On this episode, Jason has a conversation Veronica Sims, 20 Under 40 honoree and a CPA and principal at Varney and Associates, discusses her career journey from Kansas City back to Manhattan. She highlights her involvement in the community, including her role in young professionals groups and the young trustees program. Veronica shares her experiences of working for a big four accounting firm and transitioning back to a local firm. She emphasizes the importance of community engagement and the impact of the pandemic on remote work. Veronica also reflects on her personal life, including her family and her passion for wakeboarding.

Our guest for episode fifteen is Brad Ross, an architectural engineer and a 20 Under 40 recipient. Ross discusses his background and career as a mechanical, electrical, and plumbing engineer at Orazem & Scalora Engineering. Ross moved to Manhattan in 1994 and attended Wamego High School, and later graduated from Kansas State University in 2008 with a degree in architectural engineering. Brad emphasizes the importance of community and family, mentioning his wife, a reading specialist, and their 13-year-old daughter. Ross also highlights his involvement in Leadership Manhattan and the Wamego track club. He shares his passion for music, particularly identifying song lyrics, and his interest in weather forecasting.

On this episode, Jason is joined by Heather Peterson, a 20 Under 40 recipient, architect, and active chamber member. Peterson shares her journey from Omaha to Manhattan, where she attended K-State and began her career at Anderson Knight Architects. She discusses her notable projects, like the No Stone Unturned building and the Ahearn Natatorium demolition. Heather emphasizes her commitment to community involvement, serving on various boards and organizations. She highlights the benefits of living in Manhattan, including its small-town feel and amenities. Peterson advises young professionals to find passion in community service. She also reflects on personal milestones, such as her first job and favorite concert experiences.