LEADERSHIP: 20 IN THEIR 20s

Steven Derryberry Attorney, Kestler/Derryberry LLP Age: 29 CAREER: While waiting for bar results, he worked in Kestler’s office in Lancaster. During those couple of months he acquired a client base in the fields of business, real estate, and trust and probate law. “In 2007, I was offered a lucrative position at a larger firm in Los Angeles. Mr. Kestler asked what it would take for me to stay in Lancaster. I wanted to work for myself and handle my own clients. At the end of 2007, I executed a partnership agreement, and now we represent private individuals, businesses and even a Fortune 500 company.” Derryberry’s outside commitments include serving as Vice-President of the Lancaster Performing Arts Center Foundation, Vice-Chair for the Lancaster Neighborhood Vitalization Commission, member of the Lancaster and Rosamond Chambers of Commerce (Past Board Member), and the Antelope Valley Board of Trade. Goals: To continue to grow his firm and work with the community. Presently planning his wedding. Mentors: “My mother, Lorraine, who raised my brother and me without any help.” His high school history teacher, Mr. Ira Simonds and his business partner, Thomas P. Kestler. Lindsay Fontaine Media Buyer, InterMedia Advertising Age: 26 Career: Although Fontaine was unsure what to do when she started at the company, she quickly realized that media was a great fit. After working in data entry and as an assistant in the media department, becoming a media buyer was an easy transition. “As an assistant in the department I was already talking with the stations and doing as much buying as I could. I have been a media buyer for 3 years and I love it. It is exciting every day and it is important to love what you do.” Goals: She wants to help InterMedia expand and someday would love to run the company. Mentors: “My Grandfather, Syd Yallen, was a great mentor and someone I really looked up to. He started the business from the ground up and was such a pioneer. He was firm in what he wanted, but always listened to all sides. I get my work ethic from him.” Tim Gaspar Owner, Gaspar Insurance Services AGE: 29 Career: Gaspar started his first business in high school when he started renting out inflatable bouncers for parties. At age 21, he entered the insurance industry and worked as a producer for an insurance firm for five years. In 2007, at age 26, he wanted more independence and opened his own insurance agency, Gaspar Insurance Services, in Encino. Gaspar has expanded initial one-person operation to include a staff. His revenue level is now four times as high than when he started. GOALS: “My goal is to grow the business at 30 percent per year. … That’s definitely the goal for the next five to 10 years.” MENTORS: My parents, including my step-father who was in the insurance business for 35 years Josh Mann Manager of Business Retention and Marketing Santa Clarita Valley Economic Development Corp. Age: 29 Career: Once out of college, Mann worked as a director of development for Desert Christian Schools in Lancaster. His next job was as executive director for the Antelope Valley Board of Trade, where he headed the group’s administrative functions and marketing, organized events and helped lobby for local infrastructure projects. After leaving to work at a public affairs company for a few months, Mann started working at the SCVEDC in February where he helps attract and retain businesses. Goals: “At some point in time, I would love to be a full-time consultant in the advocacy capacity. … I’m a big advocate for economic development, and I look forward to continuing along that path for the rest of my career.” Mentors: Lew Stults, former district director for Congressman Howard P. “Buck” McKeon; and Edward Mirzabegian, CEO of Antelope Valley Hospital. Clark Hill Broker and REO Department Manager, Century 21 Age: 29 Career: Hill started in real estate in 2004 by working as the assistant of Ron Prechtl, Century 21 franchise owner in Granada Hills. Hill then moved into selling houses. In 2007, he asked if could manage the foreclosure department and was promoted. Hill has been a top-10 agent in his office every year and won the “Centurion” award over the past three years. Hill is also the founding chairman of his local Young Real Estate Professionals chapter, which he started in 2008. Goals: “Continued expansion of my business and my business development. And I would like to purchase a property here in the San Fernando Valley every year going forward.” Mentor: Ron Prechtl, Century 21 franchise owner in Granada Hills. Madison Schwartz Owner, Fresh Lifestyle Age: 23 Career: Schwartz became an assistant buyer for a private fashion boutique in Santa Clarita as a teenager. She graduated high school early and started attending the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising. However, she left school at age 18 to work as a wholesale representative for women’s contemporary name-brand clothing in Los Angeles’ fashion district. Around that time, she also opened her clothing store Fresh Lifestyle in Newhall while still working downtown. Now she is primarily focused on her store, though she also works for clients as a buyer and stylist. Schwartz uses her store to help non-profit groups raise money. Goals: “I plan on launching my new online shopping cart and I hope that goes international. And, I plan on franchising and branding out Fresh Lifestyle. By the time I’m 25, I’d also like to have my own clothing line.” Mentor: My mother, who owns her own business Antonio Diaz Founder and Creative Director, Artifice Studios Age: 24 CAREER: “I worked fulltime at a corporate office doing graphic design for two years, and then became a freelancer, but I worked on my portfolio for Artifice Studios. This went on for about a year until I just had to take the risk with Artifice Studios and in May 2008 I went fulltime on Artifice Studios.” Clients range from educational institutions like College of the Canyons and Fullerton College, web startups, local small businesses, music production companies on the East Coast, non-profits and B-to-B businesses. Goals: When he noticed how creative freelancers would work from office to coffee shops to home and back to coffee houses, Nathan Ryan of Proxart and Diaz solved the problem with Kreative, a cooperative workspace for creative people and plan to open in April 2011. Mentor: “Although I had no mentor only people who inspired, Gary Vaynerchuk of Wine Library and VaynerMedia is a big influence to the people that follow him.”