After transitioning from a career managing Danish rock bands, Charles has achieved spectacular status, including receiving national recognition for his signature wines. 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?"

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 by many for his excellence in architecture, Hovey is resolute about his approach to building design. “I think about architecture every minute. Design of a good building is life and death for me.”

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.”

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

As the environmental manager at the renewable energy facility, she ensures that Wild Horse’s energy production has minimal impact on the environment and balances the myriad needs of PSE’s stakeholders – from customers, land owners and investors to the deer and elk that roam the 12,000 acres of rangeland upon which the facility sits. “Responsible energy production and environmental stewardship are core values at PSE,” says Diaz. “We are working to do what’s right, and because of that, I love my job.”