Forty Under 40.

• Author: Little, Candace M.

One of Utah's many strengths has long been the innovative thinking and fresh experiences of its youthful population. Whether they are creating new entrepreneurial ventures or directing established companies, this generation of leaders is confidently coming into its own.

Bringing together the leading lights of that crowd, this year's 40 Under 40 lineup is an assemblage of talented, ambitious leaders who serve their companies and communities. Join us in recognizing the standouts who are guiding industry trends and shaping future outcomes.

Nephi B. Aiono

Vice President. Zions Bank Public Finance

Age: 39

First Job: Grill and french fries station at McDonald's in Long Beach, California

Last Book Read: My Personal Best: Life Lessons from an Ail-American Journey by John Wooden with Steve Jamison

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Being the eldest sibling in his family, Nephi Aiono is used to problem solving and making hard decisions. Aiono is a first-generation American and college graduate, a degree that led him to become an investment banker. His role at Zions Rank is to further its mission to assist municipalities, public schools, higher education institutions, water/sewer districts, charter schools and other entities with financing via the municipal capital markets.

Aiono is inspired by a number of role models, including high school coaches, Ronald Reagan, and his father and father-in-law. And speaking of fathers--Aiono says his children are his greatest motivation. "My family is my main motivator to succeed and excel," says Aiono. "I've been blessed with many opportunities and I am determined to maximizing each of them."

Brandon W. Anderson

Co-founder and President. 14 Solution

Age: 34

First Job: Bus boy at Village Inn

Favorite Quote: "By working faithfully eight hours a day you may eventually get to be boss and work 12 hours a day." --Robert Frost

At the early age of 13, Brandon Anderson faced a challenge that has since shaped him into the leader he is today. After experiencing an automobile accident that left his family with major medial issues and expenses, his family lost their home. "Words don't do it justice to describe what I, as a young man, felt during those times. I was scared, sad and felt somewhat abandoned. However, it wasn't until years later that I was able to reflect back with gratitude on those times," he says. Anderson learned many lessons during that difficult time: the importance of "a good work ethic, responsibility and above all being grateful for what you have and not always thinking of the things you don't."

Anderson now knows that any challenge can be conquered, and he puts that real-life lesson to work at i4 Solutions, where he and his business partner are constantly innovating new online companies and developing web applications for clients.

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Matthew V. Anderson

Vice President - Global Pre-Paid Operations, American Express

Ages 39

Last Book Read: | read a lot of One Fish, Two Fish by Dr. Seuss lately

Role Model: Gordon B. Hinkley

Matthew Anderson says he learned an important lesson early in his career. "I learned to gauge my personal success on the simple idea of, 'After working here for a day, did I leave this place a little better than when I found it? Did I add value to my customers, my employees and my shareholders?'" Anderson put this lesson to work as he climbed his way up from a customer service representative, to running operations in Japan, to becoming vice president of operations and bank officer for GE Capital Financial (which was purchased by American Express in 2009).

When Anderson is not helping American Express with the design, development, marketing, sales and servicing of its portfolio of global pre-paid products, he can be found with his three (almost four) children, teaching at several universities or playing the guitar and cello (which Anderson says he is gloriously mediocre at).

Derek E. Anderson

President and Founding Partner. Pia Andarson Dorius Reynard 8 Moss, LLC

Age: 35

Favorite Quote: "There are no secrets to success. It is the result of preparation, hard work, learning from failure." - Colin Powell

Favorite Utah Diversion: Skiing or biking, depending on the season

In addition to focusing on corporate and real estate work, Derek Anderson also oversees the daily operations of Pia Anderson, including human resources, recruiting, marketing, financial, budgetary and other miscellaneous firm-related matters. At the beginning of his career, Anderson was trying to choose one general area of the law on which to focus, either litigation or transactional. "I struggled with this decision," he says. "Should I go down the path of many of my past family members (grandpa and uncles) and do litigation, or should I focus on transactional work? My head said litigation, but my heart said transactional work. Fortunately, I followed my heart."

Anderson says he gets a huge thrill out of negotiating and completing work for his clients. He is also involved with various political campaigns, has been a State Delegate twice and is head coach for a Little League Football 2010 champion team.

Zandra Anderson

Chief Financial Officer, Timpanogos Regional Hospital

Age: 38

Role Model: My paternal grandfather, Lloyd Merrill Croxford

Favorite Quote: "Live a good life. In the end it is not the years in a life, but the life in the years." - Abraham Lincoln

As chief financial officer at Timpanogos Regional Hospital, Zandra Anderson keeps the organization's operations running smoothly. Each day she assumes a leading role in analyzing and exploring means of reducing hospital operating costs, protecting and increasing market share, and otherwise ensuring the hospital is prepared to weather the sweeping changes facing the industry as a result of recent health care reform legislation.

"I love working in the health care industry because I know I'm contributing to improving the lives of my fellow community members each day," she says.

Keeping up with health care seems to be difficult for everyone these days, but Anderson finds joy in the challenges and keeps a cool head under pressure. While she was working for a children's hospital in Nevada, she worked with a team to locate a bomb in the hospital, and helped keep staff, patients and visitors safe while the device was imploded.

Chris Barnes

Co-owner, President, Sales & Marketing Director, Candle Warmer, Etc.

Age: 35

Favorite Movie: A River Runs Through It

Favorite Utah Diversion: Without a doubt fly fishing!

Before joining Can the Warmers Etc., Chris Barnes worked for Back to Basics Products, where he was responsible for $30 million in annual sales revenue and developing relationships with retailers such as Target, Macy's, Dillard's, and Bed, Bath & Beyond. Using this experience, Barnes is now helping lead his sales team as well as overseeing all the sales and marketing functions at Candle Warmers. He is also responsible for the company's controlled growth strategy.

"I am really excited about Candle Warmers Etc. it was a big step for my family and me, but we could see how great this new challenge could be," he says. "There have been a lot of challenges over the last three years trying to grow a company in today's economy; our industry is huge ($2 billion annually) and it's great to see Candle Warmers Etc. have an impact on something that big."

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Jason Castor

Resource Development, United Way of Salt Lake

Age: 38

First Job: Landscaping

List Book Read: Switch How to Change Things When Change is Hard by Chip Heath and Dan Heath

Jason Castor has been serving United Way of Salt Lake since 1999 and considers his position more than a 9-to-5 job. "Being able to positively change the community for future generations to come is a dream job," says Castor. In his current position and prior position as corporate relations director for the nonprofit organization, Castor paved the way for new programs, including diversification and expansion of the organizations revenue streams, and implementation and expansion of its affinity groups (Tocqueville Society, Women's Philanthropic Network and Young Leaders).

"I'm constantly seeking ways to enhance, refine and improve the final outcome or result of any product, relationship or experience that I'm involved with," Castor says. "I'm extremely motivated and really enjoy pushing the boundaries of trying to be a good leader, which I believe consists of the following ingredients: discipline, empowerment, honesty, integrity, respect, passion, compassion, strong work ethic, vision and of course, humor."

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Jason Coulam

President and COO, Prosper, Inc.

Age: 32

Favorite Utah Diversion: Being outdoors with my wife and two girls

Role Model: My dad. I've never met anyone that has much passion and optimism for life

When Jason Coulam was 23, he was challenged to bring Prospers entire fulfillment division internal--a task that, among other things, required hiring hundreds of employees, developing a CRM system, producing Prosper-owned curriculum and products, and opening a new office. "To be tasked with something so critical for the company was overwhelming," Coulam says. But he was able to accomplish the task and much more in his almost 12 years with the company, serving many roles leading to his current position such as a sales representative, sales team leader, director of coaching and executive vice president of fulfillment.

Coulam's biggest motivator is his family. "More than anything it's providing a wonderful life for my family. Financial security, good relationships and great experiences are much more important to me than a big house or fancy cars," he says. "I also love watching our employees and customers change their lives and reach their lull potential."

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Kathy Dalton

Co-founder and Chief Marketing Officer, The Blueberry Project, LLC (DBA Little Stinker)'

Age: 31

Lao Book Read: Lynch Pin by Seth Godin

Favorite Quote: "I love people who yearn...