As it turns out, Fayetteville is comprised of an impressive variety of folks. This variation can be seen daily by simple distinctions like hometown, race and ethnicity as well as more involved differences in education, profession, perspective and attitude. Fayetteville Young Professionals also happens to be made up of a wide range of individuals who bring their own unique backgrounds to the table. I would like to introduce you to a few of these folks in the first installment of FYP Jeopardy. I promise you that all of the quality individuals listed below are indeed up and coming. Send your answers to profdev@fayyp.org for a chance to win a $25 gas card, and don’t forget to start your answers with “Who is ...” Reigning from the home state of former NCAA basketball champion Juan Dixon, this young gent works as a mechanical engineer at a local manufacturing plant. His employer is included in the Dow (see stock index) and has a laundry list of engineers on their payroll. After playing collegiate golf at his alma mater, Drexel, he regularly competes in amateur tournaments and is one of the premier golfers in Cumberland County. In his spare time he can be found roaming the outfield for the FYP softball team or helping students with intense robotics competitions.

At a height of 6’6”, this tall young portfolio manager has a background in the credit side of finance and puts it to good use from his office in downtown Fayetteville. A bona fide SEC football guru, he earned his stripes as a Razorback by graduating from the maroon clad school. He is probably the only person working in town that relocated from one Fayetteville to another Fayetteville. Through his involvement in FYP he has found an awesome and compatible girlfriend who creates that twinkle in his eye. Currently in a leadership position with FYP, he is consistently finding ways to help FYP achieve its goals.

Originating from the Eurasian country that doubles as a Thanksgiving Day staple, this young lady works in our great school system as a psychologist and expert problem solver. She has a penchant for traveling the world and would gladly contribute to any festive occasion. Lately you might find her spending time with her renowned attorney boyfriend or chipping in at school to help our youth reach their fullest potential. She also loves the color purple, and happens to be a Pirate. Arghhhhhhh!

A native of a North Carolina river town close to the famous Camp Sea Gull, this young man will not shy away from a good conversation or heated discussion. A financial adviser with one of the larger firms in town, he relentlessly pursues insightful strategies to create quality returns and improve stability. A graduate of N.C. State, he wears a lot of red and can often be heard reciting the customary “Go Pack!” cheer.

A military spouse and soon to be mother of one, this young lady resides in the Haymount area. Her home states’ abbreviation rhymes with another word for donkey, and their capital is home to the NBA team that wears green. As an accountant specializing in that dreaded three letter word, TAX, she is likely very busy at this very moment. You can usually find her enjoying our weekly Wednesday morning get togethers at the Haymont Grill.

Fayetteville native and avid Atlanta Braves fan, this gentleman works in the world of screen printing and customized promotional items. With a penchant for the beach and access to a floater with a motor, he has probably caught more fish in his life than you have eaten. He is one of the biggest ECU fans in southeastern North Carolina and wishes for their return to greatness on the gridiron every day. You may find him eating dinner at a certain renowned Italian restaurant on McPherson Church Road or at a local pub cheering for the Carolina Panthers on Sunday afternoon.

If none of these descriptions ring I bell, I invite you to attend an upcoming FYP event to meet them and the many others actively participating in our organization. Please check out our website at FAYYP.org for upcoming events and come join the fun. We really are blessed by a unique mix of military, education, industry and culture that brings people to town from all over and makes the Fayetteville area an ideal place to experience, learn and develop into more well rounded people. I encourage you to take advantage of our organization, and if you feel that you are too old or just not interested, please pass the news along to that friend, family member or colleague who is looking to broaden their Fayetteville horizons and mix things up.