The Quad Cities Regional Business Journal is proud to present the third set of eight biographies of our latest Forty Under 40 honorees. This year’s class represents almost two dozen business sectors – from banking and finance to community building, construction, education, energy, housing, insurance, law, marketing, nonprofit work and more. It even includes a few local TV personalities.
Each year, Forty Under 40 honorees are selected based on their career accomplishments, civic and philanthropic efforts, their leadership and devotion to a multitude of community causes and efforts.
Our sincere congratulations to the 2024 class of Forty Under 40 honorees. We are encouraged by your leadership and the future you will pave in and for our Quad Cities region.
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Matt Matthews
CEO owner, co-founder | R3 Roofing and Exteriors
AGE: 39
Home: Bettendorf
Education: General Education, Carpenter’s Apprenticeship
Hometown (childhood): East Moline
First job? Paper route, age 12
How long at your current job? 2012 to present
Best advice ever received? Trust but verify.
Your biggest break so far? I would consider my biggest break so far to be the contracts that the company has with the Rock Island Arsenal roofing and masonry restoration projects.
Biggest issue facing the Quad Cities, why? I feel like the biggest issue facing the Quad Cities is separation amongst the cities of the area. We function more as separate entities than a whole when the area could greatly benefit from a more regional mindset.
If you had $1 million to give, what causes would you support? Medical research.
Passions outside the workplace? Health and fitness. Travel. Coaching my kids’ basketball and soccer teams.
Something people should know about your generation in the workplace? We grew up during the rise of internet and mobile technology which enhanced our productivity, collaboration, and work life balance and allowed us to seek careers that aligned with our personal values.
What do you want to accomplish by age 50?
By the time I’m 50, I would like to have my roofing company 100% self sustaining and growing and transition to real estate development.
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Samuel McCullum
Founder, Executive Director | STEAM on Wheels
AGE: 29
Home: Rock Island
Education: Master of Arts in community and economic development, Bachelor of Science in engineering technology
Hometown (childhood): Chicago
First job? DJ, 7th grade
How long at your current job? Six years
Local mentors:
- LaDrina Wilson, chief executive officer, Iman Consulting; mentor for five years.
- The Rev. Dwight L. Ford, executive director, Project NOW; mentor for five years.
- Pat Bereskin, executive director, Beréskin Gallery & Art Academy; mentor for six years.
Best advice ever received? Always have a teachable spirit.
Your biggest break so far? Purchased a 4,000-square-foot building for the organization STEAM On Wheels in Rock Island.
What would people be surprised to learn about you? I’m left-handed.
Biggest issue facing the Quad Cities, why? Affordable housing and homelessness.
If you had $1 million to give, what causes would you support? Improve water quality, homelessness, grocery stores.
Passions outside the workplace? Volunteering: helping out at local shelters, food banks, or community centers; gardening; flying drones.
Something people should know about your generation in the workplace? We will take less money if the work culture is better.
What do you want to accomplish by age 50?
- Start a school K-12.
- Write a book.
- Host a STEAM Education event for families at the United Center.
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Molly McDonnell
Assistant Managing Attorney | Iowa Legal Aid
AGE: 35
Home: Davenport
Education: Juris Doctor
Family: Father Ed, mother Sarah, sister Katie and a cat Blair
Hometown (childhood): Davenport
Local mentors: Janelle Swanberg, former managing attorney of HELP, Regional Office of Iowa Legal Aid, and former executive director of HELP Legal Assistance, professional mentor and former supervisor.
Mary Van Buer, manager of Expressions Jewelers, friend of 30 years and mentor.
Best advice ever received? “Be the teammate you’d run a marathon with.” I heard this concept first used during management training and as a daily runner, I could not agree more with its application. As the only law firm in Iowa representing low-income individuals with civil legal issues, Iowa Legal Aid handles a large flow of cases. By providing well-rounded holistic legal services, employees navigate Quad Citizens’ incredibly complex personal stories and often witness and experience clients’ residual traumas. On some days, it feels overwhelming! It takes a village to support, assist, and cheer each other on — to motivate each other, like that grueling fifth or tenth mile when you cannot see the end or feel anything but the heaviness of everything.
Your biggest break so far? Experiencing the shock of the well-laid career plans I thought I wanted and needed not working out led me to my dream job at Iowa Legal Aid. I never imagined I would supervise, oversee, and lead attorneys as a managing attorney within five years of practice. The devastation I experienced in what I assumed, at the time, was “failure” instead turned out to be the biggest and best break of my life.
What would people be surprised to learn about you? I was a competitive Irish dancer for 13 years.
Biggest issue facing the Quad Cities, why? One of the most significant issues facing our community is the lack of safe and affordable housing, particularly for residents with very low income.
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Sara McLaughlin-Cross
Executive director | First Tee-Quad Cities
AGE: 35
Home: Moline
Education: Corporate Communications degree, Masters in Sports Management, Northern Illinois University.
Family: Husband Dylan Cross; son Augie (8) and 2-year-old twins: daughter Sunny and son Remy.
Hometown (childhood): Moline
First job? Racket sales specialist for Wilson HQ.
Local mentors: My husband, Dylan Cross is my No. 1 mentor, my IT Department, HR Department, and Therapist/Life Coach … He keeps my feet firmly planted on the ground at all times.
- Decker Ploehn, Bettendorf city administrator, who recruited me to interview for First Tee-Quad Cities … I have always felt like I could conquer this position with extreme force because of his mentorship and guidance.
- My parents Tom and Sharon McLaughlin, who each play such a pivotal part in my development as a professional and mother. They have always supported, guided, and trusted in me to make the best decisions possible.
Your biggest break? Working with the City of Rock Island and successfully building the new clubhouse and First Tee Learning Center at Highland Springs Golf Course.
What would people be surprised to learn about you? I was a Division 1, full scholarship tennis player for Northern Illinois.
Passions outside the workplace? Working with my son on his golf game. He is the most driven and goal-oriented 8-year-old I know and I love sharing my passion for solo sports with him.
Something people should know about your generation in the workplace? We have a better relationship with each other than other generations … We also are intentional about giving back to a younger generation and leaving the world in a better place than we found it.
What do you want to accomplish by 50? See all of my children have success through college and be happy; expand First Tee-Quad Cities to other large untapped markets … and play Cypress Point Golf Club with my dad and son.
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Morgan Ottier
News anchor, host | KWQC Channel 6
AGE: 38
Home: Davenport
Education: University of Iowa: Journalism & Mass Communications and English
Hometown (childhood): Montreal, Quebec, Canada and Inverness, Illinois
How long at your current job? 14 years with KWQC, less than one year of hosting Quad Cities Live full-time.
Local mentors: Paula Sands, former host of Paula Sands Live, KWQC; Greg Dwyer, co-host of Dwyer & Michaels, 97X; and Jake Eastburn, former PSL executive producer and original co-host of Quad Cities Live.
What would most people be surprised to learn about you? That I’m actually an introvert and public speaking terrifies me. Like many of us, I struggle with anxiety. I find comfort in my co-workers (who are like family) and the guests on my show. Hearing about their passions, their businesses and organizations is what calms me and makes me feel like I’m right where I am supposed to be.
Biggest issue facing the Quad Cities, why? The biggest issue facing the Quad Cities is struggling to celebrate it. We have so many unique communities that make up the QCA with so much to offer, let’s unify and share our strengths with the world. The more people who hear about the QC and who we are, the better.
Passions outside the workplace? My passions outside work typically involve my daughter. Whether it’s watching her experience something new or seeing her shine in a new activity, like dance or gymnastics. For me personally, I’ve started endurance running and joined an amazing organization last year called Fleet Feet.
Something people should know about your generation in the workplace? Many millennials prioritize work-life balance. Because they value their time outside of work, we look for employers who support remote work, flexible hours, and personal well-being. I also think millennials look for meaning in their work.
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Mollie Owens
Director of marketing and engagement | Rouse Consulting Group
AGE: 37
Home: Rock Island
Education: Marketing Associate of Applied Science
Hometown (childhood): Milan
First job? ”Floor girl” at the Milan Happy Joes
Local mentors: Megan Brown-Saldana, Humility Homes and Services; and Geoff Manis and Eric Vanspeybroeck, both of Rouse Consulting Group.
Best advice ever received? To “lead with empathy and authenticity.” This guidance has profoundly influenced my approach to both professional and personal interactions, reminding me to genuinely understand and connect with others while staying true to my values.
Your biggest break so far? Rouse Consulting Group taking a chance on hiring me 7.5 years ago, despite my lack of technological knowledge or real professional experience … This opportunity has been the cornerstone of my career, allowing me to tap into my true professional self, drive impactful initiatives and foster a positive company culture.
What would most people be surprised to learn about you? I was a choir kid and had the incredible experience of singing at Carnegie Hall with my high school choir.
Biggest issue facing the Quad Cities, why? There is a pressing need for affordable and accessible housing options to support the growing population and ensure that all residents have a safe and stable place to live. The lack of it contributes to homelessness and housing insecurity, affecting the overall well-being of the community.
Passions outside the workplace? Gardening, being outdoors, and spending quality time with my sons. I love being a football and band mom and cheering them on.
Something people should know about your generation in the workplace? My generation values flexibility, innovation, and meaningful work in the workplace. We are adaptable, tech-savvy, and driven by a desire to make a positive impact. We thrive in environments that encourage creativity and collaboration, and we are not afraid to challenge the status quo to drive progress.
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Ryan Palmer
Division Manager, Technologies | Tri-City Electric Co.
AGE: 33
Home: Bettendorf
Education: Bachelor’s degree
Family: Wife, Libby Palmer; Daughter, Poppy
Hometown (childhood): Moline
First job? Delivery driver at Tri-City Electric
How long at your current job? 11 years
Local mentors: My father, Dan Palmer, CEO, Tri-City Electric, has always been a role model to me, both personally and professionally. His dedication, strong work ethic, and integrity have shaped the way I approach my own life and career.
My brother, Doug Palmer, president, Tri-City Electric, has influenced me in many ways. I’ve learned from his wisdom, patience, and the way he balances his responsibilities with compassion and kindness. He inspires me to strive for excellence, maintain my values, and continue growing in all aspects of my life.
Best advice ever received? Surround yourself with a good team and dedicated people. If you take care of your team they will take care of you.
What would people be surprised to learn about you? I have been involved in starting three new divisions at Tri-City Electric over the past 10 years: Audio/Visual Group, Information Technologies Group and Drone Services.
Biggest issue facing the Quad Cities, why? The various cities and states working together to grow our area: There are many political and geographical differences that we need to overcome to continue growth, while also attracting new businesses and talent. I believe we all need to continue working together to overcome these challenges
If you had $1 million to give, what causes would you support? Big Brothers Big Sisters, St. Jude’s Children Hospital and The American Cancer Society.
Something people should know about your generation in the workplace? My generation strives to carve new technological pathways in business. We grew up watching advancements in technology and have learned to recognize when and where it can help organizations become more efficient, while also promoting quality work environments.
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Saloni Patel
Senior Architect | Streamline Architects
AGE: 29
Home: Bettendorf
Education: Master of architecture – University of Illinois; Master of civil engineering, construction management concentration – University of Illinois
Hometown (childhood): Peoria, Illinois
How long at current job? Five years
Local mentors: Four years ago, I joined Lead(h)er, a professional mentorship organization for women in the Quad Cities. I was looking for a female architect as my mentor, and I was fortunate enough to be matched with Kari Uhlenkamp, senior architect with Bray Architects. She has been a wonderful cheerleader to have in my corner.
What would most people be surprised to learn about you? I have an unproportionately large appetite for the amount of Whitey’s mango raspberry ice cream I can finish in one sitting.
Biggest issue facing the Quad Cities, why? As someone with an “exotic” or “foreign” cultural background in a region where the demographic remains fairly consistent, I have personally experienced the challenges of being a minority and witnessed how people can be treated when they don’t conform to the expectations of the majority. Having been on the receiving end of culturally targeted comments throughout my life, I am eager to engage in open conversations with our community, to learn about their experiences and explore ways to create a safe and inclusive environment for everyone. My goal is for people here to feel that their cultural identity is embraced and valued, rather than feeling the need to hide it.
What do you want to accomplish by the time you are 50? I’ve had the opportunity to work on a variety of complex buildings in my career, but I have yet to design a traditional Hindu temple from start to finish. The architecture and detailing of these spaces are so beautifully intricate, and I would love to craft such a meaningful yet technically challenging space.
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