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Samuel S. Young Jr., 39
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President
Astyra Corporation
Astyra was a Greek territory that was conquered by Alexander the Great and became the base for his mint. The resulting bronze coins, also called Astyra, were distributed throughout his kingdom. Samuel S. Young Jr. considers Astyra the first outsourcing project, but the story could also refer to the distribution of his time and efforts back to the community.
Young launched Astyra Corporation, an IT consulting firm, with a college roommate and no startup funds 10 years ago. Since then, he's used that same moxie to expand into places that typically intimidate small businesses. Now with nearly 100 employees, Astyra counts Capital One and Dominion among its clients. The firm also provides services to companies in the medical and financial arenas.
Young is also trying to lend a hand to other business owners. He's chairman of the Minority Business Enterprise Input Committee, part of the Virginia Minority Supplier Development Council. There, he helps create opportunities for small and minority businesses.
But what means "everything" to him, he says, is his extensive work in youth sports, where he can teach skills and share his values. Young coaches youth teams in basketball, football and baseball, and is the vice president and girls' basketball coordinator for the Wells Athletic Association. A bonus is that it helps him spend time with his family. After all, he says, "I don't want my wife to divorce me and I want my kids to know who I am."
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