Austin White, 28

Occupation: Executive Assistant, the T&D Family of Companies, Wildwood // Treasurer of the Sumter Fair Association // Owner/CEO of Nonnie’s Boutique, Wildwood

What I do: My job responsibilities include working closely with company executives daily to maintain and enhance the T&D legacy. I manage all financial operations for our supplies division, oversee customer relations and order processing. Additionally, I handle much of our community outreach, collaborating directly with our CEO to ensure that our community receives the support and resources it needs.

How I got started: At 16, I started my career working for a family friend who owned a company and taught me the basics of bookkeeping and payroll. In 2019, I moved to Sumter County and joined T&D. Having my experience in payroll and bookkeeping, I began in the payroll division and through dedication and enthusiasm, rapidly progressed to my current role.

I’m passionate about what I do because: This role pushes me every day to be my very best! It allows me to utilize my organizational and communication skills to support our company’s growth and impact. Additionally, co-founding two other businesses, engaging with and serving nonprofit organizations aligns with my commitment to community and personal development. These entrepreneurial pursuits fulfill my drive to give back and make a positive difference. Being actively involved in these areas motivates me to seek ways to contribute to others.

My biggest professional accomplishment so far: I feel as though all of my accomplishments thus far have been big. However, my most significant recent accomplishment was partnering with my mother last year to purchase a historic building in downtown Wildwood where my grandmother cut hair for over 30 years. We bought this property and opened Nonnie’s Boutique to honor her!

When I’m not working or volunteering: Spare time is rare for me, between working full-time, volunteering and helping my mother run our businesses, but I love to travel when I can. Discovering new places and experiencing different cultures is incredibly fulfilling and refreshing.

My first job: Technically, my first job was at Skate World where at age 12, I was part of the junior staff. My first actual paying job, however, was at Oakwood Smokehouse and Grill where I started at 15 years old as a host.

My local mentor: I look up to T&D Family of Companies CEO Terry Yoder. His impact on my life and on countless others’ lives across the country has been profound. I’ve witnessed his efforts to make a difference not only in Sumter County but wherever he goes. Terry has taught me the value of giving your all in everything you do and that there are no limits to what you can achieve. His dedication to his community, his love for his country and his faith are truly inspiring and something I deeply respect.

The best advice I’ve received: “Listen more than you speak.” This has taught me the importance of genuinely understanding others, which helps me build deeper connections and make more informed decisions.

Fun fact: People might be surprised to learn that I have a deep love for singing! I recently joined the choir at my church and have embraced this passion as a way to fulfill what I believe God has called me to do.

If I had a million dollars to give away: I would support causes that benefit abandoned children, individuals with special needs and spreading the word of God!

Life after 40: In the future, I envision myself as an impactful business leader dedicated to giving back to the community. One of my key goals for the next decade is to establish a non-profit organization that brings faith, hope and love to those most in need, particularly children, individuals with special needs and the homeless.