30 And Under

Dan Vainner

Dan Vainner is on the cover of this month’s Jackson Magazine – and for good reason. Right after college, he joined the Peace Corps and spent two years in the West African country of Ghana. His job was to help promote tourism by encouraging big city visitors to buy directly from weavers in the villages. He even became a Master Kente Weaver himself. Now, he uses some of the skills he acquired in the Peace Corps in his job as assistant registrar at JCC. He’s also involved in a variety of community activities, including Ella Sharp Patio Parties, Laugh Company Improv Troupe and Cascades Cycling Club.

Brandon Adler

As a mortgage loan originator, Brandon Adler is in the business of making people’s home ownership dreams come true. His industry knowledge and rapport are appreciated by both clients and real estate professionals. Last year, his efforts earned him Fifth Third Bank’s Top Purchase Producer Award. Brandon is also involved with the Jackson Affordable Housing Corporation, which recently honored him as Small Business Person of the Year.

Rebecca Arnold

Rebecca Arnold, an attorney at Chalgian & Tripp Law Offices, enjoys helping Jackson-area seniors with everything from estate planning and wills to trusts and powers of attorney. She stays on top of new laws and issues to give her clients the best service. She’s also actively involved with the Jackson County Bar Association, Jackson County Chamber of Commerce and Jacktown Connect, a local organization for young professionals which she co-founded.

Jayme Bicknell

Jayme Bicknell wears two work hats. Most of the time, she’s the restaurant and marketing manager at In Good Company, a family-owned restaurant in Clark Lake. Jayme does everything from scheduling and advertising to organizing fundraisers for local charities. As if that didn’t keep her busy enough, she started her own business – Jayme Cakes. She now caters a dozen kinds of cheesecakes for weddings, birthdays and more.

Meaghan Brent

Meaghan Brent opened her own business – Brent Family Chiropractic - right after graduating from chiropractic college. Her patients include everyone from newborns to senior adults, but pregnancy and pediatric care is one of her specialties. Meaghan also loves championing the needs of the community. She has volunteered for Junior Achievement’s golf fundraiser and helped organize and sponsor several events for the United Way of Jackson’s Women’s Leadership Council.

Dylan Bullinger

After serving two tours in Iraq with the Marines, Dylan Bullinger decided to go back to school at Jackson Community College to become a certified auto mechanic. Now, he’s not only an auto tech at G-Force Automotive, he also teaches an automotive class at JCC. Dylan’s boss at JCC credits him with being very motivated, researching topics on his own and finding new and better ways for students to work on cars.

Halette Burgess

After earning a bachelor’s degree in chemistry, Halette Burgess went on a silent retreat at a monastery. That retreat changed everything. She’s now working on a master’s degree in theology while teaching religion at Lumen Christi High School. Halette teaches her students to take their actions outside of the school and into the community. She follows her own advice by volunteering at Queens Parish, Immanuel Lutheran Food Pantry and Habitat for Humanity.

Malachi Crane

Malachi Crane is a master’s degree student as well as an employee at Spring Arbor University. As head of donor relations, he oversees the university’s annual fundraising initiatives. He’s also the director of SAU’s radio stations, where he gets the university’s message across through contemporary Christian and positive mainstream music. Malachi also serves on the boards of the Michigan Theatre and United Way, and on the Jackson Chamber of Commerce economic committee.

Jeff Drushal

Jeff Drushal is making Jackson and the world a better, safer more beautiful place. As a metal fabricator at Brockie Fabricating, he often builds simulators to make vehicles safer and more fuel-efficient. At Studio 13, his home-based business, he creates one-of-a kind metal art. Jeff has donated several of his art pieces to organizations such as Big Brothers Big Sisters, Cascades Humane Society, Ella Sharp Museum and the American Cancer Society.

Brian Dunn

When people are in need, they often find Brian Dunn on the other end of the phone. As an information and referral specialist with Central Michigan 2-1-1, Brian helps people find the resources they need to make ends meet. On his own time, he volunteers at the Interfaith Shelter. He’s also attending Grand Rapids Theological Seminary and hopes to start his own church in Jackson someday.

Lindsey Edwards

As the marketing and public relations specialist, Lindsey Edwards promotes Full Spectrum Solutions through media and community relations. She has helped raised the company’s public profile through involvement in events such as Relay for Life, Habitat for Humanity and Boy Scouts of America. Lindsey herself is involved with the American Cancer Society, United Way Women’s Leadership Council, Toastmasters International and, most recently, as the Hot Air Jubilee’s chair of media and advertising.

Nick Fuller

While some businesses are leaving Michigan, Nick Fuller is a young business owner dedicated to keeping his Chem Dry cleaning franchise in Jackson. In fact, he’s the international company’s youngest franchise owner and he’s achieved their highest level of expertise – Five Star Technician. Fuller is also active in the community, coaching Little League, basketball and football and participating in the Kiwanis Club.

Nicole Gardner

Nicole Gardner has been building her career at Flagstar Bank for the past 10 years. As assistant manager of the West Avenue branch, she’s proud that her branch was named Flagstar’s Banking Center of the Year in 2010. The branch also received J.D. Power and Associates outstanding customer service award the past two years. Nicole also gives back to the community through March of Dimes and American Cancer Society events.

Christine King

As an access specialist at LifeWays Community Mental Health, Christine King helps connect people with the appropriate mental health services. But she often goes above and beyond the call of duty. At work, she took the initiative to design a training program for interns and new employees. Off the job, she took a tax preparation class so she could help low-income residents get much-needed tax refunds. She also speaks to school groups on topics such as bullying and suicide prevention.

Jenny Lewis

Jenny Lewis has a heart for Jackson’s seniors and it shows. As director of marketing at Trellis Gardens and Vista Grande Villa Health Center, she promotes the center but takes it a step further. She started a support group for caregivers and those transitioning into an assisted living community. And she founded “Lunch and Learn” meetings to answer doctor’s questions about the Villa’s services. She also promotes causes dear to her heart, such as the National Alzheimer’s Association and the United Way Women’s Leadership Council.

Valerie Lockwood

Valerie Lockwood is known for keeping things jumping at Springbrook Meadows Apartments – especially the occupancy rate. Since she took over as property manager, the occupancy rate jumped from 78 to 100 percent. She accomplished a similar feat at another Gillespie Group property in Muskegon earlier this year. Valerie is also an instructor at Baker College, where she teaches students the finer points of grammar and Microsoft Office.

Steven Makulski

As an attorney at J. Jeffrey Anderson and Associates, Steven Makulski specializes in business law, real estate law, estate planning and litigation. Colleagues say he is already building a reputation as a first-class trial attorney. To further develop his career, he belongs to the Michigan and Jackson Bar Associations as well as the Jackson County Estate Planning Council. Steve is also active with the Knights of Columbus and a board member of the Jackson Chorale.

Bryan Mangiavellano

Bryan Mangiavellano is the busy director of bands at Northwest Community Schools. He teaches and coordinates several music groups, including the Marching Mounties, Northwest Wind Ensemble Concert Band and Jazz Band. He also coordinates a parent booster club that helps fund the music program. Under his leadership, the bands have earned “First Division” ratings for 8 years in a row at the Michigan School Band and Orchestra Association festivals.

Justin Matz

Justin is the first young professional to be named a “30 & Under” honoree while actively serving with the Army National Guard in Afghanistan. Before joining the military, he founded his own graphic design business, Matz Graphix. Some of his clients included Eaton Aerospace, Lomar Machine and Tool and Allegiance Health. Justin is looking forward to returning to his business – and the community he loves – by next October.

Anthony Panici

For Tony Panici, a director at NorthStar Capital, success is helping distressed businesses with their finances. Recently, he was able to help keep open a family-owned business that had been around for 100 years. Colleagues say he’s not afraid to try something to have a positive impact. Tony had been working in Lansing, but returned to Jackson in part to help the football program at his alma mater, Lumen Christi High School, where he now is an assistant coach on the varsity team.

Jennifer Pickett

When Jennifer Pickett hears of people in need, she springs into action. As a human resources and benefits administrator at Gerdau, she goes beyond her job description and chairs the company’s Special Needs Committee, which provides assistance to fellow employees with serious medical or family issues. She’s also a member of Gerdau’s Social Responsibility Committee, where she led fundraising events for activities such as Walk for Diabetes, Operation Backpack and Relay for Life.

Christopher Putra

As a staff accountant at Bond and Company, Chris Putra has taken his regular responsibilities to the next level. To help clients run their businesses more effectively, he leads seminars on QuickBooks, a popular accounting software program. Chris’ efforts and enthusiasm earned him the Bond and Company Rookie of the Year Award in 2008. His co-workers appreciate his team-player attitude, which he also displays as coach of the 8th grade football team at Jackson Catholic Middle School.

Dawn Schnitkey

As assistant controller, Dawn Schnitkey helps develop and manage Spring Arbor University’s $65 million budget. Recently, she developed a financial model for assessing the profitability of new program ideas, such as new majors and online courses. Dawn also finds time to co-host a Bible study class for young married couples at Grace Church and serves as treasurer for the Cascades Humane Society board of directors.

Liza Seckler

Liza Seckler started out as a volunteer with Marriage Matters, wanting to devote her time to a cause she believes in. Now, she’s the event manager, organizing a variety of events designed to strengthen marriages and families. She describes her job as giving people the information they need with a spoonful of sugar. She’s also passionate about improving the self-esteem of young girls, teaching them that they are beautiful just the way they are.

Carrie Stadelman

Carrie Stadelman once had her sights set on dental school until her sister helped her realize that photography was her true passion. Now, as photographer and owner of Freeland Photography, she creates unique, one-of-a-kind portraits. Carrie earned her first Merit Award at the Professional Photographers of America’s 2010 International Print Competition. And two of her photos were chosen to be displayed at the Center for Family Health’s new building. Carrie also donates her photography skills to local groups such as Cascades Humane Society and the Rose Pageant.

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Quick Jump

Quickly find the profile of our 30
under 30 with this list:

Dan Vainner
Brandon Adler
Rebecca Arnold
Jayme Bicknell
Meaghan Brent
Dylan Bullinger
Halette Burgess
Malachi Crane
Jeff Drushal
Brian Dunn
Lindsey Edwards
Nick Fuller
Nicole Gardner
Christine King
Jenny Lewis
Valerie Lockwood
Steven Makulski
Bryan Mangiavellano
Justin Matz
Anthony Panici
Jennifer Pickett
Christopher Putra
Dawn Schnitkey
Liza Seckler
Carrie Stadelman