40 Under 40: Lucas McMillan

Lucas McMillan is a marketing consultant for the Bonners Ferry Herald.

McMillan's professional background was teaching political science to undergraduate students, but the COVID-19 pandemic gave him an opportunity to explore new career fields.

"When my wife and I decided to move back home to North Idaho, I saw the job posting for this position under Hagadone Media Group and thought it would be a great way to contribute to the North Idaho business community," he said.

Critical thinking and problem-solving skills are the most important part of McMillan's education that continue to impact his work, he said.

"Each business I try to help has their own unique goals and pain points, and a marketing strategy for one may not work well for another," he said. "Creating a narrowly tailored marketing strategy requires critical thinking to find a right solution for the problem at hand."

He said marrying his wife Toree' will always be the most significant experience that defines who he is today.

"Her love and friendship inspire me to be the best person I can be in every aspect of life, because she deserves nothing less," he said. "My marriage with Toree' makes me a better man, which in turn makes me a better marketing consultant to the local businesses in Boundary County."

In five to 10 years, McMillan said he hopes to still be "working with all the great people at Hagadone Media Group and have proven myself deserving enough to be in a leadership position."

If he could give his younger self advice, he would say: "Money isn't everything. Do not let aspirations of putting more numbers in your bank account define who you are as a human being. Personal and professional relationships built on trust, respect and compassion will bring more value to your life than anything else you do."