2018 TOP 25 YOUNG PROFESSIONALS: ACHIEVERS DRIVEN BY AMBITION, COMPASSION.

• Author: Ryckman, Lisa
• Position: GEN XYZ

Yes, they're young--and smart, driven and successful. Chosen from hundreds of nominations by a judging panel of editors, business leaders and former winners, ColoradoBiz's 2018 Top 25 Young Professionals are standouts not only in their companies, but in their communities as well. They include Alisha Brown, who has dedicated her career to the health and well-being of the residents in low-income neighborhoods in northeast Denver. And math teacher Phillip Hutcherson, owner of Colorado Springs-based SAGE Affordable Tutoring, who understands the struggles of low-income students firsthand and seeks them out to offer free services. And there's something more:

Many have worked to make their companies more diverse and inclusive from the inside out. Alexandra Metzl, a shareholder at Denver law firm Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck, created a task force at the firm to identify ways to enhance gender diversity at all levels and firm offices. At Rubin Brown, Strategic Client Development Manager Molly Osadjan-Rudolf has helped expand diversity through the Women's Inclusion Steering Council and her office's vision committee.

Read on to find out more about this select group of up-and-coming young professionals and their limitless potential.

ETHAN FURTEK, 35

Managing Director, Integris Partners, Denver

lntegris-Partners.com

Ask Furtek, and he'll tell you that his company's goal is to beat national and global investment banking firms--not become them.

"We've been rewarded with the faith of some tremendous entrepreneurs who share our view of the world," he says. "After all, most of them started their businesses because they weren't satisfied with the way the industry's largest companies were doing business."

Furtek's passion for natural foods and recreation is reflected in his firm's clientele, which includes companies such as Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage, Blue Moose of Boulder, noosa Yoghurt and Boa Technology.

"The most rewarding part of my job is getting the opportunity to engage with high growth middle-market companies," he says. "It's really invigorating to be a part of the energy and purpose that drives companies that are truly dedicated to changing the marketplace."

As a member of the ACE Scholarships Associate Board, Furtek helps raise awareness for the organization's mission and generates millions of dollars in donations each year. In 2016, ACE provided more than 1,800 underprivileged Colorado students with scholarships to pursue private primary and secondary education.

As vice chair of the City Year Denver Associate Board, Furtek provides hands-on support for the public school system. He has mentored several City Year Corps members, recent college graduates who serve in at-risk Denver schools to provide academic and emotional support for students.

ISRAEL SANCHEZ, 33

Vice President of Operations, CD Specialty Contractors, Commerce City

CDSpecialtyContractors.com

In just two years, Sanchez has grown CD Specialty Contractors' industrial division from $285,000 in revenue to a projected $10 million by the end of 2017, with another 30 percent growth forecast for 2018. With close to 100 employees in his division at CD--a commercial and industrial insulation and scaffolding contractor--Sanchez has helped create online and hands-on leadership trainings, implemented innovative safety programs, and established benefits packages for all employees. He also manages the company's internship program for high school and college-age individuals looking to enter the commercial and industrial construction industry. "At the core of a successful company is a great team with great culture," he says. Along with other CD team members, Sanchez builds homes with Habitat for Humanity. As an active member of his church, he organizes and participates in food drives and service exchanges with other churches in the community. Sanchez also has started an indoor soccer team as a way to connect with his CD employees.

AMY ALDRIDGE, 32

Senior Vice President, Tributary Real Estate, Denver

Tributaryre.com

Described by her boss as fearless and creative, Aldridge is a young woman working in a sector traditionally dominated by older men. No problem--Aldridge loves the challenge commercial real estate offers. The latest one on Aldridge's plate: helping to build out a brand-new brokerage division at Tributary Real Estate. Following her 10-year tenure at large international brokerage firm JLL, Aldridge set out with several colleagues to develop a highly personalized client-service model at Tributary. Recognized as a Top Five finalist and Top Office finalist for the Denver Metro Commercial Association of Realtors' 2015 Heavy Hitters category ($15.7 million sales volume), she was named JLL Denver's Breakout Broker of the Year in 2014 for her commitment to providing service excellence in strategic and profitable business transactions.

"What ultimately keeps clients coming back is Amy's integrity," Managing Broker Andy Cullen says. "She is driven not by the fee baked into a deal, but by a genuine desire to see her clients succeed." When she's not working, Aldridge might be volunteering at Junior Achievement's (JA) Rocky Mountain Chapter, which she's done for a decade, or as fundraising chair (and vice president-elect) for Rocky Mountain Active 20-30. Aldridge also is a member of Urban Land Institute and works with Colorado State University's Everitt Real Estate Center, where she has been a guest speaker, mentor and, most recently, a business contact for graduating students seeking advice on how to enter the industry.

SUDHA CHANDRASEKHARAN, 38

Founder, Learnskillz Ltd., Highlands Ranch

Learn-Skillz.com

Chandrasekharan used her savings and worked two jobs for more than a year to launch Learnskillz, a one-stop shop for learning and tutoring. "It started when I was looking for violin lessons for my son," the mother of two says. "We are the next-gen way to find tutors and instructors--think of us as an Uber/Angie's List for tutors and instructors."

Until recently, Chandrasekharan worked for Boeing, where she built the Global Digital Aviation Navigation portfolio from the ground up to increase delivery by 80 percent. She gave up that job to pursue Learnskillz, with the help of her father and husband. "Sudha leads with compassion and humility, which helps her get the best out of her team," colleague Julie Myers says.

Chandrasekharan mentors students and volunteers both time and money to an orphanage in her native India. She is an active member of the Animal Sanctuary, which rescues abused wild animals, and contributes to a shelter that cares for abandoned dairy cows.

RYAN LANTZ, 38

Owner, Lokal Homes, Englewood

LokalHomes.com

Lantz began at Richmond American Homes as a land acquisition specialist and rose to executive vice president of operations, managing 200 employees and more than 40 active subdivisions. In 2012, he and Dave Lemnah founded Lokal Homes, which has grown nearly 1,000 percent in its five years. Lokal donates $1,000 per home closing, which has provided more than $170,000...