Latest news with #Evergreen
Daily Mirror
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Will Young details heartbreaking 'mini traumas' of being openly gay in 2002
Will Young has reflected on his coming out experience in a new interview for Pride Month. He was pressured into revealing his sexuality after winning Pop Idol in 2002. Will Young has paid tribute to those who came before him to fight for equal rights while reflecting on his own coming out story. The 46-year-old singer shot to fame in 2002 when he starred on, and won, ITV's singing talent show Pop Idol. After winning the show, Will enjoyed huge success, with debut single, the double sided Anything Is Possible / Evergreen, becoming the fastest-selling debut single in UK history. His first album also topped the charts - with all of his subsequent records making the top five, including three further number ones and three at number two. Shortly after winning Pop Idol, Will came out and he told fans he had no shame about his sexual identity and that he had not hidden it from those in his life. In a new interview with Metro, the singer has reflected on this moment from 2002 and shared his thoughts on how the world has changed. He told The Metro:"It's like chalk and cheese now. I don't often really remember the sort of mini traumas that would occur being openly gay and a public figure in the early 2000s. It was so different then." He continued to highlight the ways the country has changed since he burst into the spotlight. He said: "There was no legal support, you couldn't get married. "You just operated within how it was then, which was like, 'Well, I'm going to get shouted out, I'm going to get threatened. No one's gonna care.' That was a given, which seems bonkers now to think like that." And paying tribute to equal rights campaigners, he added: "We have to remember those people and those before them, because they were pretty seminal." Will first opened up about his sexuality in March 2002 in an interview with the since defunct News of the World. He told the publication: "I feel it's time to tell my fans I'm gay. "It's totally no big deal, just part of who I am. For me it's normal and nothing to be ashamed about. I'm gay and I'm comfortable with that. I really don't know what the fuss is about." It has been over two decades since the singer found fame and he continues to enjoy chart success. His 2024 album, titled Light It Up, peaked at the top of the downloads chart and reached number 5 on the official albums chart. He embarked on a tour in support of the record last September - with extra dates added due to demand. More recently, Will has been sharing gardening tips with fans and uploading videos of his green work to social media. Over the decades, the star has become a campaigner for mental health, winning praise from fans for sharing his own struggles and spotlighting resources so others can get help. He also, tragically, lost his twin brother, Rupert, to suicide in July 2020. He shared his story and grief as well as the life of his brother in the acclaimed Channel 4 documentary, Will Young: Losing My Twin Rupert.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Evergreen Home Loans® Welcomes Walter Gallipeau as Area Manager and Expands into Texas
BELLEVUE, Wash., June 13, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Evergreen Home Loans® is proud to welcome Walter Gallipeau as its new Area Manager, marking the company's official entry and expansion into the state of Texas. Based in the Dallas/Fort Worth area, Walter brings more than 20 years of finance and business experience to Evergreen and will play a key role in managing sales performance, building high-performing teams, and driving long-term strategic growth across this exciting new market. Walter is a seasoned leader with a passion for helping others succeed. For the past eight years, he served as Senior Vice President at Texas Bank and Trust, leading the Dallas/Fort Worth region. During his tenure, he funded over $250 million in production and was recognized as the top producer while building and guiding a high-performing team. Known for his strong communication skills and solutions-oriented mindset, Walter is deeply committed to supporting loan officers and growing production through mentorship, training, and strategic recruiting. "I'm thrilled to join a company with such a strong foundation and people-first culture," said Gallipeau. "I look forward to building high-performing teams and helping more families achieve the dream of homeownership." In his new role, Walter will focus on removing day-to-day operational challenges for executive leadership by overseeing sales development, implementing strategic branch initiatives, and helping recruit and retain top industry talent. "Walter brings the perfect combination of leadership, production experience, and cultural alignment," said Brett Evertz, AVP of Loan Production and Sales Operations. "His ability to lead with integrity and develop strong local teams is exactly what we need to accelerate growth in key markets—especially as we expand into Texas." This strategic expansion underscores Evergreen's commitment to growing its footprint and serving more communities across the country with On Time and As Promised® service. We are growing. Join us!To discover more about Evergreen Home Loans, visit explore career opportunities, visit or About Evergreen Home Loans®Evergreen Home Loans, headquartered in Bellevue, Washington, is a leading direct lender committed to making homeownership accessible. For over three decades, we've provided affordable, personalized mortgage solutions tailored to the unique needs of our communities. Our mission: On Time and As Promised® service creating a WOW experience. We're passionate about helping customers find their forever homes. With branches in seven western states (AZ, CA, ID, MT, NV, OR, WA) and licenses in several others—including our newest expansion into Texas—we offer a full range of loan products, including FHA, VA, Conventional, Jumbo, USDA, refinancing, and construction financing. We are a proud member of the Washington Mortgage Bankers Association and the Mortgage Bankers Association. Learn more at Evergreen Home Loans is a registered trade name of Evergreen Moneysource Mortgage Company® NMLS ID 3182. Visit for licensing information. Media Contact:Selah TerwilligerSenior Marketing Managersterwilliger@ 425-400-8831 View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Evergreen Moneysource Mortgage Company dba Evergreen Home Loans Error while retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data
CBS News
3 days ago
- Automotive
- CBS News
More than 3,500 crashes in Colorado caused by wildlife in 2024, animals killed in most cases
The Colorado State Patrol is reminding all drivers to be extra careful of wildlife when traveling on I-70. In 2024, animal-involved crashes were the third most common crash factor among all crash types, including fatal, injury, and property damage. Troopers investigated 3,573 of these crashes and said that 96% of the crashes caused property damage only to the driver, but in most cases, the wildlife did not survive. Troopers say they spot the worst crashes with wildlife heading west on I-70 past Lookout Mountain and Evergreen, along with Hwy 74. June and July are calving season months, so animals are spotted more frequently, with the worst times during dusk and dawn. If you don't pay attention, you could hit one and possibly total your car. For every trip, you should follow these rules. They include: Scan roads (or shoulders) for movement, eye shine Use bright lights at night when safe and flash lights at oncoming cars to warn of wildlife on the road Do not honk at wildlife in/near the road Stop for wildlife in the road/use hazard lights Don't exceed the speed limit These tips will protect you and others driving behind you. If you are driving and there is no way for you to stop when an animal pops up, troopers say you sadly have to hit them. In 2024, animal-involved crashes were the third most common crash factor among all crash types in Colorado. Colorado State Patrol "The best course of action if you can't avoid the animal is to hit that animal," Trooper Hunter Matthews, Colorado State Patrol, said. "It's going to cause less damage to others and lower the chances of injury to you or another party near you." If you are traveling with a pet, make sure they are restrained. In the event of a crash, you have a seat belt to protect you; the animal does not. Troopers will continue their partnership with Jeffco to make sure everyone is safe on the roads. Wildlife-vehicle collisions can be very costly to drivers. According to the Rocky Mountain Insurance Information Association, the insurance industry pays out nearly $1.1 billion yearly in claims for all wildlife collisions nationwide. The average property damage cost of these crashes is estimated at over $3,000. If you are involved in a crash with an animal, Colorado State Patrol wants you to call 911 just as you would in any other emergency. In addition, if you witness wildlife in distress from possibly being struck on or near the side of the road, call *CSP for the proper resource to be notified and sent to the scene.
Techday NZ
4 days ago
- Business
- Techday NZ
Evergreen acquires REDD, celebrates $1 billion revenue milestone
Evergreen has reached its 100th managed IT services provider acquisition milestone with the addition of REDD, an Australia-based business, to its Lyra Technology Group portfolio. REDD, headquartered in Brisbane, will continue to operate independently as part of Lyra Technology Group, Evergreen's collection of managed IT services providers. The company was established in 2016 by Nigel Heyn, and under the leadership of Heyn and Chief Executive Officer Brad Ferris, REDD has grown through a focus on technical expertise and business management. Brad Ferris will remain CEO, and the business will retain its existing operations, following the model Evergreen applies in its portfolio which prioritises decentralisation. Global expansion Evergreen currently operates in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand. The company is exploring expansion into Ireland as well as the Nordic and Benelux regions. Details of the acquisition were not disclosed by either party. Craig Fulton, M&A Advisor at Evergreen, commented: "Nigel and Brad's leadership and values align closely with Evergreen's long-term vision. In becoming part of the Evergreen network, REDD is positioning itself for continued success while contributing valuable insights to peers across the portfolio." Ferris provided his perspective on the development, saying, "REDD has always been built on a commitment to exceptional service, strong relationships, and a culture that puts people first. That doesn't change. What excites us about joining Evergreen and Lyra is the opportunity to stay true to who we are while being bolstered by a global network of like-minded businesses. This partnership enhances our ability to deliver for our clients, share best practices, and tap into a deep pool of expertise — all while preserving the team, culture, and values that make REDD unique." Financial milestone and recognition Evergreen has also been recognised as the first Pax8 partner to generate over $1 billion in IT services revenue. In addition, last month Evergreen Vice President Sydney Hockett was named to CRN's Women of the Channel list. The company recently hosted its first Evergreen Elevate event, designed as a free opportunity for managed service providers to obtain strategic insights relating to exit strategies. Ramsey Sahyoun, Co-Founder and M&A Partner at Evergreen, said, "When we started this company seven years ago, we hoped to replicate the Berkshire Hathaway model and build the best home for MSPs. I'm proud that we've stayed committed to that vision, to our decentralized operating model, and to our permanent hold strategy. It's been a rewarding journey, and we are grateful for the MSP business owners that have trusted us with their companies." Stakeholder and partner perspectives Lloyd Wolf, Founder and former CEO of Wolf Consulting, which was the first managed IT services provider acquired by Evergreen in December 2017, commented on his experience: "Selling the ownership of my business was one of the biggest decisions of my life. I first met Jeff Totten, CEO of Evergreen, in the fall of 2017. He shared with me his vision of building the best home for businesses and their leaders, retaining our employees and taking care of them, and investing in continued future growth – all while operating in a decentralized model that would allow the business to maintain its culture and independence. This approach and model were very different from any other buyer I had met. I was excited that I had found the permanent home for my business and employees. Since then, Evergreen and Lyra Technology Group have truly executed the vision Jeff originally shared with me. From Wolf Consulting to REDD, I couldn't be more proud of Evergreen's and Lyra's growth and success." Lane Brannan, Executive Vice President and General Manager, Americas, at Pax8, also congratulated the business: "It's been impressive to witness the growth and revenue milestones Evergreen and Lyra have achieved over the last few years. While obtaining a billion dollars of revenue is an impressive achievement alone, it also signals the critical role and impact MSPs have in driving technology adoption within the SMB market. We look forward to fueling our strong partnership with Lyra and congratulate them on this significant milestone." Evergreen continues to emphasise its practice of a permanent hold strategy and a decentralised operating model in the managed IT services sector, as it further expands its international presence and portfolio. Follow us on: Share on:
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Utilities Industry Leader, Kaveh Aflaki, Joins Insight Global to Drive Services Innovation
Talent and Tech Provider Fuels the Future of Utilities and Energy Industries with Expertise ATLANTA, June 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Insight Global today announced the hiring of Dr. Kaveh Aflaki as Industry Principal, Utilities and Energy, within its professional services division, Evergreen. With nearly two decades of global experience in the sector, Dr. Aflaki will lead strategic initiatives designed to deliver innovative, high-impact solutions for electric, gas, and water utilities clients as well as the oil and gas industry across the U.S. and around the world. "Throughout my career in the industry, one of the most persistent challenges has been securing the right talent to turn strategy into execution. With Insight Global, we meet the challenge," said Dr. Aflaki. "Not only do we have exceptional access to top-tier talent capable of meeting the complex demands of the utilities and energy sector, but we also bring in skilled experts who apply our distinctive methodologies to provide comprehensive talent and professional technical services and solutions. It's the best of both worlds." Insight Global has 15 years of utilities and energy industry experience and currently works with seven of the top U.S. 10 investor-owned utilities (IOUs) helping them tackle a range of challenges including digital transformation, operational efficiencies, and regulatory standards. Dr. Aflaki's extensive experience in utilities and energy further showcases Insight Global's commitment to the industry. He has been instrumental in advancing Smart Grid initiatives at ComEd/Exelon, where he managed AMI Operation data analytics. Before joining Insight Global, he also served as the CEO of IEMS Solution, providing cutting-edge SaaS solutions to utilities. As a recognized industry thought leader, he is also a Senior Member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). Insight Global's staffing and professional services empower some of the largest energy and utility clients across the U.S. and the world by delivering comprehensive solutions and the skilled professionals to execute them—supporting an industry that employs millions of people, serves billions, and underpins our nations' infrastructures. Dr. Aflaki's expertise and leadership enhances Insight Global continuing work to drive excellence in this competitive sector. For more information about Insight Global's services, please visit About Insight GlobalInsight Global is an international professional services and staffing company specializing in delivering talent and technical solutions to Fortune 1000 companies across multiple industries. With more than 70 offices and delivery center locations across North America, Europe, and Asia, and global staffing capabilities around the world, they are dedicated to finding the right solutions to help their customers thrive. About the Evergreen divisionEstablished a decade ago, Evergreen is the professional services division of Insight Global, the second-largest IT staffing company in the U.S. They leverage Insight Global's expertise in forming and managing high-performing teams to meet clients' talent and technical services needs. Thanks to their unmatched access to skilled talent, Evergreen can deliver solutions around the globe via their 5,000+ convertible consultants in more than 50 countries and 5 class-A delivery centers. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Insight Global Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
