May created Athena Partners with the singular goal of finding a cure for women’s cancers. The not-for-profit company sells more than a million bottles of purified water every month, donating 100% of its net profits to fund innovative research for breast and gynecological cancers. "Every bottle sold brings us one step closer to a cure," says May, herself a cancer survivor. "A bottle of Athena is a bottle of hope."

In five short years, after transitioning from a career managing Danish rock bands, Charles has achieved spectacular status with his syrahs, including Wine and Spirits’ “Top 100 Worldwide Brands,” and inclusion on the wine lists of such world-renowned restaurants as Craft and Spago. Best aspect of his craft? “The artistry of it. What I make, people consume. It’s an act of intimacy, like music. How much closer can you get to someone?”

Each year the world’s largest commercial image company engages 3,000 photographers to shoot millions of photographs. What do they shoot? And why? As Creative Researcher, Amber studies and synthesizes information about popular culture, societal values, fashions, and world events to predict future trends. Photographers then shoot thematically to match these trends. What will we see more of? “Images illustrating relationships and spirituality,” says Amber. “And very active seniors.”

As Chief  Engineer, Flight Safety Technology, for Honeywell Aerospace, he holds more than 120 worldwide patents. Don was recently inducted into the National Inventor’s Hall of Fame for his innovative work over a 50-year career on technologies that alert pilots to impending collisions with terrain and other obstacles. His generations of Enhanced Ground Proximity Warning Systems (EGPWS) have reduced terrain-related aviation incidences to virtually zero—in over 100 million flights.“My mission is saving lives,” Don says. “And I’m not done yet.”

Alejandro is Network Security Specialist for Integra Telecom, a multi-state telecommunications provider known for personalized client service to small business. Handling hundreds of weekly security issues, Alejandro both protects and educates customers so their Internet accounts are not used as fronts by criminal elements, in “phishing” and pirating schemes, for example. Best part of the job? “Every day I help small businesses from being compromised. I catch the bad guys on the Internet.”

His company, Optima, Inc., is distinctive as a developer, controlling the entire building process—design, construction, and marketing. Hovey’s multi-family dwellings grace Chicago and Phoenix, emphasizing environmental sensitivity, unconventional materials, and natural light and ventilation. Recognized as one of the world’s foremost architects by 2005’s Best of the Best Robb Report, Hovey is resolute. “I think about architecture every minute. Design of a good building is life and death for me.”

Perhaps no other business in the world has combined such reach with such extraordinary sense of neighborhood. How? “We’ve tried to make Internet transactions more personal, more human,” says San Francisco-based founder Craig Newmark. “craigslist is really a collection of communities, with social capital and trust in more than 500 cities. My role is to nurture and protect that culture of trust.”

As an assistant store manager for the retailer, Duy is an outdoor enthusiast in every sense of the word. He cycles, hikes, climbs and kayaks. His exuberance transcends his work life. Duy works alongside REI members and the community as an active volunteer in trail maintenance through the company’s stewardship efforts. “I maintain the very trails I enjoy and help make the outdoors accessible for everyone. At REI, we don’t just talk about how we can help. We truly live it.”

Laurence Geller, CEO of Strategic Hotels & Resorts, turns quality hotel properties into extraordinary destinations. Geller converted the tea room at Chicago’s Intercontinental Hotel into a chic and savory wine bar concept called ENO’s. The tony wine bars are now found throughout Strategic’s holdings. For many entrepreneurs, deals are simply contracts and dollars. Geller savors the unique qualities that make every deal special. “We like to find the hidden jewels in a transaction and make them sparkle.”

Darin Leonardson is the chef at Toscano, an upscale restaurant at The Bellettini, one of Leisure Care’s active retirement communities. Toscano is open to the public as well—a first in the industry. Leisure Care’s unique retirement communities include high-end amenities such as a spa, ‘brain fitness’ classes, a travel agency and, of course, fine dining. “My ingredients always include a lot of passion—and a little craziness,” says Darin. “It fits with Leisure Care’s unconventional approach to retirement living.”

Dan Meyers plays a pivotal role at the Kemper Development Company, turning The Bellevue Collection* into one of the premier shopping and entertainment destinations in the country. As Vice President of Design and Construction, Meyers turns innovative visions into reality. His sky bridge designs not only connect mixed-use projects but also allow shoppers to conveniently go from their cars to great gathering places and retail stores. "We’re always thinking about how people use space," he explains. "Our goal is to continually improve their shopping experiences through easy access and fun surprises."

*Bellevue, Washington