Conklin named to Under 40 group

GIBSONBURG— A Gibsonburg small-business owner and leader in Lindsey's capital campaign for its new $1 million fire department building has been recognized with a 2015 "20 Under 40" Leadership Recognition Award.

Jason Conklin, president of the business consulting firms J. Conklin Consulting and Take Command, received the award at the program's annual dinner with 19 other recipients.

The Toledo-based 20 Under 40 program honors business and community leaders in Northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan under the age of 40 who have distinguished themselves in their fields.

"I'm very honored to be accepting this award," Conklin said Monday. "It shows the professional and community dedication of the people who earn that award."

The program was established in 1996 and has honored about 400 community leaders in the region.

Conklin, 39, was nominated by Debbie Peters. It's the third time he was nominated for the award.

He serves on the Volunteer Committee of the Ohio Fire Chiefs' Association, Sandusky County Fireman's Association and Northwest Ohio Volunteer Firemen's Association.

The Gibsonburg businessman said he was proud of his efforts in starting his consulting firms and his involvement with the Lindsey fire station's capital campaign.

The campaign raised money to replace Lindsey's previous fire station, which was built in 1897.

Conklin, a member of the village's volunteer fire department for 19 years, said the new fire station, which will include a new community meeting room, should be completed in November.

He was appointed Lindsey's deputy chief in 2010. According to his 20 Under 40 application, Conklin has secured more than $250,000 in grant funding for department gear, equipment and training that will save lives. That includes funding for a "train the trainer" program to help teach school children about water and ice safety.

Conklin was named the Fremont Exchange Club's 2015 Fire Fighter of the Year.

dacarson@gannett.com

419-334-1046

Twitter:@DanielCarson7.