Name: Grover Hettel
Company Name: Energy Northwest Title: Chief Nuclear Officer/VP Nuclear Generation Years at Company: 7 years What inspired you to pursue a career in this field? I chose the field of engineering and nuclear power because the town where I grew up had a nuclear plant and the nuclear plant had the best paying jobs in the area. Also, one of my older sisters thought that I should be an engineer (because she was dating one at the time). What are three things you use at work every day? My leadership skills, my knowledge/experience, and computers (desktop, tablet, and smart phone). What was your first job? My first job was working around the home place. We raised our own food for the most part. We had about 10 acres of gardening (truck patch), a milk cow, other cattle for beef, and pigs. My first job away from home, at 15 years of age, was working at an ice plant bagging ice at 5 am and again at 4 pm every day during the summer for around 10 hours per day. Also in the afternoon during the week during school year. The best part about getting my first job was that I didn’t have to help milk the cow every morning before school and again after school. My first full time job during college was working sanitation at a pickle plant to pay for my education. My first job after college was at River Bend Nuclear Station in St. Francisville, Louisiana while it was under construction. How do you spend your free time? My wife and I, of 38 years, spend as much time with our three children and six grandchildren as possible. My two sons and five grandchildren live in Phoenix, Arizona and my daughter and one grandchild lives in Athens, Georgia. My grandchildren are ages 1 year to 9 years. Other than that we enjoy traveling, riding my Harley-Davidson touring bike, and my soon-to-arrive Corvette ZR1. What are three words that best describe you? Trusting, genuine, friendly (a people person). What did you want to become as kid? As most kids, I wanted to be a professional football player. Living in Arkansas, I grew up watching the Dallas Cowboys (hope nobody in the Tri-Cities area will hold it against me). Would you prefer to travel back in time or into the future? Back in time. I would like to talk with some of the people in the biblical times such as Moses, Daniel, and the Apostle Paul, to name a few. Also, even more recent history, I would like to talk with some of our founding fathers and see what they would think of some of our current political views. How long have you lived in the Tri-Cities? I have lived in the Tri-Cities for little over seven years (March 2012). Prior to that I lived four years in Phoenix. Since graduating from college in May 1982, I have lived in Arkansas, Louisiana, Texas, Florida, Michigan, Arizona, and now in Washington. I did not travel much prior to graduating from college. I did not travel outside of Arkansas until I was about 15 years old. Where is your hometown? Russellville, Arkansas Do you have any special talents? I do not think I have any special talents. I enjoy learning and that is why I like the nuclear industry so much. We stress continuous learning. I guess I would say I am more of a jack of all trades – master of none. One piece of advice you’d give a young person that wants to get into your field? Stay after you dreams! Be persistent, don’t give up! When I get to speak to the students at the Columbia Basin College Nuclear Technology graduation, I share with them my story about when I graduated from college at Arkansas Tech University in Russellville, Arkansas in hopes of getting a job at the nuclear plant in our town, which I did not. It wasn’t until 8 years later after working at nuclear plants in Louisiana, Texas and Florida that I got a job back in Arkansas at the nuclear plant in my home town. So stay after you dream; stay persistent and don’t ever give up! What was the first concert you attended? Billy Joel, Little Rock, Arkansas. What excites you the most about the direction of the Tri-City Regional Chamber? MyTri 2030 “Shaping the Future of our Region – I believe that with the 6 areas of focus (Agriculture, Education, Energy, Inclusion, Life and Prosperity) we have a great opportunity to make a big impact for the Tri-City area.
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Name: Lori Mattson
Company Name: Tri-City Regional Chamber Title: President/CEO Years at Company: 14 What are three things you use at work every day? Diplomacy, sense of humor, and sticky notes. What was your first job? When I turned 14, I got my first real paying job at the Stockyard Café in Lewiston. I worked there on Saturdays during the livestock auctions. I’m allergic to most animals and it didn’t smell very good, so I quickly moved on. How do you spend your free time? We play a lot of golf during the weekends, and I walk with Huck (our labradoodle) almost every day. I really enjoy being out in the sunshine! What are three words that best describe you? Ambitious, curious and resourceful. What did you want to become as kid? I wanted to be like Mary Tyler Moore - work in a newsroom and live in her cool little apartment. How long have you lived in the Tri-Cities? It’s hard to believe that I’ve lived here for 24 years. Where is your hometown? I grew up in Lewiston, Idaho. My mom and one of my sisters still live there. What is your favorite holiday? My favorite holiday is Thanksgiving. I love having our kids and family around, it’s before all the stress of Christmas and it’s the only time of year that I like to cook. If you could pick one superpower what would it be? I might pick superhuman strength. I could drive the ball really far and open jars a lot easier. What was the first concert you attended? Olivia Newton-John at the Lewis Clark State College gymnasium. I was probably 10 or 11 years old and went with my cousin. Do you live by any piece of advice or motto? Rise early, work hard and be nice! What excites you the most about the direction of the Tri-City Regional Chamber? I’m most excited about MyTRI 2030 and how the activities and initiatives that come from this project will positively impact so many businesses and people over the next 10 years and beyond. Name: Mike Miller
Company Name: Moon Security Services, Inc. Title: President What inspired you to pursue a career in this field? Growing up this was the family business. Moon Security Services, Inc. was a dream come true for me. What are three things you use at work every day? I use the computer, telephone and I always have my yellow legal pad for notes, lists, reminders. What was your first job? I was 11 years old and doing door checks (locked/unlocked) at night. How do you spend your free time? I love spending time with my wife Debby and family. I also love playing Golf. What are three words that best describe you? Ethical - Reliable - Driven What did you want to become as kid? A basketball player! Would you prefer to travel back in time or into the future? The future – always eye to the future! How long have you lived in the Tri-Cities? 51 years – PHS graduate. Where is your hometown? Pasco, Washington Do you have any special talents? The ability to see the big picture and what that entails. One piece of advice you’d give a young person that wants to get into your field? Learn all you can about the business. Be a Professional – We are in the Life Safety Business! What was the first concert you attended? “Boston” at the Gorge What excites you the most about the direction of the Tri-City Regional Chamber? That we help our businesses to grow! Name: Dave Haller
Company Name: Basin Pacific Insurance & Benefits Title: Benefits Manager Years at Company: 7 What inspired you to pursue a career in this field? I understand the importance of employee benefits to an individual and their family and I understand the challenge employers face providing those benefits. I love the challenge of helping employers tackle this challenge and provide their employees with valuable benefits. What are three things you use at work every day? Communication skills, patience and creativity What was your first job? I was a Baseball Coach for the Parks & Recreation Department in Great Falls, MT. I loved working with the kids and teaching them the sport. My love for teaching sports eventually led to teaching skiing full-time for 11 years. How do you spend your free time? I love spending time outdoors. I still ski, I like to hike (I’ve summited Mt. Rainier) and I spend a good deal of time “hacking” my way around the golf course. What are three words that best describe you? Friendly, compassionate and creative. What did you want to become as kid? I wanted to be a Ski Instructor in Vail, CO. After I achieved that, I needed to figure out what I should do for my next career. Would you prefer to travel back in time or into the future? The future, because I’m curious about it. How long have you lived in the Tri-Cities? I moved here in the summer of 2012. Where is your hometown? I was born in Bozeman, MT and went to college there, but I grew up in Great Falls, MT One piece of advice you’d give a young person that wants to get into your field? It’s important to be Flexible, Knowledgeable and Creative because things are always changing What was the first concert you attended? The Carpenters (with my Parents) Chicago (with my friends) What excites you the most about the direction of the Tri-City Regional Chamber? I’m excited about the Chamber’s vision of the greater good for the entire region and bringing everyone together for mutual success. Name: Dave Lajeunesse
Company Name: Carbitex, Inc Title: Vice President – Engineering and Operations Years at Company: 2.5 What inspired you to pursue a career in this field? I have always been interested in how things work and how they are made, so engineering was a natural fit. I started my career in the automotive industry, which sparked my interest in making products. What are three things you use at work every day? Computer, personal communications (old fashioned, talking to people), my mind (most days). What was your first job? I delivered the morning newspaper when I was 11 years old; I actually used a bike with a shoulder bag and had to get up at 5:00 to get finished before school. How do you spend your free time? Since my wife Loree and I are new to the Pacific Northwest, we like to go explore when the weather is nice. New towns, hiking, mountains; lots of great places to experience. Lots of dog walking with two large dogs. We also have a boat and like to spend time on the river. In between, we have three grown kids spread out across the country to we like to visit them What are three words that best describe you? Hardworking, honest, and trustworthy. What did you want to become as kid? Seems like too long ago to remember, but most likely a professional baseball player (this is serious). Would you prefer to travel back in time or into the future? Into the future How long have you lived in the Tri-Cities? My wife and I have lived in the Tri-Cities for about 2 ½ years. We are originally from Ohio, but have also lived in Detroit, Tokyo and Los Angeles before moving here. Where is your hometown? Cleveland, Ohio, home to the Rock-n-Roll Hall of Fame, many losing sports teams, and lots of great people. Do you have any special talents? Common sense… One piece of advice you’d give a young person that wants to get into your field? Learn to solve problems creatively and think outside of the box. What was the first concert you attended? Rush during the 70’s What excites you the most about the direction of the Tri-City Regional Chamber? It's exciting to see a group of people focused on making the community better. Name: Brian Moreno
Company Name: McDonald’s of Othello Title: Owner Years at Company: 9 What inspired you to pursue a career in this field? Being a second generation restaurateur, joining the hospitality industry was an easy decision having grown up in the business. What are three things you use at work every day? Slack (mobile app), my Surface laptop and a pen. Pens are like gold in restaurants and you’re somehow always losing yours. What was your first job? The Tri-City Americans was my first job outside of the restaurant. I loved my time there, the people and the connections, it’s an immensely positive chapter in my life. How do you spend your free time? There is no free time. I just finished my master’s program, I serve on several boards including as chair of the Washington State Commission on Hispanic Affairs. Somewhere in there is time for local hockey and being with my family and our many dogs a la Mikey’s Chance Canine Rescue. What did you want to become as kid? A marine biologist Would you prefer to travel back in time or into the future? I’ll go with future. It would be interesting to see the effects of our decisions today at a later time. How long have you lived in the Tri-Cities? Roughly 14 years. Where is your hometown? Born in Denver but raised in Othello. Do you have any special talents? I’ve been told I ask great questions, we’ll go with that. One piece of advice you’d give a young person that wants to get into your field? Don’t be like me and avoid others who tell you to do what they did. We all have very unique conditions ranging from the genetic lottery to who our parents were, where we were born and so on. Do what’s best for you, learn from others but be sure you’re solving for your problems and not someone else’s. What was the first concert you attended? Weezer. My sister brought me to their show at WSU during her undergrad and it was amazing. What excites you the most about the direction of the Tri-City Regional Chamber? That they’re solving for community problems and not getting stuck in the weeds. We need to take that broader perspective and recruit the skills, resources, and experiences of others to provide innovative solutions back to our community. Name: Andy Stirling
Company Name: Numerica Credit Union Title: SVP – Central WA, Program Manager – Numerica Financial Services Years at Company: 3 What inspired you to pursue a career in this field? Actually, a friend of mine, Matt Backlund, encouraged me to get into banking. He thought it would be a great industry for me to chase. I had no idea, at that time, that I would fall in love with banking. I continue to LOVE what I do EACH AND EVERY DAY! There is nothing I would rather be doing (well, outside of a being a professional golfer of course). What are three things you use at work every day? My cell phone, my car and my wallet to buy lunch! What was your first job? My first job was in the Tri Cities. My family was friends with management for a few of the local Minit Marts in town. I would start my day at the Minit Mart on Olympia and 27th then ride my bike to the Minit Mart in Pasco at lunch, on the other side of the cable bridge - I did this every day of the summer. They had me doing all sorts of odd jobs, which including painting the store. I realized pretty quickly that being a painter was NOT going to be a long term goal. How do you spend your free time? I enjoy doing anything with my family (wife – Jillian, son – Brayden), playing golf and now I spend a lot of time cleaning up after a new puppy (Smokey, Golden Retriever). What are three words that best describe you? Driven, competitive and personable. What did you want to become as kid? (Note: this is serious) I wanted to play football for the Seahawks and be friends with Brian Bosworth. I had his jersey, his posters and HIS HAIRCUT. How long have you lived in the Tri-Cities? My wife and I have lived in the TC since 2003. My Dad has lived here since 1985, so I’ve been visiting every summer and Christmas break since. Where is your hometown? Cashmere, WA. Home of the Bulldogs (and Aplets and Cotlets). One piece of advice you’d give a young person that wants to get into your field? I wish I could give my younger self this advice; be patient and learn as much as you can at every turn. Things will happen and they always work out for a reason. What was the first concert you attended? Steve Miller Band at the Gorge. Name: Alma Feil
Company Name: HAPO Community Credit Union Title: VP of Business Development Years at Company: 14 What inspired you to pursue a career in this field? Largely by chance! Never dreamed of working for financial institution but they offered unparalleled challenges and opportunity for success. I love being able to help others achieve their financial goals! What was your first job? Host How do you spend your free time? Traveling, spending time with family/friends and any extreme physical activity! What are three words that best describe you? Adventurous, passionate and frank What did you want to become as kid? Criminal Attorney Would you prefer to travel back in time or into the future? Into the future How long have you lived in the Tri-Cities? 23 years Where is your hometown? "The Switzerland of Yugoslavia" One piece of advice you’d give a young person that wants to get into your field? Don’t worry about money - worry about opportunity and money will follow What was the first concert you attended? Britney Spears What excites you the most about the direction of the Tri-City Regional Chamber?
Name: Brett Spooner
Company Name: Gravis Law, PLLC Title: Founder, CEO and Managing Partner Years at Company: 6 What inspired you to pursue a career in this field? Interest in business and technology What are three things you use at work every day? Charm, Intellect, and Persistence What was your first job? Deck Hand on a Commercial Fishing Vessel How do you spend your free time? Reading and writing Science Fiction What are three words that best describe you? Visionary, robot, never sleeps What did you want to become as kid? Chef – I love to cook Would you prefer to travel back in time or into the future? Back in time How long have you lived in the Tri-Cities? 9 Years Where is your hometown? Raised as a child in Westport, Washington. Currently live in West Richland. Do you have any special talents? I live pretty comfortably on 4 hours of sleep. Therefore, I will get 408,800 hours more awake than most people. One piece of advice you’d give a young person that wants to get into your field? Persistence and grit is key What was the first concert you attended? Flogging Molly late 90’s What excites you the most about the direction of the Tri-City Regional Chamber? Horizon initiative, disruption of stereotypical chamber mold Name: Meghan Chalk
Company Name: Iron Mountain Management Title: President Years at Company: 5 What inspired you to pursue a career in this field? I am an accidental entrepreneur with a gift of service and love of community. I am blessed; my family loves the Tri-Cities, and they taught me the importance of being involved and making a positive impact through business and volunteerism. Shortly after I married my husband, we started talking about how we could—together—make a positive impact in the community like my grandparents and parents did. We started our project management business to help other companies accomplish their goals by applying our fresh perspective and offering honest, innovative, expert advice to solve their challenges. What are three things you use at work every day? 1. Microsoft OneNote 2. Post-it notes 3. Cell phone charger What was your first job? I was a receptionist at Bergstrom Aircraft in Pasco. It was an incredible first job; I was so lucky and learned so much. How do you spend your free time? I spend free time with my husband, Zack, and our pup, Max. I enjoy reading (I’m hooked on John Grisham, Brené Brown, and Gary John Bishop right now), hiking, and having a glass of wine with my girlfriends. What are three words that best describe you? 1. Accurate 2. Loyal 3. Honest Would you prefer to travel back in time or into the future? The future! How long have you lived in the Tri-Cities? Gosh…a long time. Let’s call it most of my life (with jaunts to Pendleton and Portland, Oregon for a few years each). Where is your hometown? Richland, Washington One piece of advice you’d give a young person that wants to get into your field? Say "no" more often so that you can say "yes" to the things that matter. What was the first concert you attended? Jars of Clay What excites you the most about the direction of the Tri-City Regional Chamber? It’s all about the community! We are actively and collaboratively making a positive impact on the Tri-Cities. |
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