Atlantic City Weekly

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In the early days of Atlantic City Weekly’s and The Greater Atlantic City Jaycees annual Top 40 under 40 list of young entrepreneurs, community leaders and movers and shakers in the area, some honorees were caught off guard by how quickly, and how far, news of their selection would travel.

There would be calls from old friends, e-mails from former college classmates and a lot of handshakes on the street.

Oh, that still happens. It’s just that it’s not surprising anymore. In its seventh year, the Top 40 under 40 has now named 280 honorees and the news of the list is out.

This year’s nominees are hearing from all kinds of people whether on Facebook, via e-mail or just walking down the street.

“I was in Genaurdi’s and a lot of people I knew, a lot of clients, were coming up and congratulating me,” says honoree Arzum Sanchez, a real estate agent with Keller Williams. “Especially with the clients, I think it makes them feel good about the relationship. You know, that their [agent] is on the list.”

Shannon Lynn McAllister, a vocational specialist for Covenant House, adds that it’s one of the first things her clients and professional contacts mention.

“It’s just so nice to be congratulated from my supervisors and close friends,” she says. “Even when I call my contacts they say, ‘Hey, Ms. Superstar, we saw you in the paper. Great work!’” 
Of course there’s always those that poke a little fun.

“Many of the people who have congratulated me thought I was over 40,” says Michael Cagno, executive director of the Noyes Museum. “I’m not sure how to take that one.”

Of course for many honorees, the congratulations and celebrations can get emotional.

“I have received e-mails from faculty and staff members at my job, a round of applause at a divisional meeting and my sorority has been wonderful,” says Stacey Zachoroff, director of the Educational Opportunity Fund Program at Stockton College. “I received a set of pink roses with candles that have the number “40” on them at a chapter meeting. That made me cry. And my family was happy for me and even my son was thrilled to see his mother on the cover of the [newspaper].”

Some even get a party.

“Most of my family lives out of the area,” says Heather Santa Barbara, director of medical surgical services and pediatric services at AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center, A.C. Campus. “So I called them and saved some papers for them. But then they all came up to see me and we had sort of a combined Top 40 and birthday party. So I got a big party.”

Usually the biggest reaction comes from the honoree themselves.

“I was so excited and happy that I started jumping up and down in my office with my office mates,” says McAllister of Covenant House. “I had tears of joy to follow.”

“I felt awesome,” adds Michael Hauke, owner or Tony Boloney’s. “It was such an honor and I’m so glad that I was nominated and chosen. There are so many talented and interesting people trying to make this city and region a better place for commerce and living and to be mixed in the pot with them is an honor.”

Excitement may be the first response, but often our honorees explain that a humbling feeling starts to take hold.

“Honestly, [I felt] a bit unworthy, but very honored,” says Michael Burns, director of Burns Property Group. “There are so many young, dynamic leaders in this community that are deserving of this honor.”

“It was definitely an honor, especially when I saw the other nominees,” adds Caitlyn Bradley, director of catering and sales at the Ram’s Head Inn. “I was excited and also a bit bashful all at the same time.”

And many look to the award as more of a spotlight on what they do, than themselves.

“I’m not one for rewards or honors, but I am delighted that it puts a spotlight on my life’s passion, the arts,” says Cagno, of the Noyes Museum.

Recognition has its perks, of course, and congratulations are always nice, but for most of the honorees, the more serious side of being chosen also shines through.

For many, the honor is a validation for long hours spent at careers, study and at work in the community.

“Professionally, I think it shows how hard I have worked over the past years to carve out my niche in the Atlantic City market,” says Courtney Birmingham, director of advertising and public relations for Resorts Casino Hotel. “I have been blessed to work with some really great people, and now at Resorts working with Dennis Gomes and Sherry Amos [who nominated her] is really a one-of-a-kind opportunity. 

“It’s really nice to be recognized,” she says. “Personally, I am really humbled by it. I love what I do and I am blessed to be able to do it with such an innovative, hardworking and genuine group of people. To be recognized or doing something I really enjoy is very rewarding.”

Making the list can also be motivational.

“This is such an honorable award and to be recognized in the community for your achievements and goals is just fabulous,” says McAllister of Covenant House. “It goes to show that hard work pays off and it’s just wonderful to be noticed and awarded for what you do. It also makes me want to work hard to achieve more and help others in need.”

“I think it’s a great for my resume as well as a little pat on the back to keep me motivated and to make sure I keep doing well for the community,” added Andy Wells, owner of the A.C. Bartender Training Center.

The recognition can also be a boon for business and professional contacts.

“It certainly goes a long way in this community,” says Burns of Burns Property Group. “Not only does it strengthen the opinion of those who already know you, but it also helps connect you to a greater cross-section of the community that you didn’t previously know. 

“My personal and professional life is enriched by nurturing and growing existing relationships and by meeting and networking with new people,” he says. “The Top 40 under 40 opens the door and connects you to the greater community.”

“I think personally, it is a recognition that I have and will continue to contribute positively to improving the quality of life for people in our community,” adds Ciro Randazzo, neurosurgeon at Jefferson University. “Professionally, I feel it legitimizes my efforts to help bring top notch world-class health-care services to Southern New Jersey.”

And it never hurts when an entrepreneur gets acknowledged for a successful career.

“I felt grateful, to be recognized for what I do, after 20 years in the nightclub business in the tri-state area,” says Steve Sagan, general manager of Atlantic City’s Casbah nightclub. “From a personal standpoint it is a great accomplishment to win an award of this honor. For years I always wondered, why not me? And to finally be named to this list, I feel relieved personally and professionally. I feel appreciated for all the long hours over all of the years that I have put in.”

“Professionally, it is great press for my business,” adds Kurt Kwart, president of Ground Swell, a technology service. “My partner and I have worked really hard to make Ground Swell the company it has become. Personally, it feels good to be noticed for trying to make a difference in the area.”
And it especially helps if you are a performer, like Niko Morton, songwriter and a member of the group 120.

“It means a lot,” he says “It shows people who really don’t know that it takes a lot of time and work to get to the place you want in your career. So to be recognized for your hard work and to have a light shine on what you do is a blessing. Plus the exposure is incredible.”

Another question we always ask of the honorees, to somewhat predictable responses, is who was the first person the honorees called to tell the news? Mom and parents usually win, followed by spouses, sweethearts and BFFs.

All of our honorees speak of tremendous support and love from their families and friends. So much so that they can’t wait to bring those friends and colleagues to the coolest thing about making the list — the annual Top 40 Under 40 celebration party, which is being held at Borgata’s MIXX again this year.
Judging by the responses, the party should be packed as the nominees will be bringing boatloads of friends.

“I’m absolutely looking forward to it,” says Burns, of Burns Property group. “Who doesn’t like a party? Especially with great friends, family and the opportunity to mix, mingle and network with other Top 40 nominees.”

Who indeed?

Congratulations to the 2011 Top 40 Under 40. Enjoy the party. You’ve earned it.