. ...People don’t care what we have to say about our company; they want to talk to the source.” He notes his company strives every day to have purposeful work that gets staff members excited to come to the office. “We want to make sure people find joy and fun in
their work because it is not about ping pong tables or kegs at your office,” he says. “Those things are fun, but the real fun is when you get lost in your work
“We want people to connect with the work we have, where they find that fun and that passion.” —Nick Damoulakis CEO, President of Orases
because you love it so much. We want people to connect with the work we have where they find that fun and that passion.” Many companies are reaching out to the new generations in ways that are vastly different than the ones that came before them including using social media channels, employment websites and mobile platforms. AstraZeneca, the global biopharmaceutical company, utilizes social media, virtual and in-person hiring events as well as forming close relationships with area higher educational facilities including Hood College, Mount St. Mary’s University and Frederick
Photo left: The location of Orases, a software development company. Photo right: Nick Damoulakis, left, Orases CEO and with COO Tom Willie.
Community College. They also offer a young talent program for high/secondary school students, undergraduates, graduates and post-graduates offering apprenticeships and work experience. Mary Beth Leibig, Human Resources director, notes the program helps early talent envision themselves working at the company. Thermo Fisher Scientific, which produces products and services for laboratories and clinics around the world, understands the critical need to not only support the communities where they operate but also reflect
the communities they serve. “Our strategy is to build awareness, develop key partnerships and engage early talent with unique experiences,” says Tairee Wallace, director of Human Resources. Thermo Fisher Scientific’s university relations team has built deep partnerships with campus career services as well as various national and local organizations representing various heritage and identity groups to engage early career candidates and provide exposure to the various Science Technology Engineering and Math (STEM) opportunities.
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“The key to our overall strategy is our commitment to building our talent and providing students with opportunities to gain experience and exposure prior to and after graduating,” Wallace says. “We provide meaningful internship experiences, support education through scholarships and create additional opportunities for students who will develop into the next generation of scientists, engineers and business leaders.” Some of their recruitment strategies include social media through multiple channels, content marketing on early talent community websites, an automated job posting strategy direct to college and university campuses
and attending various virtual and onsite campus focused career events. They also support student campus ambassadors for student-tostudent relationship marketing on campus at select partner schools. “One of the key pillars of our attraction strategy is our commitment to STEM education to build the next generation of innovators,” Wallace says. “We partner with organizations that share a common goal: to empower high potential, low resource students with the mindset and skills we need in STEM fields. We work with these organizations to solve the STEM talent gap and provide access to opportunities at Thermo Fisher.” Damoulakis, of Orases, notes his company can retain young talent by giving them great career and education/training opportunities, access to properly trained, caring managers and autonomy.
AstraZeneca keeps its young workforce by offering competitive rewards packages as well as a rotational associate’s program that enables them to participate in short term assignments to expand their industry knowledge.
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AstraZeneca keeps its young workforce by offering a competitive rewards package. “This is a very competitive job market, and you have to have a comprehensive rewards package in order to entice early talent to join,” Leibig says. “We offer a wide variety of learning and development opportunities. Early talent wants the opportunity to learn, grow
and expand their experiences through opportunities in the organization.” They also offer a rotational associate’s program that enables early talent to participate in three, eight-month assignments across various areas of biopharmaceutical development to expand their industry knowledge. Leibig notes more than 40 percent
“No matter where a colleague is in life or their career journey, Thermo Fisher provide consistent support that employees know they can count on.” —Tairee Wallace Director Of Human Resources
of their jobs are filled internally. “People come in, get new experiences, learn and then are able to move around in the organization,” she says. Thermo Fisher offers a comprehensive total rewards package designed to recognize outstanding performance and meet the diverse needs of colleagues at every stage of their personal and professional lives. “We not only provide competitive compensation but tremendous career growth opportunity, professional development resources to assist colleagues in reaching
their career aspirations, tuition reimbursement, recognition programs, along with a variety of health and wellness programs, financial resources, and generous time away plans, including volunteer time off,” Wallace says. “No matter where a colleague is in life or their career journey, Thermo Fisher provide consistent support that employees know they can count on.” Attracting and retaining young talent is critical for companies as many are more technology savvy and highly educated. “The younger generation of talent today are definitely the most innovative in coming up with ideas that older generations just can’t even comprehend,” Damoulakis says. “They are digital natives. They’re people that have lived with technology. They understand it better and deeper than a lot of older generations and when you give a younger generation team member a problem, they solve it in the most innovative way I have ever seen. It excites not only me as an owner, but it also excites our clients.” AstraZeneca strives to make sure their early talent pipeline remains strong with inclusive and diverse employees. Leibig notes many bring international per-
Attracting and retaining young talent is critical for companies as many of these hires are tech-savvy and highly educated. Pictured at AstraZenica, from left, are: Ram Thang, Amber Young, Keira Mull, Samantha Bottorf, Allyssa Cochrane, Brittany Kesteven, Amanda Green and Lauren Weems.
spectives along with vast educational experiences, innovative thoughts and intellectual curiosity. “(They) want to feel they are part of something bigger than themselves,” she says. Wallace believes the young demographic brings a fresh perspective with intellectual curiosity and a willingness to learn. These skills enable innovation and new approaches to business. “Their ability to learn, understand and apply new technology also improves productivity,” Wallace says. “Having a young demographic representation within your workforce is also important for succession planning. This population will be our future leaders.”
With top notch schools, diverse restaurants to thrill foodies, a thriving downtown, an abundance of varied indoor and outdoor activities, Frederick is a great place for young talent to live, work and play for many years to come. “The Frederick area is about community, and I find that the people that are living and staying in the Frederick area are looking for something more and that something more is a great community,” Damoulakis says. “There are lots of ways to be active and give back in the Frederick community unlike any other. It is easier to make a difference in Frederick.”
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Frederick County Office of Economic Development (OED) is the catalyst for commercial growth. OED’s mission is to increase the overall economic health of Frederick County through attracting new businesses in key industries and helping existing businesses be more successful.
FORWARD »
Frederick County 2021 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ANNUAL REPORT
Joint Message from the Under 40 Staff of Frederick County Office of Economic Development and Workforce Services
From left: Laura Brown, Amanda Lee, Katie Stevens, Sara Hanewinckel, Britt Swartzlander, Wesley Leatherman, Kara Fritz, Solash Aviles-Montanez, Jaz Parks, and Shana Knight. Not pictured are Becca Tucker, Mark Tumulty and Haleigh Sylvester.
The currents of change, innovation and adaptation remained strong in 2021 and are seen in every aspect of our lives—from the way we learn and socialize to how we buy groceries or receive medical care—but especially in the way we work and in the way we engage with customers. The unfailing spirit of determination, creativity and forward-looking vision continue to be seen across our community and represent the best outcomes of this year.
In 2021 Livability.com surveyed over 1,000 millennials about the factors that are most important to them when deciding where to live, including affordability, job opportunities, diversity, and inclusion. Frederick ranked fourth in the 100 Best Places to Live in America. As one of the Top 10 Remote-Ready Cities in the U.S., Frederick is a hot spot for remote workers. With a median age of 38 there’s a lot the county has to offer Under 40s such as outdoor recreation, history and museums, arts and theater, culinary delights and shopping.
From rebuilding to starting new, there is much going on in Frederick that gives us hope for a bright future. This year’s Top 50 under 40 highlights the rising entrepreneurs, creators, community activists and young leaders that are confidently paving the way for what comes next. The young professionals featured here have worked hard to get where they are, and they are definitely not finished. They are setting the tone and pace for tomorrow.
Frederick County Office of Economic Development and Workforce Services are where employees and big ideas grow. We collaborate, we are bold, we are innovative, we connect and we lead. To read more about our under 40 staff visit: www.discoverfrederickmd.com/news/under40
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Top Economic Development Projects Quantum Loophole Master Planned Data Center Campus A revolution in data center development is underway. Quantum Loophole Inc., (QL) is designing the world’s first-of-its-kind gigawatt scale master plan data center campus. The State of Maryland enacted a tax exemption in 2020 and within months, Quantum Loophole was in discussions with Frederick County for its visionary project that paves a 10- to 15-year path for direct and indirect capital investment, job creation and advanced technology capacity for the region. QL purchased the 2,100-acre former Alcoa Eastalco Works site and will transform the former brownfield site into a super green community. Josh Snowhorn, founder, CEO of Quantum Loophole says, “Incorporating an ethically planned and community-centric design that puts sustainability at the forefront, our master plan data center cities are designed to offer Gigawatt levels of critical power, leverage cutting-edge technology, and offer mass scale fiber to nearby networking hubs. Our approach to shared infrastructure and preplanned site approvals improves performance, expedites time to market, while solving for the expediency and scalability large capacity data center operators require well into the future.”
Ellume Diagnostics Manufacturing Facility Ellume, an Australianbased company, chose Frederick County for its U.S. headquarters in the United States. It will produce tests for infectious diseases, including athome rapid tests for COVID-19 to support ongoing U.S. pandemic preparation and response. The
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company will invest more than $20 million into Frederick County and occupy 180,000 square feet on Executive Court South in the Progress Labs corporate park. The project is expected to create about 1,400 new jobs by the end of 2022. “We look forward to building the foundation for Ellume’s long-term vision in the U.S. and recruiting the highly skilled talent in Maryland’s Biotech Corridor needed to fuel our flagship U.S. facility,” says Jeff Boyle, PhD, Ellume U.S. President. “Frederick is the ideal location for Ellume as we continue to work closely with the U.S. government in delivering COVID-19 tests to communities across the country. The facility will serve as a foundation for Ellume to support the domestic response to the COVID-19 pandemic and better prepare the U.S. for future public health crises.”
Kite Pharma Biopharmaceutical Manufacturing Kite, a Gilead Company, leads innovative cell therapies for people battling cancer. The company completed its state-of-the-art T-cell therapy production facility in Urbana and now has 150 employees. The company has begun the next critical phase of its operations to obtain FDA validation of its manufacturing processes. Once fully operational, the Urbana manufacturing site will produce various investigational T-cell receptor (TCR) therapies, including the commercially available personalized cancer treatment Yescarta®. This life-saving work changes the treatment of cancer and is happening in Frederick County. Kite expects to add 400 jobs to the area.
The Kroger Co. High Tech Customer Fulfillment Center eCommerce Facility The Kroger Co., the nation’s largest grocery retailer, in partnership with the Ocado Group, the world’s largest online grocery retailer, purchased land in Frederick County to revitalize a vacant Toys R Us distribution facility and is constructing an industry-leading High-Tech Customer Fulfillment Center slated to open later in 2022. This 700,000 SF structure will be the epicenter of direct-to-consumer deliveries, with more than 1,000 robots to retrieve products and prepare them for delivery to thousands of online customers. The Kroger Co. is projected to employ up to 500 workers.
Frederick Health Hospice, Call Center and IT Services Critical Care Pavilion In 2021, Frederick County was ranked the fastest-growing county in Maryland. A growing population requires more services, jobs and community services. As an anchor institution Frederick Health plays an important role in economic vitality in addition to supporting current and future health needs. Frederick Health employs 3,300. Goods and services that the hospital system purchases create additional economic value within the community. In 2019 Frederick Health acquired the former State Farm property. Renamed Frederick Health Village, it ensures capacity to meet future needs. In 2021, progress continued with expansion at the 7th Street hospital to enhance critical care services, including an expanded emergency department, integration of pediatric emergency services and pediatric inpatient care, expansion of critical care beds, and a third floor for interventional cardiology services. All phases of the project are expected to be completed by December 2023.
Costco Wholesale Wholesale Distribution Center and Ecommerce Center In 2010, Costco Depot found Frederick County to be an ideal location for a distri-
AROUND THE CORNER In 2022 OED is completing a branding process and we look forward to sharing the OED brand with our community. This achieves a milestone objective of the Growth Opportunity Strategy to enhance Frederick County’s recognition and stature in regional and national markets. In 2019 County Executive Jan Gardner hosted a roundtable on Agriculture Issues. One concept that came out of this was the need for a Value Added Agriculture facility to showcase local products and new technologies to allow farmers to grow and become sustainable through value added products. In 2022, a feasibility study will be completed on this concept.
bution center and e-commerce fulfillment hub due to its central location and proximity to a highway network. Costco Depot has just completed its fourth phase of expansions. Together, Costco Depot and Costco E-Commerce now total over 1 million square feet and employ 1,100plus workers.
Tonix Pharmaceuticals Infectious Disease R&D Center Tonix Pharmaceuticals’ new location will enable the company to accelerate the discovery and in-house development of antiviral drugs and vaccines for COVID-19 and other infectious diseases. “This R&D facility will expand our capabilities to prepare against existing and emerging infectious threats,” says Dr. Seth Lederman, MD, CEO of Tonix who described Frederick as the center of the world, with our big asset Fort Detrick and the amazing workforce available in the county.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IN 2022
The FRED Awards will return as a spring event in 2022 to recognize the tremendous commercial project activity over the prior 23 months. Our county has seen strong growth in new business locations, expansions and renovations and the FRED Awards honor the commercial real estate community deal makers behind this activity. OED will be launching a new website in 2022, MadeinFrederickMD.com. It was developed to communicate a positive image of Frederick County’s manufacturing industry and highlight the advantages of starting, expanding and locating to the county. The website will provide resources, a manufacturing directory and a job board for companies.
OED, in partnership with Platinum PR, will develop an Employer Resource File, a self-assessment survey for organizations, business leadership and individuals to evaluate diversity and inclusion and workplace goals. The Resource File will include a toolkit and other resources to bring awareness for pathways to economic inclusion. Frederick County’s Bio Roundtable is a collaboration between OED and Workforce Services. It provides focused support to the growing biotech community through discussions, workshops, education and workforce development opportunities.
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Industry Growth
Life Sciences Frederick County has a solid and expanding life sciences ecosystem that includes industry giants such as Kite Pharma, AstraZeneca, Lonza and Thermo Fisher Scientific, locally started RoosterBio and BioFactura, and many small and emerging firms such as CarrTech and Veralox. In 2021 we witnessed amazing growth across all sectors with new firms selecting Frederick County and existing firms expanding physical space and workforce. Locally owned CIAN Diagnostics provides a complete range of diagnostic, toxicology, molecular/ genetic testing and laboratory services. They significantly expanded their employee count from 17 to 230 and added over 100,000 SF to provide COVID-19 testing services for employers, schools and international travelers. In response to COVID19 Thermo Fisher Scientific began supplying instruments, test kits, and reagents for COVID-19 testing needs. To support these efforts, the company expanded adding 89,746 SF and 450 jobs. With 617,245 SF and 950 employees in Frederick County, Thermo Fisher Scientific is a Top 10 Major Employer. Equally impressive is the private sector’s investment in streamlining and accelerating the way life science buildings are designed, built and managed. Anticipating future needs for lab space, incuba-
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tors and facilities are developed to provide immediate availability for emerging and established life science firms regionally and across the globe. MATAN Companies developed speculative biomanufacturing ready space Progress Labs at Center 85 to meet the growing demand. The site is a five-building 700,000 SF development. Australian-based company, Ellume, chose this location for their first U.S.-based manufacturing site. They are leasing two full buildings, totaling over 180,000 SF. The third building is under construction; the fourth is a build-to-suit opportunity and building five will break ground Q1 2022. OED partnered with Workforce Services, Frederick Community College and The City of Frederick Department of Economic Development to offer the first Biotech Bootcamp. This free fourweek training program is designed to teach participants the basic skills needed for entry-level positions in the biotech industry. Following the successful completion of the course, program members will be matched with local biotech companies for entry-level job position interviews. The biotech industry in Frederick County is experiencing rapid growth and has a high demand for entrylevel workers. The Biotech Bootcamp program will address that need and assist residents who wish to transition into this field of work. If interested visit www.frederick.edu/news/fcc-announcesthe-first-biotech-bootcamp.aspx.
Craft Beverage Frederick County leads the state in the combined number of wineries, breweries and distilleries. In 2021 two additional farm-based craft beverage businesses opened, Prospect Point Brewing and Rosie Cheeks Distillery. Existing craft beverage businesses have seen continued demand for their local products and have expanded to add over 34,000 SF. The industry is projected to see continual growth in 2022. The County is home to the first farm brewery, Milkhouse Brewery at Stillpoint, first meadery, Orchid Cellars Meadery & Winery, and first cidery in Maryland, Distillery Lane Ciderworks as well as the largest winery, Linganore Winecellars, and largest brewery, Flying Dog, in the state. Frederick County’s craft beer scene is lively with 17 existing breweries and more in development.
Municipality Impact
2021 Selected Company Locations & Expansions: Quantum Loophole, Inc. (L)
Middletown Middletown received top honors in 2021 as the recipient of a Maryland Economic Development Association (MEDA) Recognition Program award for the transformation of downtown into a cultural destination through community based economic development. The impact is that older buildings are being renovated and new companies are locating to the area. www.discoverfrederickmd.com. Thurmont Thurmont implemented a marketing strategy to grant businesses a greater opportunity for cross promotion and collaboration, resulting in the opening or growth of several businesses. A website, Local Connections, was created to promote merchants, local events and activities, and support the community. www.thurmontmainstreet.com. Frederick In 2021, Downtown Frederick Partnership and The City of Frederick engaged Design Collective and RK&K to study the streetscapes of Market and Patrick streets to create thoughtful design solutions, set priorities and determine a framework for future streetscape improvements. After two community workshops, a public survey which received 1,952 responses and seven months of study, the City and the Partnership published a final draft report in November 2021. www.downtownfrederick.org/ streetscapestudy/
NEW JOBS
ADDITIONAL SQ. FOOTAGE/ACRES
Infrastructure Phase
2,100 8
Chestnut Hill Farm & Market, LLC (E)
7
Moon Valley Farm (L)
12
25
District Farms (E)
10
217,800
Ellume (L)
1,400
180,000
Costco Distribution (E)
14
CIAN Diagnostics (E)
200
Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc. (E)
150
89,746
YMCA of Frederick County (E)
92
62,500
Heartland Home Foods, Inc. (L)
35
52,000
Tonix Pharmaceuticals Holding Corp. (L)
18
48,000
Lidl (L)
30
27,000
Criswell Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM of Thurmont (E)
40
27,000
Krietz Auto (E)
4
22,000
MacroGenics (L)
12
20,800
Prolist, Inc. (E)
5
20,000
Surveillance Secure (L)
15
20,000
Tenth Ward Distilling Company (E)
15
14,700
McClintock Distilling (E)
10
12,000
Players Fitness and Performance (E)
8
12,000
Menocal Family Practice (E)
3
10,000
Idiom Brewing Co. (E)
15
10,000
Steinhardt Brewing Company (E)
9
171,650 130,000
5,142
(L): Locations, (E): Expansions
OED partners with the Maryland Small Business Development Center (MDSBDC) and the Maryland Women’s Business Center to support small businesses across the county. In 2021 they reported assisting a total of 29 new business that added 80 new jobs.
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271,717 Population (2020) Largest Growth Rate in Maryland (16.4%, 2010-2020)
21%
BY THE
Numbers T W O - T H O U S A N D
Millennial Population Growth Rate (2010-2020)
T W E N T Y
O N E
Commerical & Industrial Construction Costs
Maryland 8%
400m
5,906
300m
Added Millennials (25-34 year olds)
200m
Since 2010
100m
97,212 People Employed in Frederick County
millons
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
6,595
AAA
Businesses in Frederick County
Frederick County’s Bond Rating Only 49 U.S. counties have this rating.
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4.5%
Commercial Asking Rent Per SF $15
Frederick County’s Unemployment Rate
$14
Maryland 5.3%, National 4.6%
$13 $12 $11 2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
CoStar, 3rd quarter data
Housing Permits Issued 3,000
COVID-19 Business Grants
•CITY OF FREDERICK COUNTY •&FREDERICK MUNICIPALITIES •TOTAL
$1,272,478
2,250
1,279,981 Square Feet Leased The amount of commercial space businesses leased in the last 12 months.
$4,794,432 $8,408,449
1,500 750
$5.65B
$2,049,025
0 16 20
17 20
18 20
19 20
20 20
•SMALL BUSINESS CARE •CHILD PROVIDER
•FOOD SERVICE & •HOSPITALITY LODGING
Frederick County’s Annual Wages
$332M
$14.43
5.1%
Value of Commercial and Industrial Construction Costs
Commercial Asking Rent per Square Foot
Overall Commercial Vacancy Rate
as of 3rd quarter 2020
Compared to $12.24 5 years ago.
Includes Office, Industrial, Flex Costar 3rd Quarter TOP50
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2021
top Highlights ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM
Moon Valley Farm, owned by Top 50 Under 40, Emma Jagoz, is a community-supported, firstgeneration farm growing certified organic vegetables and herbs for Maryland and D.C. With help from the Agricultural Innovation Grant, Moon Valley Farm installed an irrigation system. “It gives me great peace of mind that I will be able to water my crops and not just watch them underperform or even die from lack of adequate irrigation. I am grateful for the county for offering this and will do my best to return the value to our community in the form of fresh veggies for many years to come,” Jagoz says.
Frederick County COVID-19 Business Grants— Beginning in May 2020, Frederick County government formed a grants team of members from Economic Development, Finance, and Interagency Information Technology. Over 2,500 grants totaling $16.5M were awarded since June 2020 and many small business owners shared how grant funds helped them continue to move forward at a difficult time. “When I discovered that I was receiving the Microgrant I felt blessed…It enabled me to pay my rent (previous and future), utilities, restock supplies, insurance and purchase all of the supplies needed to meet the safety protocols for a safe environment for my business. Thank you for the generosity of this grant so that I can pass all of this on to my clientele and continue to provide a safe place for my clients and myself.”
Frederick County Agricultural Innovation Grant— To improve the economic viability of Frederick County farms, OED developed the Agricultural Innovation Grant, awarding $504,000 to 24 businesses to diversify their operations and create value added products. The new grant received the Maryland Sustainable Growth Award for Preservation and Conservation by the Maryland Department of Planning, recognizing outstanding efforts to save Maryland’s farm and forest land and supporting a sustainable future for farms.
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EmPOWER Diversity & Inclusion Program— For many years, OED has been committed to economic inclusion and in 2015 created a program to bring together the minority business community and develop a strong platform for businesses to start, locate and grow. In 2020, OED in partnership with Platinum PR expanded their diversity & inclusion offerings and created a new and improved program, EmPOWER, to create an environment of economic inclusion in Frederick County that supports all business owners, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, ability or religion. With the help of focus groups, OED identified priority areas in three key initiatives: outreach, education and support. EmPOWER offers a wide variety of resources from marketing, blog posts, business directory listing, monthly networking opportunities and an eight-week mentorship program and the outcomes achieved have been strong. EmPOWER Impact:
» Hosted (5) Focus Group Sessions with underrepresented businesses to address needs. » Developed marketing strategy including a new text marketing campaign.
» Created EmPOWER webpage to include business directory, resources, mentoring program, networking events and blogs. » Developed eight-week Mentorship program for growth stage businesses from October to December 2021. » Increased number of businesses in the business directory by 132% and added information on NAICS Code, website, contact information. » Interviewed and wrote (20) blogs highlighting underrepresented businesses in Frederick County. » Coordinated (7) monthly virtual networking events in 2021.
Business Appreciation Week— For 21 consecutive years, OED has coordinated Business Appreciation Week, one of the largest business retention programs in Maryland. OED and our economic development partners visited 102 businesses in one week that started, expanded or located to Frederick County during 2020-2021 and cited location, community, quality of life and business support resources as their main reason for operating here. They received marketing exposure and an opportunity to win a $5,000 marketing package from Manning Media. By the Numbers » 4 Started; 51 Expanded; 47 Located » 37 Ambassadors » 1,094 Jobs Created » 842,000+ SF and 34 Agricultural Acres Added » $88M Capital Expenditures
Frederick County is a Great Place to Live » Frederick, MD named the “Hottest Housing Market in Maryland” per Rocket Homes® » The trend for median days on market in Frederick County has decreased from 19 days in 2019 to 8 days in 2020. » Total units sold increased by 23.3%, with 5,548 units sold in 2020 compared to 4,500 units sold in 2019. Housing permits reached a new high. » Permits issued in Frederick County increased 39.3% from 1,868 in 2016 to 2,602 in 2020. • 1,133 Single family detached units • 1,085 Townhouse units • 384 Multi-family units
Stay Connected 1st Frederick County Craft Beverage Passport— OED partnered with Downtown Frederick Partnership and Visit Frederick to encourage support of the craft beverage community. In addition to receiving savings for 18 of Frederick County’s Wineries, Breweries and Distilleries, passport holders were also entered to win $200 worth of gift cards to their favorite craft beverage businesses. The program was so successful; more than 450 passports were sold out in a matter of hours.
THE FREDERICK COUNTY OFFICE OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 118 N. Market St., Suite 300 Frederick, MD 21701 | 301.600.1058 www.discoverfrederickmd.com www.homegrownfrederick.com www.rootfrederick.com Connect with us at Discover Frederick, MD, Homegrown Frederick and ROOT Frederick on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook
» An average of 40 coupons were redeemed per business » 700+ individual visits to participating businesses
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T
wo years at Frederick Community College (FCC) was all it took for Justin Saltzman to gain the confidence he needed to find success in Frederick County’s business community.
For Carla Clarke, her four years at Hood College gave her the foundation she needed to go to law school and start her own law firm with her law partner.
next generation of employees to get to know these businesses through internships for students, externships for teachers and educators, and employer retraining programs.
Korey Cobb says his early college years at FCC and graduate training at Mount St. Mary’s University, laid the groundwork for him to convert his years coaching youth sports into becoming director of operations at Mid-Maryland Musculoskeletal Institute. After five years at MMI, Cobb is moving on to becoming chief operating officer at Rehab 2 Perform in Frederick.
Whether a student is interested in careers ranging from local fulfillment centers to Frederick’s burgeoning bio-health industry, the goal of Workforce Services is to provide people with the skills they need, technical and otherwise, to do those jobs.
Frederick area businesses have long had ties to local educational institutions, and Frederick County’s Workforce Services is taking advantage of those bonds to create opportunities for the
The online program Skill Up Frederick offers 5,000 free online courses in project management, information technology, finance, digital literacy and more than 100 industry certification courses, according to Michelle Day, director of Workforce Services for Frederick County Government. Through apprenticeships, internships and experienced-based learning, the office is working to connect local high schools and college students with workforce-readiness skills, according to Patty McDonald, business services manager for Workforce Services. Saltzman, Clarke and Cobb used their education and local connections made through education to launch them onto the career paths they have today. From FCC to Rotary President
Justin Saltzman, who works in commercial real estate, credits Frederick Community College with his early career success.
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Justin Saltzman, now 37, graduated from Frederick High School nearly 20 years ago, but he didn’t have a career path in mind. As the oldest of six children, there wasn’t a
lot of money for college, and he decided to go to FCC. “I had some great professors there,” he says. He was a business major, but other classes also stood out. “I took sociology, English, speech,” he says. “Ken Kerr (a retired FCC English professor) was a fantastic professor and taught me a lot. My speech class helped me with public speaking skills. I got to meet and connect with people all over the community.” Saltzman credits FCC with his early success. “I was made more comfortable entering the workforce when I left FCC,” he says. After graduation, Saltzman began working at a local branch of BB&T Bank and started making connections. After 10 years at BB&T, he went to Liberty Mutual’s Frederick branch. “When I left BB&T, I got
to blossom into who I am,” he says. At Liberty Mutual, he got out of the office and met people. He used his public speaking skills and made connections throughout Frederick County. “I’m an extrovert,” he says. “I got it from my mom. I know I have a gift, but you have to know how to talk to people,” he adds, emphasizing the “how.” Classes in speech and sociology helped with that.” After five years, he left Liberty Mutual to become business development manager/sales associate at Verita Commercial Real Estate in Frederick, located along Carroll Creek. Saltzman met VCRE’s owner, Tony Checchia, through his membership in Frederick High School’s Interact Club. “Tony was the Rotary liaison,” he says. Later, Checchia encouraged Saltzman, a former high school soccer standout, to join an adult soccer league, and their friendship grew.
“We’re a relationship-driven business,” he says. Through FCC, soccer, BB&T and Liberty Mutual, Saltzman formed relationships with people at local businesses, banks and law firms, which has helped him not only connect properties to the right clients but helped them get financing and the right legal assistance.
Hood College, pictured, along with Frederick Community College and Mount St. Mary’s University, partner with businesses.
“Tony literally changed the course of my life, and I just thought I was going to play soccer,” he says.
Saltzman is a 2014 graduate of Leadership Frederick County, the Frederick County Chamber of Commerce’s program to provide up-and-coming young professionals with experiential learning and graduatelevel leadership master classes. He’s the current president of the Rotary Club of Frederick.
Those relationships helped him build up his Rolodex. Work flourished, even throughout the pandemic, which brought about changes in commercial real estate. “We’ve seen people’s
businesses with 5,000 square feet of space go down to 2,500 square feet of space,” he says. “There’s a lot of right-sizing.” Some companies in the D.C. area are opening up spaces for employees in Frederick. Knowing who to contact, having that Rolodex of people, from the right general contractor to the right internet, knowing all of that helps.” From Youth Sports to Operations Director Korey Cobb, 34, first came to Frederick County 14 years ago to play basketball for FCC. In high school and college, like many young athletes, he wanted to become a pro basketball player. Although that didn’t happen, he was able to leverage his sports background to help him succeed in business.
Korey Cobb says the graduate training at Mount St. Mary’s University laid the groundwork for his career.
“Sports is a tool to develop character,” he says. His MBA from Mount St. Mary’s provided him the fundamental foundation for a management career. “It gave me a broad foundation and transferrable skills to adapt to just about any environment.” While in college, he discovered that professors and coaches were also role models. At the Mount, he developed additional relationships with classmates, many of whom worked in local businesses. Before coming to MMI, Cobb worked at the Boys and Girls Club of Frederick, First Data, National Institutes of Standards and Technology in Gaithersburg and State Farm Insurance. He began working at MMI soon after he earned his MBA in 2016. He also earned a project manager professional certification through Frostburg’s Hagerstown campus.
But all along, he coached youth basketball and football. He applied the relationship-building skills he developed with kids and their parents to his professional career. While at MMI, he supported chief operating officer Quinten Davis in streamlining the company’s dayto-day processes and developing up-and-coming business ventures. “We have developed a onestop shop for health,” he says. At MMI’s seven Frederick County locations, orthopedic care covers all ages and musculoskeletal physical ailments. “Our doctors have been involved with youth sports long before I got here, but I have utilized my contacts to develop those even more,” Cobb says. For example, an injured youth may not be able to wait two weeks for injury care when a sports season is often three months or less. “I’ve been able to build more of a bridge between services at MMI and the community,” he says. Cobb is vice president of the Frederick Athletic Association and the regional coordinator of TOP50
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Maryland Playmakers. He is also a single dad of a teenage son. “What I do is create bridges to get them to providers who can educate parents to know their options,” he says. Cobb also helped build protocols that helped MMI reach its patients in new ways. He was part of the team that set up the infrastructure for telemedicine, which proved to be vital during the pandemic. He credits his then-bosses, Dr. Mark Chilton, MMI’s president, and Davis, the COO, with giving him tools to succeed at MMI. “I wanted to get into a role in which I could grow, and I feel like I’ve done that,” he says. From College Student to Law Partner Carla Clarke, 35, came to Frederick from Lancaster, Pa., to attend Hood College. “I wasn’t really sure what I was going to do,” she says. She knew she wanted to attend Hood, however, from the moment she came to visit friends who were students.
“Hood is the only school I really wanted to go to,” she says. “It looked like what I felt a college should look like.” Coming from a small town, she didn’t want to attend a large university. Although she never had a formal tour of the campus, she felt comfortable selecting Hood. It delivered for her. She enjoyed history and eventually decided to major in history and minor in Spanish. She spent her junior year in Spain studying Spanish language and culture. That year was transformative for her as she truly learned how to speak Spanish and live in a different culture. Hood was also transformative, she says, in that the campus “created that safe space to help you figure out who you were and what you wanted to do.” Hood also helped enable her to find resources to cover the cost of her campus and study abroad experiences. “I question if that would have been possible at a bigger school,” she says. After graduation with a double major in history and Spanish in 2008, she worked as a legal assistant before starting law school in fall 2009. She also got married that year, and she and her husband settled in Frederick.
Hood graduate Carla Clarke is now a law partner.
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After law school, she clerked for a local judge before working in a law firm. In May 2019, she and Paul Flynn started Flynn & Clarke LLC in Downtown Frederick. There, she specializes in estate and family law litigation. She credits her liberal arts education with providing a solid foundation for a law career.
“A liberal arts background is the ideal education when you’re working with aggrieved parties,” she says. “A bit of general knowledge is always helpful in adapting to working with people with different opinions. An education at Hood offers you the ability to see different perspectives easier than if you didn’t have that experience.” It gave her the experience, as well, to juggle life as a career mom. She’s also thankful she worked a year as a legal assistant to learn about the law career before she decided on a specialty. “There are some lawyers who sit behind a desk and do transactions all day,” she says. “It helps to figure out what fits your personality type.” Career Readiness FCC works with local industry experts when developing and updating course curriculum and outcomes, according to Patricia Meyer, associate vice president for continuing education and
workforce development. The college offers 100 degree and certificate programs in flexible learning formats. Mount St. Mary’s Frederick campus offers working adults a path to bachelor’s and master’s degrees and non-degree training through programs designed to be convenient, flexible and affordable, according to Associate Provost Jen Staiger. Hood College connects its undergraduate and graduate students with local employers for internships and job possibilities. During the semester, Hood hosts Lunch Hour Recruitment sessions each Wednesday from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the Whitaker Atrium. Students can meet with representatives from local companies and organizations to learn about job and internship prospects. The college also hosts regular Lunch and Learns from many of these same employers.
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FREDERICK’S
Top 50 UNDER 40 FOR 2021
Frederick County, with its track record of being a great place to reside and make a living and a life, can only maintain that reputation by bringing on new generations of entrepreneurs. We are in good hands with the next generation in Frederick County. Contained on the following pages are the profiles of 50 amazing individuals under the age of 40 who have dared to make their dreams a reality.
» Leigh Adams
» Josh Funk
» Ryan Morse
» Mary Kate Battles
» Devin Gaither
» Karen Nicklas
» Jake Blackmon
» Radiance Harris
» Rebekah Ontiveros
» Robert Buckheit III
» Zachary Helmick
» Monica Pearce
» Laurel Caurvina
» Emma Jagoz
» Forrest Popkin
» Carla Clarke
» Jay Jeffrey
» Chris Rapp
» Seth Clarke
» Alexandra Kelly
» Natalie Rhoderick
» Chris Clemons
» Ashleigh Kiggans
» Justin Saltzman
» Korey Cobb
» Chris Kline Jr.
» Amber Seiss
» Olivier Côté
» Susan Kolb
» Danny Severn
» Aaron Crunkilton
» Adam Kreisher
» Amber Smith
» Kate Cusato
» Matthew Louden
» Sophie Smith
» Taylor Davis
» Amy Lyons
» Chris Sparks
» Meaghan Delawter
» Crystal Maguire
» Meghan Speiser
» Danielle Doll
» Christina May
» Roman Steichen
» Alyssa Eshleman
» David T. McGinley
» Alex Uphold
» Sean Moore
» Ashley Waters
AGE
JOB
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Leigh Adams Ausherman Family Foundation 7420 Hayward Road, Frederick www.aushermanfamilyfoundation.org
Leigh Adams oversees all aspects of the Ausherman Family Foundation's grantmaking, community benefit projects and network facilitation. She can often be found behind the scenes helping to create meaningful change and stimulating community discussions. She loves her work with the nonprofit and philanthropic community and is passionate about connecting people for the greater good. What has been your greatest professional accomplishment? During COVID, I worked alongside funders and nonprofit leaders to streamline funding, identify immediate pressing needs, secured and distributed essential items and helped to organize food distribution efforts across the county.
AGE 36 JOB EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
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Mary Kate Battles UnCorporate Headshot | 106 N. Market St., Suite A, Frederick | uncorporateheadshot.com
MK Battles began her career as a photographer in 2004 from her D.C. dorm room. Over the last 17 years she has built a business of long-time clients, many of them with her from the beginning. Throughout her career, service to others and the community has been at the core of what she does. Describe your volunteer experience. I am a volunteer photographer for Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep, which provides the gift of remembrance portraits to parents experiencing loss. I also volunteer as a photographer for local non-profit events and am a member of the Carroll Creek Rotary Club.
AGE 38
JOB OWNER, LEAD PHOTOGRAPHER
Jake Blackmon Smoketown Beer | 400 Sagner Ave., Suite 100, Frederick | www.smoketownbrewing.com
Jake Blackmon graduated from the University of Maryland with a BS in Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics when he decided to help run his family business Smoketown Brewing. As the Director of Operations for both breweries, he has helped grow the business from one location to two separate locations with beer that can be found across the state and in Virginia.
Robert Buckheit III ImQuest BioSciences, Inc. 7340 Executive Way, Suite R., Frederick | www.imquestbio.com
Since 2016 Robert (Bobby) Buckheit III has successfully expanded the ImQuest brand, more than doubling commercial revenue. He has a technical background in immunology and infectious disease, with a PhD from Johns Hopkins. In addition, he served as an adjunct professor at Mount Saint Mary's and has given guest lectures at Hood College and Lehigh University. What book would you recommend and why? IKE: An American Hero, by Michael Korda. It’s a remarkable story of an amazing leader.
AGE 34 JOB DIRECTOR, BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT AND IMMUNOLOGY SERVICES
Who is your greatest influence? I owe a lot of my approach and critical thinking to my dad. He taught me everything I know about how to approach business.
AGE 25
JOB DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS
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Laurel Caurvina
Carla Clarke Flynn & Clarke, LLC | 31 W. Patrick St., Suite 120, Frederick | www.flynnandclarke.com
Carla Clarke is a partner at the law firm of Flynn & Clarke, maintaining a general civil litigation practice. She is an active member of the Frederick community and serves as president of the Downtown Frederick Partnership, secretary of the Bar Association of Frederick County, and is a director of the Rotary Club of Carroll Creek where she also serves as chair of the International Committee.
Churchill Auto Care 299 Bucheimer Road, Suite 1, Frederick www.churchillautocare.com
Laurel Caurvina and her father purchased Churchill Auto Care in the fall of 2014. Quickly, Laurel recognized a severe trust issue in automotive services, and has been the driving force (pun intended) behind creating a transparent and reputable resource for automotive maintenance and repairs to serve the Frederick community. Describe your greatest accomplishment. In the first 3 years of owning the business, we tripled sales. Our favorite accomplishment is growing the business enough to move to a larger location and provide more jobs.
AGE 30 JOB EXECUTIVE MANAGER
Describe what you do for fun in Frederick County. There’s always a new place to explore in Frederick and I love finding new experiences so close to home. It runs the gambit from checking out a new brewery to taking my son for his first ride on the Walkersville Railroad, and everything in between.
AGE 35
JOB ATTORNEY
Seth Clarke Veteran Film Team, LLC | 6625 Jefferson Blvd., Frederick | www.veteranfilmteam.com
Seth Clarke is a native Fredericktonian. He worked for a local family business for 15 years before deciding to venture out on his own. While juggling a full time business and family, Seth made time to volunteer with the Golden Mile Alliance and still continues his service in the Maryland National Guard where he serves in the reserve component. What behavior or personality trait do you most attribute to your success and why? I'm a "what's next" kind of person. I'm never satisfied with where I am and am always striving for the next goal; I think that constant desire has made me successful.
AGE 35
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JOB OWNER
Chris Clemons
Olivier Côté
Woodsboro Bank | 8 E 2nd St, Suite 203, Frederick | www.woodsborobank.com
BioAssay Works 10075 Tyler Court, Suite 22, Ijamsville www.bioassayworks.com
Chris Clemons is a lifelong resident of Frederick County and 18-year veteran of the community banking industry. His banking career started as a part-time teller while attending UMBC and he is currently vice president and commercial banking manager at Woodsboro Bank. He has been teaching finance, economics and banking classes in both the MBA and MHA programs at Mount St. Mary’s since 2012. Describe your greatest accomplishment. I worked to build a PPP process from scratch. We were one of the first banks in Maryland to originate loans. We helped over 250 local businesses retain over 2,500 jobs during the worst of the pandemic.
AGE 39
JOB VICE PRESIDENT AND COMMERCIAL BANKING MANAGER
Dr. Olivier Côté’s work at the University of Guelph focused on anti-inflammatory proteins in the prevention and treatment of asthma-like diseases. His work contributed to the development of various immunodiagnostic and genetic tests to monitor lung and kidney disease predisposition. He now leads assay development and optimization services at BioAssay Works. Describe your greatest accomplishment. Designed, developed, and delivered rapid assays for identity testing of multiple COVID-19 vaccines in less than six months.
Korey Cobb Rehab 2 Perform | 1341 Hughes Ford Road, Suite 104, Frederick | www.rehab2perform.com
Korey Cobb has been a dynamic operations professional with 10-plus years of experience in healthcare, business, development, project management, coaching and youth mentoring. As director of operations for MMI, he led the implementation of a telemedicine infrastructure to maintain engagement between patients and MMI medical providers in response to 2020 pandemic restrictions. Korey is now the Chief Operating Officer for Rehab 2 Perform.
AGE 38 JOB VICE PRESIDENT, RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
What book would you recommend and why? Extreme Ownership: How U.S. Navy SEALs Lead and Win by Jocko Willink and Leif Babin. The principles used in the most intense and dynamic environment explained in this book will help leaders lead a team to success in the corporate world.
AGE 34
JOB CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER
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Aaron Crunkilton
Kate Cusato Minuteman Press - Frederick, | 917A W. 7th St., Frederick | www.frederick.minutemanpress.com
After working in leadership roles serving at-risk youth in the non-profit sector for over a decade, Kate Cusato returned to Frederick from Los Angeles to open a commercial printing business with her father. Through her business, she partners with commercial enterprises, non-profits and community leaders to help build a better Frederick.
Chick-fil-A Frederick 5501 Urbana Pike, Frederick www.chick-fil-a.com
Aaron Crunkilton started as a teenager cleaning tables and taking out trash at Chick-fil-A Westminster. Now he owns and operates Chick-fil-A of Frederick on Urbana Pike. He spends the majority of his time developing future leaders and those around him, paying it forward as a testament to the positive influence people have had on his life and career. What book would you recommend and why? The Secret, What Great Leaders Know and Do by Mark Miller and Ken Blanchard. This book is the foundation of servant leadership. It has helped me so much as a leader and has very simple ideas to teach others.
AGE 36 JOB OWNER, OPERATOR
Describe your civic leadership involvement. I serve on the board of directors for The Rotary Club of Frederick & the MD LGBT Chamber of Commerce. I am a member of the Frederick County Chamber’s Public Policy Committee & LFC Alumni Committee, and Women’s Giving Circle. I also support FHH through the Corporate Honor Roll.
AGE 37
JOB OWNER
Taylor Davis Morgan-Keller Construction | 70 Thomas Johnson Drive, Suite 200, Frederick | www.morgankeller.com
Taylor Davis joined Morgan-Keller in 2011 as a business development manager. Since that time, he has been promoted through several positions and now is general manager and vice president of general construction. He is also a minority owner of the firm. Taylor’s leadership style and knowledge of construction have made him an asset to Morgan-Keller, earning him the Spirit Award in 2013. What behavior or personality trait do you most attribute to your success and why? I probably would be considered an extrovert, so this has helped with my success. I enjoy communicating with our office and field team members, subcontractors and clients.
AGE 35
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JOB VICE PRESIDENT AND GENERAL MANAGER
Meaghan Delawter d|law | 129-1 W. Patrick St., Frederick | www.delawterlaw.com
Meaghan L. Delawter, Esq. is the founder and owner of d|law in Frederick. Her uniquely different vision to “chase the lion” motivated her to form d|law where she focuses on not just legal representation, but also revamping and transforming mindsets.
Describe your greatest accomplishment. Opening d|law in 2016 and being honored as a Super Lawyer Rising Star since 2019, a Top 5 Young Professional by the Frederick County Chamber of Commerce, Frederick Magazine’s People to Watch and The Frederick News Post's Best of the Best.
AGE 35 JOB OWNER AND ATTORNEY
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Danielle Doll Alyssa Eshleman Downtown Frederick Partnership 19 E Church St., Frederick www.downtownfrederick.org
Danielle Doll serves as associate director of Downtown Frederick Partnership and has extensive experience in nonprofits, specializing in development of strategic communications, advocacy, fundraising and engagement strategies, economic development, business development and relationship management. Her creative, outsidethe-box vision drives the strategies, leading to signature experiences the Partnership implements in Downtown Frederick. Describe your civic leadership involvement. I currently serve on the board of directors for the Rotary Club of Carroll Creek and am a LYNX Mentor and experience partner at Frederick High School.
AGE 37 JOB ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR
Maryland National Golf Club | 8836 Hollow Road, Middletown | www.marylandnational.com
Alyssa Eshleman is a local, through and through, raised in Urbana, attended Hood College for her undergraduate and graduate degrees, and now 10 years into employment at Maryland National Golf Club, where she supervises 50 employees. In her time at Maryland National, she has developed, personally; guided the business through tremendous growth; and now plays a key role in this local golf and hospitality industry. Describe your greatest accomplishment. My greatest accomplishments here at MNGC have involved my role in growing our banquet business. I successfully doubled banquet sales in my first three years in this sales position, leading to an investment in a clubhouse expansion.
AGE 30
JOB ASSISTANT GENERAL MANAGER
Josh Funk Rehab 2 Perform | 1341 Hughes Ford Road, Suite 104, Frederick | www.rehab2perform.com
Dr. Josh Funk is the CEO and founder of Rehab 2 Perform (R2P). R2P is now a 2x Inc. 5000 Honoree as well as recipient of Inc Best Workplaces, 2x Frederick County Chamber award winner, and #233 Most Entrepreneurial Company through Entrepreneur Magazine. Dr. Funk is also a Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Graduate. What behavior or personality trait do you most attribute to your success and why? Unwavering. I think it takes consistency to another level in which I am just able to continue to move forward through peaks and valleys of entrepreneurship.
AGE 35
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Devin Gaither Luna Aerial Dance & Performing Arts | 4750 Winchester Blvd, Suite 7, Frederick | www.lunaaerial.com
Devin Gaither is aerial program director at Luna Aerial Dance & Performing Arts, and a business analyst at Orases Custom Software. She has been the stage manager for the MET's production of A Christmas Carol for almost a decade. Devin's unique skillset in aerial fabrics, trapeze, and aerial hoop enable her to bring a unique experience to the residents of Frederick County. Describe your greatest accomplishment. Our partnership show with Frederick County Public Libraries at Sky Stage. The event was so well attended that it oversold by almost twice the venue size.
AGE 32
JOB AERIAL PROGRAM DIRECTOR AND BUSINESS ANALYST
Radiance Harris
Zachary Helmick Metlfab, Inc. 7340 Executive Way, Suite D, Frederick www.metlfab.com
Zach Helmick was born and raised in Frederick County. His family started Metlfab in 1977. Zach helped out when he was a kid, and in 2006 he became part owner. His grandfather has since passed, but his dad now runs the dayto-day operations. Zach’s main focus is managing the finishing department. Describe your civic leadership involvement. We're currently working with the school board to set up an apprentice program. Our main goal is to get kids back into trades.
Radiance IP Law | 5257 Buckeystown Pike #175, Frederick | www.radianceiplaw.com
Radiance W. Harris, Esq. is an awardwinning trademark attorney, bestselling author and speaker. As the founder and managing attorney of Radiance IP Law, she helps emerging businesses protect, monetize, and grow profitable brands with trademarks. She previously worked at the world’s largest law firm, and has been featured in Forbes and The New York Times.
AGE 30 JOB OWNER, FINISHING MANAGER
Describe your greatest accomplishment. My greatest professional accomplishment was starting and growing a thriving trademark law firm, helping small businesses protect their trademarks by providing educational content and done-for-you services.
AGE 37
JOB FOUNDER AND TRADEMARK ATTORNEY
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Emma Jagoz Moon Valley Farm | 9700 Gravel Hill Road, Woodsboro www.moonvalleyfarm.net
Emma Jagoz, a first generation farmer, founded Moon Valley Farm, a community-supported vegetable farm in 2012. Moon Valley Farm provides hundreds of Frederick, D.C. and Baltimore families and over 75 restaurants high quality produce all year ‘round. Emma is passionate about providing her community with meaningful employment and improving the soil surrounding our region's most important resource: the Chesapeake Bay.
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Describe your greatest accomplishment. When the pandemic hit, our staff was fully supported by restaurant sales. To avoid layoffs, I launched our CSA program early, combining our need for continued work with our communities' need for safe and healthy food.
AGE 35 JOB FARMER, OWNER
Jay Jeffrey LumberJAKKSS Millworks | 7221 Mountaindale Road, Frederick | www.lumberjakkss.com
Jay Jeffrey is a true entrepreneur. Through his 20s he ran a successful high school sports fundraising company and an event production company known for the Mud Dog Run and Beer Bacon Music Festival. During the pandemic, he pivoted by creating a millwork shop called Lumber JAKKSS Millworks. Describe your greatest accomplishment. Following my father’s passion for woodworking. I’ve found my true calling for creating/designing custom furniture for residential and commercial clients throughout the country.
AGE 38
JOB FOUNDER, OWNER
Alexandra Kelly RS Will Wealth Management | 154A N. Market St., Frederick | www.rswill.com
As a partner and certified financial planner at RS Will Wealth Management, Alexandra Kelly focuses on delivering best-in-class financial and investment planning to multigenerational families and business owners across the country. While helping grow RS Will Wealth Management and their 11 team members, she has continued to lead her community.
Ashleigh Kiggans MacRo, Ltd. | 5300 Westview Drive, Suite 302, Frederick www.macrocommercialrealestate.com
Ashleigh Kiggans started working in Frederick's commercial real estate market in 2015. As one of the youngest female agents in the area, she has been a dynamic force in the commercial market in Frederick. She also volunteers and serves on the board for several nonprofits including Federated Charities, Mental Health Association of Frederick, Community Foundation of Frederick, and Frederick County Association of Realtors. Who is your greatest influence? Rocky Mackintosh. He taught me how to be a great commercial agent and the importance of giving back to the Frederick community.
AGE 34 JOB VICE PRESIDENT
Who is your greatest influence? I am blessed to have several mentors: Mark Mayer, Karlys Kline, Kim Chaney, Bill Coffey and Paul McArthur have been instrumental in how I approach my work.
AGE 31
JOB PARTNER, WEALTH MANAGEMENT ADVISOR
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Chris Kline Jr. Susan Kolb Frederick Commercial Real Estate 3 N. Court St., Suite 200, Frederick www.frederick-commercial.com
Christopher Kline Jr. is a proud Frederickonian and the ninth generation of the Kline family to live in and start a business in Frederick County. After five years working as a commercial agent, Christopher Kline Jr. earned his broker license and established his own firm: Frederick Commercial Real Estate, located in Downtown Frederick. Describe your volunteer experience. I joined the U.S. Peace Corps and lived in the Carpathian Mountains of Romania for two years where I worked with high school youth. I am a community volunteer with East Frederick Rising, Downtown Frederick Partnership and Heartly House.
AGE 39 JOB PRESIDENT, BROKER OF RECORD
Hood College | 401 Rosemont Ave., Frederick | www.hood.edu
Dr. Susan Kolb is a multi-sport athlete and competed at the college and semiprofessional levels. She has a B.A. in elementary education, M.A. in instructional leadership, and Ph.D. in athletic administration. She has worked in coaching and athletic administration at the Division I and III levels. Describe your civic leadership involvement. I serve on the Patty Hurwitz Foundation planning committee, am a member of the Blue & Grey club at Hood College and have attended and co-led mission trips abroad as well as in the US.
AGE 34
JOB DIRECTOR OF ATHLETICS
Adam Kreisher M&T Bank | 26 N Court St., Frederick | www.mtb.com
Adam Kreisher is a local Business Banking Relationship Manager with M&T Bank. His passion for helping individuals and the community achieve their goals is evident as he works with business owners and community organizations across Frederick County on a daily basis. Describe your civic leadership involvement. I am the former chair of the Generation Connect Committee of the Frederick County Chamber of Commerce, and was recently appointed to the board of directors for United Way of Frederick County.
AGE 37
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JOB VICE PRESIDENT, BUSINESS BANKING
Matthew Louden Warner Construction | 1530 Tilco Drive, Suite A, Frederick | www.warner-construction.com
Matt Louden earned degrees from Virginia Tech (B.S., 2006) and The American University (MBA, 2011). He previously worked for one of the top general contractors in the U.S. and one of the nation’s largest homebuilders. Matt joined Warner Construction in 2018 as a project executive and was promoted to president in 2020. What do you do for fun in Frederick County? I love spending my time with my girls, Claire, Avery, and wife Jill; and playing golf at all the great courses around Frederick County.
AGE 38
JOB PRESIDENT
Amy Lyons Goodwill Industries of Monocacy Valley | 5112 Pegasus Court, Ste M, Frederick | www.gimv.org
Amy Lyons serves as the Director of Mission Services and Community Engagement at Goodwill Industries of Monocacy Valley. She rethinks mission services and helps people connect to tools and resources needed to move closer to family sustaining wages through meaningful employment. She is a member of
Crystal Maguire Winsupply Frederick MD, Co. 600 S. Market St., Frederick www.winsupplyinc.com
Crystal Maguire is a wife, mother, U.S. Army veteran, and president of Winsupply Frederick, a multi-milliondollar lighting and electrical supply company. Her unique company model boasts five employee-owners out of their small seven-person team, while consistently increasing revenue. Her commitment to her customers, her company, her industry, her community, and elevating other women is evident daily. What do you do for fun in Frederick County? Downtown is my choice—date nights with my hubby, dining with gal pals, taking the kids to Baker Park, ice cream at Sweeties and networking with other local business owners.
AGE 37 JOB PRESIDENT AND OWNER
the Rotary Club of Carroll Creek and the Women’s Business Network of Frederick. What has been your greatest professional accomplishment? Leading merger efforts for Goodwill Industries of Monocacy Valley in 2020 in order to stabilize the organization, and leading efforts to bring new employment tools and resources to Frederick and Carroll counties.
AGE 37
JOB DIRECTOR (MISSION SERVICES & COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT)
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Christina May David T. MCGinley Illumine8 | 25 E. 4th St., Frederick www.illumine8.com
CEO and Founder of Illumine8, a digital marketing company, Christina May is an entrepreneur, passionate about creating economic opportunities for others. A Frederick native, she is an alumnus of Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Business program, a DMN Top 40UNDER40 honoree, and is a recipient of the Mount St. Mary’s President’s Medal for leadership and service to the business community. Describe your volunteer experience. Past president of the Frederick Symphony Orchestra serving 10years. Our board turned the FSO cash-flow positive, oversaw a musicdirector search, and began a free music program with FCPL.
AGE 39 JOB CEO
Draper & McGinley, P.A. | 365 W. Patrick St., Frederick |www.drapermcginleypa.com
David McGinley is a service-focused CPA and CFP who finds joy in helping clients meet their financial goals and tax-compliance responsibilities. He engages directly with business leaders of various industries to learn how they serve the community. He gives back by lending his financial acumen to various community groups. Describe your volunteer experience. College of Liberal Arts Advisory Board member at Mount St. Mary’s University. My wife and I endowed a scholarship focused on the intersection of economic, political, and religious liberty.
AGE 32
JOB MANAGER
Sean Moore Moore Wealth | 50 Carroll Creek Way, Suite 335, Frederick | www.moorewealthinc.com
After earning his undergraduate degree in Finance from the University of Maryland, Sean Moore served six years in the U.S. Army as a Green Beret with 10th Special Forces Group. He has deployed around the globe, earning a number of awards and decorations. Sean is an Accredited Investment Fiduciary, and is working toward his Certified Financial Planner certification. What has been your greatest professional accomplishment? Catching a subtle case of elder financial abuse. While it is my duty to be on the lookout for this, I am proud of catching a subtle case, and arranging appropriate safeguards for the affected client.
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JOB ASSOCIATE FINANCIAL ADVISOR, DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS
Ryan Morse Crucible Performance 5330 Spectrum Drive, Suite A, Frederick www.crucibleperformance.us
Coach Ryan Morse has combined a lifetime in sports with a passionate desire to help people improve their lives beyond what they believe to be possible. Coaching the mind. Training the body. Unleashing the spirit. That is the heart and soul of the Crucible Culture that has ignited a fire within the community to Cherish the Challenge. What unique initiatives do you have to attract and keep top talent? Recognition by The Frederick News-Post as “Best of the Best for Best Gym” in 2017 and 2019 is a testament to our athletes and families that they appreciate and embody the Crucible Culture deeply enough to share it with others.
AGE 35 JOB OWNER
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Karen Nicklas
Rebekah Ontiveros The Hive Bakeshop | 318 Petersville Road, Brunswick | www.hivebakeshop.com
One of the most notable accomplishments Rebekah Ontiveros has received as owner of The Hive Bakeshop was her appearance on Sugar Rush Netflix with her sister, Sally Ontiveros, winning Best Cupcake and Best Confection, and receiving high praise from
The Great Frederick Fair, Inc. 797 E. Patrick St., Frederick www.thegreatfrederickfair.com
County native and dairy farmer’s daughter, Karen Crum Nicklas found her perfect dream job serving the Frederick community as General Manager of The Great Frederick Fair. She leads her great team with a smile as she promotes and celebrates local agriculture, creating opportunities for youth in the industry, all while working with amazing partners and volunteers. Describe an award you are most proud to have received. The Great Frederick Fair has been recognized internationally for many of our ag ed programs, Karen was a 2019 graduate of the International Association of Fairs & Expos Institute of Fair Management.
AGE 30 JOB GENERAL MANAGER
one of the world’s authorities on pastry, Adriano Zumbo. Rebekah has had her work featured in Martha Stewart Living and Better Homes & Gardens. In 2021 Rebekah competed on Food Network's Holiday Wars and again received credit for her impressive flavor combinations. What has been your greatest professional accomplishment? In 2018, the Hive Bakeshop sponsored and restored the Brunswick Community Garden where we encouraged our local community to practice farm to table habits.
AGE 34
JOB OWNER
Monica Pearce Tenth Ward Distilling Company | 55 E . Patrick St., Frederick | www.tenthwarddistilling.com
Monica Pearce started her career in the conservation biology field specializing in endangered species work and eventually transitioned to found Tenth Ward Distilling Company in 2016. Monica also now sits on the Frederick Tourism Council board and is vice president for the Maryland Distillers Guild Board. Her commitment to the community, her industry and supporting local agriculture, nonprofits and small businesses is showcased through her hard work, success and dedication. What has been your greatest professional accomplishment? Having grown my business through a grassroots approach by keeping it ingrained in the Frederick economy and community. We’ve renovated a historic building, expanded to two locations, created 16 jobs, lobbied to improve local laws and participated in countless nonprofit/service events.
AGE 36
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JOB FOUNDER AND BOSS LADY
Forrest Popkin ZA+D | 21 Byte Court, Suite I, Frederick | www.za-d.com
Forrest Popkin is a father, husband, architect, adjunct professor, Sunday school teacher, Federated Charities Board member and mentor. As senior project manager with ZA+D, Forrest directs and designs on several projects, while teaching as adjunct faculty with University of Maryland Eastern Shore and Frederick Community College. He is often found preaching why people should live and work in Frederick. What book would you recommend and why? So Good They Can’t Ignore You, by Cal Newport. This book challenges the narrative that people should “follow their passion,” and instead reframes how passion may actually follow honing one’s craft.
AGE 35
JOB SENIOR PROJECT MANAGER, ARCHITECT
Chris Rapp Triple Crown Construction | 1525 Tilco Drive Unit B-1, Frederick | www.triplecrownconstruction.com
Chris Rapp is a loving husband and proud father who has led Triple Crown Construction since 2013. He is a graduate of LFC and an entrepreneur. His genuine and passionate approach to business has launched multiple new endeavors. Chris enjoys giving guidance and assistance to other young professionals in business and is dedicated to helping his community thrive.
Natalie Rhoderick A2LA | 5202 Presidents Court, Suite 220, Frederick | www.a2la.org
Natalie Rhoderick's career has been filled with a passion for people and helping others. Whether it's in her current role as an HR manager, her personal volunteerism as the membership chair with Frederick County SHRM, or the volunteer program she launched at A2LA allowing employees to help organizations such as Community Living, Blessings In A Backpack or Frederick Rescue Mission, she has always found her way back to helping others. What behavior or personality trait do you most attribute to your success and why? Empathy; my ability to understand what others are going through has allowed me to develop relationships beyond surface level.
AGE 25 JOB HR MANAGER
What has been your greatest professional accomplishment? Learning to embrace the journey. There will be good days, tough years, and everything in between. Embrace it, have fun and find happiness. This discovery has provided me with an entirely new perspective on leadership.
AGE 39
JOB PRESIDENT
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Justin Saltzman VCRE.co | 50 Citizens Way, Suite 203, Frederick | www.veritarealestate.com
A native of Frederick, Justin Saltzman is a commercial realtor. He has given back countless hours to the community and volunteered with Frederick County Workforce Services, Frederick Health Hospice, and served on numerous committees with the Frederick County Chamber of Commerce, and in his current role as president of the Rotary Club of Frederick. 64
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What has been your greatest professional accomplishment? My greatest professional accomplishment is helping businesses create a footprint in Frederick County. Whether they are expanding, or just beginning, I love to hear their story and their reason for choosing Frederick as home for their business.
AGE 37 JOB BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT, SALES ASSOCIATE
Amber Seiss
Amber Smith
The Farmhouse Exchange, Gateway Candyland & Gateway Liquors | 14802 N. Franklinville Road Thurmont | www.farmhouseexchange.net, www.gatewaycandy.com
Frederick Lifestyle Magazine 200 E. Patrick St., Frederick www.CityLifestyle.com/Frederick
Amber Seiss is the owner of Gateway Candyland, Gateway Liquors, The Farmhouse Exchange and most recently Winterbrook Farms and The Mathwig Event Barn. She is continuously looking for ways to expand her network of businesses while making sure they interconnect. It is essential for her to include her personal passions into her professional life, and these businesses do just that for her. What do you do for fun in Frederick County? Frederick County offers some of the greatest outdoor scenes. I enjoy living in northern Frederick County where I can take my children fishing to enjoy the beautiful outdoors.
AGE 33
JOB SMALL BUSINESS OWNER
Danny Severn St. John Properties, Inc. | 5104 Pegasus Court, Ste A, Frederick | www.sjpi.com
Danny Severn was born and raised in Frederick County, to a family of community leaders and local public servants. He is a current board member for Hope in South Africa, Frederick County Chamber of Commerce, Mental Health Association and former board member for The Rotary Club of Frederick. Danny serves the Frederick community in both his business dealings and in his personal life.
Amber Smith is the owner and publisher of Frederick Lifestyle Magazine. She brings her passion, enthusiasm and love for Frederick County to this role and uses this platform to shine a light on others, unite the community and move Frederick forward. Magazines are mailed monthly to homes and businesses and are filled with heartfelt stories, lifestyle inspiration and topnotch businesses. What do you do for fun in Frederick County? I love to explore new things in Frederick County since there is so much to do here. A few recent adventures include climbing at Tree Trekkers, working out at Club Pilates, date night at Warehouse Cinemas and happy hour at Hootch & Banter.
AGE 33 JOB OWNER AND PUBLISHER
What has been your greatest professional accomplishment? Developing relationships and transactions that located over 100 new businesses to St. John Properties’ within the local communities.
AGE 34
JOB ASSISTANT VICE PRESIDENT
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Sophie Smith
Chris Sparks
Platinum PR | 50 Citizens Way, Suite 403-1B, Frederick www.platinumpr.com
Surelocked In Escape Games | 5 N. Market St., Frederick | www.surelockedin.com
Chris Sparks, the “Game Overlord,” started the new age of entertainment in Frederick. A graduate of Carnegie Mellon University, Chris served as a Catholic youth minister before opening Surelocked In Escape Games. His award-winning games have delighted tens of thousands of players nationwide, helped redefine academic curriculums, brought tourism to town and supported a myriad of charitable causes.
Sophie Smith is a community-development specialist dedicated to helping smalltown economies reach their fullest potential and currently serves as the director of operations at Platinum PR. Previously the Main Street Manager in Brunswick, Sophie has a strong background in project management, strategy, and communications. She is a Hood College legacy graduate. She has lived in four different countries and speaks two languages. Who was the biggest Influence in your life? I am fortunate to have strong female role models in my life: Sandy Dubay, Platinum PR; Julie Martorana, Brunswick Main Street, and my mother and sister. These women continually teach me compassion, empathy, fairness, honesty and respect.
AGE 26 JOB DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS
What has been your greatest professional accomplishment? One Vast Adventure (city-wide escape room 2019), an immersive event that put 440 players on an epic quest to save Frederick. Unlike anything in any other cities, One Vast Adventure not only entertained, but educated, allowing players to learn history by living it.
AGE 30
JOB OWNER
Meghan Speiser Frederick Health Hospital | 400 W. 7th St., Frederick | www.frederickhealth.org
Meghan Speiser started at Frederick Health Hospital as a graduate nurse in labor and delivery. She has progressed through several roles to her current position as the clinical specialist in labor and delivery, where she clinically supervises 60 individuals. Meghan has helped countless women celebrate the birth of a child while also being able to help others grieve a loss, continuing the Perinatal Loss Remembrance day for those families every October. Who was the biggest Influence in your life? The person who has influenced me the most in how I approach work is my high school track coach, John Grim. He taught me leadership skills—teamwork, determination, trust—that have helped me grow throughout my life and career.
AGE 37
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JOB CLINICAL SPECIALIST, LABOR AND DELIVERY
Roman Steichen
Ashley Waters
Transit Services of Frederick County | 1040 Rocky Springs Road, Frederick www.frederickcountymd.gov/transit
Woman to Woman Mentoring Frederick www.womantowomanmentoring.org
Roman Steichen began his career in public transportation while a student at the University of Maryland. He was accepted to Shuttle-UM’s student CDL driver program, where he quickly rose through the ranks. He moved to Johns Hopkins University as their transportation manager in 2012, joined Transit Services of Frederick County as deputy director in 2018, and in February 2020 was appointed director. What has been your greatest professional accomplishment? Ensuring safe and consistent delivery of public transit service throughout the pandemic, including assisting the Senior Center’s Meals on Wheels program, and coordinating with the Frederick County Health Department on a mobile vaccination clinic for communities with limited access.
AGE 36
JOB DIRECTOR
Alex Uphold Alex Uphold State Farm | 31 Water St, Ste A, Thurmont | www.alexuphold.com
Alex Uphold is a State Farm Insurance Agent in Thurmont, and has owned her business for six years. Her passion is paying it forward and living by the mantra, “we rise by lifting others.” Alex is a former board member with Woman to Woman Mentor-ing and Platoon 22. She believes in linking arms with other small businesses, leaving a trail of positivity and sparkle wherever she goes.
Dr. Ashley Waters is an organizer, maximizer, creator and evaluator committed to continuous learning and deepening community impact. With degrees in Public Administration and Nonprofit Management, Ashley enjoys helping organizations create and sustain momentum. She currently serves as the executive director of Woman to Woman Mentoring and teaches at Frederick Community College. Describe your volunteer experience. Rotary Club of Carroll Creek, president-elect; Frederick's Oktoberfest chairwoman; Woman to Woman Mentoring board chair, fundraising chair; Clutch the Future chair; Power of Change founder; Habitat for Humanity Fred Co Blue Crabs and Blue Prints Committee; Make-A-Wish Wish Granter.
AGE 33 JOB EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
What do you do for fun in Frederick County? Spinning at LifeCYCLE Frederick and lifting weights with Sam at Soldierfit Frederick.
AGE 36
JOB STATE FARM AGENT
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Turner’s Boxing Club
Work Hard,
Play Hard
Frederick County Abounds in Downtime Offerings
By Gina Gallucci-White Photos by Turner Photography Studio
O
ne of the best ways to recruit and retain top young talent to an area is to offer a variety of activities for them to take on in their downtime. Frederick is well positioned with numerous entertainment options designed to stimulate the mind, body or both.
“All of the things that make Frederick County a great place to visit, make it a great place to live,” says Becky Bickerton, Visit Frederick’s assistant director. She cites the vibrant Downtown Frederick scene with locally owned stores and diverse restaurants as a big attraction for young people. Many of these businesses are owned by young entrepreneurs. “When young people move to Frederick, they see their faces in the owners of the places that they are visiting,” Bickerton says. Downtown Frederick also offers numerous live events including happy hour concerts Alive @ 5 on
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Thursdays and a summer concert series at the Baker Park bandshell on Sunday evenings. The young workforce enjoys pairing a thriving urban area with beautiful local, state and national parks in close proximity, according to Bickerton. Folks can take a leisurely walk along Carroll Creek Linear Park to see historic architecture as well as public art displays. Baker Park offers a great spot to take the dog for exercise. Bikers and runners enjoy traversing the path at the C&O Canal National Historical Park. Those looking for a dip in nature’s lakes can head to Cunningham Falls State Park and students of history will enjoy ventures to
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Bikers enjoy traversing the path at the C&o Canal national historiCal park and visiting Cunningham Falls state park.
Frederick County and the City of Frederick are filled with activities to pursue during your leisure time, whether it’s riding a bike in the beautiful countryside, attending events such as Festival of the Arts or encountering street musicians on a walk around the city.
Civil War sites like Monocacy National Battlefield and South Mountain State Battlefield Park. The county is also home to many wineries, breweries and distilleries that offer locally made libations. Many of these sites feature area food trucks, so folks can sample a bevy of cuisine choices. Frederick is one of the largest cities in the state but still provides folks with a small-town feel, according to Bickerton. “I think people are drawn to Frederick because of that and I think that sets us apart from other communities that are close by.”
Rich Daughtridge, Warehouse Cinemas president and CEO, notes the county is “big enough that there is a lot of stuff to do yet small enough that it still feels personable.” While they offer first run and classic movies, Daughtridge says staff members aim to provide guests with an unforgettable experience including heated recliners, a full bar with a beer wall offering 28 self-serve taps and a kitchen serving an elevated menu including gourmet grilled cheese, flatbread and nachos. Creating specialized drinks inspired by the movies they are showing is also a part of the affair. During Halloween, they created a drink
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called Serial Killer which was a rose slushee with icing and Fruity Pebbles around the rim. “The way that we describe it is it is more than a movie,” he says. “...The movie is the main attraction but there are so many other things to do when you are there to hang out, to have fun that it truly is making memories the whole time you are there.” Warehouse offers four different price points throughout the day as well as Tuesdays featuring $7 tickets for any movie, showtime and auditorium. They offer Film League, a group dedicated to discussing cinema and meeting once a month for a one time showing of a classic or independent film. Typically, a questionand-answer session will follow after featuring a
host and sometimes people involved in the film. Other gatherings designed to attract a younger crowd include monthly brunch events featuring a retro classic movie like The Princess Bride, Beetlejuice and a 20th anniversary showing of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. Frederick offers many other entertainment venues including the Weinberg Center for the Arts and the Delaplaine Arts Center. One unique place to catch a wide variety of events is the open-air theater Sky Stage. After a large fire heavily damaged the pre-Revolutionary War building, the space was reimagined by artist Heather Theresa Clark as a large scale two-story tall public art work featuring drought resistant plants meandering through lattice work. Offering free to low-cost events from May to October, the venue hosts new talent to established artists known throughout the region or nationally recognized.
Warehouse Cinemas on the Golden Mile is more than a place to see movies, both first run and the classics. They also offer a full bar and a menu of gourmet grilled cheese, flatbreads and nachos.
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One night will feature a comedy show while another offers swing dance. Children’s story times, yoga classes, an artist’s market, staged readings with area theatre groups, open mics and salsa nights are also regularly found on their schedule. “There is just a little bit of everything,” says Maura Kenny Parrott, Sky Stage’s program coordinator. “We try to activate the space as much as possible during
The Weinberg Center for the Arts on West Patrick Street is a perennial favorite for those wanting to be entertained. From concerts to the annual Speakers Series, to dance recitals and movies, Weinberg events are on many personal calendars.
our season. You can find just about anything you want.” Since opening in 2016, the venue had a record year in 2021 booking 140 events during their sixmonth season. Kenny Parrott notes many people felt more comfortable being in the open-air venue due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The venue, which has won a number of sustainability awards, was initially designed to be a temporary 18-month project. “The community is really behind it and people really like it,” she says. For those who love sports, the county is home to the Frederick Keys, a Major League Baseball
Draft League team showcasing top collegial talent over the summer months. Instead of watching games, people may want to avail themselves of the county’s numerous sports leagues for adults including soccer, flag football, lacrosse and sand volleyball. Turner’s Boxing Club in Frederick is a great spot to work on individual fitness goals while stepping into the ring. Jump Climb Extreme offers participants who are fans of the television show American Ninja Warrior the opportunity to traverse and complete balance, strength and agility obstacles. Stumpy’s Hatchet House will give you an axe-ilerating
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experience repeatedly throwing the chopping tool into targets. The Boulder Yard is an indoor boulder-style rock climbing gym that also features classes in martial arts, yoga and group fitness. For those who enjoy a healthy competitive spirit but prefer to sweat as little as possible, Spinners Pinball Arcade offers a bevy of classic and new video games and pinball machines for unlimited contests for one price. Over the past few years, multiple escape room experiences have blossomed throughout the county and provided a great spot for young people to gather with friends and fam-
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“As this next generAtion puts their mArk on Frederick, these endeAvors Are going to keep coming to the ForeFront, so stAy tuned.” —Chris Sparks SureLocked In Escape Games
Baker Park is a popular gathering place, especially for its summer concert series. Sky Stage brings plays outdoors as well as providing a venue for bands, poetry readings and pop-up shopping. Many under 40 enjoy the campanionship of a pet.
ily to work together to solve puzzles. “In a world filled with complexities, escape rooms give us a chance to escape from the stresses of life and have fun,” says Chris Sparks, SureLocked In Escape Games owner. “People don’t come to the escape rooms to solve the puzzles. They come to the escape rooms to escape from the world and do so with the people they love the most. That is where the magic is.” All SureLocked In’s rooms are based off iconic stories including themes such as pirates, King Arthur’s Court and dinosaurs. The Witching Hour, focusing on ghost stories, is their most popular room with the young adult
crowd. The Frederick-based business has also seen booming business offering scavenger hunts with many giving them as gifts. “In a world where you can offer an experience and a memory that is something people will especially cherish,” he says. Sparks believes Frederick City and the county are set to start a new chapter. Escape rooms are the first of many new and creative types of businesses that may be drawn here. “As this next generation puts their mark on Frederick, these endeavors are going to keep coming to the forefront, so stay tuned,” he says. “Escape rooms are the first of many things to come.”
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AT A GLANCE
The Frederick County Office of Economic Development The office is guided by the following set of Strategic Priorities:
» Retain and support the expansion of existing businesses.
» Attract new businesses in key industries: Bioscience, Tech, Manufacturing, Craft Beverages and Agriculture.
» Create an environment where entrepreneurs and small businesses can grow.
» Diversify and advocate for the County’s agriculture industry.
» Identify, support and promote high impact projects. Left to Right: Beth Woodring, Amanda Lee, Katie Stevens, Jodie Bollinger, Helen Propheter, Troy Bolyard, Sharon Hipkins, Cindy Harris, Solash Aviles-Montanez, Britt Swartzlander, and Shana Knight.
The Frederick County Office of Economic Development (OED) is a catalyst for economic growth in Frederick County. OED is a department within the County Executive Branch of Government and serves to increase the overall economic health of the county.
Located at ROOT, a one-stop business and technology innovation center in the heart of Downtown Frederick, OED has the resources to get businesses connected. OED can provide businesses with tools such as site selection assistance, redevelopment services, incentives and demographics. OED remains committed to the future, providing support, resources and assistance needed to navigate this economy. We continue to work more closely than ever with the business community and assist companies looking to locate and expand in Frederick County. Through it all, we are #StillFrederickCo.
118 N. Market St., Suite 300 | Frederick, MD | 21701 | 301.600.1058 | info@discoverfrederickmd.com | www.discoverfrederickmd.com
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