20 under 40 … Young entrepreneurs share love of technology

Twin Falls now has an official resident whiz kid — times two.

Dallas Gray and Nate Bondalid sharpened their computer skills at Kimberly High School and were running their own business when they were barely of legal age.

By Denise Turner
Times-News writer

http://www.magicvalley.com/news/business/index.asp?StoryID=5615

Gray is now 23. Bondalid just turned 21. Tek-Hut, their computer sales and service business, turned a profit in early 2002, after only three months. Last year, the duo tallied just under $500,000, doubling figures from the year before.

Attempting to explain their entrepreneurial success, Bondalid simply says, "People really like us because we get the job done."

What’s not to like?

At work, Gray and Bondalid wear the uniform of the single young computer genius: Jeans, jeans and jeans. Their offices are decorated in empty Pepsi bottles. Posters on the walls convey motivational sentiments like "All who have accomplished great things have had a great aim, have fixed their gaze on a goal which was high, one which sometimes seemed impossible."

Bondalid said he and Gray named the company Tek-Hut because they are "techies" and because a parent company with companies underneath is sort of like a hut.
photo
JEREMY STOA/The Times-News
Dallas Gray, foreground, and Nate Bondalid are bona fide whiz kids who were running their own computer sales and service business, TekHut, when they were barely of legal age.

Then he added, "And we really like Pizza Hut pizzas."

Early on, Bondalid embarked on a legendary path blazed by teenage whiz kids before him: In high school, he got into some technological hot water.

"In my freshman year, I took over a network and gave myself administrator privileges," Bondalid recalled. "I got kicked off the school computer system for two years."

So he went to the College of Southern Idaho and enrolled in night computer classes.

These days, Tek-Hut has contracts with most of the school districts in the area. But the owners are still grateful for their first client, Care Billing Service — Genny Crandall and Gail Peterson, who also built a successful business in a two-year span.

Gray and Bondalid didn’t borrow money for start-up costs. Instead, they used their own credit cards. Today, they say, they have virtually no debt.

Their payroll is $7,000 a month. They employ one tech and subcontract some of their Web design and E-commerce. Their office manager, Erin Walker, is Gray’s fiancee.

Every dime of profit goes into real estate.

Gray and Bondalid have purchased several commercial properties, including their own office building at 460 South Main. They live on opposite sides of a duplex, which they also own. Recently, they turned over their rental properties to a management company.

"Dallas and Nate are organized and conscientious," said Zane Lindley, their accountant. "They know their business inside and out."

Everyone who nominated them for "20 Under 40" talked about how young they are.

"Dallas has traveled all over the United States as a trainer for Cisco Networking," said his customer (and future mother-in-law) Conni Walker. "They sent him out to lead seminars when he was too young to rent a car."

The guys are mostly self-taught, thanks in part to Nate’s parents, Gary and Gaylene Bondalid.

"We didn’t want him to have Nintendo, so we got him a computer," Gaylene Bondalid said of her son’s earlier years. "We thought it would be more educational."

Along the way, Gray joined Business Professionals of America and Civil Air Patrol. Bondalid earned his Eagle Scout badge.

Now they just want to hire a couple more techs, move to a few more cities and play a little golf. They aren’t multimillionaires yet, they say, but don’t count them out.

Come to think of it, isn’t Bill Gates an Eagle Scout?

***************

20 under 40 profiles

http://www.magicvalley.com/news/business/index.asp?StoryID=5616

Shawn Bingham

Age: 36

Company: Farmers Insurance Group

Position: Insurance agent

BURLEY — Shawn Bingham built his own Farmers Insurance Agency office from scratch. At first, the idea of selling something scared him.

"My first sales call, the people said to come out," Bingham recalled. "I was in shock. As I walked up the sidewalk, I prayed they wouldn’t answer the door."

After 10 years at Boise Cascade, Bingham realized he could do more. He volunteered for after-hours assignments in the scheduling department so he could learn to operate the computer. Then he saw a classified ad for an insurance agent position.

"The then-district manager, Dusty Tenney, tested me," Bingham said. "He said he thought I’d be good at insurance. I didn’t believe him, but I tried it anyway."

Since then, selling has become second nature. So have the computers.

"I love this job," Bingham said. "I really enjoy meeting new people and helping meet their needs. It is a people person business."

Two other agents work with Bingham now. His district manager, Doug Nelson, has known him two years.

"Shawn has recently been selected to become a member on the Commercial Emerging Agent program," Nelson said. "Since opening in November of 1998, he has grown his agency to 1,500 policies in force. Farmers has been enriched 110 percent by having him on the team."

Bingham has received several company awards, including the Blue Vase, Run-to-Daylight and Gold Car.

— Coreen Hart

Times-News correspondent

Mark Doerr

Age: 38

Company: Precision Aviation

Position: Owner

JEROME — A pilot with 20 years of experience in the aviation industry is building a successful charter service based in Jerome.

"No one has been doing this for a number of years," said Mark Doerr.

Doerr’s business, Precision Aviation, has three core components: charter flights, aircraft management and instruction.

Aircraft management involves helping clients purchase aircraft that matches their needs and taking care of the maintenance of the aircraft, in addition to providing pilots and filing all necessary paperwork.

Most of the charter flights are business travel for Magic Valley-based corporations and agribusinesses. Doerr leases a Beechcraft King Air B200 for charter flights. The aircraft can carry eight passengers and is ideal for trips up to 1,000 miles, Doerr said.

Although he has only been in business since February 2002, Doerr is already adding a second aircraft — a single engine plane — and will be hiring a second pilot. Expanding in this business, which is capital intensive, is a reflection of both how quickly the business has grown and how Doerr is working to meet his customer’s requests, he said.

"I’ve had a lot of requests for single engine charters," he explained.

Single engine planes are better suited for trips of less than 250 miles and carry only one passenger.

The 38-year-old has flown as captain on both Boeing 727 and 737, and has been an instructor on a range of aircraft from single engine trainers to the 737.

Starting a charter business seemed like the next logical step for Doerr. He lived in the Magic Valley and commuted from here throughout his career in the airline industry.

"I saw a need here. No one was doing fixed wing charter," he said. "I’ve always had the drive to do it yourself."

His father, John Doerr, can attest to that.

Mark exhibited entrepreneurial tendencies as a child and honed those skills by starting new airlines from scratch and shepherding those startups through to full certification, John Doerr said.

— Cindy Snyder

Times-News correspondent

Stephanie Evans

Age: 33

Company: Hair & Nail Perfect

Position: Owner/Operator

TWIN FALLS — In the world of business, Stephanie Evans is already a success story as owner and operator of Hair & Nail Perfect.

"Stephanie has taken a slow-moving hair salon and made it a thriving business," said one of Evans’ clients, Ethel Parry.

But for Evans, the road to success was anything but easy. Evans began her hairstyling by going into a partnership eight years ago with a friend.

When the partner defaulted on the venture, Evans was left to salvage the business on her own. After putting the business back into financial order, the clientele has since doubled, Evans said.

Keeping overhead at a minimum, the company’s advertisement is "mostly word of mouth," she said.

Today the business is able to support another stylist and a masseuse, bringing the shop’s employment numbers to three full-time and one part time operator.

Good customer service is also a contributing factor to the company’s success equation.

Hellewell said the single-most "exemplary accomplishment" in Evans’ world of business is her thoughtfulness toward her clients, "especially the elderly."

Evans often provides her senior clientele the transportation they need and even takes her service to their homes.

The atmosphere in Evans’ shop is also a plus. For cosmetologist Chelsea Hodges, it’s a good place for learning more about the overall business of beauty.

But does Evans look to expand her place of business?

"Not at this time — I like it the way it is," Evans said.

Nevertheless, for the mother of two, work doesn’t stop when she locks up her shop.

Evans is also active in civic, church and school affairs as a supporter of the city’s recreation programs — including some little-league coaching.

— Loretta Burkhart

Times-News correspondent

Brian Gilliland

Age: 36

Company: Farmers Insurance Group

Position: Insurance and financial services agent

TWIN FALLS — Anyone who wants to congratulate Brian Gilliland on his "20 Under 40" win should hurry. He’s going out of town for a while — to career school in Los Angeles — to sharpen his insurance skills.

Farmers Insurance Group district manager Doug Nelson nominated Gilliland, an insurance and financial services agent at Farmers, for the honors.

"Brian goes the extra mile for his clients, meeting most of them face to face at their residences at their convenience," Nelson said.

In fact, Gilliland has added a number of customers to the Farmers family.

He heads his own Farmers agency, too, in a multi-agent location at 560 Filer Ave., Suite C. And he’s only been with the company a year.

"Brian completed company training in 60 days while still being a husband and father," Nelson explained. "With Brian’s strong relationships in the Twin Falls community, he will be a pillar in the near future."

Gilliland has won national Golden Eagle awards for management.

— Denise Turner

Times-News writer

Mariann Griffith

Age: 36

Company: Home Style Direct

Position: Co-owner

KIMBERLY — Mariann Griffith’s alternative to "meals on wheels" has found a niche in the Magic Valley marketplace.

Her business, Home Style Direct, currently serves about 3,000 meals each week in the area and beyond to the McCall, Pocatello and Blackfoot areas.

"It’s really growing because there is a need for it," Griffith said.

With her husband, Robert, working full time and Mariann working part-time, she began cooking and freezing a month’s worth of meals at a time, which gave them the idea to start their own business.

The couple got their start through the College of Southern Idaho’s small business incubator program.

After two years at CSI, Home Style Direct outgrew the facility and purchased a building at 113 Main Ave., in Kimberly. Now the business has 10 employees.

"It was kind of a struggle at first," Griffith said. "We did a lot of things for dual-income families and single parents who didn’t have time to cook."

In 2002, Medicaid approved meals as part of the service for the aged and disabled clients. Home Style Direct got on board. The original family-size meals became single-service meals. Eighty percent of the business is contracted through Medicaid. Home Style Direct takes care of all the leg work and billing.

Menus include 16 different entrees. Most clients make their selections on a weekly basis. Food items offered include everything from biscuits and gravy to prime rib. Meals are delivered frozen in microwavable or oven-bakable containers.

"Robert and Mariann are hard workers, and Mariann is the best organizer," said Home Style Direct’s business manager, Bob Schlund.

Some area senior citizen centers are looking at the option of sub-contracting meals with Home Style Direct.

"We can volume buy, then create and deliver the meals cheaper than the centers — and they have volunteers," Schlund said. "Business has been increasing by 30 to 40 clients a month. But we’ve got it down to a science, and there is still room for growth."

— Sandra Wisecaver

Times-News correspondent

Sandra Lerh

Age: 36

Company: Euro Style/Hair Etc.

Position: Owner/Operator

TWIN FALLS — Success for hairstylist Sandra Lerh at Euro Style/Hair Etc. has come "one step at a time."

And by the end of the month, Lerh hopes to have taken a few more steps in the right direction.

As owner/operator of the beauty salon, Lerh has begun a remodeling project with a simple design that will make room for a growing clientele.

Since Lerh purchased the hair salon six years ago, the business has continued to experience growth.

Changes will include another station, dryers, and some new flooring, and more, said Lerh, a third-generation hair stylist originally from Bosnia.

The changes are new-customer-oriented. Nevertheless, there’s a two-fold purpose to the timing of the remodeling idea.

After the remodel is complete, the lovely entrepreneur plans to hire another full-time stylist at the shop.

With one part-time and two full-time workers — and a welcome sign outside the door that invites "walk-in" customers — the need to make room for another full-time employee manifests itself on a daily basis.

And the continuous growth in clientele makes her business-sense achievements measurable.

Besides a growing clientele, Lerh "has kept the business going and provides a workplace for others," said employee Jeanne Meyer.

"She pays all her bills on time and in three short years paid off the business," Meyer said. "I sold this shop to Sandra and she paid me on time — always.

"The business will be celebrating 50 years of steady, ongoing business — when it would have been more glamorous to have opened a newer one," Meyer added.

Lerh is also noted for her generosity. Besides giving to "just about every school event," Lerh also gives special rates to service personnel.

— Loretta Burkhart

Times-News correspondent

Aaron Lyda

Age: 32

Company: Worksmart

Position: President and CEO

TWIN FALLS — As president and chief executive officer of Worksmart, the Idaho branch office of Intermountain Consulting Group, Inc., Aaron Lyda’s has helped a number of clients benefit from his expertise.

Andy Henning, owner of Henning Benefits Group, and Brent Dalley, of Smart Dental Group, nominated Lyda for "20 Under 40."

"He started a business from nothing, which now employs over 1,000," said Henning.

Dalley said Lyda has grown Worksmart at a rapid pace — and has greatly helped his dental business.

"Aaron has single-handedly brought our business from near extinction to thriving," Dalley said. "We are one of many that have become better through Aaron."

Dalley’s business, based in Salt Lake City, has two offices in Idaho and two in Utah.

Lyda explained that the human resource and consulting work he provided took Smart Dental from a business with about $16,000 in production per month to about $45,000 per month within a short time period.

Henning said Lyda’s successes reach beyond the office building.

"He is an excellent father of four children and a loving husband," said Henning, noting that Lyda’s work with community groups is also exemplary.

— Lorraine Cavener

Times-News correspondent

Name: Stacy J. Madsen

Age: 37

Company: Magic Valley Arts Council

Position: Executive director

TWIN FALLS — Stacy J. Madsen is executive director of the Magic Valley Arts Council. She was nominated by her husband, Mark Stowman.

"She is a leader in offering community service," Stowman said. "She has developed two galleries for the MVAC and fostered several new programs."

Galeria Pequena is a one-person gallery of visual arts located inside the MVAC office, on Main Street. Another one-person gallery is in the MVAC reception area.

MVAC is also the administrator of an artist cooperative called Full Moon Gallery of Fine Art and Contemporary Crafts. About 25 artists are represented, Madsen said, and the galleries have been marketed extensively through newspapers, TV and tourist advertising.

With the help of the board of directors, Stowman said, Madsen has taken the non-profit organization to the level of a mainstream business.

The goal was to help with Magic Valley’s economic development, Madsen said.

"When a new business wants to locate, they are looking for quality of life," she explained. "That includes arts, events and programs that are culturally significant in their lives."

MVAC also is involved in promoting the Twin Falls Centennial.

"Stacy started the arts council’s gala event this past year — "Red, White and Bluegrass" — which was a tremendous success both as a fund-raiser and in fostering interest in arts locally," Stowman said.

Madsen is a member of Twin Falls’ business improvement district and immediate past president of Junior Club.

— Lorraine Cavener

Times-News correspondent

Kaylan McKinney-Vialpando

Age: 37

Company: Zen Fitness/Body IQ

Position: Owner/Operator

TWIN FALLS — After traveling around the country giving seminars about how to start fitness centers, Kaylan McKinney-Vialpando decided it was time to put her own advice to work.

The 37-year-old married mother of five opened Zen Fitness/Body IQ in downtown Twin Falls in March 2003. She is in the process of moving to a new location and changing the studio’s name to Body IQ.

Zen Fitness offered specialized studio classes, such as pilates and aerobics. Classes were limited to eight to twelve individuals so that everyone got personal training in a group setting. Body IQ will be a women’s fitness and health center including weight management, circuit training and massage. Membership will still be limited.

"I want to know everyone who is there," McKinney-Vialpando said.

Knowing members personally so that she knows who has a back problem, for example, allows her to work that person to their potential without causing injury.

The move is a natural expression of McKinney-Vialpando’s entrepreneurial style. During her 14 years in the fitness industry she has constantly pushed herself upward from aerobics instructor to aerobics coordinator to fitness director to trainer to national presenter.

Janet Keegan, a client and friend, said McKinney-Vialpando puts clients first.

"Zen Fitness is not just a place to exercise, it is a place to get motivated, get information, support and help to get fit," Keegan said.

She also donates a portion of her profits from two classes to Alzheimer’s and cancer research in honor of her father and mother, Keegan said.

In addition to owning and operating a studio in Twin Falls and traveling around the country to give presentations for SAFAX, McKinney-Vialpando has also written eight professional training manuals, produces exercise videos and has written articles of exercise safety for several magazines.

She is the director of training for SAFAX (Safe Aerobics and Fitness Exercise), a national certification and continuing education program for instructors and people learning to be instructors.

— Cindy Snyder

Times-News correspondent

Paul Petruzzelli

Age: 37

Company: Petruzzelli Electric

Position: Co-owner

JEROME — Paul Petruzzelli is following his dream.

Previously employed in production at local manufacturing company, Petruzzelli’s interest in electrical work was sparked by the company electrician.

"A lot of people go through life not really knowing what they want to do," Paul said. "As soon as I worked with him, I knew it was definitely something I was interested in doing. When the company laid off workers, I decided to get on board and follow the dream."

That meant taking a pay cut to work as an apprentice for an electrical contractor, while he attended classes at the College of Southern Idaho.

"I recommend Paul to other people when they ask me about electricians," customer Brett Rue of Jerome UAP Northwest. "He does a good job. He’s knows what he’s doing. He’s dependable and he’s always friendly. He works us in if we have an emergency.

"He has drive. He put his nose to the grindstone and made something good."

It takes a total of 8,000 hours as an apprentice plus classroom studies and a passing test grade to become a journeyman electrician. After two years’ work experience with Magic Valley electricians, Paul acquired his contractor’s license.

Since it’s inception in the year 2000, Petruzzelli Electric has experienced enough growth to provide work for four additional employees.

"We have some of the most devoted employees," said his wife and business partner, Susan Petruzelli. "But I think Paul attracts that. One of his best qualities is that he doesn’t burn bridges. He genuinely likes people."

Paul has been commended for keeping his head and staying calm. During the slow season, he finds temporary work for employees, said journeyman electrician John Fontes Jr.

"From Christmas until spring, it is not unusual to be laid off for two or three months in this business with most companies," Fontes said. "That doesn’t happen here. They take care of us."

Paul not only loves his work but also his community. He recently received the Jerome Chamber of Commerce Extra Mile Award for his service to community.

— Sandra Wisecaver

Times-News correspondent

Susan Petruzzelli

Age: 37

Company: Petruzzelli Electric

Position: Co-owner

JEROME — Susan Petruzzelli keeps Petruzzelli Electric of Jerome on track and is dedicated to service for customers and community.

"She’s the bread and butter of the business," husband and co-partner Paul Petruzzelli said. "She keeps us organized and always follows up on jobs. A lot of contractors fail to do that, but she won’t let that happen."

That’s an important part of building a business, he said.

Susan Petruzzelli graduated from Jerome High School in 1984 and completed classes at the College of Southern Idaho before moving to Seattle, Wash., where she worked in retail.

In 2000, the Petruzellis started their electrical contracting business, focusing on residential, light commercial and service work. For the first year, Paul Petruzzelli was the sole electrician. The company now employees two journeyman electricians, John Fontes Jr. and Doug Shepherd, and two apprentice electricians, Jerald Robinson and Lorenzo Mitchell.

"It was a pretty big commitment for Paul — working and going to school," Susan Petruzzelli said. "It was a challenge for us both."

She serves as company bookkeeper, receptionist and secretary, and runs for parts when needed. Service to customers and volunteer service to church and community are priorities.

In her experience working for others, she said, she saw problems in companies created by high turnover of employees. As co-owner of Petruzzelli Electric, she knows a key to good business is keeping good help.

"If we personally need something done while we’re on the job, Susan will take care of it for us," Fontes said. "This is the best company I have ever worked for.

"They’re not trying to get rich — they take care of their help."

— Sandra Wisecaver

Times-News correspondent

Bruce Quale

Age: 39

Company: Mel Quale’s Electronics Inc.

Position: General Manager

TWIN FALLS — Twelve years ago, Quale took over as general manager at Mel Quale’s Electronics Inc., a family-owned and operated business.

Although he stepped into a well-established company, Bruce faced some major challenges. The world of technology was not standing still, and the competition was no small matter.

To keep up with the ever-changing field of electronics, the strides he’d be making would be constant, and always in a forward motion.

But even with the influx of big-box appliance and electronics competitors, the business is pulling its weight in Magic Valley’s sales and service sector. And under Quale’s leadership, the company continues to be a thriving contributor to the world of electronics for area shoppers.

And his sales-strategies are simple. Bruce believes that experience counts.

Thus, following in his father’s business-sense footsteps, "we’re feeding off the ground-work and keeping ahead," Bruce Quale said.

Before Bruce took over at the helm, the firm was already part of a national buying group. It was working, so the new man in charge opted to keep it that way.

"It gives us power to be competitive," Quale said.

For his insight and ability to make the right decisions, Bruce Quale was nominated by his father for the leadership he has displayed and the success the company has experienced in a "competitive business environment and in a rapidly changing technology field."

According to Mel Quale, Bruce "exemplifies the spirit of meeting customers’ needs (by) adapting to changing patterns of consumer buying preferences."

The company shows an "ever-increasing" clientele. And with a staff of eight full-time and two part time employees, Quale gives added credit for the company’s success to teamwork.

Sportsmanship is also a part of his character-resume. Quale received the Sportsman of the Year award at the Magic Valley Speedway — three different times — and was track champion four times since 1994.

— Loretta Burkhart

Times-News correspondent

Allen Starley

Age: 37

Company: Starley-Leavitt Insurance Agency Inc.

Position: Co-owner

TWIN FALLS — As co-owner of Starley-Leavitt Insurance Agency Inc., Allen Starley has successfully combined five offices and three agencies into one agency with offices in Burley and Twin Falls.

He was nominated by operations manager Rita Smack.

"He has dramatically increased the size and profitability of the agency through good management, aggressive sales and acquisitions," Smack said.

He also had to blend 36 full-time employees into one company, working together.

"These people brought a myriad of different ideas, thoughts and concerns to the table," Smack said. "Through his insightful leadership and sincere concern for his employees and customers, Allen has helped to bring harmony and direction to his business."

"It took about eight months," Starley said — and involved two Wells Fargo Insurance Company offices from Burley and Twin Falls, two Leavitt Group offices and the Hadden Insurance company in Shoshone.

Starley said he asked the employees to help create a vision for the company.

"We set up committees to have employees solve problems," he said. "That broke down communication barriers."

Starley is a member of the Mutual of Enumclaw Agents Advisory Council and holds the industry’s designation of Certified Insurance Counselor.

Then there is that achievement that he doesn’t usually talk about.

"It is interesting to know that, a couple years ago, he was second place in the novice division of the Mr. Idaho contest — bodybuilding," Smack said.

— Lorraine Cavener

Times-News correspondent

Mike Tilley

Age: 36

Company: Budget Auto Sales

Position: Owner/Operator

BURLEY — Mike Tilley says the key to business growth is to keep his staff happy.

His employees agree — they nominated him for his outstanding leadership and management skills.

"Happy employees equal happy customers," said Tilley, adding that he makes it a point to focus on good communication at the dealership.

Each week, he meets one-on-one with each employee to hear what everyone is thinking. He also makes an effort to compensate the employees fairly for their skills and efforts.

"We have good benefits and two parties a year, as well," he said.

Tilley inherited the business when his father died in 1997. Since then, he has moved the dealership downtown from its former spot on Burley’s outskirts.

"Before Mike was even 30, his dad passed away leaving him with the car dealership," explained Vickie Braegger, who has worked the front desk for six years. "Mike has taken that dealership and more than tripled business."

Braegger said she admires Tilley’s financial management skills.

"We don’t pay interest to a bank on our inventory," Tilley said. "That’s a savings that can be passed on to the customer."

— Coreen Hart

Times-News correspondent

Jill Trowell

Age: 33

Company: Stevens Pierce and Associates

Position: Marketing director

TWIN FALLS — As marketing director for Stevens Pierce and Associates, Jill Trowell has impressed a fellow marketer — and that takes work.

Ryan Horsley, marketing director at Red’s Trading Post, nominated Trowell as an outstanding business leader.

"She always takes charge and makes sure everything gets done," Horsley said. "She goes above and beyond what is asked of her and cares a lot about this community."

Owner Ruth Pierce said Trowell has a strong work ethic. Trowell is responsible for the company’s marketing efforts, including brochures and advertising. She also sets up consultations with new clients, handles the company newsletter and is a certified Quick Books consultant, handling all the consulting related to the program.

Trowell is a member of Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors, treasurer for Historic Downtown and co-chair of Magic Valley Leadership and Student Leadership.

Karla Williams, executive director of Historic Downtown, said Trowell has taken on many volunteer jobs for Historic Downtown, including helping organize the way the group assesses dues.

She also recruits other volunteers to help with events.

"My boss is community-oriented and allows time," Trowell said. "She encourages me to be involved in the community."

— Lorraine Cavener

Times-News correspondent

Adam Ward

Age: 22

Companies: Ward’s Refrigeration and Heating, Danny’s Brake Service

Position: Manager

BURLEY — Adam Ward manages two family-owned businesses, and his parents and grandparents say they would have to close the doors without him.

The businesses, owned by George Ward and Danny and Alicia Ward, are where young Adam Ward is fine-tuning his management skills. Recently, he received his Master Auto Technician rating from ASE, a government-sponsored program to give consumers confidence in their repair technician.

"He has a great rapport with his customers," said his father, Danny Ward.

When Adam Ward graduated from American Heritage Academy at age 16, he accepted the Joe Gibbs Scholarship (Western States) and won the Vocational Industrial Clubs of America (VICA) Scholarship. He studied at Universal Technical Institute in Phoenix.

In high school, he studied at the Vocational Technology Center in Burley.

He repairs transport refrigeration trailers and tractors, fertilizer sprayers and combines. He is qualified in refrigeration, heating and motor vehicle repair.

"There’s nothing he can’t do," said his mother, Alicia Ward. "When he was 3 1/2 years old, his father and grandfather were chatting in the shop. The tranny was out of his grandfather’s pickup, and he jokingly told Adam to go take the bolts out of the tranny pan.

"Adam walked up to them several minutes later with most of the bolts in his little hands. He had found the correct-sized tools, got under the truck on a creeper and removed the bolts that weren’t too tight for the wrench."

— Coreen Hart

Times-News correspondent

Nancy Winmill

Age: 35

Company: Fine Furniture

Position: Co-owner

BURLEY — As co-owner of Fine Furniture, Nancy Winmill is known as a woman who is totally committed to her store.

Since purchasing Fine Furniture five years ago, Winmill and her husband push each other to strive for excellence.

"We are both competitive," she said. "We have to outdo each other."

That level of commitment sometimes takes the couple away from home, occasionally on holidays. The first year their store was open, they were called out to a customer’s home because a new clock wasn’t working.

"If you’re not committed, the people have too many choices," Winmill said. "You have to be committed to customer service, or they’ll go elsewhere."

Balancing five children and her dream of owning her own business, Winmill believes her young age has not prevented her business from standing out in the community.

"We’ll stay open for people," she said.

She characterizes the reasons for her success as good customer relations, friendships and work ethics. She expects 100 percent from herself, she says.

"We’ve worked harder for ourselves than anyone else," she explained.

— Hilarey Johnson

Times-News correspondent

Troy Winmill

Age: 36

Company: Fine Furniture

Position: Co-owner

BURLEY — Five years ago, Troy Winmill and his wife purchased Fine Furniture in Burley.

Winmill’s friends say he has a strong sense of fair play and an excellent work ethic. He loves his business, and it shows.

He also enjoys special projects.

Striving for the best, he has expanded Fine Furniture’s flooring department. The store now carries a full carpet line and other floor coverings.

His leadership extends to the community, too, where he is active in baseball — coaching and organizing area tournaments for Babe Ruth and all-star teams.

He always wanted to own a business, he said. Because he works for himself, he is able to be more active in the community. This also gives him the flexibility to be with his family.

But Winmill often works 65-70 hours per week. Sometimes, his day starts at 5 a.m.

"We’ve never worked so hard in our life," he said. "I think the reason we’ve done that is if we don’t work hard, we fail.

"Our whole heart and soul, everything we have, is in this business."

— Hilarey Johnson

Times-News correspondent