Each month, we will feature a winner from our “10 Under 40” contest. Winners were nominated by our community and then narrowed down by sponsors. We extended a heartfelt congratulations to all who were nominated and your contributions for making our community a better place.
Carlie DuLac Takes Supporting Local Seriously
Tell us what you do for a living and/or what you do for the organization you are involved in. I am the Manager of Business Development; I work closely with clients and local businesses to design, deliver, and partner in successful, high-impact events and experiences.
Describe your accomplishments/honors that you believe led to your nomination. As a venue coordinator, I’ve focused on creating relationships that directly support our local community. By donating experiences, event space, and helping plan events for nonprofit fundraisers and small businesses, I help support and give important causes a platform and room to grow. I also prioritize partnering with local businesses and watermen, ensuring that events held in our space directly benefit the small businesses that make our community unique and strong.
Describe your community involvement... how have you made a difference in our community? By donating to and participating in fundraisers like The Luncheon for Old Bags, Compass Regional Hospice Fashion Show, Tides of Grace Beach Bash, Power of 100 and more, I am able to support these organizations by giving the foundations a platform to share their purpose with the community, while raising money to make a larger impact.
Being able to connect the events hosted at our venue with local small businesses, watermen, and vendors means we get to make sure the impact stays right here in our community and shows the relationships that keep the community what it is. By encouraging collaboration and prioritizing local partnerships, we can continue to keep supporting small businesses, strengthen relationships, and create events that genuinely reflect and support the people who live and work here.
What goals do you have... personally... and to continue to work in/improve our community? Personally, I would like to continue supporting local businesses both in the small moments of where my family shops, dines, etc. and also in our experiences when it comes to supporting local non-profits that are impacting our community in ways that are important to us.
What challenges have you faced? One challenge I’ve faced has been rebuilding trust and strengthening community relationships after a period when the focus wasn’t as community-centered. Stepping into that environment as someone who knows the community meant listening closely, reconnecting with local businesses and organizations, and being intentional about shifting the culture toward collaboration and local support. There is still work to be done, but it’s been rewarding to help reestablish our venue as a true community partner.
What motivates you? My passion is people. What motivates me most is seeing an event come to life and bringing together individuals, local businesses, and community partners to support a cause that matters to them. Whether it’s the impact of a small donation, the energy of a large event, or the rewarding connections formed along the way, witnessing the community collaboration is incredibly fulfilling.
What skills do you have that set you apart from others? What sets me apart is my ability to connect with people through strong communication, while using strategic planning and creativity to build relationships on a real foundation.
What has been your “biggest break” or career milestone to date. This first moment where I felt that I was not only thriving in my career, but also the community, was hosting a full day conference and hospitality day for a DC company. We partnered with local vendors for a paint & sip, massage chairs, and sent them out to experience the Chesapeake Bay with local watermen.
Is there anyone local who has had an impact on you? If “yes,” who and how? Yes, Becky Groff. From volunteering at The Taste of the Narrows when I was in High School to reconnecting in the last year at a Chamber of Commerce event; she has always been encouraging, happy to help, and a bank of knowledge of the community and the businesses within.
Are there any community initiatives and/or charities that are important to you? Why? Compass Regional Hospice was not only a joy to work with, but we also were able to support this event in a time where my family was personally, unfortunately and unexpectedly, using the services that Compass provides. It was so meaningful to see their kindness and genuine care for all they do for the community.
What is the best piece of advice you have ever received? Never stop asking ‘why?’
What is something people would be surprised to learn about you? I went on my very first date at 15 — and it was with my now husband.
What sets you apart in your field? I am able to thrive in my position because of my team’s support and company resources that enable me to find opportunities, make impactful choices, and turn creative ideas into real results.
What have you done to advance your field and/or our community? I am working to bring more awareness to the Travel and Tourism of Visit Queen Anne’s County by continuing to network to bring more people to the community we have built
Is there anything else you would like to add? It wouldn’t be possible to do what I do without the community to support us.
Ashley Durant Spearheads Tides of Grace Crisis Center
Tell us what you do for a living and/or what you do for the organization you are involved in. I am a board-certified holistic nurse, wellness educator, and advocate, and I also serve as a board member for Tides of Grace. To me, those roles are deeply connected. Healthy communities create healthy people, and you truly cannot have one without the other.
At Tides of Grace, I wear many hats, but what I am most proud of recently is helping spearhead the creation of our Crisis Center. Between our monthly service initiatives, I began noticing a growing need for tangible, immediate support at all hours of the day and night. Our front door never stops dinging and the phone rarely stops ringing. People come to us during some of the hardest moments of their lives, and the needs were simply growing faster than our ability to meet them.
While our community is fortunate to have many incredible food pantries, care partners, and support organizations, there was not a cohesive “first stop” where someone in crisis could walk in and receive immediate help to get through those first overwhelming days. Crisis can look like many things... a house fire, domestic violence, a new diagnosis, or any unexpected life event that suddenly turns someone’s world upside down.
To help fill that gap, we created the Tides of Grace Crisis Center. In just over 48 hours, the first version of the center was built.
Today, it’s a space where anyone can walk in exactly as they are, whether they are composed or completely overwhelmed, whether they know exactly what they need or have no idea where to start. People leave with tangible support that helps them stabilize during a difficult time: diapers, wipes, clothing, food, or sometimes something as critical as a prepaid phone so someone can safely leave an abusive situation.
But what people leave with goes beyond the items in their bag. They leave with a sense of belonging, dignity, and the confidence to take the next hard step forward.
We have worked hard to infuse care into every detail... from the way the crisis room is organized to the thoughtful training of the volunteers who make this work possible. Everyone who walks through the door should feel that they are seen, valued, and not alone.
I am incredibly proud of what our community has built together through the Crisis Center, and of the way it allows us to show up for people in their most vulnerable moments with compassion, dignity, and real support.
Describe your accomplishments/honors that you believe led to your nomination. What I shared above. The crisis room quickly became a local community staple, with other local organizations calling on us as well, between our own walk-in clients.
Describe your community involvement... how have you made a difference in our community? Community involvement has always been an important part of my life. Whether close to home or across state lines, I’ve always believed that when we have the ability to show up for others, we should.
Over the years that has looked like many things... driving to Louisiana to assist with hurricane relief, volunteering in local service projects like beach cleanups, and continuing to expand my knowledge in trauma-informed care through my nursing career so I can better support individuals and families navigating difficult experiences.
Much of my recent community work has been centered around Tides of Grace. I’ve been connected with the organization since its earliest days in 2020, when the founder, Leann, organized the very first gently used toy drive. What began as a small effort filling a local park has grown into a community-wide initiative that now fills an entire indoor soccer arena each year. It has been incredibly meaningful to volunteer alongside the organization as it has grown and to help support that expansion through being a board member now.
Through my involvement, I’ve also helped plan and run our Family Fun Day this past summer, where we welcomed over 700 families for a day of connection and celebration. The event was intentionally designed so that no parent had to say “no” to their children because of financial limitations. Families were able to enjoy activities together, and we distributed school supplies to those who needed them as the new school year approached.
Most recently, I had the opportunity to spearhead the creation of the Tides of Grace Crisis Center, which provides immediate support and essential items to individuals and families navigating unexpected hardship. Seeing the community come together to support this initiative has been incredibly meaningful.
For me, community involvement isn’t a single project or moment in time. It’s a lifelong commitment to showing up where there is a need and doing whatever I can, alongside others, to help create a stronger and more supportive community for everyone.
What goals do you have... personally... and to continue to work in/improve our community? Currently, my goal is to create more cohesion between my professional, personal, and community-driven life, to bridge those worlds in a way that feels intentional, sustainable, and full of purpose. I’m exploring ways to bring more collaboration, service, and community involvement into both my career work and my role at Tides of Grace, while allowing myself the space to step back, reflect, and plan thoughtfully for what comes next. It’s a unique and exciting place to be, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to move forward with intention. We don’t get a lot of pauses in the adult years.
Personally, I also want to continue deepening my impact as a parent, navigating the ongoing challenges of chronic illness, prioritizing wellness, and making sure there’s always space for joy and fun along the way.
Ultimately, my goals, in life, in work, and in community, are about showing up fully for the people and communities I care about, helping create systems of support where they are needed, and leaving the world just a little brighter than I found it.
Alias Jenkins Makes a Local Impact ByBuilding Strong Relationships Built on Trust
Describe your accomplishments/honors that you believe led to your nomination. I started Shoreline Comfort during the pandemic while navigating life as a first-time parent with a newborn at home. In the beginning, it was just me in a single truck serving the residents of Queen Anne’s County, focusing on exceptional customer service, honest diagnostics, and doing the job the right way. By prioritizing integrity and reliability, I was able to build strong relationships with homeowners who came to rely on my knowledge, expertise, and transparency.
As trust grew, those customers referred me to their neighbors, friends, and local businesses. That word-of-mouth support allowed Shoreline Comfort to steadily expand. In just six short years, the company has grown from a one-person operation into a team of more than a dozen technicians out on the road, serving our community and helping families and businesses stay comfortable year-round. I’m proud that the company’s growth has been built on a foundation of honesty, quality service, and a commitment to the community we serve.
Describe your community involvement... how have you made a difference in our community?Supporting the community has always been important to me, both personally and through my business. I’m grateful to be in a position where I can give back through monetary contributions to a variety of organizations that support families and youth in our area. This includes sponsoring local youth sports leagues and supporting Kent Island athletics, helping ensure that young athletes have the opportunity to participate, grow, and build teamwork and leadership skills.
We are also proud supporters of Amy’s Army, an organization dedicated to continuing Amy’s legacy by assisting families who are facing sudden personal or family crises. Being able to contribute to their mission and help neighbors during difficult times is something that means a great deal to us.
For me, making a difference in the community means giving back to the same families and neighbors who have supported my business over the years. I’m proud that our company’s success allows us to continue reinvesting in and supporting the community we call home.
What goals do you have... personally... and to continue to work in/improve our community?That’s a great question! Personally, I hope to take a moment to reflect and enjoy what I’ve built so far with Shoreline Comfort. I want to continue growing the business while leaving a lasting legacy for my children and the next generation, showing them the value of hard work, integrity, and dedication.
What challenges have you faced?One of the biggest challenges I faced was starting the business during the pandemic, at a time when the industry was experiencing one of the most significant supply chain disruptions in recent memory. Essential HVAC equipment, parts, and materials were often delayed or unavailable, which made it difficult to provide the quick turnaround that customers needed especially when they were dealing with heating or cooling issues at home. Navigating those shortages required constant communication with suppliers, creative problem-solving, and setting realistic expectations with customers while still doing everything possible to keep their homes comfortable.
Another challenge has been adapting to the pace and expectations of today’s service environment. Many people understandably hope for immediate responses and quick solutions when something in their home stops working. Balancing those expectations while maintaining the high-quality service, honest diagnostics, and personal attention that built the company has been important to me. I’ve worked hard to build systems and a strong team that allow us to respond quickly while still delivering the level of care and professionalism our customers deserve.
While these challenges have not always been easy, they have helped shape the way we operate, reinforcing the importance of communication, reliability, and putting the customer first, even in difficult circumstances.
What motivates you? My biggest motivation is my family; my wife, children, and parents. They all want to see me succeed, do well, and continue taking the business to the next level. Knowing that they believe in me and support what I’m building pushes me to keep improving and striving for more. I’m also motivated by the opportunity to build a legacy; creating a strong, successful business that one day I can pass down to my children.
Beyond my family, I’m motivated by the crew that supports me every day. I’m not only working to provide for my own family, but I’m also helping support the families of the people on our team. I want everyone at Shoreline Comfort to succeed and grow, both professionally and personally. Seeing their dedication and motivation drives me to keep pushing forward, continue building the company, and create opportunities for everyone around me.
At the end of the day, what motivates me most is knowing that the work we do is building something bigger than myself; a company that supports families, creates opportunities, and leaves a lasting legacy for the next generation.
What skills do you have that set you apart from others? One of the skills that sets me apart is my ability to connect with people and communicate clearly and effectively. Whether I’m working with customers or leading my team, I believe strong communication and trust are essential.
In addition to that, I have nearly 20 years of hands-on experience in the HVAC industry. I’ve spent most of my career working in the field, which has given me a deep understanding of the trade and the challenges that come with it. I take a lot of pride in my craftsmanship and approach every job as if I were working in my own home.
What has been your "biggest break" or career milestone to date. One of the biggest milestones in my career was having the opportunity to purchase a 40-year-old HVAC company from a Kent Island native after only being in business myself for five years. Being approached by the owner and trusted with the responsibility of carrying on the company he built over four decades was a tremendous honor.
It meant a lot to know that he believed in my work, my values, and my ability to continue serving the customers who had trusted his company for so many years. Being chosen to carry on that legacy was not only a major professional milestone, but also a responsibility I take great pride in as I continue to grow the business.
Is there anyone local who has had an impact on you? If "yes," who and how? As a native of Kent Island, I’ve been fortunate to be involved in youth organizations, sports leagues, and high school athletics. There are truly too many people to name who have influenced me along the way. Many mentors, coaches, neighbors, and community leaders have supported me as I grew up and guided me throughout life.
Their encouragement and guidance didn’t stop as I started my own business. Many of those same individuals continue to support me and Shoreline Comfort today. Whether it’s offering advice, referring customers, or simply believing in our mission. Their impact has shaped not only who I am as a person, but also the way I lead my team and serve our community.
What is the best piece of advice you have ever received? The best piece of advice I’ve ever received is, “save it for a rainy day.” On the surface, it’s simple but over time, I’ve come to understand its deeper value. It’s a reminder to plan ahead, be disciplined, and prepare for the unexpected.
What is something people would be surprised to learn about you? While I’m social and have strong people skills, something that often surprises people is that I’m not a fan of large crowds. I enjoy connecting with people one-on-one or in smaller groups, but big gatherings can be overwhelming at times.
What sets you apart in your field? What sets me apart is a combination of deep industry knowledge, hands-on experience, and a commitment to integrity. I’ve been in the HVAC industry for nearly 20 years, spending most of that time working directly in the field. That experience gives me a strong understanding of the trade from the ground up.
At the same time, being part of a tech-savvy generation allows me to quickly adapt to the growing technology in modern HVAC systems. I’m comfortable learning new systems and integrating advanced solutions for our customers.
Finally, honesty and transparency are core to how I operate. Providing accurate diagnostics and doing what’s right for the customer is a standard I hold myself and my team to. Combining experience, adaptability, and integrity is what truly sets me apart in this industry.
What have you done to advance your field and/or our community? Over the past year, I’ve focused on advancing both the HVAC industry and our local community by helping educate homeowners about their systems. I partnered with a marketing agency to revamp Shoreline Comfort’s social media presence, and the results have been exceptional across all channels. You may have seen our videos! While we don’t follow every TikTok dance or trend, we create informative clips to help consumers better understand their HVAC systems.
Most people only think about their HVAC when adjusting the temperature or changing filters, but a system is much more than that. It provides comfort year-round, maintains air quality, controls humidity, and circulates air throughout the home. It’s essentially the “lungs” of your house, and often one of the most significant investments a homeowner will make.
Through these efforts, we aim to educate homeowners, raise awareness of how these systems work, and elevate the perception of the HVAC profession. It’s a field that requires expertise not only in HVAC but also in electrical and plumbing, and we want consumers to appreciate the skill and knowledge it takes to do the job right.
