After over 200 nominations, say hello to the doers and difference-makers powering the Bay of Quinte right now—building, mentoring, hiring, creating, and lifting others as they go. They represent the energy, generosity, and grit pushing the BoQ forward. Join us in celebrating this year’s winners!
PS-We planned for 40 but one group submission and a couple ties later we landed at 44.
HUGE thanks to everyone who put their name (or a deserving someone else’s) forward for the very first 40 UNDER 40 in the Bay of Quinte. You showed up in a big way—stories of leadership, community spirit, and hustle that make this region shine.
To celebrate we are throwing a party on September 25, 2025 at Signal Brewery!
AN INFORMAL MINGLE WITH FOOD+DRINKS+MUSIC & A KEYNOTE SPEAKER = GOOD TIMES!!
Abraham Ramos Serratos is part of the heart of Chilangos Mexican Restaurant, where every plate tells a story of culture, resilience, and authentic flavours. Originally from Mexico City, he brought his passion for hospitality to Belleville in 2010 and never looked back. Now co-owner of Chilangos and P&R Property Holdings, Abraham leads a team of 40+, supports countless local causes, and still finds time to greet guests with a smile (and maybe a taco). His journey proves that with heart and hustle, anything is possible.
Adam DeMerchant is a cafe owner and operator in Napanee Ontario. Having grown up in Napanee, after high school Adam moved to New Brunswick and met his wife, as well as experienced modern coffee culture for the first time. Now returned, he is excited and passionate about bringing a newer coffee experience to rural Ontario. He spends most of his time with his wife and two daughters, or losing every soccer game he joins.
Amber Lucas is a community leader, entrepreneur, and advocate for inclusion based in Belleville, Ontario. She is the founder of Press Play Café, the city’s first indoor play café, and Chair of Quinte Little Theatre, where she launched the region’s only accessible youth theatre program. A passionate volunteer and former wellness business owner, Amber is driven by her role as a mother and her commitment to creating safe, supportive spaces for families and children in her community.
Ashley Foley is the founder of Foley Communications & Consulting, a Belleville-based communications firm specializing in story-driven PR, legacy storytelling, and strategic media engagement. Through services like Local Legacy and Press Connect, Ashley helps businesses, non-profits, and organizations clarify their message, gain media visibility, and build lasting trust with their audiences. With nearly 20 years in journalism, she brings credibility, heart, and results to every project. Foley Communications has supported over 20 campaigns across Eastern Ontario, offering accessible, impact-focused storytelling solutions. Ashley also mentors entrepreneurs and advocates for equity in business and communications.
Ashley is a full-time correctional officer, tactical team member & team leader, entrepreneur, and small business owner at Black Barn Co. with locations in Napanee & Picton. Beyond her demanding career, she is a nationally recognized fitness competitor, having earned titles at the highest level. Ashley is deeply supported by her husband and three step-children, who inspire her drive and commitment. Community-focused, she actively supports local initiatives including the Interval House, OSPCA, PTSD awareness, and mental health advocacy. She also helped spearhead an autism network alongside other mothers, creating vital support for families with children on the spectrum.
Ben Hagerman is the Manager of Economic Development and Communications for the Municipality of Brighton, Ontario. He grew up in Stirling and lives in Napanee with his wife BethAnn and two sons, Henry and Clark. Ben has a decade of municipal economic development experience, with past roles in Greater Napanee and Quinte West. He is known for promoting business growth, leading the Brighton Industrial Park expansion, organizing community events, and volunteering as a youth hockey coach and fundraiser.
Bentley Davidson is an 11-year-old community leader and athlete from Quinte. Known as “Pint-Sized Gord,” he has raised over $70,000 for local charities through creative fundraising events inspired by his love for Gord Downie. Bentley plays football with the Quinte West Skyhawks, races go-karts at Brighton Speedway, and enjoys swimming, fishing, and spending time with family and friends.
Breanne Matthews is a barrier-breaking leader, entrepreneur, and community advocate. As Co-Founder & CEO of Rah Rah Crew, she blends strategic expertise with a passion for social impact. Formerly the first woman in a leadership role with the Belleville Senators and the third female governor on the AHL Board of Governors, she has earned multiple league awards for business excellence and community impact. A proud military spouse, mom of three, and Executive MBA candidate at Queen’s University, Breanne is dedicated to building stronger, more inclusive communities.
Brittany Pratt is a member of the Mohawk Nation and founder of Good Medicine Wellness, a holistic healing centre on Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory. A Registered Psychotherapist (RP), she integrates trauma-informed therapy with Indigenous and spiritual healing practices to support emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being. Apprenticing under Mohawk Elder Betty Carr-Braint since 2022, Brittany continues to co-facilitate traditional ceremonies, including sweat lodge, fasting, and moon ceremonies. She also founded Good Medicine Wellness Foundation to strengthen cultural and spiritual healing initiatives in the Bay of Quinte region.
Bryn McDonnell is a municipal finance leader, educator, and community volunteer with a passion for public service and teaching. As Supervisor for the City of Belleville’s Water Finance division, he has developed municipal policies that promote equity and sustainable service delivery. Bryn teaches in the Faculty of General Education at Loyalist College and the Faculty of Business at Durham College. He holds a Master of Arts and is completing his MBA at Carleton University. Bryn volunteers his time in youth sports, serves as a school board director, and enjoys hiking with his wife and three children in the Quinte region.
Camden Lawrence is the General Manager of First Nations Agriculture & Finance Ontario, an Indigenous Financial Institution (IFI) servicing Ontario with offices in Tyendinaga (MBQ), Stirling and Lambeth. Camden has worked with the organization for over 8 years, taking over as the General Manager for the last 2 years. In his time, he has helped support First Nations Farming operations and businesses across the province. Now that he has moved into more of a management role, he helps develop programs and works closely with the government and larger corporations in developing better ways to support and grow not only First Nations businesses but also communities and the First Nations Economy in the province.
Caroline Birch is the Economic Development & Executive Offices Coordinator for the Municipality of Brighton. As a lifelong Brighton resident, she is driven by the love she has for her community. In her role, she has led local initiatives in tourism, public relations, and event management, including coordinating Brighton’s fall festival, Applefest. Outside of work, Caroline is an avid cyclist and an amateur sourdough baker.
Chaz is Quinte’s first health-approved mobile tattoo artist. With a passion towards fairness and equality, he strives to exceed industry standards both on and off-site. As a father of four, he values the difference that he can make in the lives of young ones and will continue to leave his mark both temporary and permanently within the community.
Corinne Sykes is a passionate leader, dedicated to curating experiences and building community spaces where people can feel connected, joyful, and celebrated. She and her partner Myra opened their new space, The Kafana, earlier this year in downtown Belleville. The duo are also known for their aid efforts for Ukraine via their non-profit Humanity for Free Ukraine and their Perogie Pop-Ups.
Danielle Hanoman is the Executive Director of the Downtown Belleville BIA, guiding initiatives that boost the local economy, engage the community, and bring vibrancy to the downtown core. With a background in psychology and marketing, she blends strategic insight with a passion for people, developing programs and partnerships that support businesses, champion downtown, and highlight the unique character of Belleville. In her free time, Danielle enjoys hiking, sailing, and spending quality time with her two dogs.
Deanna Way is the Executive Director of the Quinte Museum of Natural History and the founder of Deanna Way Photography. She brings a unique blend of strategic vision and creative storytelling to the cultural sector, with a focus on building bold, inclusive, and community-rooted institutions. Deanna also serves on the boards of the Ontario Museum Association and Regional Tourism Organization 9, where she helps shape the future of museums and tourism in Ontario.
Dominique McIntyre is a real estate leader, community advocate, and founder of McIntyre & Co Real Estate Group. Starting her career at 20 and leading a team of 10 by 29, Dominique is known not only for her top-producing success but for her deep commitment to mentorship, especially empowering peers to thrive both personally and professionally. From sponsoring local sports teams to serving meals at Christmas and running community drives, she believes success means nothing without impact. Love, leadership, and legacy fuel everything she does.
Elisha has held several economic development roles over the past 18 years of her career. Her current role as Manager of Economic Development oversees the city’s investment attraction efforts, business growth and retention and destination development plan. Through innovation, sustainable progress and cultural vibrancy, Belleville strives to be the epicentre of the region, and the Economic Development Team is here to support that vision.
Fiona Sinclair is a lifelong Belleville resident who’s passionate about building community—whether through volunteering for city-wide celebrations, organizing office snack carts and reading challenges, or raising funds for local charities. She leads TruckRight’s Social Committee and QA team with the intention of making life easier, kinder, and more fun for everyone. She enjoys board games, a good book, and spending time with her family and friends.
Greg grew up in Trenton, Ontario and returned to the Quinte area to start his own family and business after his education took him to Massachusetts, Connecticut and Ottawa. Greg’s legal practice is focused on business and real estate law. Greg remains an avid sports enthusiast, with his primary passions being golf and hockey. His commitment to the local community is evidenced by his positions as a past Director for the Quinte Healthcare Corporation, Past-President for the Kiwanis Club of Trenton, Past-Chair of the YMCA Strong Kids Campaign and HCol of 426 Sqn.
Hardik Patel arrived in Belleville with a suitcase, big dreams, and no roadmap—just a determination to belong. From his first volunteer shift at the Salvation Army breakfast program to hosting community dinners and cultural festivals through Belleville International, Hardik has woven himself into the heart of the Bay of Quinte. A Young Changemaker, connector of people, a champion of local causes, and a believer in giving back, he turns ideas into impact. For Hardik, this region isn’t just where he lives—it’s HOME, and he’s all in.
Jeff McKerracher is the co-owner of A1 Plumbing, Pumps & Water Treatment Inc., a trusted name in the Quinte area for plumbing, water treatment, pump, and septic solutions. He leads the business with a strong commitment to professionalism, community, and continuous growth, striving to make a positive impact on both customers and team members. Passionate about bridging the skilled trades gap, Jeff mentors youth and promotes careers in the trades, while also giving back through initiatives like A1 in the Community and his role on the Quinte West Chamber board.
Born and raised in Belleville, I’m the owner of Evolve Wellness Studio and a part-time professor at Loyalist College. I launched Evolve in 2019 with two kids under two and a mission to change how people see health, focusing on strength, mobility, and self-love over appearance. When the pandemic hit, my team and I expanded, instead of slowing down, and helped to create and bring to life the award-nominated “Keep Breathing Respiratory Exercise ” program, now recognized by the Lung Health Association. Beyond the studio, I lead community projects as School Council Chair, serve on the BDIA Board, coach youth soccer, and champion kindness and confidence in every stage of life. With two children in tow, a lot of coffee, and a mission to shake up the fitness world, my goal is to help people move better, feel stronger, and love their bodies, without ever fitting into someone else’s mould.
Katelyn Thompson is a dedicated gymnastics coach and mentor with extensive experience developing competitive athletes and supporting aspiring coaches in technical growth, leadership, and career planning. She holds advanced coaching credentials and actively promotes gymnastics in the Bay of Quinte region, highlighting athletes’ achievements to inspire youth participation. Outside the gym, Katelyn enjoys travelling and spending time with her family.
Katie Sherratt is the Business Development Liaison and Digital Media Coordinator at Starboard Communications. She holds degrees in Environmental Studies and Geography from Queen’s University and Environmental Planning from Fleming College. After a career shift, she utilized her skills to dive into the media and marketing world. Katie is passionate about building community relationships and collaborating with businesses to help them build their brands. Fun fact: she’s a dog mom to two fur babies and an experienced farmer.
Laura Imrie is the Curator at the National Air Force Museum of Canada, where she manages and interprets the museum’s military aviation collection. Driven by a love of history, she helps to connect people of all ages to Canada’s air force heritage – both in the local community and beyond. In her spare time, she enjoys teaching yoga and working in her garden.
Lorne is a gold-medal graduate of Western University’s combined law and business program, who currently works as a Vice-President of McDougall Insurance Brokers Limited. Lorne’s focus at McDougall Insurance is operations and M&A, while also handling various finance, IT and project management roles. Lorne has a background in Insurance Sales, Tax Controversy Litigation and Information Technology, and loves problem-solving and change. In his spare time, Lorne loves spending time with his wife and two daughters. He is also an author, having completely written, edited and self-published a novel entitled “Reapers”.
Mariam is an emerging UX designer and researcher passionate about human-centred technology and digital public service. With nearly three years of experience leading social impact projects, she has designed tools, services, and policies that bridge global insight with real-world outcomes. Her work spans immigrant and refugee advocacy, equity-focused policy, and civic technology, including current research on how migration patterns impact menstrual health. Currently pursuing a Master of Information @ UofT, Mariam combines service/UX design, strategic foresight, and policy expertise to build civic tech solutions that strengthen public institutions, promote equity, and put real people first.
Matthieu Leonard is the President & COO of Olympus Property Management & Contracting, where he’s grown the company to five full-time staff, $4.7M in assets under management, and delivered 25 newly renovated homes in just three years. A professional engineer turned entrepreneur, Matthieu is passionate about building systems that make businesses and communities thrive. Beyond work, he serves as Chair of the Belleville Downtown BIA and co-founded the Bay of Quinte 40 Under 40 Awards. He’s also known for hosting the occasional whiskey night.
Megan Blaquiere is a dedicated entrepreneur and the founder of a successful dog grooming business with over a decade of experience. She opened her first studio at 24 and grew it to a team before moving her business home to focus on starting a family. Now back in a storefront, Megan leads with innovation, high standards, and a stress-free approach to grooming. She is passionate about connecting with her community and collaborating with other small businesses to foster growth and support. Megan balances family and business with resilience, continuous learning, and a commitment to excellence.
Meg Fox is a dedicated entrepreneur and community leader, best known as the owner of the beloved Tin Roof, where they blend creativity, quality, and connection. With a passion for using fresh, local ingredients and creating inclusive spaces, Meg extends this spirit into volunteerism through running the Home Rainbow Youth Centre that provides a safe, affirming environment for queer youth and allies. Balancing business innovation with community care, Meg champions collaboration and opportunities for young people. Their entrepreneurial journey is rooted in heart-driven leadership, where building a thriving business goes hand in hand with giving back.
Melanie Harrington is the owner of Dahlia May Flower Farm. Dahlia May Flower Farm—founded in 2014—is a farm that specializes in growing cut flowers. Melanie brings a background in art and horticulture to her work in building community through locally grown flowers on her family’s third-generation farmstead. Melanie’s studies in horticulture and design have helped her shape her rural properties into a destination for flower lovers and a hub for those seeking locally grown blooms. From humble beginnings eight years ago, Dahlia May Flower Farm has been featured by Chatelaine Magazine, Better Homes and Gardens, The Toronto Star, CBC television and radio, PayPal, Google, Canadian Florist Magazine and more. Dahlia May was named Agri-Business of the Year in 2019 at the Quinte Business Achievement Award and Melanie was awarded the title of Young Entrepreneur of the Year in 2018.
Natasha Mathieu is passionate about educating her community on the importance of protecting drinking water sources. She collaborates with organizations to empower residents to learn about how their actions can improve the quality and quantity of clean and safe drinking water for today and future generations. She also encourages youth to participate in scientific inquiry through the Quinte Regional Science and Technology Fair.
Noella Salter is the Marketing Manager at Lange & Fetter, where she leads the dealership’s digital strategy and oversees a growing marketing team. Since starting as Social Media Manager in 2020, she has built a strong online presence that has helped make Lange & Fetter the top-selling dealership in the Bay of Quinte area. A proud mom, Noella is passionate about authentic storytelling, connecting with people, and using her marketing to make a positive impact in her community through her work.
Rachelle Baldock is the Executive Director of the Children’s Safety Village of Belleville, where she leads safety education initiatives that empower children and families across the region. With a background in nonprofit leadership, community development, and communications, she is passionate about building safer, more inclusive communities. A dedicated mom and advocate, Rachelle is currently spearheading a $4 million capital campaign to expand CSV’s impact.
Rakesh Parmar is an entrepreneur and community leader passionate about building thriving businesses and giving back to the Bay of Quinte region. As co-owner of four local restaurants, he has created jobs, revitalized long-standing establishments, and launched initiatives that support wellness, mentorship, and community engagement. Outside of work, he enjoys travelling, exploring new cultures, and spending time outdoors.
Samm Foley is a Belleville-born and based entrepreneur, registered nurse, and founder of multiple beauty and wellness ventures rooted in empowerment, education, and innovation.
I started at McDonald’s as a crew member 19 years ago and worked my way up to Restaurant Leader, to now HR. Winning awards and building awesome teams along the way. I’m all about great leadership, giving back to the community (shoutout to TMHF and MFRC!), and mentoring the next generation. When I’m not at work, you’ll find me soaking up family time and recharging my energy to keep bringing my A-game every day.
Taylor Nelson is a Certified Play Therapist who operates a successful therapy clinic devoted to children’s mental health. After opening her clinic in early 2024, she is already planning for expansion. Taylor has been supporting children, youth and families in the community for more than 15 years.
Zack Card is a former small business owner with a strong entrepreneurial spirit. He is currently transitioning into a career in finance as well as serving on Quinte West City Council, where he chairs two committees. He loves spending time with his wife, and they’re currently expecting their first child later this fall. Any spare time is usually spent playing golf, pickleball, strategy games or walking their dog, Fox.
Founder of Ivy League Fitness
From personal transformation to professional passion, Zoe Hiscock knows what it takes to change your life—inside and out. Once facing her own health challenges, she turned her journey into a mission: helping others unlock their strength, confidence, and full potential. As the owner of Ivy League Fitness, Zoe specializes in one-on-one training, personalized meal plans, and custom workouts, with 24/7 support to keep clients on track every step of the way. Her approach isn’t just about building bodies—it’s about building lifestyles that last.
The Community Resource Unit (C.R.U.) of the Belleville Police Service is comprised of Constables Aaron Crawford, Josh Woodcock, and Brittney Blake—dedicated officers who live in the Bay of Quinte region and bring years of service to their roles. Focused on prevention, youth engagement, and supporting vulnerable populations, they deliver educational presentations on human trafficking, substance abuse, and online safety. The team works closely with individuals facing homelessness, addiction, and mental health challenges, collaborating with community partners for lasting support. Known for their approachability and compassion, the C.R.U. balances proactive outreach with responsive policing to promote safety and trust.
Want to support the celebration? Become a sponsor and help shine a brighter light on local talent.
The countdown is on! Nominations close July 27 at midnight.
It’s time! Nominate your pick or picks for Bay of Quinte’s 40 UNDER 40 by completing the form below.
Let’s see what we got!
The Bay of Quinte RMB Land Acknowledgement
The Bay of Quinte Regional Marketing Board is committed to acknowledging, appreciating and understanding the Indigenous peoples’ historic connection to this land and to raising awareness by building relationships in collaboration with Indigenous partners and communities.
We recognize and acknowledge that we are living and working on the traditional territory of the Wendat, Mississauga, Anishinaabeg and Haudenosaunee which includes the Kenhtè:ke Kanyen’kehá:ka (Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte) with whom we work in direct partnership with.
This partnership focuses on the common goal of celebrating the region with the Kenhtè:ke Kanyen’kehá:ka who are equal partners within the organization and at the Board of Directors table contributing to the mandate and operations.
This mandate includes listening to, learning from, and collaborating with the Kenhtè:ke Kanyen’kehá:ka and actively incorporating their culture and heritage into the practice of responsible destination marketing and management of the region.
We understand that this land acknowledgement is only a small step towards the larger process of reparations and reconciliation.
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