Photos by Steve Babin
Special Thanks to 106 Jefferson Huntsville – Curio Collection by Hilton;
and Baker & Able for the use of their venues.
JOHN MARK RUSSELL
Meet Dr. John Mark Russell, one of Huntsville’s very own. John Mark is an outgoing, fun-loving guy, who shows compassion and care in all of his work. When he’s not treating your furry friends as a veterinarian, he loves traveling with his family and friends, trying out all of the local restaurants the Rocket City has to offer, and spending time outdoors with his black lab, Cooper. Recently, he achieved a remarkable milestone in his career by launching his own clinic, Towne Park Animal Care Center. With his adventurous spirit and dedication to both his patients and loved ones, Dr. Russell is undoubtedly a gem in Huntsville’s thriving community.
What was your first car – was it great or embarrassing?
Chevrolet Camaro – loved it and drove it until it pretty much blew up.
If you had unlimited funds, what would you do first? Take more adventurous trips.
Favorite spot in or around Huntsville?
My favorite restaurant currently is La Cocina Esquina – won’t ever turn down a Oaxacan Old Fashioned.
What place would you like to visit and why?
For now, just being lazy on a beach sounds amazing.
MADELINE KING
Madeline is a Huntsville native and currently employed as a Contracts Analyst for SMXTech. In her free time, she serves as the Director of Community Service for the Rotaract Club of Huntsville, and plays shortstop in the Huntsville GoKickball League. Her siblings, mom, and grandmother are four of the most important and influential people in her life. Madeline has been blessed with an incredible circle of friends. You can usually find her on a tennis court, or at the nearest concert! Three words she would use to describe herself would be philanthropic, patriotic, and pink!
What’s your favorite activity/hobby outside of work?
Honestly, I love everything! Spending quality time with family and friends, crafting, reading, hiking, watching MLB baseball, playing tennis, volunteering, traveling, and dancing. You name it, and you count me in for a fun time!
Favorite song or musical artist and why?
The Rolling Stones. I have been listening to them since I was an infant. Their music invokes an emotional connection with my father, who is now with me in spirit, and a great excuse to rock out with my friends. I can’t name another band that has stayed together or toured together for as long as they have.
Favorite spot in or around Huntsville?
The MidCity District and Orion Amphitheater!
Who inspires you?
For as long as I can remember, I have always been inspired by Barbie! It was never for her looks, but for her resume. She is a pilot, veterinarian, president, ballerina, chef, news anchor, teacher…the list is limitless. She has always inspired me in the sense that you can be anything your heart desires. That is my kinda gal pal!
DYLAN EICHBERG
Dylan Eichberg moved to Huntsville about a year ago. He grew up outside of the DC area in the small town of Fredericksburg, Va. Dylan attended Virginia Tech, where he swam as a NCAA Division 1 All-American butterflier. After graduating with a degree in Management Consulting and Analytics, he moved to Huntsville to join North Alabama Swim Schools as Vice President of Aquatics. Dylan loves using his education, experience, and training in an industry role. He looks forward to bringing gold standard swimming instruction to Madison County.
Favorite song or musical artist and why?
One of my favorite artists is Mac Miller, and my favorite song of his is ‘Best Day Ever’
If you had unlimited funds, what would you do first?
I believe swimming is a life skill and is one that everyone should have the opportunity to acquire. If I had unlimited funds, I would put a pool in every neighborhood so everyone can have that opportunity.
Favorite spot in or around Huntsville?
My favorite spot in Huntsville is Gold Sprint coffee, followed closely by Gracie Barra Jiujitsu.
Who inspires you?
The person that inspires me the most is my father, Todd Eichberg. He set a great example for me and my brother when we were growing up, showing us how to treat others with kindness and respect to their individuality. He instilled in me the values I strive to uphold daily and showed me what hard work truly means.
SHERRI JUSTICE
Sherri Justice is a powerful woman in the music and tv industry. Her live interviews are bright and cheerful with fresh insight into the lives of country music legends.
Beauty, brains and loads of talent, this lady has got it all. Along with her production team, she also shoots music videos, commercials, weddings and public events. Sherri currently holds cosmetology and real estate licenses as well.
Aside from the hustle and bustle of the spotlight, Sherri is a single mom, a homebody at heart and a deeply spiritual woman who believes in sharing the beauty of life with others. This is what makes her professional and private life so rewarding.
If you had unlimited funds, what would you do first?
If I had unlimited funds- I would help people in need. I am a giver, I am a humanitarian, I find unlimited joy in seeing others smile.
Favorite spot in or around Huntsville?
My favorite spot in town is Nick’s Ristorante, the food and service has been spot-on each and every time.
Favorite song or musical artist and why?
My favorite artists and favorite songs are way too many to list. I like a variety of genres. The one song that helped me so much in life would be “When Mercy Walked In” by Gordon Mote.
I interviewed Gordon, he was a huge inspiration to me. He was born blind; he did not let that stop him in life. He has performed on every top artist album out there including Carrie Underwood to Keith Urban and tons more.
HOLLY LUTZ
Originally from Chicago, Holly came to Huntsville by way of Southern California in 2011. When not performing as Chief Financial Officer for a law firm and a real estate firm, and its variety of subsidiaries, she enjoys delving into family history, piecing together the puzzle of her ancestry, and discovering the stories of her forebears. Holly also has a soft spot for animals and actively volunteers with WEBS Huntsville, a local organization dedicated to waterfowl rescue, advocacy, and public education. She taps into her creativity by making colorfully designed and richly scented handcrafted soap.
Favorite song or musical artist and why?
Troy by Sinead O’Connor. It has the most powerful music and metaphor usage.
What was your first car – was it great or embarrassing? My first car was a 1978 Ford Granada with a hole in the floor, patched with a piece of sheet metal. It was not embarrassing at all; she was all mine and I babied her.
What place would you like to visit and why?
I love to travel! Next on my wish list is Italy because it is gorgeous and full of history. Also, Sweden to meet recently found cousins and maybe catch some northern lights.
D’ARIA BOOKER
D’Aria Booker was born in Los Angeles, Calif. She has moved around often and calls Huntsville home. D’Aria is an educator in Huntsville and a graduate of Columbia High School. She received her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from the University of North Alabama and her master’s degree in Gifted Education from Samford University. She will pursue her Education Specialist degree soon. D’Aria’s passions are inspiring and empowering other women, educating children and all things health and beauty! Her best and favorite fact about herself is that she is a mother to a wonderful little boy!
What’s your favorite activity/hobby outside of work?
When I am not planning a wedding for a wonderful couple, I absolutely love cycling with my CycleBar Huntsville family, spending time playing/watching my son build with his train tracks and reading. I also enjoy being an active member of the Junior League of Huntsville.
Who inspires you?
My Bigma inspires me. She is 84 years old and continues to want to learn new things. My mother recently honored my grandmother’s request for a Facebook page, Bigma has always been, to me, the epitome of a classy woman, she speaks her mind tactfully and confidently. My grandmother is the youngest of nine children, all brothers. I believe that contributed to her grit and spunk! Every morning after my coffee I apply my lipstick because I know if I see her at the end of that day, she will ask, “Did you wear something on your lips today?” I love the way she continues to love and care for our family. My grandmother and mother are my best friends.
SAGE LYONS
Sage Lyons was born and raised in Huntsville. He attended Randolph School and graduated from Huntsville High School. Like the rest of his family, Sage attended the University of Alabama. He is a die-hard Alabama fan and will never miss watching the Alabama Crimson Tide play football or basketball. Sage lost his vision at 17 years old and suffers from a rare mitochondrial disease, Lebers Hereditary Optic Neuropathy, but he has never let it slow him down. He is a proud uncle to a 9-month-old niece and loves anything outdoors and on the water. Sage currently resides in downtown Huntsville and is a producer for Thames Batré Insurance.
What’s your favorite activity/hobby outside of work?
Whether it is on the water or beach I love anything outside and making memories with my friends and family.
If you had unlimited funds, what would you do first? Buy a plane and travel the world!
What was your first car – was it great or embarrassing? What is your dream vehicle?
My first truck was a Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and it was awesome! My dream vehicle is anything that will drive itself since I am legally blind.
Favorite spot in or around Huntsville?
This one is easy! I love The Standard! I live nearby and everybody is so nice there. Other than that, I love spending time out at Lake Guntersville.
DANIEL HARRIMAN
Born in New England and raised in four different states with his twin sister, Daniel has always been interested in learning how different pockets of people live their lives.
After finishing graduate school at the University of Alabama, a career in market research provided another opportunity to understand how the world interacts. Helping build two startups, Daniel now serves as Chief Operating Officer at a boutique market research company.
If not relaxing in Blossomwood, watching football, doing yard work, or playing with his nephews, traveling throughout the year exploring the furthest expanses of Earth is where you can find him.
What’s your favorite activity/hobby outside of work?
Traveling the world, learning about different cultures, tasting new foods, and meeting the locals. There’s nothing more exciting and fascinating.
If you had unlimited funds, what would you do first?
Visit friends and family who are scattered all around the globe.
What place would you like to visit and why?
Egypt is high on the list. Learning about an ancient culture and seeing what stood as the tallest man-made structure for more than 3,800 years seems too cool to pass up.
Who inspires you?
Family, business mentors, accomplished athletes, and generally anyone with a strong work ethic or a great idea.
SARA TOLLESON
Sara Tolleson grew up in Madison. She has her bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education Language Arts from the University of Alabama and currently teaches 6th grade ELA. Sara finds it so special that she gets to serve the community that served her. Outside of work she loves to read, try new places to eat especially now that Huntsville has grown so much, and spend time with her family and friends.
Favorite spot in or around Huntsville?
My favorite spot in Huntsville is Domaine South. I love going there during their happy hour with friends. The drinks and food are to die for.
What was your first car – was it great or embarrassing?
My first car was a 1995 Jeep Grand Cherokee. I loved it even though it was falling apart. I remember one afternoon during high school it died while I was backing out of my parking space and some of the football players had to push it back into the spot so I didn’t hold up traffic.
What place would you like to visit and why?
I would really love to visit Greece. I love the water, the architecture, and Mediterranean food!
What’s your favorite activity/hobby outside of work?
My favorite things to do when not at work are read, go on walks with my dog, or participate in trivia around town with my friends.
