Rev. Steven D. Graves III, Kansas City Fire Department, Youth Coordinator at Pleasant Green Baptist Church, KCKS
What was your first job?
Worlds of Fun, cleaning restrooms.
Who teaches you everyday?
Terri Graves, my lovely wife, Steven Graves, my son, Tyler Garlington, my daughter, Amber Maze (bonus blessing).
What is your favorite hobby?
Playing NBA 2K and yardwork
Most important lesson you've learned thus far?
The most important lesson that I’ve learned thus far is that “every hill isn’t meant to die on.” Every bad situation does NOT call for a response. Sometimes, the best response is none because your silence can speak much louder than your voice.
Who is your greatest mentor?
Rev. Jarvis L. Collier is my greatest mentor because at a pivotal time in my life he was called to be the Pastor of our church, and he immediately took me under his wing and began to teach me the qualities of a Godly man.
What is your proudest accomplishment?
My proudest accomplishment was the day that I graduated the Kansas City Fire Academy. I hold this in high esteem because through this career, I was taught the value of dedication, hard-work and preparedness. This career also blesses me to give my family the things that I have desired to give them. And it is only by God’s grace, that 11 years later I am still learning and growing as I give my absolute best to my family, ministry and KCFD.
Scott Umscheid, Pitmaster/ proprietor @Scotts-kitchen.com
What was your first job?
I was a farm kid so I had chores every day.
Who teaches you every day?
My wife Dana and children, Mackenzie, Brock, and Olivia.
What's your favorite hobby?
Well. . . I smoke meat every day and that has been my dream!
What is the most important lesson that your've learned?
Begin with the end in mind.
Who is your greatest mentor?
Undoubtedly my father. He was the hardest working man ever, but still generous and caring, candid, and opinionated.
What is your proudest accomplishment?
Hard to drill down on this. Marrying my lovely wife Dana and the birth of our three children. Fast forward 25 years and the succefull launch of our dream Scotts Kitchen and Catering @ Hangar 29!
Aaron Habel, True Crime Podcaster (Generation Why & Framed). Also works for Ford Motor Company
What was your first job?
I delivered newspapers at age 11.
Who teaches you every day?
I am happily married to Cassandra and we have two kids, a boy and a girl. As for pets, we have a cockatiel, various fish, and we recently adopted a three year old Siamese cat named Banana Boat.
What is your favorite hobby?
PC gaming and reading are probably my favorite hobbies.
What is the most important lesson you've learned?
Don't spread misery. Be kind.
Who is your greatest mentor?
My mother as she has always encouraged my curiosity and has always believed in me. I can also have a conversation with her about anything.
What is your proudest accomplishment?
I attained my bachelor's degree in I.T. back in 2010. I am really happy that I was able to get it, but I would be remiss if I didn't mention that Cassandra, my wife, helped motivate me. She knew I would want to see it completed.
Mike Byars, DDS General dentist at Byars Dental
What was your first job?
I was a YMCA tee ball umpire. It was incredibly stressful!
Who teaches you everyday?
My wife, Lundy and I have two children. Daley is 9 and Cal is 5. We also have two cats, Kitty and Tippy.
What is your favorite hobby?
I like to play golf, travel, and coach my kids' teams. My wife and I golf together on Thursday nights and enjoy grabbing a burger afterward.
What is the greatest lesson you've learned?
Don't make assumptions about people. Get to know them yourself.
Who is your greatest mentor?
Ron Clemons, my high school journalism teacher at Truman High School was one. Dr. Guy Deyton, a Northland dentist was the second. They both were willing to teach and inspire through their love of their professions.
What is your proudest accomplishment?
I have a wonderful wife and two beautiful kids. I have made lifelong friends. And I've created a dental environment for patients and team members that stands out as unique and exceptional. I'm pretty proud of all of it!
