20 SEPTEMBER 2024 | INTHEVUE.COM Rafiel Banks-Nailing Organizations: Paducah Pride United Together Chair Spokesperson, LGBTQIA+ Friends and Advocates Secretary, Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church Praise Choir, Community Mass Choir What is one of the biggest challenges that you’ve had to overcome in your professional career? One of the biggest challenges I’ve had to overcome in my professional career has been to believe that I can, in spite of the adversities in front of me. Being a male business owner in an industry predominantly led by women, I often dealt with negative connotations from my peers. Not only did this make me work harder, I welcomed the naysayers, as that soon became my motivation. As a Black LGBTQIA+ business owner, the world around me presented challenges within itself. I always think to myself, “When someone gives you lemons, make lemonade,” and that is exactly what I did! I made my best lemonade and it has been sweet! I remind myself of my passion, my expertise, and given talent that must be shared! I am qualified indeed to take on any project and will always bring my best forward. What career achievement makes you most proud? I’ve had many career achievements in my three years as a business owner. My proudest achievement is recently expanding my business from working out of my home office to securing an office/warehouse space I’ve long prayed for. This moment was possible by staying focused and determined. I set a goal to work with elite industry professionals in the area, and I accomplished it by gaining the necessary knowledge and maintaining my vision. I manifested an office that improves client access and represents my success. Living out my dreams through the building blocks that brought me here is my greatest career achievement. Rex Roberts Organizations:Leadership West Kentucky Class #2, Leadership Paducah Class #38, Paducah Young Professionals, American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), National Society of Sand, Stone, and Gravel Association (NSSGA) What is one of the biggest challenges that you’ve had to overcome in your professional career? Being a recently graduated engineer entering a new industry, I was surrounded by challenges day in and day out. Even with my previous experience, the dredging world was in a class of its own, with more moving parts than I would’ve ever imagined. For instance, a lost driveshaft on the dredge turned into a hot shot truck service, a machine shop visit, a 140-ton crane, and a diving crew. Looking at the steep learning curve ahead, I was able put everything aside and trust in all of my coworkers, as I started from the ground up. Without them and without their guidance, I wouldn’t be where I’m at in my career today. What is the best piece of business advice that you’ve ever received? In answering this question, I think back to several people that have guided me along the way these past three years of my professional career. One particular lesson came as we started one of my first projects, and that would be the importance of our “no titles” policy. That means that whatever your title may be, we all pitch in to help one another out and make sure the job gets done. This mindset has allowed me to see a job from every angle, and to be a better team player. Sarah Edwards Organizations: Leadership Marshall County, KY Lake Young Professionals, Marshall County Caring Needline Board of Directors, Marshall County Arts Commission Board of Directors, School Base Decision-Making Council What is one of the biggest challenges that you’ve had to overcome in your professional career? Banking is an industry that is constantly changing. Whether it be policies and procedures, governmental regulations, or technology, something is always changing. When I began my banking career in 2010, I was told the only constant in banking is change, and that has been very true. You have to be ahead of these changes and find a way to best navigate them and use the resources you have at your disposal to make these changes go smoothly for your customers. What career achievement makes you most proud? I was recently recognized as Employee of the Month for FNB Bank. I was nominated because I had volunteered to help at other offices on days I would have normally been off work. This award meant so much to me because it made me realize that even if my actions don’t seem big to me, they could make a huge difference for someone else. What is the best piece of business advice that you’ve ever received? I was once told, “Always be on the lookout for your own replacement.” It took me a little while of thinking this through before I realized what it really meant. It gave me the perspective of don’t look at the next generation as the “competition,” but look at them as more of an opportunity to lead and be their mentor. Teach them the things you wish you had known when you were in their positions and work with them so that you can learn from each other. Sponsored by 40 Under Forty Civil Engineer, Pine Bluff Materials Event Coordinator/Decorator, R.B.’s Unique Touch LLC Universal Banker, FNB Bank, Inc.
