Page 12 - mwoty2020men

12
got his first “real” job. Even at this age his ability to see beyond the present, create a strategy and see it through
to success was already active. He started detailing cars in his neighborhood where he worked hard, hired staff
and built a strong business. In high school, he was a member of multiple clubs, cross-country and track. He also
carried a full load of classes. In addition, he worked over 40 hours a week and received his diploma and license
from beauty school. Recognizing his unique skill sets and drive, he was quickly promoted to management by
his employers. In 2003 his career as a professional hairstylist was launched. In 2004, his responsibilities at
home were prioritized when he became caretaker to his quadriplegic grandmother. Josh immediately took her in
and has been supporting her and caring for her ever since. Ask him where his joy and ultimate reward is and he
will tell you it is in the day-to-day caring of this gracious woman. Theirs is a mutual relationship as she in turn
counsels him with the wisdom of her years and gratitude. 2011, he partnered with the Dream Center to reach out
to the homeless population on Skid Row. As a result of his involvement he met a very practical yet seemingly
insignificant need – socks. As a result, the donations and participants have multiplied exponentially every year.
One year he collected nearly 2,500 socks and took a team of youth to pass them out on Skid row. He was on The
Congressional Small Business Board of Advisors, On the Board of Single Mothers Outreach, and a member of
the Emerging Leaders Council for My Friends Place. He was the first male to be a member of the Association
of Women Entrepreneurs and the only male member of Soroptimist international of Greater Santa Clarita. He
is a former President of Business Connections, a local business group. In addition, he has been a part of several
committees in Downtown Newhall. He bought his first salon in 2007 and in April of 2013 he opened Tribute
Beauty Lounge in Old Town Newhall. He decided that the heart of this salon was going to be about giving back
and showing gratitude, hence the name Tribute. In 2012 Josh took a stand-up comedy class just for fun. He has
since won multiple contests and launched his career in stand-up comedy where he not only performs, but also
produces shows. In 2013 he was among the recipients of the prestigious 40 Under Forty Award.

Richard Sandnes
Co-Founder and President, Mr. Stax
Nominating Organization
Boys & Girls Club of Santa Clarita Valley
Organizations
Boys & Girls Club of Santa Clarita Valley 15+ years,
Board Member and Donor; The Canyon Theatre Guild,
College of the Canyons Foundation Student Scholarship Program;
Donor Santa Clarita Performing Arts Center (k-12) Arts Education Outreach Program; Others: COC Ath-
letics Department, SCV Child & Family Center, Carousel Ranch, Henry Mayo Memorial Hospital Foun-
dation, Bank of Santa Clarita Founders Group Elks Lodge, past trustee, Santa Clarita Valley Congress of
Republicans, Past President and Board Member, Make a Wish Foundation, 5 years, Donor
Organization Impact
Richard’s relationship with the Boys & Girls Club began with a 2-year term as a Governing Board member
from 1974-1976. He became involved again in 2013 when Foundation Board President, Wayne Crawford,
asked for his assistance to help lead the club through transition. Richard served on the foundation board 2013-
2015, and in 2016 moved to the Governing Board where he continues to serve. Richard’s business knowledge,
passion for serving youth, and dedication to the community helped lead the club into a new era. Richard has
mentored the club’s new leadership, introduced new training opportunities, and given of his time and home, in-
cluding hosting special events. Since Richard’s time on the Board, over 10,000 local youth have been impacted
by his service.
Other Contributions
Richard’s love for the Boys & Girls Club lead to him introducing the organization to the Benevon fundraising
model. Through this model, over 100 people have attended Great Future Tours at the club. On the tours, guests
learn about the impact of the Boys & Girls Club organization. The program culminates in the Great Futures
Breakfast, which has now raised $300,000 in the last 3 years. As an ambassador, he continues to introduce new
people to the organization. As a Board Member, he sets a high standard with excellent meeting attendance and