Cory Swanson, Age 32
President, Swanson’s Roofing
Community involvement: St. Joseph community youth sports programs, including football, basketball and baseball, organizer in the Champaign County “Upward” youth basketball program and involved in St. Joseph Church of Christ youth activities.
Best advice I can give: Always be honest and uphold your integrity.
Best advice I’ve received: From the Rev. Robert Freeman – “Trust in the Lord to provide your needs.”
I admire: My mother – as a single mom with three kids, she went back to school at the University of Illinois in the 1980s and graduated in accounting. She is now director of accounts payable at U of I. Her hard work and dedication to get through school influenced my work ethic.
My mentor: Retired Rantoul High School teacher/coach Al Taylor taught me that your character defines who you are, and ultimately your successes or failures in life and career.
Words from the nominators: “Cory has single-handedly started from the basement level on a shoestring and, through hard work and dedication, has built his business to one of the largest roofing contractors in the Rantoul/Champaign area.” – Mark Glassford, business director, Mardi Inc.
“Cory is an honest, hard-working individual with high integrity standards. Conscientious, ethical and fair to all employees and customers.” – Sandra Ehler, mother of nominee and executive director of University Payables, U of I.
