Who's Who 2013: Shad Burner, Sales director, rustmedia

Community involvement: Chairman, Work Ready Coalition, Cape Girardeau Area Chamber of Commerce; secretary-elect, Cape Girardeau Rotary Club; Tri-State Advertising and Marketing Professionals; St. Mary Cathedral Parish

What do you love about your work?

I think I have the best job in Cape! Our agency is helping businesses to better tell their stories in the places where people are now listening. Technology is changing the way we communicate about our products and services on a daily basis, and it is exciting to be at the forefront of that change. My work is challenging, fast-paced, fun and overall incredibly rewarding.

What motivates or inspires you?

Inspiration comes in many forms, but the people in my life come to mind immediately. My wife, Layne, and our daughter, Kaydence, inspire me every single day. We share a home filled with laughter and happiness, and I can't imagine life any other way. My parents taught me what was really important, and they have shaped me more than they will probably ever realize. I have also been fortunate to count several mentors in my relatively short career who have encouraged and inspired me to reach higher and expect more of myself.

What do you consider your greatest professional accomplishment?

My greatest professional accomplishment was probably making the difficult decision to change my career path. My time at Southeast Missouri State University forever shaped me and I wouldn't trade it for a minute. The people I worked with were wonderful and the job itself was exciting and unique. It was not easy to leave. However, after the arrival of my daughter, my heart was just no longer in a job that demanded that kind of travel. And although I left mostly for that reason, the experiences I have gained in the year since I left have changed me in ways I never could have imagined. My perspective on life and work has broadened tremendously and I have a much better understanding of my talents and limitations. The year of 2012 will be one I will never forget, and I know that I am a better father, husband and employee because of those experiences.