Brady Lemen AYP Member Spotlight - Aug.

Name: Brady Lemen

Where do you work? Gage & Company, CPAs, LLP

What’s your job title/what do you do? Staff Accountant

Where are you from? I’m a native to Abilene. 2018 is my 26th year here.

What is your favorite thing about living in the Big Country? It’s difficult to pick one aspect I love about the Big Country. Having grown up in Abilene, I’ve always loved the slower pace of life. It’s not a rushed, go-go-go lifestyle as opposed to some larger cities in Texas. While I enjoy getting out of the house and socializing, it’s nice to be able to step back and recharge my batteries when needed.

What do you do in your free time? As you can see in the picture, my Yorkie, Ollie, is a huge aspect of my life. I have an abundance of love for animals and cherish time spent with my little man. In addition to playing with the pup, I enjoy spending time with friends, swimming, playing guitar at high volumes, attending concerts, watching movies, going to the lake and constantly learning about anything which piques my interest. I’m also very involved in the Young Professionals class at Pioneer Drive.

What does being an Abilene Young Professional mean to you? While it may not seem like an important “title”, it is crucial for Abilene to attract and retain a younger demographic to ensure our city will continue to grow. Abilene is known for being a hot spot for retiring individuals, however I believe the Key City has an opportunity through Abilene Young Professionals to show there is a thriving, younger population in town. Being a member of AYP means playing an integral role in the future of Abilene. Do you serve on any boards in the community or participate in any other groups? If so, what do you enjoy about your participation? Starting in July, I will be serving on the Board of Young Associates at Hardin-Simmons University. This board meets and discusses with the main board of directors at HSU to develop ideas and areas of improvement on campus for the University’s future. My time at HSU was one of the best seasons of my life and I want to share that experience with prospective students. What’s something you’re passionate about and why? Throughout my whole life, I’ve always believed in treating others with respect and try to show them love regardless of how they act. It can be difficult at times, but we are all human and deserve to be treated as such. I also love speaking with people and discovering what they enjoy. Once you get someone talking about their interests, you can really begin to break down the walls and learn who they really are in order to develop a more meaningful relationship.