About Us.

​​Jamie is an Ocala/Marion County native. He is a former three-year letter winner student-athlete (Football) at Temple University where he received a Bachelor of Business Administration in Human Resource Management from the Fox School of Business. After graduating from Temple, Jamie transferred to Western Illinois University (WIU) to finish his collegiate athletics eligibility. In 2018 he graduated with a Master of Science in Sport Management from WIU.

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Upon the completion of his football career Jamie began working in the Gwendolyn Brooks Cultural Center as an advisor for two years. He was the advisor over four different student organizations, his duties ranged from mentorship, academic advising, budgeting, scheduling, and implementing programs. 

Elgin Carelock is an author, business strategist, educator, leadership coach and mentor, with a primary focus on helping individuals reach their fullest potential personally and professionally. Elgin is the founder and Chief Strategist of re-View Business Strategies Inc. (RBS), whose focus is helping clients reach second stage growth through strategic planning, leadership coaching, and brand development.

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Since moving to Ocala in 2009, Elgin has had the privilege of being a member of several boards. The current boards he serves on are Greater Ocala Community Development Corporation, West Ocala Community Redevelopment Advisory Board, West Ocala Brownfield Advisory Board, Renasant Bank Advisory Board, Forever Young Academy Board, and Ocala Housing Authority PCC Board.

Vincent Vaughns is an Analyst at Guggenheim Securities focusing on Structured Products. In his role, he advises financial institutions on how to optimally invest their capital into esoteric securities and lending facilities. Prior to joining Guggenheim, Vincent worked for Morgan Stanley in their Investment Banking and Interest Rate Derivatives teams in New York City.

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A Marion County native, Vincent attended North Marion High School, before transferring to Phillips Exeter Academy, an elite boarding school in New Hampshire. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science & Economics from Yale College where he also competed in track and field. Outside of work Vincent’s interests include college football, grilling, and sports cars.

Rusty Branson was a co-founder in 2007 of Gateway Bank, where he served as President until Gateway was sold to CenterState Bank in June 2017, and then consequently merged with SouthState Bank in 2019 where he now serves as Senior Vice President/Regional President.
 

In 2015, he was appointed by Florida’s governor and confirmed by the Florida Senate as a member of the College of Central Florida Board of Trustees. Mr. Branson is very active in the community, serving presently on the Boards of the AdventHealth Ocala Foundation, AdventHealth Hospital Board of Directors, the Community Foundation for Ocala/Marion County Foundation Board of Directors, the Florida State University Finance Departments Professional Advisory Board, and was appointed in 2021 by Marion County Board of County Commissioner as Trustee for the Marion County Hospital District. 

Greg Weston is a self-taught software engineer with a wide range of technical knowledge and expertise. A University of Florida graduate, he has a continuing passion for learning that has led to a successful career in the ever-changing tech sector. He has over a decade of experience designing and building software in the financial technology and e-learning spaces.

Since 2022, Greg has directed the Computer Science and Coding class for the Kut Different Summer Program. He has utilized resources such as Google’s CS First and MIT’s Scratch (as well as tools he built himself) to design a fun and engaging introduction to the principles of computer science. In doing this, his goal has been to spark young people’s interest in coding and show them that they can excel at it.

Richard L. Andrews, Jr. (“DA”) is an entrepreneur, business owner, and commercial real estate professional with more than 30 years of experience building, operating, and growing service-based businesses and real estate ventures. He is the founder and owner of Red Fern Pet Lodge, one of Central Florida’s premier pet hospitality companies.

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Prior to launching Red Fern Pet Lodge, DA honed his skills in commercial real estate investment, business ownership, and commercial real estate appraisal. His experience includes operating a commercial appraisal firm, managing real estate investment activities, owning and operating a radio station, and holding leadership positions in the hospitality industry. 

Kent Adams is a lifelong entrepreneur, business leader, and mentor with a passion for leadership development, personal growth, and helping others reach their full potential. Throughout his career, he has successfully founded and sold five businesses, including his first venture while still attending college.

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Kent brings extensive experience in business development, strategic thinking, and organizational growth to the Kut Different Board of Directors. He believes strong communities are built through strong leadership, mentorship, and a commitment to investing in the next generation.

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James Riddle is the Chief Operating Officer and Co-Founder of Total Family Solutions, a behavioral health organization dedicated to expanding access to high-quality mental health care throughout New Jersey and Florida. Since co-founding the organizations expansion in 2008, James has played a pivotal role in developing and growing comprehensive mental health programs that address the unique needs of individuals, families, and communities.

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After relocating to Ocala, Florida in 2020, James has continued to support the organization's growth across both Florida and New Jersey. Outside of his professional responsibilities, he enjoys equestrian activities, tennis, and spending time at the beach with family and friends.

Judge Shanae Pickens serves as a Circuit Court Judge and is committed to upholding the law with integrity, fairness, and respect for all who come before the court. Prior to taking the bench, she practiced law for more than a decade, building a career dedicated to serving her community and advancing the justice system.

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Judge Pickens is passionate about mentoring and investing in the next generation of leaders. After first being introduced to Kut Different through her work in the justice system, she was inspired by the organization's commitment to exposing young men to opportunities, positive role models, and brighter futures. She is honored to serve on the Kut Different Board of Directors and support its mission of helping young men own their greatness.