COLIN SULLIVAN
General Manager, Adcraft
Age: 33 City of Residence: Camanche, IA Highest Level of Education: University of Iowa
Family: I have an amazing wife Kelli, son Whit, and a supportive family altogether.
Best career advice you received: When I was young, my Dad taught me how important it is to be respectful and open minded to everyone you meet and to not look down on anyone. This is more general life advice, but I think it translates into career life well.
Best career advice you have to give: It’ s hard to feel as though I can give advice as I’ m still a work in progress, but I would say that no matter what it is you’ re doing … care about it. Be a professional. Even with the little things. Take pride in what you do and the rest will follow. This is a great way to build confidence in yourself as well as a good reputation.
Who is a local mentor of yours and why: I don’ t have one specific mentor, but I feel incredibly fortunate to learn from many inspiring people in my life – my Wife’ s tenacity and can-do attitude, my Son’ s curiosity and joy, my Grandpa Terry’ s work ethic, my Grandpa Rodg’ s passion for learning, my Dad’ s selflessness and big dreams, my Mom’ s humor, positivity, and love for music, my Sister’ s quick-wit, my Brother’ s competitiveness and creativity, my Grandma Tuta’ s unwavering stoicism, my Grandma Barb’ s thoughtfulness, and countless other family members, teachers, coaches, and friends— each of whom has shaped me in different ways and continues to influence my growth every day.
What is something people might be surprised to know about you: The fact that I was selected as a“ rising star” might surprise some people!
DEREK THORNTON
Co-owner, Homer ' s Deli & Sweetheart Bakery
Age: 34 City of Residence: Clinton, IA Highest Level of Education: High School Diploma
Family: Wife Jackie, sons Bennet and Hawken, daughters Basil and Greta
Best career advice I have been given: You can achieve anything you want in life if you are willing to really work for it. Work hard, play hard!
How you define leadership: Leadership is when you work together to accomplish a common goal and help each individual to grow and do better.
What is something people might be surprised to know about you: I am the fourth generation Charles in the Thornton family. Our son Bennet is the fifth.
What is something people might be surprised to know about your employer / business: At Sweetheart Bakery we begin our made-from-scratch product starting at midnight; I arrive at the bakery by 3 a. m. to begin the baking. This schedule is one that my great grandpa, grandpa, and dad once did.
14 RISING STARS | 2025