Eight College of Charleston alumni were recently highlighted in The Charleston Regional Business Journal’s Forty Under 40 list, which highlights people under the age of 40 whose commitment to their professions and communities is helping the Charleston area to grow and succeed.
These “individuals are among those who go beyond, donating their personal time, money and talents to the Lowcountry’s nonprofits, charitable and entrepreneurial organizations that help keep the business community vibrant,” the journal says.
The College was represented in this year’s list by the following alumni:
Melissa Barbour ’07
Senior manager for WebsterRogers LLP
Education: Bachelor of Science in accounting, cum laude, from James Madison University; Master of Science in accounting from the College of Charleston
How do you feel rewarded by your community service?
My charitable activities are incredibly rewarding. It allows me to take a breath and realize how grateful I am to be in a position to help others and to live in this amazing place. I have met so many wonderful people during my time volunteering with organizations like Fields to Families, Possibilities Without Borders and Communities in Schools. All of these opportunities have brought me great joy.
DannyRussell-Einhorn ’09
Owner and founder of Affordabike, Bilda Bike and Coast Cycles
Education: Corporate communication from the College of Charleston
What is your proudest accomplishment?
Making my parents proud!
What are your professional goals for the next five years?
I plan to broaden the offerings of my in-house brands, Bilda Bike and Coast Cycles. Bilda Bike custom bikes and Coast Cycles have collectively sold around 10,000 units in Charleston.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given?
People who excel in practice, experience and learning can surpass those with natural talents or inherent advantages.
Any advice for the next generation?
Start your own business if you want. But whatever you do, make sure you ride bikes!
Claire Gatlin ’06
School counselor at Wando High School
Education: Master of Education in secondary school counseling from The Citadel, Bachelor of Science in sociology from the College of Charleston
What are your professional goals for the next five years?
I’ve been touring more and more colleges lately, and my goal is to continue to learn more about college and career options for students to help better guide them to their next steps after high school, whether it be college or workforce.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given?
Our former principal, Lucy Beckham, always said we need to do what’s right for kids. I live by this motto and always keep the best interest of our students in mind when guiding students.
Trey Jameson ’03
Attorney/owner of Jameson Law LLC
Education: Bachelor of Science in International Business, Bachelor of Arts in Communications from the College of Charleston; Juris Doctor degree from Charleston School of Law; Master of Laws, Intellectual Property from Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law, Yeshiva University
What made you select your chosen profession?
I wanted to be an attorney and a professor growing up. Luckily, I am now both.
Why do you choose to live in Charleston?
I was born in Summerville and spent summers on Folly Beach. I lived in New York City for five years, and when I knew I was ready to build my own practice and give back to my community, I returned to Charleston.
Richard Pierce ’01
Vice president and portfolio manager at BNC Bank
Education: Bachelor of Arts in communication from the College of Charleston
What are your professional goals for the next five years?
Over the next few years, I hope to be able to continue to be a part of a successful team where I can make a positive impact on those around me.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given?
“Don’t ever forget, no matter how far you go in life, you’re never too good to change a lightbulb.” — John M. Settle Jr., former CEO of Carolina Financial Corp.
Brady Quirk-Garvan ’08
Business development associate at Money with A Mission
Education: Political science degree from the College of Charleston
What is your proudest accomplishment?
My proudest accomplishment is seeing the impact our clients make in action. This spring I visited a micro-credit lending operation in Panama; to see the life-changing impact a loan of under $1,000 makes was amazing.
How do you feel rewarded by your community service?
I’ve been incredibly blessed and privileged in my life. I was brought up with the understanding that when you are given opportunities like that you have a responsibility to share them.
Margaret Seeley Furniss ’00
Co-founder and co-owner of Caviar & Bananas
Education: Bachelor of Arts from the College of Charleston, Master of Science from the Pratt Institute
What is your proudest accomplishment?
I’d have to say being happily married to my business partner and parenting our two amazing boys.
What are your professional goals for the next five years?
I’d like to continue the expansion of Caviar & Bananas and to continue to build our team. To find and maintain a good work-life balance.
Any advice for the next generation?
Be you!
Erin Marie Ulmer ’07
Executive director of Camp Rise Above
Education: Bachelor of Arts in English and Philosophy from the College of Charleston, Master of Arts in Teaching in elementary education from CofC
What are your professional goals for the next five years?
To find land for a permanent, overnight camp facility for our campers. Our kids deserve the full camp experience, built specifically to meet their needs.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given?
While I was in college, a longtime family friend told me to worry less about where I was going and what job I would have and to instead focus on what motivates and inspires me.
Visit the Charleston Regional Business Journal to see the full list of 2017 honorees.
Editorial Content: Charleston Regional Business Journal
Photos: Kim McManus
