Pandemic or not, the 20 Under 40 program marches on.
Each year, through the Abilene Young Professionals program of the Abilene Chamber of Commerce, a search is made to find 20 men and women who emerging as community leaders, if not already in a leadership position.
AYP was started in 2008.
The goal is to keep talented young Abilenians and their families here to create a new generation of leaders.
This year’s honorees are Allison Alvarez, Arrow Ford; Holly Bearden, Community Broadcast Partners; Dayton Borger, First Financial Bank; Rosten Callarman, Interested Citizens of Abilene North; Dillon Cobb, First Financial Trust; Jesiree Driskell, Hendrick Health; Nathan Hathorn, Silverthorne Insurance Brokers LLC; Jason Hernandez-Marshall, Crunch Fitness; Katie Howe-Trevino, The Domain Abilene; and Christopher Jones, U.S. Air Force.
Also, Patrick Lewis, Community Foundation of Abilene; Miller Loudermilk, Sendero Properties & Homes by Design; Nathan Lowry, Big Country Title; Tiffany Nichols, Abilene Convention & Visitors Bureau; Brandon Osborne, Abilene Youth Sports Authority; Andy Russell, Hendrick Health; Garrett Smith, Condley and Company LLP; Jonathan Spencer, Germ Killer; Addison Templeton, Funeral Directors Life Insurance Company; Brandi Terry, Cisco College.
Here is:
Name: Jason Hernandez-Marshall
Age: 35
Business: Crunch Fitness Abilene
Job title: Group fitness coordinator
Why are you working in this industry? I really enjoy working out, organizing new formats of fitness classes and motivating others to workout.
What are three daily habits that have helped you to become successful?
1. Plan the minutes of your day. I’m pretty obsessed with my calendar. Every moment of the day is accounted for, to make sure I’m spending my time on the things that are driving progress.
2. Smile and talk to strangers. Even if you are having a bad day, try to smile.
3. Take a nap. I admit it, I have been a closet napper for years. I have pretended and lied, but no more. When people ask, how do you have so much energy? It’s because I nap.
What is the best advice you have ever received? Never stop building meaningful relationships with customers and other people in your industry.
What was the most significant hurdle you had to overcome to get where you are? One hurdle to overcome is to always believe in yourself and the power you have to be successful. Believe in your talent and keep going.
What is an accomplishment that shaped your career? One accomplishment I am proud of most that has shaped my career was operating my own business, Studio Z, in the mall back in 2011-16.
What was your first summer job? My first summer job I worked at was a snow cone stand in high school during summer break.
Describe yourself in one word. Energized
Community Involvement:
- Member of the Chamber of Abilene (2011-present)
- Leadership Abilene Class of 2013
- City University of Abilene, candidate (2014)
- 2014 State of Texas Small Business Award from the Office of the Governor and Texas Workforce Commission
- American Cancer Society Relay for Life, sponsor (2010-16)
- Anson Soccer Texas Tornadoes, sponsor (2010-14)
- Alliance for Women and Children, supporter (2011-16)
- Habitat for Humanity, volunteer (2010-13)
- Abilene PRIDE LGBT group, chairperson (2014-present)
- The Center for Contemporary Arts, board of directors (2017-19)
- Day Nursery of Abilene, board of directors (2018-20)
- Abilene Hope Haven, board of directors (2018- present) and fundraising chairperson (2019-20)
- Dancing with the Abilene Stars, pro dancer (2012-2020)
Family: Husband, Sean
