Name: Jamar Jarius Hebert
Birthdate: July 23, 1979
Where were you born? Baton Rouge, LA
What are your community activities? (church or faith-based involvement, local, regional and national professional organizations, non-profits, etc) Board Member, Boys and Girls Club of Alachua County, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Mentor for Take Stock in Children sponsored by the Education Foundation of Alachua County. Diversity Council for Cox Communications – Chairman.
List any awards you have won for community service: Public Affairs Partner of the Year – Cox Communications, Brotherhood/Sisterhood Award for Diversity.
What is your definition of success? I would define success as being able to accomplish all of your dreams. After it is accomplished, helping others to accomplish theirs. Finally, being happy with your accomplishment and how you got there.
What is your greatest professional accomplishment? My biggest accomplishment was advancing my career from a Call Center Rep (Front-line Employee) to a Regional Manager.
How do you exemplify the spirit of a Forty Under 40 professional? I exemplify the spirit of Forty under 40 through my professional and philanthropic efforts throughout the Gainesville and Alachua County community. Serving as a board member for organizations as the Boys and Girls club, and on a daily basis, I constantly utilize creativity, vision and passion to enrich our region. Your program represents the diversity and excellence of individuals and I would be honored to join such a distinguish group.
Businessperson who has most inspired you: Jacqueline Vines, GM and Sr. Vice President of Cox Communications Southeast Region because of her passion for people.
Best advise ever received: “When you learn, teach. “When you get, give”.
Greatest professional challenge: My greatest professional challenge has been to create a good balance of work and family life. I think it’s important to spend equal time with your family, especially your children. Those precious childhood moments with them only come once and it’s important to create wonderful memories that you will remember for a lifetime. It’s something I work to improve on a daily basis.
First job: Valet Parking Attendant at a hospital.
What color crayon would you be? Why? Purple. Outside of it being my favorite color, it was also symbolized in the bible as being fine or rich. I think I have a fine and rich spirit that I hope rubs off on others.
Favorite after-work drink: Glass of Riesling
If I had a magic wand, I’d: Wipe out world poverty and hunger.
What is your favorite Gadget? IPAD
How long have you been in Gainesville? 4 years
What do you love most about Gainesville/Alachua County? The people. I love the fact that we live in a diverse city that is full of people of every background that are passionate about improving and making its communities better.
Three things people would be surprised to know about you: I love to sing and do it pretty well, I have a unique passion for financial literacy and I always wanted to be a doctor in my younger years.
Advice you would give a younger you:
Approve of yourself first, don’t seek permission from others to be who you know you are. Limit time with naysayers, gravitate to successful people and remember you are one of them.