Table of Contents

08 TOP 4 UNDER 40

Celebrating the Leaders Shaping Lake Houston's Future

10 LAUREN CASH

Elite Hospital

12 CURTIS McMINN

Kinton Cleaning

14 STEVEN SCHWARTZ

Walden Country Club

16 DR. TONG UTAKRIT

Humble Independent School District

18 K&S SPORTSWEAR

25 Years of Growth with PLH

20 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

26 PARTNERSHIP NETWORKING EVENTS

29 MEMBER SEARCH

TOP 4 UNDER 40

CELEBRATING THE LEADERS SHAPING LAKE HOUSTON'S FUTURE

WRITTEN BY PLH STAFF I PHOTOGRAPHY BY HOUSTON STUDIO

Every year, the Partnership Lake Houston honors four dynamic individuals who embody leadership, resilience, and a passion for community. This year’s Top 4 Under 40 honorees come from different walks of life—but all share one thing in common: a deep commitment to making a difference.

Celebrating Vision, Impact, and Heart

These four honorees are more than just professionals—they’re parents, mentors, changemakers, and dreamers. They’ve each faced unique challenges, taken brave leaps, and contributed in meaningful ways to the Lake Houston community.

As we celebrate this year’s Top 4 Under 40, we’re not just recognizing what they’ve done—we’re honoring who they are. And more importantly, who they’re still becoming.

2025 HONOREES

LAUREN CASH

STEVEN SCHWARTZ

CURTIS McMINN

TONG UTAKRIT

TOP 4 UNDER 40

WRITTEN BY PLH STAFF I PHOTOGRAPHY BY HOUSTON STUDIO

LAUREN CASH

LEADING WITH PURPOSE AND PASSION

"SUCCESS ISN'T A TITLE - IT'S FINDING JOY IN THE WORK YOU DO."

Lauren Cash’s journey to becoming the accomplished leader she is today spans multiple industries, each chapter building on the last. What’s remained constant throughout? Her unwavering passion for the work—and a belief that true fulfillment comes from doing what matters most.

Raised in a single-income household by her hardworking mother, Lauren (39) learned the value of perseverance and self-belief early on.

“My mom always encouraged curiosity and reminded me that it’s okay to take the imperfect path,” she shares. “That’s where the real growth happens.”

That mindset became essential when she transitioned into a new industry in 2022, taking on a leadership role at Elite Hospital. Lauren stepped into the unknown with confidence and excitement—qualities that continue to inspire those around her.

Now a mother herself, she hopes to instill the same strong work ethic and sense of purpose in her daughter.

“Surround yourself with compassionate, motivated people,” Lauren advises. “People who celebrate your wins and walk with you through challenges.”

For those just starting their careers, her advice is heartfelt: “Don’t be afraid to ask questions—or to fail. That’s where the growth lives.”

For Lauren, being named one of the 2025 Top 4 Under 40 is a shared honor—one that celebrates not just personal achievement, but the vibrant, supportive spirit of the Lake Houston community.

TOP 4 UNDER 40

"I THOUGHT LEADERSHIP MEANT HAVING ALL THE ANSWERS. NOW I KNOW - IT MEANS EMPOWERING OTHERS."

Curtis McMinn’s path to entrepreneurship didn’t begin in a boardroom—it started at a food bank. That experience opened his eyes to the real needs of the community and lit a fire in him to create lasting change.

His curiosity about systems and structures led him to dive into civic leadership, where he played a key role in modernizing the Partnership Lake Houston’s board bylaws and strengthening the organization’s governance model.

But Curtis’ most personal—and boldest—leap came when he started his own business, Kinton Cleaning, a power washing company born out of two core motivations: to support his family and to spend more time with them.

“Starting the business was scary,” he admits. “But the ‘why’ behind it made the risk worth it.”

As a first-generation college graduate, Curtis (39) faced the pressures of high expectations and self-doubt.

“I had to give myself permission to learn as I go,” he shares. “Confidence doesn’t come first—you build it along the way.”

Today, his company has hit major milestones, including 100 five-star reviews, but Curtis remains focused on people over profit. His leadership philosophy is all about trust, growth and helping others achieve their goals.

Being named one of the Top 4 Under 40 is an honor—but for Curtis, it’s more than a title.

“It’s a reminder that the work we do—when it’s rooted in purpose—can truly make a difference.”

TOP 4 UNDER 40

"I BELIEVE LEADERSHIP IS ABOUT LIFTING OTHERS UP."

“When you build a team that feels supported and inspired, the entire community benefits,” says Steven Schwartz.

For Steven (37), that belief didn’t come from a classroom—it came from life. Growing up, he learned early on that people remember how you make them feel, and that small moments of kindness, humor, and genuine connection can change the trajectory of someone’s day. That philosophy eventually guided him into a life of hospitality, where he discovered his passion for bringing people together.

Houston—and the surrounding Gulf Coast—played a defining role in shaping that path. After launching his cruise-industry career from the Port of Galveston, Steven spent years traveling the world, leading diverse teams, and creating unforgettable experiences for guests from all walks of life. Those years at sea strengthened his belief that hospitality is a universal language.

“You can bring together people who speak different languages, come from different backgrounds, or have totally different stories—and hospitality becomes the bridge.”

Houston is also where life gave him an unexpected blessing.

“My wife and I met while working at Margaritaville. I showed up for a job and somehow walked away with the best part of my life,” he said.

Together, they’re building a life rooted in community, warmth and connection.

Today, as General Manager of Walden Country Club on Lake Houston, Steven brings that global perspective home. His leadership is hands-on, people-centered, and driven by the belief that clubs aren’t just places—they’re communities. He focuses on creating memorable experiences, elevating service standards, and ensuring that every member, guest and family feels like they belong.

“If I can help make you feel at home, laugh a little, and forget about your inbox for an hour, then I’d say we’re doing something right,” he said.

For Steven, hospitality isn’t just a career—it’s his way of building a stronger, more connected Lake Houston.

TOP 4 UNDER 40

WRITTEN BY PLH STAFF I PHOTOGRAPHY BY HOUSTON STUDIO

DR. TONG UTAKRIT

THE EDUCATOR WHO'S PAYING IT FORWARD

"WE SERVE EVERY CHILD WHO WALKS THROUGH OUR DOORS - NO MATTER THEIR BACKGROUND."

From the time he was a college student, Dr. Tong Utakrit (39) knew he wanted to make a difference in the lives of young people. At first, that calling looked like a future in medicine—or perhaps ministry. But one mentor’s words changed everything: “Youth ministers get a few hours a week. Teachers get every day.”

It was that simple insight that led him to education—and he hasn’t looked back.

The son of Thai immigrants, Tong’s own journey began when his family came to the United States with only $1,000 and a dream. That experience instilled in him a lifelong passion for giving back.

“I’m here today because others invested in me,” he says. “And now it’s my turn.”

As an educational leader in Humble ISD, Dr. Utakrit has championed initiatives like expanded dual credit opportunities, the Advanced Learning Framework and numerous other programs that challenge and empower students.

“Mentorship gave me the foresight to face challenges before they became overwhelming,” he says. “I try to do the same for others.”

He also acknowledges the tough realities of the work.

“Education is deeply rewarding, but it’s hard. We serve the kids who come to us—regardless of where they’ve been or what they’re going through,” he said.

His solution? Build strong, authentic relationships. With students, families, colleagues and the community.

Dr. Utakrit doesn’t just believe in the mission—he lives it. And that’s what makes him not only a powerful advocate for students, but a true pillar in the Lake Houston area.

YOU GET OUT WHAT YOU PUT IN: 25 Years of Growth with Partnership Lake Houston

By Ray Hernandez, CEO, Partnership Lake Houston

For a small business, longevity is often the ultimate marker of success. For K&S Sportswear, a staple in the local business community, that success has been intertwined with Partnership Lake Houston for over 25 years.

In a recent conversation, the owner of K&S Sportswear, Brittney Mittag, shared insights on how the organization has fueled their growth, provided stability during crises, and fostered a deep sense of community. The verdict? Networking isn’t just a buzzword; it is “vital to the survival of your business.”

Founding K&S Sportswear

K&S Sportswear was founded in 1995 by Steve and Katy Weirich as a screen printing and embroidery business run initially from their home to supplement their income. After 20 years of growth built on quality service, they opened their first storefront in Atascocita in 2015. The Weirichs retired in 2017, and their daughter, Brittney Mittag, took over the day-to-day operations, ensuring the family legacy continues as a full-service provider for custom apparel and promotional items in the local community.

Beyond the Business Card: Building Real Relationships

While many view networking as a simple exchange of business cards, K&S Sportswear views it as the engine of long-term sustainability.

“People become your customers, they become your friends, they become your community members,” Brittney explained. “It’s just about building relationships, because relationships, ultimately, are what make the world go around.”

For a niche business like K&S, which specializes in embroidery, screen printing, and promotional products, services aren’t always an everyday commodity. The goal of Partnership events isn’t always an immediate sale, but rather building the trust required to be top-of-mind when a need arises.

Access to Leadership

One of the distinct advantages of Partnership membership cited was access. The organization serves as a bridge, connecting small business owners with dignitaries, elected officials, and CEOs they might never encounter in their daily operations.

Brittney stressed this unique benefit, noting:

“You kinda have access to people you wouldn’t have otherwise.”

However, the value extends beyond rubbing elbows with leadership; it’s about peer-to-peer survival strategies. The representative highlighted the isolation that can sometimes accompany entrepreneurship.

“When you can find other people who are kind of in the same boat as you... you feel a little less alone,” she shared. “Sharing best practices with other small business owners has been hugely beneficial.”

A Catalyst for Career Growth

When asked about specific initiatives that influenced positive outcomes, Brittney pointed to the formation of the Young Entrepreneurs and Professionals Group around 2017.

“That was really what got me engaged in the partnership at the time... I was asked to be on the committee, and again, I got to know people that I hadn’t met before.”

That engagement sparked a chain reaction. The relationships built in that committee room evolved into long-term bonds, one member became her lawyer, another a close friend. It also opened doors to higher-level leadership, eventually leading to a seat on the Board of Directors.

Advice to New Members: “Dig In”

For businesses considering joining Partnership Lake Houston, Brittney offers a straightforward piece of advice: Don’t just join—engage.

“Find the things that you know will benefit you, both personally and professionally... and then dig in,” the representative advised. Whether it’s morning breakfasts, happy hours, ribbon cuttings, or committees, the key is consistency.

“You get out what you put in. The whole point is, why are you paying a membership fee to join (if you don’t participate)?”

Looking Forward

As K&S Sportswear looks to the future, they see the Partnership continuing to play a pivotal role in the region’s economic development. They encourage the organization to keep providing dynamic speakers and robust events that cater to the unique “big small town” feel of the Lake Houston area.

For K&S, the membership remains a daily asset—a tool for growth, a source of community, and a testament to the power of showing up.

Key Takeaways for Members

•  Patience Pays Off: Networking is about being remembered a year from now, not just making a sale today.

•  Unique Access: Membership provides direct access to leaders and decision-makers you wouldn’t meet otherwise.

•  Combat Isolation: Use the Partnership to find peers who understand the specific struggles of business ownership.

•  Engagement is Key: Membership fees provide access, but active participation provides results.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Driving Growth through Strategic Planning

The Partnership Lake Houston region is entering a new era of economic momentum as life sciences, aviation, education, and retail investments converge across Humble, Kingwood, Summerwood, Atascocita, Fall Creek, and Generation Park.

Recent anchors – including United Airlines’ large distribution and maintenance investments in Humble and at George Bush Intercontinental Airport – are already reshaping the employment base and logistics capacity that make the area attractive to manufacturers and service providers.

Perhaps the most transformative announcement came with Eli Lilly’s planned $6.5 billion manufacturing campus at Generation Park, a move that will bring hundreds of permanent high-skilled jobs and thousands of construction positions while strengthening Houston’s foothold in pharmaceutical manufacturing. That project complements the region’s intentional build-out of life-sciences infrastructure and positions Lake Houston as a key player in the global biotech supply chain.

Workforce and education partners are lining up to meet demand. San Jacinto College’s new Center for Biotechnology at Generation Park – developed with industry collaboration – creates a local pipeline for technicians, lab specialists, and advanced manufacturing professionals. The region’s community colleges, including San Jacinto College and Lone Star College, continue to expand programs that align directly with employer needs. Meanwhile, the strong network of local independent school districts – including Humble, New Caney, and Sheldon ISDs – ensures a steady flow of well-prepared students entering the workforce or higher education.

Strategic planning by Partnership Lake Houston and its regional partners is driving this growth forward with a coordinated vision for the next decade. Focus areas include business retention and expansion, infrastructure improvement, entrepreneurial development, and smart land use to sustain balanced growth. Collaboration between local governments, educational institutions, and the private sector aims to ensure that the area’s infrastructure, housing, and workforce training keep pace with the rapid influx of new businesses.

Retail and airport-adjacent commercial expansion continue to follow the influx of jobs, enhancing quality of life and supporting community vitality. With its strategic planning, robust education system, major corporate investments, and focus on innovation, the Partnership Lake Houston region stands poised for sustained, diversified economic growth well into the future.