This year’s Shining Stars Under 40 award winners include:
- Sheila Beck, AirOne Heating & Air Conditioning
- Cassidy Berenato, Texas Aviation Partners
- Jessica James, Texas State University-School of Journalism & Mass Communications
- Mike Kamerlander, Hays Caldwell Economic Development Partnership
- Katy Scruton, 3Z Realty and 3Z Property Management
- Thaddeus Watkins, Edward Jones
The “SSU40” awards recognize and celebrate the accomplishments of young leaders. These award winners have not only achieved significant success in their fields but have demonstrated a deep commitment to improving the San Marcos community.
This year’s award winners were asked to share about their mentors and advice to other young professionals. Read more about each award recipient below!
Sheila Beck, AirOne Heating & Air Conditioning
Tell us about a mentor who inspired/inspires you in your career.
A couple of key people have been inspirational. Michelle Mehrens, owner of River’s Wanted Photography, was at our ribbon cutting 10 years ago and I was inspired to become a Chamber Ambassador after meeting her. She is known as an active part of our community and has offered support over the past 10 years. Allison and John Hardy, owners of Divided Sky Roofing & Solar, have inspired us to take a more active role with local non-profit organizations in our community.
What is a favorite leadership quote of yours?
“When life seems hard, the courageous do not lie down and accept defeat; instead, they are all the more determined to struggle for a better future.” – Queen Elizabeth II
Cassidy Berenato, Texas Aviation Partners
Tell us about a mentor who inspired/inspires you in your career.
Jim Wimberly has been my mentor for over 15 years and has single-handedly shaped my career. Jim doesn’t just know everything about aviation — he is an expert on leadership. I was fresh out of college when I started working with him and I don’t take for granted the lessons he’s taught me on how to build relationships, create a company culture that balances work and home life, and how to slow down and think through problems. Most importantly, he makes coming to work fun!
What is a favorite leadership quote of yours?
“You’re going to be criticized no matter what, so why don’t you just do the right thing?” – Unknown
What advice would you give another young professional starting out in your field?
Don’t be afraid to ask questions or say “I don’t know, but I can find out”! Airport Management requires a person to know a little bit about a lot of things. You’re basically running a small city within a city…except with more federal regulations. A single day can include troubleshooting runway lights, negotiating a lease, overseeing a construction project, and interfacing with the FAA on a potential airspace obstruction in the next town over! Building relationships with trusted experts in a wide range of fields is imperative.
Jessica James, Texas State University
Tell us about a mentor who inspired/inspires you in your career.
I moved to Texas in 2013 with a carload of my most basic possessions and not a friend or family member within 1,300 miles. At the time, I was a graduate assistant at Texas State in the School of Journalism and Mass Communication. I was a young instructor with no idea how to teach or handle myself in a classroom. I met Texas State journalism professor Kym Fox, who is now my colleague, after being assigned a graduate assistantship under her supervision. Over the years, Kym became integral in my success, providing opportunities for career development and support that broadened my employability at the university. She became a mentor, a mother figure and a role model who I now call a friend. Kym even helped me through a tough time in the winter of 2022. Her empathy and understanding allowed me to come back to the university with a clear conscious and a renewed sense of self. She’s a nurturer and a shining example of what a compassionate leader should be. While she might not be aware of her gifts, she unconsciously groomed me into the leader I am today. I hold her in my highest, most loving regards. I owe a great deal of my success to Kym Fox and the School of Journalism and Mass Communication.
What is a favorite leadership quote of yours?
“This is the real secret of life – To be completely engaged with what you are doing in the here and now. And instead of calling it work; realize it is play.” – Alan Watts – philosophical entertainer
What advice would you give another young professional starting out in your field?
Being the best isn’t as important as being reliable. News changes every day, and with that consideration, reporters who thrive in this profession know how to complete what they set out to accomplish –– and do it with purpose. In my opinion, journalism is a civil service, a selfless career where you combine collective elements of humanity with a keen eye and an eloquent prose to create a story that speaks to a higher calling. Your pen is a wand, a masterful tool that can create magic, instilling momentum into your community for meaningful change. Find opportunities where you can infuse your journalism with community service through volunteering. Being a part of your own story will broaden your perspective, using your observations and awareness to craft a story that will become the first iteration of recorded history. Your agency lies within your stamina to keep going even when it feels useless, and ability to look past high salaries when those around call you crazy for being a journalist. It truly is one of the most rewarding professions a person can hold.
Mike Kamerlander, Hays Caldwell Economic Development Partnership
Tell us about a mentor who inspired/inspires you in your career.
I have been fortunate to have multiple mentors that have inspired my career both in economic development and leadership. I could write quite a bit on each of them but having to choose just one, I must choose Adriana Cruz as the mentor who has had the biggest impact on my career. Adriana used to hold the position I currently have and while I worked for her, she showed me how to be an effective economic developer and tireless leader. During my 6 years at GSMP with her, I saw as she went after every project with the same zeal and competitiveness every day. She promoted the San Marcos region around the world with integrity and true belief in what she was selling: that this place is special. She read situations and did what she thought was in the best interest of regional economic development goals even if it wasn’t the most popular choice. While other mentors have imparted different lessons in leadership and patience, Adriana’s willingness to show what hard work and genuine beliefs can do for personal and organizational success has been, and continues to be, the most impactful lessons I have learned during my career as an economic developer.
What is a favorite leadership quote of yours?
“The measure of a leader is not the number of people who serve him, but the number of people he serves.” – John C. Maxwell
What advice would you give another young professional starting out in your field?
Leadership and learning are constant processes and go hand in hand. Never think you are the smartest in the room and always be open to learning more. The best people in their respective fields are those that learn constantly by reading and listening to others. Be open to new ideas and new perspectives. Then draw on your own experiences and empower your team to reach new heights.
Katy Scruton, 3Z Realty and 3Z Property Management
Tell us about a mentor who inspired/inspires you in your career.
My parents are my greatest mentors and a constant source of inspiration. When I was six, they took a leap of faith, moving our family from England to the United States to start a business in the maritime industry after my father’s career in the British Merchant Navy. What began as a dream grew into a global company, ultimately selling to a major firm. Despite my father’s success, he always treated his employees with respect and empowered them as decision-makers, showing me that true success is built on both vision and integrity. My mother, with her kindness and encouragement, taught me that no dream is too big or idea too bold, shaping my belief that anything is possible with hard work and heart.
What is a favorite leadership quote of yours?
“Success is not the key to happiness, happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful.” Albert Schweitzer
What advice would you give another young professional starting out in your field?
My advice for young professionals entering this field is to believe in yourself. If you truly believe in your vision and work tirelessly for it—with faith and persistence—success will follow. Remember to take moments to breathe and recharge, and always treat others with respect, staying humble, honest, and kind. Education is key, so invest in learning and join organizations that foster growth. Surround yourself with people who challenge and inspire you, and don’t be afraid to take risks or ask questions. Be authentically yourself, and on those inevitable rainy days, show yourself kindness and patience. And don’t forget to enjoy the journey—have fun along the way! Lead with Love.
Thaddeus Watkins, Edward Jones
Tell us about a mentor who inspired/inspires you in your career.
Jerrold McMillian has been someone who has mentored me from the beginning of my career. When I was first starting out, he trusted me to service his clients as he prepared for retirement. During our training and time together, I could see how deeply he cared for every single one of his clients. In the beginning I was worried because he left big shoes to fill. I would call him almost every other day and he would always remind me that “I picked you for a reason.” Five years later I still call him from time to time to get advice or ask how he would’ve handled a situation. Jerrold will never understand how much his belief in me and the time we spent and continue to spend together has changed my life.
What is a favorite leadership quote of yours?
My top 2 quotes about leadership are “If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more, and become more, you are a leader.” – John Quincy Adams and “None of us can do everything, but all of us can do something.” – Anonymous
What advice would you give another young professional starting out in your field?
The advice I would give to another young professional starting in my career is find a mentor. Success is a copycat business, do not waste time trying to reinvent the wheel. If there is someone you look up to and admire the way the run their business, see if they will be willing to meet with you regularly. Most successful people do not mind sharing their secrets, usually we are too nervous to ask, or we think they may be too busy.
Special thanks to 2024 SSU40 Sponsor, Frost Bank, for supporting Young Professionals in the greater San Marcos area!
