Updated Article - Postponed Date
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Whether it’s a young entrepreneur, a rising nonprofit leader or an innovator making waves in their field, 25 exceptional young professionals have been selected as members of the inaugural Fountain Inn 25 under 40 program, presented by the City of Fountain Inn.
This recognition honors 25 individuals under the age of 40 who are shaping the future of the greater Fountain Inn business community through innovation, leadership, and impact.
Nominations from the community closed on Nov. 9 and those selected were notified in mid-December.
To be eligible, nominees must be under the age of 40 as of January 1, 2026, live or work in the greater Fountain Inn area and demonstrate outstanding achievement in their field or in the community.
Judges evaluated nominations based on business success, professional and community leadership, innovation, impact, potential and the overall compelling nature of their story.
“This program is about more than titles or resumes,” said Bailey Dunlap, Publisher of GoFountainInn.com. “It’s about honoring the up-and-coming leaders who are driving Fountain Inn forward—those making a real difference in their industries and in our community.”
Fountain Inn’s 25 under 40 will be honored at a luncheon on Wednesday, February 25 from 11:30am-1:00pm at the Fountain Inn Activities Center, located at 610 Fairview Street.
Members of the 2026 Fountain Inn 25 under 40 are:
Susan Barrera - Tacos & Bla Bla Bla
Chad Beam - SC State Fire
Shawn Bell - City of Fountain Inn
William Brown - Younts Center
Parker Byrd - Cannon-Byrd Funeral Home
John Don - Anderson University/Fountain Inn City Council
Mary-Langston Willis Don - Miriam Foundation
Haley Dye - Cakes To Dye For
Jordan Eudy - DRB Homes
Katie Groce - Sysco
Jalin Hill - JPhotos
Mark Jump - Refined Roofing
GP McLeer - City of Fountain Inn
Dusti McCraw - B.W. Burdette & Son Hardware
Ashley Moore - AM-PM Farms Butchery & Market
Kayla Murdaugh - NICCA USA
Carrie Norell - ZF North America
Erica Peden - United Community Bank
Dr. Aaron Price - Prisma Health
Brooke Purvis - Queen Bee Gifts & Decor
Danaija Johnson - Laurens Electric Cooperative
McKenzie Speed - Pelham Medical Center
Russell Suber - Envirocare Landscape Management
Brison Taylor - City of Fountain Inn
Chloe Zivitski - Fountain Inn Museum
Sponsorships are available, along with table sponsors and individual tickets. For sponsorship information or to purchase a table, contact Bailey Dunlap at 864-923-5558 or bailey@gofountaininn.com. To purchase individual tickets, click this link.