By Jackie Hanson

Editor’s Note: By age 40, career and life expectations are that you will have made some moves, and certainly made a mark. The diverse group that we present here contains individuals in Guam and the Marianas who have joined the family business, others who are climbing the corporate ladder and those who are busy developing a business of their own — all of them active in their organizations and the business community. Some spouses and siblings are included.

Some people have not been listed. Because of its age, this is a volatile group — moving in and out of the private sector. We have not included those individuals who are now serving in government or at our educational institutions, those who are leaving island or those who have just celebrated their 40th birthdays. But we give you some examples below.

The magazine is delighted to note that media includes a number of high achievers under 40, especially at our own organization, but media are not included. We expect that future versions of 40 under 40 and our other periodic features, such as “The A List,” will continue to change as island business groups morph.

We welcome news of career moves, community service and achievements to keep our lists current and let readers know of your progress.

Notables: Matthew E. Sgro, 25, outgoing promotions manager, Tropical Productions and Mid Pacific Distributors Inc., who is looking to relocate to the U.S. mainland to pursue his career and eventually bring knowledge back to Guam; Jon Nathan P. Denight, 35, deputy general manager, Guam Visitors Bureau; Samuel Shinohara, 40, managing director for business development, United Airlines; Sonja P. Dangcoe, 39, highway administrator/professional civil engineer, Northern Mariana Islands Department of Public Works; Norman S. Analista, 39, director of development and alumni affairs, University of Guam; Troy O. Torres, 34, spokesperson for Gov. Edward B. Calvo; and Frankie M. Eliptico, external relations director, Northern Marianas College, chair of Marianas Nature Alliance.

Eileen M. Agahan

Executive director, Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce

Age: 27

Education: Bachelor’s in marketing, finance and economics and a master’s in business administration, University of Guam

Claim to fame: Having been executive director of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce since its inception last September, Agahan has been integral in the group’s first initiatives and outreach activities to include the launching of a group health plan, the “First Women of Guam” project in collaboration with Guampedia and a leadership retreat for women. She is president of the Rotaract Club of the Marianas, where she co-hosted a fundraiser for Typhoon Haiyan relief, and is president of the University of Guam Alumni Association.

 

Marisha D. Artero

Account representative – Health Systems, American Cancer Society

Age: 33

Education: Bachelor’s in English, University of Washington

Claim to fame: As co-leader of the Tobacco-Control Action Team, Artero led advocacy efforts toward the successful passage of two laws that established a tax parity for smokeless tobacco products and that prohibit the sale of electronic cigarettes to customers under 18. She is a team leader for the Survivorship and Quality Life Action Team of the Guam Comprehensive Cancer Control Coalition and represented Guam’s tobacco-control partners in Texas, where the group was presented the 2010 C-Change Comprehensive Cancer Control Exemplary Implementation Award for a Pacific Island Jurisdiction.

Natalie M. Ayuyu

Office manager and real estate assistant, Re/Max Paradise Realty (Saipan)

Age: 25

Education: Bachelor’s in business administration, Chaminade University of Honolulu

Claim to fame: Under Ayuyu’s management this year, the Re/Max Paradise Realty Office has more than doubled its gross profit from last year. In addition, she works collaboratively with her parents — Marcia “Ruri” E. Ayuyu, general manager of JCA Inc., which does business as McDonald’s of Saipan, and Jose “Joe” Ayuyu, franchise holder of both McDonald’s restaurants in Saipan. She is president of the Saipan Enrichment Foundation and is a board member of Karidat Social Services and the Saipan Zoning Board.

 

Honorable Mention: Joe E. Ayuyu Jr.

Manager, McDonald’s of Saipan

Age: 23

Education: Bachelor’s in business administration, Miami University (Ohio)

Claim to fame: At the age of 23, Joe, brother to Natalie, has assumed a management role in his father Jose “Joe” Ayuyu’s franchise, McDonald’s of Saipan. His role as manager empowers him to make on-the-floor decisions regarding crew positioning, food quality assessment and inventory management. He also serves on the Commonwealth Zoning Board.

 

Topher C. Barretto

President and principal, Unified Inc.

Age: 33

Education: John F. Kennedy High School

Claim to fame: A U.S. national champion and two-time world champion, Barretto is now the head coach, program designer, CEO and CFO for Unified, a gym he launched in May. He previously worked for Gold’s Gym in downtown Los Angeles, where he became the first employee in the company’s history to ascend from an entry-level position to general manager. He earned the distinctions of general manager of the year, gym of the year and highest grossing gym.

 

Honorable Mention: Caleb C. Barretto

Head coach and vice president of operations, Unified

Age: 27

Education: Bachelor’s in business administration and entrepreneurship, University of Guam

Claim to fame: Level 1 certified with CrossFit, Caleb manages the day-to-day operations and logistics of his brother Topher’s gym.

 

Dylan P. Byerly

President, Byerly & Cook Co., which does business as Rhino Linings Guam

Age: 34

Education: California Culinary Academy

Claim to fame: At age 21, Byerly saw a need in Guam for a spray-in truck bed lining business and launched Rhino Linings with his business partner, Joaquin P.L.G. Cook. Now seven years strong, the business has expanded into industrial and commercial applications including spray-foam insulation, which the company installed at the new Guam Regional Medical City.

 

Nicole K. Byerly

Owner, Chase & Flight

Age: 35

Education: Bachelor’s in apparel design and merchandising, University of Hawaii at Manoa

Claim to fame: Wife of Dylan, Nicole has been actively pursuing her own apparel companies. She launched Nikko + Ha’ani, a kids clothing line, in December and launched a private-label apparel company in July called Sunday Club Limited with business partner Delores C. Perez-Damian.

 

Dr. Felix T. Cabrera

Internal medicine physician

Medical director and internal medicine provider, IHP Medical Group LLC

Director of clinical informatics and medical education, Guam Regional Medical City

Co-founder, private hospitalist group, Marianas Medical Provider LLC

Age: 33

Education: Bachelor’s in medical technology; doctorate in medicine, University of Washington; internal medicine residency, Yale-New Haven Hospital/Yale School of Medicine

Claim to fame: Born and raised in Saipan, Cabrera returned to his home islands upon completing medical school. He has made strides in developing a comprehensive medical climate that embraces technology while developing a strong primary care patient panel. He serves on the board of Para I Manaolek Taaotao-ta Amot Farm Inc. and has participated in three medical missions to the Philippines following Typhoon Haiyan.

 

Aquilino S. Cabrias Jr.

Responsible managing employee for civil and structural engineering, AmOrient Engineering

Age: 37

Education: Bachelor’s in civil engineering, University of San Agustin (Philippines)

Claim to fame: Upon being designated as the responsible managing employee for AmOrient Engineering by the company’s president, John Robertson, Cabrias assumed full control and responsibility over all engineering services contracted by the firm. As well, all civil and structural engineering work falls under his direct supervision.

 

William H. Calori

Assistant vice president and business banking officer, First Hawaiian Bank

Age: 34

Education: Bachelor’s in business administration, University of Guam

Claim to fame: Calori has advanced in his career at First Hawaiian Bank from the branch sales manager in 2006 to business banking officer in 2011. He has earned recognition within the bank as one of the top two business bankers in the company with the First Hawaiian Bank Ali’i Council Award. He was the first business banker in Guam and NMI history to be selected for the award. Calori is also the club service director within the Rotary Club of Guam.

 

Edward J. Calvo

General manager, Tropical Productions Inc., Mid Pacific Distributors Inc., and Island Wines & Spirits Inc.

Age: 37

Education: Bachelor’s in business management, Menlo College (Calif.); master’s in marketing, Hawaii Pacific University

Claim to fame: Since assuming his role with Tropical Productions, Calvo has produced more than 10 major music concerts and fairs, more than 30 sporting events — including 22 major PXC events — and eight successful comedy shows. His work to expand the company internationally has resulted in 12 events in the Philippines. Calvo has also expanded the product portfolio and consistently increased sales for Island Wines & Spirits and Mid Pacific Distributors. He serves as chairman of the board for the Guam Economic Development Authority.

 

Jennifer C. Camacho

Director of business development, Cars Plus LLC

Co-owner and managing member, Thrifty Car Rental Guam & Saipan

Age: 30

Education: Bachelor’s in international business, San Diego State University

Claim to fame: In her career with her family’s car dealership, Camacho launched Pacific Auto Leasing LLC, which does business as Thrifty Car Rental, in 2009 with her father, Joey C. Crisostomo. The rental company received the Guam Chamber of Commerce’s 2014 Small Business Excellence Award. She has also introduced the Fiat brand into the dealership’s lineup and was awarded the 2011 Reina A. Leddy Guam Young Professionals Award from the Guam Chamber of Commerce. She chairs the membership committee and
co-chairs the sports tourism and events committee on the Guam Visitors Bureau board of directors and was a founding member and past chair of the Guam Young Professionals, for which she is currently vice chair.

 

Leevin T. Camacho

Attorney, The Law Office of Leevin T. Camacho

Age: 36

Education: Bachelor’s in literature, University of Washington; juris doctorate, Boston University

Claim to fame: As a private-practice attorney, Camacho has assisted in a successful lawsuit to save Pågat Village. He also successfully briefed and argued an appeal before the Supreme Court of Guam regarding the Fourth Amendment’s prohibition against unreasonable searches and seizures. He is an advocate of We are Guåhan, a grassroots organization that informs on issues related to the military buildup and serves on the board for Duk Duk Goose, a nonprofit organization developing a locally produced children’s educational television program.

 

Christopher A. Concepcion

Sales account executive, Delta Air Lines (Saipan)

Age: 33

Education: Bachelor’s in political science, University of Idaho

Claim to fame: Since beginning employment with Delta in 2007, Concepcion has seen two promotions and navigated his role as sales account executive through the successful merger of Delta and Northwest Airlines. As director of both the Saipan Chamber of Commerce and the Commonwealth Utilities Corp. boards of directors, among other involvements, he holds one of the top numbers of community service positions among the 40 while exceeding all Delta revenue targets for both Saipan and Palau.

 

Joaquin P.L.G. Cook

Vice president and compliance manager, Bank of Guam

Owner, secretary and treasurer, Byerly & Cook Co., which does business as Rhino Linings Guam

Age: 35

Education: Bachelor’s in management science, University of California; master’s in business administration, University of San Diego; graduate, Pacific Coast Banking School

Claim to fame: Cook has guided his team through several clean audits and an FDIC compliance examination while navigating a different set of laws for each of the five regions in which the bank operates. Additionally, he joined Dylan P. Byerly in creating Rhino Linings Guam, which has prospered and grown in its seven years. Cook sits on the steering committee of the Guam Young Professionals and is on the board of trustees for St. John’s School.

 

Cedric Q.T. Cruz

Project architect, Taniguchi Ruth Makio Architects

Age: 35

Education: Bachelor’s in architecture, University of Southern California

Claim to fame: Cruz surpassed his $5 million project revenue target before the age of 40. This year, he completed master plans and building projects for both Guam Community College and the University of Guam. He serves as president of the American Institute of Architects Guam and Micronesia Chapter and is coordinating the Inalahan Revitalization Plan.

 

Henry M. Cruz

Director of marketing and promotions, Lotte Duty Free Guam

Age: 28

Education: Bachelor’s in marketing, University of Nevada

Claim to fame: Cruz saw Lotte Duty Free Guam through a successful marketing campaign and launch of its duty-free store at the A.B. Won Pat International Airport, Guam. He also worked with the Guam Visitors Bureau and Tropical Productions this year to conceptualize and execute the Lotte Duty Free Guam Live Music Festival. Cruz won and completed a six-month Zappos.com marketing internship program, finishing as the highest graded in the program. His work in the program also won him the 2012 Media Plan of the Year Award from Adweek Magazine.

 

Roman R. Dela Cruz

CEO, Grasshopper Inc.

Age: 39

Education: Father Duenas Memorial School

Claim to fame: Dela Cruz founded and developed the Fokai label, an apparel line whose popularity among Guam residents spread globally to include headquarters in Japan, Hawaii, Southern California, Saipan, Bali and Ireland and affiliations and collaborations with fighting and martial arts brands including Ultimate Fighting Championship, K-1 and P.O.W. Tactics. He will soon oversee the launch of the Fokai Pacific Island Formal collection. Dela Cruz also co-founded Guam All-Island Submission Grappling/Jiujitsu Tournaments, the Guam Watermans Club, Jungle Rules and Fury Full-Contact Fighting and Fury Fighting Islands.

 

Carina R. Fejerang

General manager and owner, Salon Paradis

Marketing director, Guamology Inc.

Owner and consultant, Motivational Planning

Age: 38

Education: Cosmetology degree and aromatherapy certification, Clover Park Technical College (Wash.)

Claim to fame: Through the experience of starting her own salon and several other businesses and nonprofits on Guam, Fejerang came to be a consultant for others looking to do the same. She was a nominee for the 2010 First Hawaiian Bank and Guam Business Magazine Businesswoman of the Year and has won various awards in business planning and salon achievement. This year she took on the role of development director for St. John’s School, leading fundraisers and projects and providing development support to the faculty and students.

 

Pika P. Fejeran

Owner, Pika’s Café

Age: 30

Education: Bachelor’s in public policy, management and planning; master’s in urban planning, University of Southern California

Lenny J. Fejeran

Owner and general manager, Pika’s Cafe

Age: 32

Education: Southern High School

Couple’s claim to fame: Formerly a base contractor, Pika Fejeran made the move from her career field to open, with her husband, Lenny, Pika’s Café, a breakfast and lunchtime eatery. The café expanded within its first two years open, reached more than $1 million in gross sales in 2013 fulfilling their goal and was able to offer health insurance to its employees this year. The business fully supports their family while staying true to Pika’s desire to be closed on Sundays. The Fejerans were nominated for the 2013 Guam Young Professional of the Year Award.

 

Marcos W. Fong

Group executive vice president, Coca-Cola Beverage (Guam) Co., Foremost Foods, Subway Restaurants of Guam/Saipan and Glimpses of Guam Inc.

Age: 34

Education: Bachelor’s in business administration – finance and economics, University of Guam

Claim to fame: In his management of four group businesses, Fong has consolidated operations into a single Guam headquarters while operating in multiple territories. He has overseen the growth of the Subway presence in the Pacific region, the expansion of the Foremost brand from a local to an international brand and has developed a senior management team. He serves as vice chairman of the University of Guam board of regents and chairman of the American Red Cross – Guam Chapter, in which he participated in the most successful Red Ball fundraising event in its history. He is a founding board member of Guam Business Partners for Recycling’s i*Recycle program, which has raised nearly $200,000 for various Guam schools.

 

Michael J. Gatewood

Associate, Carlsmith Ball LLP

Age: 29

Education: Bachelor’s in political science, University of Hawaii at Manoa; juris doctorate, University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Law

Claim to fame: Having worked under Judge Michael J. Bordallo for two years and the attorneys at Carlsmith Ball since 2012, Gatewood has developed the approach that allowed him to successfully defend the appeal of a $1 million judgment. He was also part of a $1 million summary judgment in favor of a client and advised another client in the negotiation and documentation of a loan valued at more than $100 million. He is a founding member of the Father Duenas Memorial School Endowment Foundation and also serves as secretary of the school’s Alumni Association.

 

Nola K. Hix

Service and solutions executive, Xerox Corp. – Saipan

Age: 29

Education: Saipan Southern High School

Claim to fame: In what Hix describes as an unpredictable location and economy to make sales forecasts, she exceeded, her sales quota with Xerox for 2013 bringing with her a background in sales marketing for two of the largest wireless carriers in the region, Docomo and IT&E. As a director of the Saipan Chamber of Commerce, she is working to launch Saipan Young Professionals later this year. As a board member of the American Red Cross – NMI Chapter, she is coordinating NMI Operation Homefront, a volunteer effort that shows appreciation to service members.

 

Perry A. Inos Jr.

Co-owner, Pacific Services LLC, which does business as Route 33 Bar & Grill

Director, CNMI Small Business Development Center

Age: 28

Education: Bachelor’s in business administration, University of Hawaii

Claim to fame: An early entrepreneur, Inos started a graphic design business and a website company at ages 23 and 25, respectively. A year later, he became the youngest director in the Pacific region for the Pacific Islands Development Center Network and the CNMI Department of Commerce. His private business consulting there resulted in a $1 million impact of equity and loans and 24 jobs into NMI’s economy. Still with the SBDC, he started his Route 33 restaurant venture this year. He also serves as the Small-Business Development Committee chairman for the Saipan Chamber of Commerce.

 

Elyze M. Iriarte

Administrative partner, Carlsmith Ball LLP

Age: 37

Education: Bachelor’s, University of Chicago; juris doctorate, University of Southern California Law School

Claim to fame: Iriarte started her own legal practice at the age of 24. Now with Carlsmith Ball LLP, she assumed management this year of the firm’s Guam office propelling the team to a record year of accomplishments and profitability. She has prevailed in cases before the highest courts of Guam, Hawaii and Palau and has seen consistent victories in employment discrimination cases, including one leading to precedent on the at-will employment doctrine in Guam. She also serves as a board member of the Guam Solid Waste Authority.

 

Arnold C. Jose II

Principal broker and chief financial officer, Jose Realty Management Co.

Age: 21

Education: Father Duenas Memorial School

Claim to fame: Jose is the youngest principal broker in Guam’s history. Since taking over Jose Realty in 2012, he has grown the company 50% this year and increased business by 35% since 2013 including the closing of his first multimillion sale this year.

 

Leonard K. Kaae Jr.

President and CEO, Hafaloha Inc.

Head dispatcher, Black Construction Corp.

Age: 33

Education: Saint Louis High School (Hawaii)

Claim to fame: Kaae incorporated Hafaloha, his brainchild apparel brand, in 2013 followed this past July by a website for customers in Guam and abroad to make purchases. The company will be first-time vendors at the Pacific Islander Festival in September in San Diego, where the company will launch women’s and children’s lines of apparel as well.

 

Michelle Kramer                              

Managing director, Pacific International (Guam) Inc.

Age: 34

Education: Associate’s in liberal arts, College of the Marshall Islands; bachelor’s in business administration, Hawaii Pacific University

Claim to fame: Kramer has effectively grown her family’s Marshall Islands–based wholesale and shipping business in Guam and also manages the company’s Guam and NMI real estate holdings including Nimitz Towers, Apusento Apartments and Saipan Laolao Bay. She was accepted into the first Marianas Pacific Century Fellowship program, based on a prestigious leadership and public service initiative started by President Lyndon B. Johnson. She completed the first generation of the Pacific Islands Leadership Program with Taiwan last November. She remains committed to the Marshallese community and is a registered court interpreter for Marshallese/English translations for the Court of Guam.

 

Honorable Mention: Melissa Kramer

Procurement Manager, Pacific International (Guam) Inc.

Age: 33

Education: Bachelor’s in management information systems and marketing, University of Hawaii at Manoa

Claim to fame: Melissa moved to Guam to join her sister in the Guam branch of the Kramer family’s Marshall Islands–based wholesale and shipping business. She became actively involved as a director, assisting in opening up a procurement office and taking charge of nonmerchandise procurement on Guam and worldwide. She routinely handles the logistics of donation of goods to the FSM and the Marshall Islands including during the recent shortage of fresh water state of emergency.

 

Marvin V. Manibusan

Co-founder and creative director, Crowns Guam

Age: 26

Education: George Washington High School

Claim to fame: Manibusan has created a brand that has in just over a year become one of Guam’s most sought-after brands locally and globally. The company ships 2,500 packages per month resulting in $250,000 in total revenue for the year. He has led the brand to gain more than 20,000 followers on Instagram making the company Guam’s strongest brand on the mobile social media platform.

 

Samuel M. McPhetres

Designer and associate architect, Taniguchi Ruth Makio Architects

Age: 35

Education: Associate’s in liberal arts, Northern Marianas College; bachelor’s in communications; master’s in architecture, University of Washington

Claim to fame: A native of Saipan, McPhetres has become a LEED-accredited professional, focusing his architectural and interior design work on environmentally responsible and sustainable projects. His notable projects include the Ethnic Cultural Center at the University of Washington and Pika’s Café. He is working on Vision 2025 for the University of Guam in which he is researching, analyzing and projecting the future facility needs of the campus. He is an associate board member of the American Institute of Architects.

 

Jason B. Miyashita

Senior investment management consultant, vice president – wealth management; international client advisor and financial advisor, Morgan Stanley Wealth Management

Age: 33

Education: Bachelor’s in finance – accounting and strategic management, University of Pennsylvania

Claim to fame: Miyashita is one of the youngest in the nation to attain the title of vice president – wealth management with Morgan Stanley. He has expanded the Morgan Stanley (formerly Smith Barney) team brand and suite of wealth management services on Guam and throughout the Asia Pacific region. In his travels throughout the Pacific region to develop relationships with island government officials and private/family wealth clients, he acquired a new institutional client in Palau with more than $200 million investable assets. He holds memberships in various community organizations and has been a speaker at several international conferences.

 

Roman “Bo” T. Palacios

Business development manager, Joeten Enterprises Inc. (Saipan)

Age: 30

Education: Bachelor’s in economics and international affairs, George Washington University; master’s in finance, California State University

Claim to fame: In his internal development of Joeten Enterprises, Palacios has overseen the renovation and upgrading of three of the company’s stores and is working on more improvements in the near future. Externally, he has been the project lead in several company developments including the acquiring of the Carrier and Hawaiian Sun Beverage distributorships. He is also vice president of the Commonwealth Cancer Association and the Micronesian Islands Nature Alliance and is the Republican National Committeeman for the NMI.

 

Delores C. Perez-Damian

Vice president, Sunday Club Ltd.

Owner and design director, Breed of Hens

Age: 32

Education: Bachelor’s in communications, Santa Clara University (Calif.); master’s in business administration, St. John’s University (Italy)

Claim to fame: Perez-Damian made the move this year from the corporate world to pursuing her own business interests, including a private-label apparel company called Sunday Club Limited that she launched in July with business partner Nicole K. Byerly. Previously with Tumon Sands Plaza, she launched the shopping center’s first customer rewards program and increased the shopping center’s share of the market by eight percentage points, achieving a 5% traffic increase when visitor arrivals were -6%. With Louis Vuitton Guam, she organized the opening events for the Louis Vuitton global store. She co-chairs the Be Inspired Committee for the Guam Young Professionals.

 

Derrick R. Muna Quinata

General manager and president, Guam Autospot

Age: 34

Claim to fame: The president of a family-owned business, Quinata has grown the company from two part-time employees to more than 50 employees and from pre-owned vehicles to new vehicle sales as well. He also spearheaded a relationship with Mitsubishi to become the brand’s authorized dealer on island. He volunteers with the Guam Junior Golf Association, where he teaches youth to golf and also acts as a mentor.

 

Logan G. Reyes

Marketing director, Market Wholesale Distributors Inc.

Age: 33

Education: Bachelor’s in psychology, Miami University (Ohio)

Claim to fame: After just two years with Market Wholesale Distributors, Reyes was promoted from marketing manager to marketing director, in which capacity he now creates, develops and manages the marketing strategies for major brands including Tabasco, Smuckers and Folgers. He previously taught Japanese at John F. Kennedy High School. He was elected chairman of the Guam Young Professionals this year.

 

Judy C. Rosario

Business sales manager, Docomo Pacific

Co-owner, Synergy Studios

Age: 30

Education: George Washington High School

Claim to fame: Having the top sales at Docomo Pacific from 2009 to 2013, Rosario was promoted to sales manager at Docomo Pacific this year. Also this year she celebrated the 10th anniversary of her fitness studio, which she co-owns with Clare Calvo-Smith. She serves as the board secretary on the Tourism Education Council, for which she has chaired fundraising wine events for the past four years to raise money to support the Welcome All Visitors Enthusiastically club.

 

Jacqueline M. Sablan

Owner and artist, The Bead Hive

Age: 35

Education: Academy of Our Lady of Guam

Claim to fame: Sablan found a niche market with the opening of her jewelry making store. She holds parties, teaches classes and has just broken into the tourism industry by signing contracts with Troika Tours and R&C Tours. She recently graduated her company from a sole proprietorship to a corporation and has plans to transform a section of her store into a space for local artists to sell their creations of photography, paintings, clothing and jewelry.

 

Samantha K. Sablan

President of operations and managing partner, Custom Fitness LLC

Age: 28

Education: Bachelor’s in environmental studies, Seattle University

Claim to fame: Sablan celebrated the one-year anniversary this year of Custom Fitness and with it, her one-year anniversary of leaving the workforce to create a small business. She has managed the process of expanding the gym’s rehab services to accept patients at its physical therapy clinic and expanding its kids’ program through school outreach. It is also now an authorized TriCare provider, which will increase its military customer base. She co-chairs the Be Inspired Committee of the Guam Young Professionals.

Shirley T. Sablan

Executive vice president and general manager, Pacifica Insurance Underwriters Inc.

Age: 34

Education: Bachelor’s in business administration; master’s in business – marketing and human resources management, Chaminade University of Honolulu

Claim to fame: As the executive vice president and general manager of Pacifica Insurance Underwriters since 2011, Sablan was this year’s — and the NMI’s first — First Hawaiian Bank and Guam Business Magazine Businesswoman of the Year Maga’haga Award recipient. For this she was presented with a U.S. Congress Certificate of Commendation. She was also presented a Senate Resolution by the 18th Northern Marianas Commonwealth Legislature for her career accomplishments. She serves as vice president of the Northern Marianas Insurance Association and community events director for Stellar Marianas.

 

Nathan T. Taimanglo

Marketing and human resources manager, Cars Plus Guam LLC

Age: 26

Education: Bachelor’s in business administration – marketing and human resources management, University of Guam

Claim to fame: With his career move this year to Cars Plus, Taimanglo has entered into the automotive world, an entirely new and challenging industry for him. Previously the marketing and investment advisory manager at ASC Trust Corp., Taimanglo received the 2013 Reina A. Leddy Guam Young Professional of the Year Award from the Guam Chamber of Commerce. He serves on the board of directors for the Guam Visitors Bureau as co-chair of the sports and events committee — which established the Guam Live Music Festival and the Guam BBQ Block Party, two new GVB signature events this year — and chairman of the research committee. He is also vice president of the board for the Society for Human Resources Management – Guam Chapter.

 

Tiffany C. Tam

Marketing manager, IP&E

Age: 34

Education: Bachelor’s in business and retail management; master’s in business administration, University of Phoenix

Claim to fame: In less than two years with IP&E as the manager of the fleet fuels program in commercial sales, Tam was promoted to marketing manager, in which role she manages all marketing activities, corporate sponsorships and donations and Shell brand compliance for IP&E in Guam, Saipan and Palau. She is the youth services director for the Rotary Club of Guam, a board member on the Alcohol Beverage Control Board and committee chairwoman for the Chinese Chamber of Commerce of Guam.