age: 33 Occupation: Co-owner, SB Insurance & Co. Email: jbyington@sbinsco.com Education: Bachelor of Science, history and psychology, Illinois College Family: Daughter, Kenzie Affiliations/community activities: President, Virden Chamber of Commerce; American Business Club of Springfield; volunteer wrestling coach, North Mac High School; Big I of Illinois What is your guiding principle in life? I try to […]
Forty Under 40
The Springfield Business Journal proudly features 40 leaders annually who are under the age of 40 in the Springfield and neighboring business communities.
These individuals are selected based on their contributions to our local business community and the community in which they reside. They represent, in part, the future of business in our community and in central Illinois.
The selectees’ career paths, educational background, and community affiliations are varied. They represent the best and brightest from a wide range of occupations. You can expect to hear more from and about these leaders in the years ahead.
The program is able to continue due to the commitment of local businesses that realize the importance of acknowledging these up and coming business leaders and supporting community business programs.
Click to see previous years’ winners.
For nomination deadlines and other details, See our Nominations Form Page
Posted inForty Under 40
Jacob Bullard
Age: 37 Occupation: Assistant branch manager, Anderson Electric Email: jacobb@anderson-electric.com Education: Bachelor of Science, construction management, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville; associate’s degree in applied science, electrical distribution, Lincoln Land Community College Family: Wife, Jessica Affiliations/community activities: American Business Club of Springfield, Ansar Shrine What is your guiding principle in life? Build things that last and […]
Posted inForty Under 40
Jason Beatty
Age: 39Occupation: Certified financial planner; federally licensed tax practitioner Email: jbeattty@gmail.com Education: Master of Business Administration, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Family: Wife, Danielle; sons, Dawson, 5, and Preston, 2 Affiliations/community activities: West Side Christian Church and Island Bay Yacht Club What is your guiding principle in life? I strive to leave things better than I found them, […]
Posted inForty Under 40
Sarah Adams
Age: 37Occupation: Curator, Springfield Art Association Email: collections@springfieldart.org Education: Master’s degree in museum studies from University of Kansas; Bachelor of Arts in religious studies from Western Illinois University Family: Just three incredibly spoiled cats Affiliations/community activities: Secretary, social media chair and editor of Historico, Sangamon County Historical Society; percussionist, Trinity Wind Ensemble; pianist in lobby […]
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Jeremy Adams
Age: 36Occupation: CPA, partner at KEB Email: jeremya@kebcpa.com Education: Bachelor of Arts, accounting, Illinois Wesleyan University Family: Wife, Misty; sons, Mason, 4, and Cohen, 1 Affiliations/community activities: Member, American Institute of Certified Public Accountants; member, Illinois CPA Society; member, Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce; treasurer, Springfield Noon Lions Club; past board member and treasurer, Springfield Art Association; graduate […]
Posted inSpecial Issues
2025 class of Forty Under 40
The July issue of Springfield Business Journal highlights 40 young professionals who are under the age of 40 in the Springfield and neighboring business communities. These individuals are selected based on their contributions to our local business community and the community in which they reside. Click to view 2025 winners Click to view past winners For […]
Posted inSpecial Issues
Manasi Hulyalkar
Manasi Hulyalkar 39 Occupation: Pediatrician and pediatric obesity specialist Email: mhulyalkar85@gmail.com Education: MD, MBA, Diplomat ABOM Family: Husband and two boys Affiliations/community activities: Asian Indian Women’s Organization What is your guiding principle in life? I treat my patients with the same care I want for my family. What led you to your current career? I wanted a […]
Posted inSpecial Issues
Brandon Damm
Brandon Damm 37 Occupation: Public information officer, Illinois Department of Natural Resources Email: damm.brandon@gmail.com Education: Bachelor of arts in communication from University of Illinois Springfield Family: Wife, Jill; son, Braydan Affiliations/community activities: Volunteer director for Rock & Run for Mental Health, member of Springfield Road Runners Club What is your greatest hope for Springfield? I hope we […]
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Marscia Anderson
Marscia Anderson 32 Occupation: President and CEO of Solid Rock Youth Transitional Services Email: Manderson@solidrockyts.org Education: Bachelor of Arts in communication, public relations and marketing Family: Husband, three brothers including a brother-in-law, sister and two nieces Affiliations/community activities: Board member of Abundant Faith Christian Center What is your guiding principle in life? “Well done, my good and […]
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Brandon Hughes
Brandon Hughes 33 Occupation: General manager at Cafe Moxo Email: brandonhughes23@gmail.com Education: Riverton High School Family: Wife, Gabby; children: Landon and Lux Affiliations/community activities: Head coach for Springfield Youth Football’s eigth-grade Bears; volunteer with Christ the King Men’s Club What is your guiding principle in life? Growing my faith, providing for my family and living a […]
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Cory Libka
Cory Libka 39 Occupation: Director of operations, Isringhausen Imports Email: Cory@isringhausen.com Education: Bachelor’s degree in finance and marketing from Indiana University Kelley School of Business; master’s of health care administration from St. Louis University. Family: Wife, Brittney; Kids: Navy, Rome, Lily Affiliations/community activities: SLSIA, board member; member, Hope Church What is your guiding principle in life? Professionally, I have always […]
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Natalie Grider
Natalie Grider 38 Occupation: Hairstylist and owner of Appearances Salon and Retreat Email: appearancesng@gmail.com Education: USCA School of Cosmetology Family: Husband, Nathan; daughters, Hadley and Caroline Affiliations/community activities: Greater Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce; Women Entrepreneurs of Central Illinois; Sleep in Heavenly Peace; Central Illinois Food Bank and St. Agnes Church. What is your guiding […]