Young professionals share commitment to Grafton

Beyond professional success, there are a few things the recipients of the Top 4 in the 024 Young Professionals  — Josh Branham of Bank Five Nine, Nic Fullington of Grafton High School, Brett Larson of Family Promise of Ozaukee County and Opal Stone of Wild and Precious Boutique — have in common.

The winners of the award, given by the Grafton Area Chamber of Commerce, value giving back to the community and each said they particularly enjoy the people of the area.

“They are kind, loyal and supportive,” Stone said.

Three of the four — Fullington, Larson and Stone — are also Grafton High graduates who continue to give back to their hometown.

The award winners, who were recognized during a March 7 ceremony, exemplify positive representation of new energy in the workforce, according to the awards committee.

“Young professionals are a vibrant part of building business in Grafton,” Chamber Executive Director Elizabeth Mueller said.

The committee said Fullington was “an easy choice” for the award, noting he is “a technical educator who not only spends his days educating students but inspiring them to want more.”

Fullington is an automotive teacher at his alma mater, Grafton High School. It was his goal after graduating from the University of Wisconsin-Stout to return to the school, he said.

“I enjoy the enthusiasm the community brings to education, the pride we have for Grafton High School and the support the community gives the teachers,” he said.

He’s most proud of the growth and achievements of his students, he said, adding, “It is a privilege to witness firsthand their development and successes.”

One of the highlights of his career was taking a student to a national automotive competition, where the teenager took first place, Fullington said.

“Seeing his growth turn into tangible success was incredibly rewarding,” he noted.

Fullington and his student host the community car care clinic for senior citizens, and he coaches seventh grade basketball at John Long Middle School as well as seventh and eight grade track and field. He also works with the Chamber’s Holiday Events Committee and with his students, redesigned the Santa sleigh for the annual Christmas parade.

Larson, who also graduated from Grafton High, is associate director of Family Promise of Ozaukee County.

The committee noted that he “goes above and beyond to assist anyone he encounters that needs assistance.”

Larson said the thing he enjoys most about working in Ozaukee County is the “uniqueness of each city and the kindness of the community.”

“Working at Family Promise of Ozaukee County, I have had the opportunity to work and partner with many amazing Ozaukee County organizations and businesses,” he added. “I am proud that I have been able to have an impact on the lives of those around me.”

He volunteers at Portview Church in the Town of Port Washington and noted that between that and his job he has been “given the chance to serve those in need and be a part of something bigger than myself.”

The person who nominated him cited the fact he helps with home repairs, moving large items, delivering food, providing referrals and offering transportation to others.

Stone, another Grafton High graduate, owns Wild and Precious Boutique.

She took a circuitous route to her hometown, earning degrees in psychology, counseling and higher education. She was an admissions counselor for a few years, then became a nanny before pursuing her dream of becoming a small-business owner.

She taught herself hand lettering and became a graphic designer before creating her boutique.

Stone said she is most proud of “overcoming loss and using that experience to pour into my business, but more importantly people and the community.”

“Opal possesses an unparalleled drive not only to ensure the success of her business but also to uplift the community surrounding her,” the committee said.

Charitable efforts within her business, such as organizing fundraisers for a young girl who was in an accident and the Baskets of Hope and Denim Drive campaigns, “exemplify her unwavering dedication to supporting those in need,” the committee added.

Branham, branch manager for Bank Five Nine, was cited by the committee for his “commitment to the Grafton community through his involvement with Celebrate Grafton, the Adult Literacy Center of Ozaukee and numerous other nonprofits.”

The committee also cited his ability to “champion volunteers and community support.”

“It means a lot to me to work for an organization that is invested in the community I care about,” he said.

He said he and his family are invested in the community, adding, “The community has always been a pleasant one and that stems from the people in this community. The pride, passion and positivity from everyone I’ve encountered is hands down what I enjoy the most about working in Grafton.”