{ 20 under 40 }
>Yeadq2 Wife, Blakely was honored to receive the Algernon Sydney Sullivan
=\m[Ylagf2 Bachelor’s degree in political science and
history from USC’s Honors College; law degree from
Wake Forest University
;geemfalq'hjg^]kkagfYdafngdn]e]fl2 A mem-
ber of the Midlands’ Diversity Leaders Initiative class
and the LeadershipNextSC advisory committee at the
Riley Institute of Government, Politics and Public
Leadership, Chikhliker also is active is his neighbor-
hood. He serves on a variety of legal and economic
development boards and was a past board member of
Workshop Theatre.
Af`akgofogj\k2 I decided to become a lawyer
upon realizing that this profession provided me with a
unique opportunity to assist others, while influencing
positive changes in my community. I have represented
companies and governmental entities in economic
development projects that have resulted in significant
job investments in South Carolina. Last year, I was
honored to have been elected as a member (partner) at
Nexsen Pruet. However, I will always measure profes-
Tushar V. sional success by the positive impact my efforts have
on my community.
O`YlkYqaf_\gqgmdan]Zq7 “Few will have the
Chikhliker greatness to bend history itself; but each of us can
work to change a small portion of events, and in the
total of all those acts will be written the history of this
9_]233 generation.” – Robert F. Kennedy
G[[mhYlagf2 Attorney, Nexsen Pruet Qgmjda^][`Yf_]\o`]f2 My senior year at USC I
Award. It was the meaningful activities and interac-
tions which led to my receiving the award that have
truly shaped me. To this day, I view the award as a fond
reminder of lessons learned through collaboration,
dedication and service.
O`Yl\gqgmYkhaj]lg7 Almost 40 years ago,
in search of better opportunities for the family they
hoped to have, my parents came to the U.S. from India
with very little money. Through hard work, integrity
and perseverance, my parents have personified the
American Dream, while providing me with uncondi-
tional love, support and guidance. My successes are the
direct result of the values my parents have instilled in
me and the example they have set. I aspire to lead a life
that is both worthy of and a testament to my parents’
sacrifice.
Kgml`;YjgdafY`YkdYf\]\kge]_j]Yl][g%
fgea[\]n]dghe]flYffgmf[]e]flkj][]fldq7
O`YleYc]kalYlljY[lan]lgZmkaf]kk]k7The
rest of the world is finally realizing what many of us in
South Carolina have long known: The state’s busi-
ness friendly climate includes a skilled work force,
continued development of infrastructure and utilities,
a pro-business environment and a good quality of life.
South Carolina’s development has taken shape through
the efforts of a phenomenal network of government
and economic development professionals and is well-
positioned in spite of an increasingly competitive
global economy.
THE STATE | thestate.com | Januar y 24, 2011 3

G[[mhYlagf2Attorney, Nelson Mullins Riley & Scar-
borough
>Yeadq2Single
=\m[Ylagf2Bachelor of arts degree in English and
philosophy from Spelman College; juris doctor degree
from Duke University School of Law
;geemfalq'hjg^]kkagfYdafngdn]e]fl2This
Women in Philanthropy member is co-founder and
chairwoman of the Candace Girls Educational Foun-
dation and a board member of Oliver Gospel Mission
and the James R. Clark Memorial Sickle Cell Founda-
tion. She is a member of a variety of groups, including
the Phi Beta Kappa Society and Brookland Baptist
Church.
Af`]jgofogj\k2Upon graduating from law
school, I returned home to begin my legal career. After
a one-year clerkship, I joined the law firm of Nelson
Mullins Riley & Scarborough as an associate, where I
primarily practice business litigation, in areas including
employment law, consumer finance and toxic tort law.
O`YlkYqaf_\gqgmdan]Zq7 No dream is too big
{ 20 under 40 }
help improve the quality of life for people and raise the
trajectories of entire communities. My drive, desire to
help others, and leadership abilities grew exponentially
over the years and through my time as student body
president at A.C. Flora High School. A subsequent
education at Spelman College reaffirmed many of the
principles on which I was raised, and challenged me
to carry on its tradition of local, national and global
service.
O`Yl\a\qgmoYfllgZ]o`]fqgm_j]omh7
At the age of 9, I decided I wanted to be a lawyer when
I grew up. I was initially inspired by my role models
and soon developed a passion for the law that has
never left.
O`q\a\qgm^gje;Yf\Y[]?ajdk=\m[YlagfYd
>gmf\YlagfYf\o`YlaehY[lakal`Ynaf_7Dur-
ing a 2007 trip to Monrovia, Liberia, I witnessed the
brilliance and ambition of many young people who had
suffered from disparities in education due to post-war
conditions. Girls were distinctively and dispropor-
tionately affected. It was obvious that talent or desire
was not the barrier to their progression; it was simply
a lack of opportunity, good guidance and resources. I

Candace to conceive; no goal is too big to achieve; no challenge

is too big to overcome. In all things, trust God, follow
His teachings, and success is sure to come.
C. Jackson Qgmjda^][`Yf_]\o`]f2While growing up and
serving in my family’s church, I saw how leadership in
the community, grounded in faith, family and the ide-
9_]2 29 als of personal responsibility and perseverance, could
partnered with a friend and resident of West Africa to
form the foundation, which provides vocational train-
ing and the financial means for underprivileged and
parentless girls to go to school. We are committed to
ensuring that our students advance each year, graduate
from high school and college, and go on to fulfill mean-
ingful careers, understanding they can be anything they
want to be and that they have much to offer the world.

Congratulations to Candace Jackson and Dan D'Alberto

Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough offers the

strength and resources of a national law firm
with diverse attorneys and professional staff
experienced in a broad range of services. With
diversified practice areas, Nelson Mullins
provides creative solutions to complex legal
and business problems while offering value-
added service to clients.

THE STATE | thestate.com | Januar y 24, 2011 7

 { 20 under 40 }

Stuart M. Lee
Age: 37
Occupation: Attorney at Rogers Townsend &
Thomas and department head of business, banking and
professional practices
Family: Wife, Jennie; daughter, Ann Murphy, 8; sons,
Collins, 4, Campbell, 3 months
Education: BA in English from the University of
South Carolina; JD from the USC School of Law
Community/professional involvement: This
Leadership Columbia and Leadership Lexington
graduate is a board member of the Columbia Green
Foundation and chairman of the Corporate, Banking
& Securities Section of the S.C. Bar. He has been in
a variety of professional and community groups and
teaches Sunday school classes and special programs at
Eastminster Presbyterian Church.
In his own words: I was very fortunate to have
parents who valued education and were willing to sup-
port me both emotionally and financially. My parents
always planned and provided for their children before
themselves. They also taught us that the sky is the
limit if you are willing to put in the hard work and that
your attitude and performance at work is a window
into your character – especially when the boss is not
watching. Ultimately, I am where I am today because a
number of people had faith me, often when I did not,
which I believe is a result of God’s love and grace at
work.
What saying do you live by? “Do justice, love
kindness and walk humbly with your God.”
Your life changed when: February 18, 1994: The
night I met my wife. She has been a calming, steady
influence and a wonderful example of honesty, unques-
tionable character and grace (all of which I was lacking
before we met). I want to live up to the example she
sets in her daily life.
What did you want to be when you grew up? I
wanted to be the basketball coach at N.C. State after a
successful college basketball career with the Wolfpack
and an All Star run with Boston Celtics, but genetics
conspired against me. I love what I do. However, one
day I would like to coach high school basketball and
teacher. I think I’ll know the right time and I’ll simply
walk in one day and call it quits. I don’t want to be that
old lawyer who dies at his desk while cleaning it out at
retirement.
How has the Great Recession changed resi-
dential and commercial development in South
Carolina? I like to see the result of the Great Reces-
sion is in a glass half-full light. We have a lot to offer:
a beautiful location, warm and welcoming personalities
and a relatively low cost of living. Obviously, develop-
ment has slowed tremendously. Lack of infrastructure
and inexperienced speculators coupled with a lenient
lending environment was a recipe for disaster. How-
ever, the best lessons are learned from past mistakes.
So, I believe the slowdown will enable us to be better
prepared for a very exciting future.

Passing the Baton

Rogers and Brown Custom Brokers, Inc
Every successful transition of an organization's management structure requires a great deal of planning, mentoring, and at times very detailed soul searching in choosing an individual or team of successors to not only maintain business but to advance it to the next
level. Historically, the individual who starts and builds a privately owned company has a desire for a son or daughter to take the "reigns" and continue to grow and develop the company into something better than it was. Rogers & Brown Custom Brokers, Inc. is in the
midst of this type of transition,

Effective January 1, 2011, Don (Bo) H. Brown, Jr. will assume the position of President of Rogers & Brown Custom Brokers Inc, a business started by his father Don, Sr. exactly 43 years ago this month. Needless to say, Don senior was very excited to have his son want to be
involved in the family business, with the desire to one day run it. Bo has always had an interest in the "family" business. He worked in various areas of the company during the summers and off hours, while attending high school and college, which helped to strengthen
his passion toward a career in the business. He graduated from The College of Charleston in 2004 with a BS in Corporate Communications. After graduation, he decided to take a job with one of the largest steamship lines in the world in Charleston, SC so that he
could see the logistics industry from a different angle. Bo said, "It provided me with a strong platform to move into the freight forwarding and custom brokerage business as well as helped me better understand how various service elements have an impact on this
business. I will be forever grateful to all those individuals who trained me, shared their knowledge with me, and especially for the management that knew my time there was somewhat limited. They worked with me and developed my skills like one of their own."
After his tenure in the steamship industry, Bo came to work with Rogers & Brown and began to work through an extensive internal management training program that would introduce him to every aspect of the business. During this training program, he relocated to
Greenville, SC for a period of time where he was involved in air freight operations, domestic logistics operations and sales (dealing directly with current and potential customers). Additionally, he has been directly involved with overseas agents, and has made many
international trips abroad including: Australia, New Zealand, China, Japan, etc... Most recently, Bo has taken the role of Vice President of Administration. According to Bo, "I did not know what I didn't know until recently, and I continue to learn more and more
everyday. I now have an even deeper appreciation for our employees. They are the glue that holds this company together. I have been extremely fortunate to have had a number of excellent mentors at all levels of the company, and I cannot tell you how
invaluable their help and knowledge has been. Through all of this I have learned that it is a team effort all the way!" He also goes onto explain, " I recall my dad, Pete Smith, Mike Fowler, Raymond Kelley, and others talking about the earlier days and the challenges
and opportunities that this business has presented. I have learned so much from them and will continue to lean on them in making decisions down the road. Their diligence, commitment, and hard work are the reason that I am in this position today. I am committed in
the same way, and I am excited about having the opportunity to grow the company into the future. Recently we went through a rebranding of our company, which focuses on our outstanding personnel, and I think that it does a pretty good job of summing up what
we are all about 'Heroes. Everyday.' This concept is one that recognizes our staff as those normal everyday heroes who in turn make our customers heroes as a result of us providing superior service - as long as we do that, I am convinced that we will continue to grow
and be a successful global logistics company."

Pete Smith, formerly President of Rogers & Brown Custom Brokers Inc., will continue his tenure as Executive Vice President with direct responsibilities of Brown Distribution Centers and Rogers & Brown North American Logistics. Formerly with Hoechst Celanese Corporation
and Spartan Express, Mr. Smith has held various positions with Rogers & Brown during the past thirteen years. As one of Boys mentors, Pete says, "Bo is a very talented professional. He has earned the respect of both internal and external associates, and has gained
tremendous hands-on knowledge. When you combine all of these attributes he is positioned extremely well to take Rogers & Brown to the next level. I am excited about him taking the lead role and allowing me to spend a little more time with my family. I intend to be
around for a few more years and will continue to lend support in every possible way."

Sandra Horan, previously Director of Sales, has been appointed to the position of "Vice President of Administration" and will assume oversight responsibility for Accounting, Drawback and Compliance, Information Systems, and continue to oversee Sales & Marketing.
Originally from the Western New York area, Sandra has been a key player at Rogers & Brown. She has held various responsibilities in Sales & Marketing, Operations, and Special Services. Her knowledge of Customs rules and regulations along with her sales and
operations background provide a unique and valuable asset to our company.

Don H. Brown, Sr. started the business in 1968 on a shoestring budget with a desire to provide superior service in an industry that was not overly attributed with the service asset. With an unstoppable desire and the help of both family and friends, he set up shop on
Queen Street in Charleston and spent a tremendous amount of energy fulfilling that dream. The business grew from the small one-room office to a company employing well over 200 employees with offices at times ranging coast-to-coast, including the Midwest.
Through the advancement of technology, customs regulations began to change, which eliminated the need for an office in "every or most" ports of entry. According to Mr. Brown, consolidation of offices without any negative impacts on our customers has allowed us
to eliminate and contain costs, while still providing impeccable service to our customers. In addition to superior customer service, Mr. Brown explains that we invested early in technology and have continued to do so throughout the years. We now have an information
services group that is second to none in our industry. Due to the recessionary downturn, our industry, along with many others, has seen adverse challenges from a business perspective; however, we have managed to take the necessary steps to remain financially
strong and continued to set ourselves up for future growth.
STAJF7727-47-0

Don Brown, Sr., who turned seventy-two this year, remains reasonably active in the business, but several years ago he turned over the day-to-day running of the business to his long-time. and trusted executives. He recognizes that the company's success has been a
product of the dedication and hard work from the individuals he has continually surrounded himself with. He says "I really am fortunate to have had such a long and successful career and look forward to continuing to participate on the periphery as the business
continues to develop and grow. I am a very proud father. I feel very comfortable passing the baton on to my son, and the excellent staff that he has working along side him. I have provided my son with what I think are key lessons to remember when running a
business. Probably the most important lesson for him to remember is that he will make mistakes as I did, but the key is to learn from them and continue to push forward."

THE STATE | thestate.com | Januar y 24, 2011 11

20under402011.indd 11 1/24/11 12:12 PM


Sherry S. Norris
9_]239
G[[mhYlagf2Owner of Alala, a post-surgical medi-
cal retail business
>Yeadq2 Husband, Ron; son, Michael, 16, and
daughter, Emily, 13
;geemfalq'hjg^]kkagfYdafngdn]e]fl2 This
nationally certified fitter, specializing in mastecto-
my, is co-chairwoman for the American Cancer So-
ciety’s Relay for Life in Columbia and a fundraiser
for Chemo with Style. She is involved in a variety
of cancer support organizations and community
groups. She also is a Dutch Fork High School ice
hockey and softball mom.
Af`]jgofogj\k2 I’ve always enjoyed being
involved and giving back. For 11 years I was lucky
enough to be a stay-at-home mom and volunteer.
After hearing the words, “I have cancer,” from
my mother, aunt and cousin, I was never the same
again. I have always wondered what I can do to
help. The answer came at Girl Scout Day Camp
when fellow leader, Kim Neel, talked about her
poor experience with simple things like trying to
buy a bra after her partial mastectomy. It reminded
me of the experience my Aunt Kay talked about
after her diagnosis with stage 4 breast cancer. She
was a very private person and I could not imagine
her going to look for a breast prosthesis, mastec-
tomy bra, and wig at a place where you would go to
get a hospital bed, wheelchair, or bedside com-
mode.
Qgmjda^][`Yf_]\o`]f2 My business partner,
Kim Neel, and I started Alala in 2005. We both
{ 20 under 40 }
agreed there has to be a better way for post-surgi-
cal patients to get the products and services they
need in a warm and inviting environment. I knew
we would have a successful business when one of
our customers took the time to stop by and tell us
how much we have helped them get their life back.
Alala LLC incorporated in February 2006 and
was admitted into the USC/Columbia Technology
Incubator program soon after. We have now gradu-
ated and are expanding into a 5,000-square-foot
standalone facility at 3400 Harden St. Extension
across from Palmetto Health Richland hospital.
The name "Alala" comes from Greek mythology
and is the female personification of the war cry.
O`YlkYqaf_\gqgmdan]Zq7 “Make the World
a Better Place.”
O`Yl\gqgmYkhaj]lg7To be a great role
model for my children and for them to always give
back to the things they hold dear to their hearts.
O`Yl\jgn]qgmlggh]f9dYdYYf\o`Ylak
alkZa__]klkm[[]kkklgjq7 Our biggest success
story is what our business means to people who
have been through a very traumatic experience like
cancer. Our mission is to help our customers get
back to a normal life no matter their ability to pay.
We take the time to get to know our customers
and help with insurance, grants or donations. If a
customer is willing to work with us, we make sure
they get the products and services they need.
THE STATE | thestate.com | Januar y 24, 2011 13

Asheley C. Scott
9_]2 30
G[[mhYlagf2Architect, Studio 2LR Architect +
Interiors
>Yeadq2Single
=\m[Ylagf2 Bachelor of arts in design from Clemson
University, master of architecture from Georgia Insti-
tute of Technology
;geemfalq'hjg^]kkagfYdafngdn]e]fl2This
Columbia Development Corp. board member also
serves as president of the American Institute of Ar-
chitects in Greater Columbia and on the board of the
Columbia Museum of Art Contemporaries. The 2009
Leadership Columbia graduate is a member of the
Historic Columbia Foundation’s Preservation Com-
mittee and on the board of the Columbia Museum of
Art.
Af`]jgofogj\k2 I was raised in Columbia
and graduated from Heathwood Hall Episco-
pal School. I attended Clemson University and
interned with The Boudreaux Group. I attended
Georgia Tech to work on my master’s degree
and took a job there after graduation. I returned
home in 2006 and became a registered architect
in 2008.
81%
The State Media Company reaches and
unmatched 81% of Richland and
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When it comes to promoting your business,
place your ad in the only local source that
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*Source, 2009 Scarborough
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or visit us online at
www.thestate.com
O`YlkYqaf_\gqgmdan]Zq7I remember cutting
a quote by Abraham Lincoln out of the newspaper
when I was in elementary school and pinning it to my
wall: “Things may come to those who wait ... but only
the things left by those who hustle.”
Qgmjda^][`Yf_]\o`]f2When I was 4, my favor-
ite thing to do after preschool was sit on the couch and
STAJJ5830-99-0
{ 20 under 40 }
watch Sesame Street and Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood.
My mom enrolled me in gymnastics. I fell in love
and didn’t stop until I graduated from high school.
Although I never made my goal at age 4 of becoming
the next Mary Lou Retton, the commitment to the
sport at a high level for 14 years taught me lessons in
everything from setting goals to time management to
responding to success and failures. As an adult, I stud-
ied abroad. Being able to live in foreign places made
the time about much more than just buildings. As a
young adult, the experiences gave me another way to
think about just about everything I thought I knew.
O`Yl\a\qgmoYfllgZ]o`]fqgm_j]omh7I
wanted to be just about everything: a coach, a teacher,
a doctor and the list goes on. Although I became an
architect, in many ways this profession allows me to
see into all types of professions by learning about and
designing the spaces in which these people work.
QgmZ][Ye]D==<Y[[j]\al]\dYklq]Yj&O`Yl
aehY[l`Yk_j]]fZmad\af_`Y\gfl`][gfkljm[%
lagfaf\mkljq7In many ways, especially in South
Carolina, we are still figuring this out. Many aspects
of green building are not radical in nature; they have
existed in design and construction for centuries. We
simply got away from some of the things that made
sense from an environmental standpoint and looked
only at cost and immediate need. In 10 years, it will
just be how we build — and we will be amazed that we
ever did it differently.
THE STATE | thestate.com | Januar y 24, 2011 15
 Congratulations to the honorees for
their selection as the brightest young
professionals in the Midlands

Announcing major renovations to our Governor’s Ballroom coming this February, 2011
A great new look for a new year!
The Capital City Club Purpose Statement:
Having a Profound Effect on Our Community and Our Lives through the Power
and Diversity of a United and Interactive Membership.

If you are interested in membership,

please contact Kathryn Frazier, Director of Membership
(803) 256-2000
STAJJ5828-99-1

A Member of the ClubCorp Family

1201 Main Street • 25th Floor • Capitol Center Columbia, SC 29201

(803) 256-2000 • www.capitalcolumbia.com