Macon Magazine's “Five Under 40” recognizes a group of Macon’s up-and-coming young professionals. Not only are they successful professionally, but they all give back to the community, each one making it a better place to live for all of us. These are the movers and shakers whose vision will continue to take Macon into the next decade and beyond. They are, we believe, the people to watch over the next few years.
Jason Delves, 38
Occupation:
President, BLC Hardwood Flooring; President, Wood Fiber Technologies
Length of time in Macon:
I grew up in Marietta; I’ve been in Macon nine years.
Professional goals for the next five years:
To continue to grow our business through diversification. We have had to reinvent ourselves in this economic environment. We’ve evolved from selling 100 percent of our product through national distributors to a three-tiered approach of distributors, private label products for retailers and our own retail facility. This is what has allowed us to survive and grow. We also are working to expand our international presence. I strongly feel that China quickly will pass the United States in consumption. As manufacturers, we all must be ready to provide the U.S. market with products that were previously being made in China. We also will have an opportunity to produce products for China.
Personal goals for the next five years:
I have a wonderful wife and two boys that account for most of my personal goals. My goal for my wife and me is to continue to provide the resources and assistance for our boys to learn how to succeed in all they do. We want them to use this knowledge in school, sports, relationships and, eventually business. Personally, in the next five years, I want to complete at least half of my goal of running a marathon in all 50 states. I have 11 states covered so far. I also want to complete both a 50- and 100-mile ultra marathon.
You have been selected as one of Macon Magazine’s “Five Under 40” because you are successful professionally and you have also shown a commitment to this community to move Macon forward in positive, important ways. Tell us about that commitment and your activities in the community.
I have been on the board of the Children’s Hospital since 2007. I have just been named the chairman of the business and corporate committee of that board. I feel that this is one of our most outstanding assets in Middle Georgia and extremely rewarding for all that get involved. I also am a board member of the Greater Macon Chamber of Commerce. I was put on this board at the beginning of 2010. The chamber is one of the keys to the growth of Macon through new business development and current business retention. Too often, communities focus only on trying to get new businesses and forget about the needs of the ones already in place.
What are you most optimistic about that is happening in Macon right now?
I really like what NewTown Macon and Mayor Reichert are trying to do for downtown. I feel that we have a great opportunity to try to do what cities like Chattanooga, Tenn., and Greenville, S.C., have accomplished. They have taken their downtown areas and turned them into places of interest for their community as well as for visitors.
What would you like to see happen that isn’t happening?
I think we need to do more to take advantage of our city having a river. The river walk is a great start, but it is very small. I think an openair amphitheater on the banks of the river would be a great place to expand activities like First Friday. Amerson Water Works Park is also a good start but very limited. We need to couple this effort with the addition of more trails and parks.
Charise Stephens, 38
Occupation:
Executive director, Middle Georgia Clean Cities Coalition and Middle Georgia Clean Air Coalition; Coowner of C3 ECO (Environmental Control Opportunities)
Length of time in Macon:
Homegrown Southern Belle! I have lived in Macon all my life – grew up in east Macon, raised primarily by my loving grandmother Liza Stephens and now live in downtown Macon. I travel a lot, but Macon is my home.
Professional goals for the next five years:
I would like to become the “go-to” person for “green initiatives” and establish an educational center that will be the hub for job creation and marketing. I also want to continue my mentoring with the young adults in our community to help them prepare for “green-collar” jobs.
Personal goals for the next five years:
I’d like to send my daughter off to college and watch my son graduate from college. Can you say “empty nester?”
You have been selected as one of Macon Magazine’s “Five Under 40” because you are successful professionally and you have also shown a commitment to this community to move Macon forward in positive, important ways. Tell us about that commitment and your activities in the community.
Currently, I am on the board for First Choice Primary Care. I am so excited about this, because so many people in our community don’t have access to health care and FQHC gives more citizens the options to access this quality care. I also work with Mentor Plus to help children with incarcerated parents have quality mentoring relationships. And finally, I volunteer, teaching reading to senior citizens.
What are you most optimistic about that is happening in Macon right now?
Being a longtime Macon resident, I am very optimistic to see people realizing it takes a village to raise a child. I see people coming out of their shells and embracing people that are not like them. We are competing not just locally, or nationally, but globally; the communities that figure out how to get along will survive.
What would you like to see happen that isn’t happening?
New green construction, marketing to green companies and green training, so the citizens of Macon and Middle Georgia will have green in their wallets.
Brian Adams, 31
Length of time in Macon:
I was born and raised in Macon, graduated from UGA and lived in Colorado for a winter before moving back to Macon to attend law school.
Occupation:
Founding partner of the law firm Adams, Childers & McCain and co-owner of Ocmulgee Expeditions (a canoe, kayak and tube rental service for the Ocmulgee River)
Professional goals for the next five years:
To grow my law practice and continue my work promoting the Ocmulgee River.
Personal goals for the next five years:
To continue building positive, lasting relationships with people from all walks of life. At some point I’d like to get married and have children, but I’m enjoying where I am right now.
You have been selected as one of Macon Magazine’s “Five Under 40” because you are successful professionally and you have also shown a commitment to this community to move Macon forward in positive, important ways. Tell us about that commitment and your activities in the community.
While Ocmulgee Expeditions is a for-profit business, I feel like it is more of a service to the community. We provide this service because it gives us the opportunity to expose the Ocmulgee River in the most positive light. The look on people’s faces when they get off the river makes all the hard work worthwhile. I also serve on the board for the Friends of the Trail, an advocacy group for the Ocmulgee Heritage Trail (the River Walk and Amerson Water Works Park). The mission for this group is very consistent with what we do at Ocmulgee Expeditions. I also serve on the board for the Macon Symphony Orchestra. I’m no expert when it comes to classical music, but I have discovered what a valuable asset the symphony is for this community. I’ve also been asked to serve on the board for Bragg Jam, which has grown to be one of the most exciting events of the year in Macon. What started as a small musical get-together has turned into a community-wide event supporting arts, music and kids. Bragg Jam brings together a diverse group of people with a common interest and ultimately raises a significant amount of money for worthy causes. I’m also heavily involved with a push to expand the Ocmulgee National Monument/Indian Mounds to a much larger park. This group, called the Ocmulgee River Conservation Association, recognizes that there isn’t a national park in Georgia, and we believe there should be. The National Parks Conservation Association has been working with us to promote this effort. The park would connect the current monument to other significant areas such as Bond Swamp, Brown’s Mount and many other archaeologically important sites.
What are you most optimistic about that is happening in Macon right now?
Bragg Jam is certainly right up there at the top of my list. This event continues to grow and puts Macon “on the map.” I’m also excited about the growth in downtown Macon. While it’s slower than many would prefer, I feel like we’re making gradual progress. If we can get to that tipping point, then I think people will be amazed with the fulfilled potential. The growth of the Ocmulgee Heritage Trail also is very exciting. If it can reach into north Macon, I think it will be a great “connector."
What would you like to see happen that isn’t happening?
I would like to see more people living downtown. I think that is a key to downtown’s success. More stores would move in, and we’d have fewer vacant buildings. I’d also like to see more support for the public school system; this is another fundamental element to a successful community. And maybe most importantly, I’d love for people to be proud of their city. I hear so many people complain but not take action.
Jessica Walden, 32
Occupation:
Director of Communications, College Hill Alliance
Length of time in Macon:
I am a lifelong resident of Macon. I went to Georgia State University in Atlanta, and returned after graduation, kicking and screaming, before I re-discovered Macon and completely fell in love with my hometown.
Professional goals for the next five years:
I’m in a unique situation in that my job with the College Hill Alliance is funded by a three-year grant from the Knight Foundation and designed to sunset when the grant ends. We are approaching the end of our first year in office, so, in two years, I’ll be looking for another job. I haven’t had much time to think about life after College Hill, but the field of journalism, from public relations to writing and broadcast, will always have my interest. Becoming a better writer has been a professional goal for as long as I can remember.
Personal goals for the next five years:
The best part of my profession is it aligns with my personal goals. My job and community involvement have a second generation in mind. I’m getting paid to help create the community where I want to raise a family. I’m also lucky to have someone in my life who shares that same dream, and we’re committed to downtown and the College Hill Corridor. We love the hip and historic nature of the neighborhoods and also want to walk our kids to school, take bike rides to our favorite restaurants, have zero commute and live an affordable, high-quality lifestyle full of culture, beautiful parks, vibrant events and many other amenities city life provides. Now the other side of me, the country mouse, is a huge animal lover. I already have five dogs (all adopted) and a horse. So, in the next five years, I’d like access to a place in the country where we can add a few goats, pigs and other forms of livestock to our menagerie.
You have been selected as one of Macon Magazine’s “Five Under 40” because you are successful professionally and you have also shown a commitment to this community to move Macon forward in positive, important ways. Tell us about that commitment and your activities in the community.
If you want something done, you ask a busy person. And I guess I’ve earned a reputation as a very busy person. My commitment to this community is part honoring a music legacy, part passion for the town I live in, part necessity. I was a shy, fresh-out-of-school college graduate when I returned to Macon. I started out on one volunteer board and before I knew it, I was serving on several. But being a doer and not just a talker has opened doors. I currently serve on the Bragg Jam Festival board of directors, am a mentor for the Mentors Project, have previously served on the MAGA Film Festival board and the Big O Foundation’s “Evening of Respect” and the Tubman Museum’s “All that Jazz” committees. Arts and culture, diversity and animalwelfare remain causes that fuel my passion.
What are you most optimistic about that is happening in Macon right now?
I’m obviously excited about the momentum in the College Hill Corridor. The Knight Neighborhood Challenge grants are allowing volunteerism at its best, where everyone has a chance to make a difference in the corridor. And what’s even more exciting is the College Hill Corridor is a demonstration project. It’s been successful because of its grassroots nature. Imagine how Macon could be transformed if we take this approach beyond our two square miles. It also thrills me to experience a vibe at events like the Second Sunday Brunch concerts. I am excited to see more people downtown these days, especially First Fridays. Now if we can see it all happening every day of the week.
What would you like to see happen that isn't happening?
Our museum district is in the fight of its life, and I’ve yet to witness enough local support. We seem to have a history of talking about how things can be done differently without doing anything different. And it seems we miss a lot of opportunities by not putting the talk into action. In other words, as Elvis sang, we need “a little less conversation, a little more action, please.”
Shae Hinson, 29
Occupation:
CEO, National Reimbursement Group, a medical billing company based in Macon. Director of Façade Squad (a volunteer organization dedicated to improving
downtown), director of Every Tribe (a ministry of businessmen and women who facilitate the ministry of overseas ministers), leader of Ingleside Neighborhood Association.
Length of time in Macon:
Born in Macon in 1981, educated at McKibben Lane Elementary School, then First Presbyterian Day School. Went to college at Samford University in Birmingham, then did some traveling during college around Europe, studied abroad in Australia for six months, worked in the Bahamas for a summer, and saw much of the United States for those four years. Then headed to Peru for the next two years where I lived in a village in the Andes, moved back to Macon, married and began working.
Professional goals for the next five years:
My professional goal is to make a real difference in the lives of people who cross my path. I will do this by: 1. Growing the business I run through software development leading to rapid growth. 2. Focusing on Macon through Façade Squad, the Ingleside Neighborhood Association and growing with my new and old friends. 3. Focusing on the work beyond our sight through Every Tribe and by going to see the people in lands far away that I can help and who can teach me. 4. Raising my kids to be different and hopefully show me new ways to reach more people as they grow.
Personal goals for the next five years:
I guess these are more of a “passion” for me. Having two sets of passions, one for my personal life and one for my professional life would be impossible in my mind. It is all tied together in my life. A few little goals for me that are all included in the above “passions” are: 1. Do three triathlons each year (haven’t done so well this year). 2. Go to as many countries as my age allows (also failing at this one so far). 3. Go to every continent (Africa and Antarctica remaining). 4. Climb, with Katie, to the top of the mountain behind where I lived in Peru. I planned to propose up there, but we happened to be in the USA and couldn’t wait any longer…
You have been selected as one of Macon Magazine’s “Five Under 40” because you are successful professionally and you have also shown a commitment to this community to move Macon forward in positive, important ways. Tell us about that commitment and your activities in the community.
The commitment is to the people who live here. It is easy to exist, go to work make a good salary, have kids, retire early, move to the beach and collect shells … but for what? What good is it if at the end of your life you have a nice car, thousands of golf scorecards and a really nice shell collection? You don’t take it with you, your kids will throw it all away, and what you thought was so important ends up being truly worthless. What I hope happens in my life is that thousands of people show up at my funeral and talk about how I really made a difference. No shells for me.
What are you most optimistic about that is happening in Macon right now?
I’m optimistic that people are looking at downtown as a new frontier rather than an old carcass. I’m pumped about the College Hill area and all that is going on there. The energy, leadership, funding and focus on one area are really working, in my opinion.
What would you like to see happen that isn’t happening?
I would like to quit hearing excuses. It seems like a lot of work is done in city government, county government, non-profits, public and private schools and even within neighborhoods to be sure that “if” (but really “when”) something fails that there is a good reason for it. When failure is not an option, it doesn’t happen very often. When it is a possibility, it always happens.
