Notable Locals
Get to Know Your Neighbors
Photos by Raymond J Photography
Faces introduces you to people who make our community lively and interesting. In this edition, meet Ruben Gutierrez, Amanda Sanchez and Dr. Ryan Kelly. Responses have been edited for clarity and brevity.
Ruben Gutierrez
Hometown: I was born in Manchester, New Hampshire, and raised in Zacatecas, Mexico.
Job: Co-Founder and President, VRG Components, Inc.
Typical day
My workday starts at 3 a.m., as my business has a global presence with many European customers. In the early afternoon, I typically run, hit the gym, or play tennis or golf before having dinner with my wife, Verena, and 10-year-old son.
Media to recommend
Guy Raz’s “How I Built This” podcast. Since I started my electronic components distribution business in 2014, I find other entrepreneurs’ stories fascinating and inspiring.
Words of wisdom
Being a first-generation Mexican American and the first person in my family to graduate from college, I’m inspired by the African proverb, “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”
Amanda Sanchez May
Hometown: I was born in Detroit, Michigan, and raised in Orlando, Florida.
Jobs: Lead Singer, Smokin’ Gunn; Vocal Instructor, Ballantyne School of Music; Bartender, Aloft Charlotte Ballantyne
Typical day
Every day of the week is a little different, yet it is always geared around music and family time. No day is complete without taking my dogs, Nina and Joey, for a walk.
Media to recommend
“We Can Do Hard Things” podcast with Glennon Doyle (author of “Untamed”), Abby Wambach and Amanda Doyle. The way they talk about mental health and just being human is so profound and beautiful.
Words of wisdom
“Don’t sing to impress; sing to inspire.”
— Dr. Jeffrey Redding, my ninth-grade chorus teacher and adult gospel choir director, who taught me the importance of unity and touching people’s lives through music
Dr. Ryan Kelly
Hometown: All over the Southeast.
Job: Cofounder, Psychologist and Media Consultant, Health Quest: Innovative Therapeutics
Typical day
I begin my day by preparing my children for theirs. I’m at work by 8 a.m. for executive tasks, then provide therapeutic services until noon. In the afternoon, I coordinate with local schools, hospitals, media and tech companies (e.g., Riot Games, NASA, CollegeHumor), and other mental health professionals to improve the quality and reach of therapeutic services. Then, I see clients and run therapy groups, head home for dinner and quality time with my family, and go to the gym or play competitive sports. I may work more until 11 or so; then I sleep to ensure seven hours.
Favorite beverage
Root beer.
Favorite charity
I like to travel the world to assist with the needs of those most disadvantaged, including fundraising, building houses and medical relief.