Editor’s note: Twenty under 40! is a collaborative effort between the Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce’s ystark! and the Canton Repository. It recognizes young professionals in Stark County. This year’s honorees are being featured weekdays leading up to the awards celebration, which will be June 25 at the Cultural Center for the Arts in Canton.
Aaron Lehman’s life changed when he and his wife had children. They became his inspiration.
“I remember sitting in the hospital thinking, my new life’s purpose was to make them better than I was,” he said. “I had to dig deep and make a decision to mentor/coach/parent and be there for not only my kids but their friends and the youth I come into contact with. My biggest passion is finding ways to impact the future of today’s youth.”
Lehman, 38, who lives in Jackson Township, serves as senior account manager at TKG, a web design and digital marketing company based in Green. He has been with the company for 13 years.
He is active in the community, volunteering his time coaching youth sports and serving in the men’s ministry at his church, Living Water in Massillon. He and his wife were part of the church leadership team that established the Massillon campus.
A Kidron Central Christian School graduate, Lehman also serves on the Legacy Project of Stark County’s board of directors, committees at Shady Hollow Country Club and with Leadership Wooster.
“I would like to find more ways to serve both youth and fathers in the area with my time and resources,” Lehman said about his future goals.
He also wants to continue growing in leadership at TKG and chair a nonprofit board.
Who nominated Aaron Lehman for the Twenty under 40! honor?
Eugene Lingenhoel, founder/director of development at The Legacy Project of Stark; Geoff Karcher, president and CEO of TKG; and Chris Thomazin, retired president of Polymer Packaging and board chair of Legacy Project of Stark, nominated Lehman for the Twenty under 40! honor.
“Aaron stands out for the way he combines professional leadership with a genuine commitment to helping others succeed,” Karcher wrote in his nomination. “While he has built a successful career in digital marketing and client management, what truly distinguishes him is how consistently he uses his skills, relationships and time to serve the people around him.
“Aaron approaches both his work and community involvement with humility, integrity and a strong sense of responsibility to others. Whether mentoring students, supporting families in need or helping lead initiatives through his church and nonprofit involvement, he focuses on creating meaningful impact rather than recognition.”
Here are some of Aaron Lehman’s professional achievements
Here are some of Lehman’s professional accomplishments:
The Canton Repository posed several questions to Lehman about living and working in Stark County. Here are his answers:
What advice would you give the younger generation when it comes to advancing in their careers or strengthening Stark County?
Pick a company/organization where you can align with the leadership and vision of the company. Then stick it out for a few years. I see so many people leaving great companies for what likely ends up being pennies in the future. When you grow with a company and invest in that company you develop perseverance, grit and earn a seat at the leadership table.
Be aware of overthinking. At points in my career I have over-thought things and it rarely ever ends well. In fact, the times where I have seen the most growth have been the times when I have prioritized action and movement vs. being perfect.
Happiness is often a choice we make. We often can’t control our circumstances, but we can control how we approach and deal with them. Most people have things that they deal with on a daily basis. I have found that those that choose to view challenges and hardships as opportunities for growth tend to live happier lives.
What is the best career advice you’ve ever been given?
Hire and trust people that have different talents, gifts and perspectives than you.
List three to five things people might not know about you.
Why do you think Stark County is a great place to live and work?
Stark County is the perfect balance of small-town community and large city opportunities. It is easy to set down roots and build your network, while also creating a great foundation for your family. It’s a great place to live, work and raise a family.
What are your top three favorite things to do in Stark County when not working?
What’s your favorite sports team and why? (Could be high school, college or pro)
The 1998 Chicago Bulls. I grew up watching them and loved Jordan. Now that I am older, I have an immense respect and admiration for how Jordan played the game of basketball. That grit and determination have been a motivator and example I have leaned on many times in my professional career.
Describe your perfect evening.
Sitting by the fire in the backyard watching the kids play and chatting/relaxing with my wife.
Name a personal hero and explain why you chose them.
I can’t choose one. There have been upwards of 20-plus men in my life who have mentored me, pushed me and lifted me up in the most defining moments of my life. From my dad to pastors and now my boss Geoff Karcher, I have been blessed to have strong mentors in my life.
What’s a food or drink that you couldn’t live without. Explain why.
Coffee. It helps on so many fronts from being the bookend to my routine to the motivation of the caffeine hit.
You can listen to only one musical artist for the rest of your life. Who is it and why?
Hardy. I have really enjoyed most of his albums and he has the ability to cover both of my favorite genres of country and hard rock.
If you could plan your ultimate vacation — money isn’t a concern — where would you go?
Italy and Greece.
What’s a small thing that instantly makes your day better?
Saying goodbye to my kids in the morning and having them greet me at the door when I get home.
What’s a movie or TV show you can rewatch over and over?
“Step Brothers” or anything early Will Ferrell.
What’s one hobby or interest people might not expect from you?
Camping and cutting firewood.
What’s a tradition (big or small) you look forward to every year?
Christmas with family. Kelley’s Island vacation with family. And annual TKG company retreat.
What’s your favorite way to recharge?
Working in the yard/mowing grass and coaching youth sports. I am one of those weird folks who recharges with action vs. rest.
What’s a book you’ve read that stuck with you?
“Can’t Hurt Me” and “Never Finished” by David Goggins. And, “Worthy” by Jamie Kern Lima.
What’s something on your bucket list you haven’t done yet?
Write a book.
Rick Armon is managing editor of the Canton Repository and Massillon Independent. He can be reached at 330-580-8310 or rarmon@cantonrep.com.
This article originally appeared on The Repository: Meet Twenty under 40! honoree Aaron Lehman: ‘Be aware of overthinking’
Reporting by Rick Armon, Canton Repository / The Repository
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By Rick Armon, Canton Repository | USA TODAY Network
