Business Spotlights

Teravainen has received numerous honors and awards for his leadership and impact on the Southern California veteran community. As a military child and veteran himself, his story came full circle when he founded STEP.

Helping build Sempra’s CSR program from the ground up, Cartmill says “servant leadership is what my job is really about--amplifying our purpose as an organization, engaging employees, giving back, and driving socially responsible business practices."

A passion for helping others has been a defining staple of Shamoun’s personal and professional life. With three USD degrees in hand and a few nice suits in his closet, he went on to establish what would become the “Best Tax Law Firm in San Diego."

“I thought, one day I’ll be a CFO or COO -- not the CEO of a company I built. As a new business owner, I didn’t know exactly what I was doing, but I knew matcha. I took it one day at a time and gradually became more confident in running a business."

Sandelbaum has always had a mindset for global leadership. "It's not about slicing or re-slicing the pie. It's about finding opportunities to actually expand the pie, something I'm able to apply on a daily basis with ING’s global stakeholders."

One thing that has remained constant in Hersh's career is her ability to unite people and technology to drive progress. As COO, she's responsible for the integration and alignment of her company's teams and functions across global markets.

Bill Dopp has given new meaning to the term ‘international business leader.’ Not only has he led the expansion of multimillion-dollar corporations into new markets, but in doing so, he has continually left his own mark—a legacy of global growth.

J & L Eppig Brewing first opened its doors in San Diego’s North Park neighborhood. “We knew that if we were going to resurrect a family legacy, we were going to have to do it the right way,” Stephanie said.

Owning & operating a restaurant of one of the most-loved, fastest-growing fast food chains in the US, Toth strives to make a positive impact on each and every customer who passes through his establishment – a number he estimates at nearly 1 million.

As 3D Printing Advanced Technical Consultant for HP Inc., Remacha helps clients create their ideas using 3D printing. Whether an automotive part, prosthetic, or any other request HP receives, Remacha is in charge of figuring out the best way forward.

Ruane’s new venture, a real estate consulting firm focusing on middle-income housing, will be the greatest example yet of her ability to connect people and resources, as she looks to bridge the gap between banks, developers and cities.

Personal sacrifice as a corporate manager for the benefit of the whole seemed ‘innovative’ but for me, I was simply doing my job responsibly. My pledge is that each company understands its influence on society and contributes something positive.

Chris was on his way to becoming a corporate leader long before he held the title of executive. Little did he know, that it would be the unique culmination of skills he gained on the court and in the classroom that would drive his corporate success.

As a Supply Chain Manager for Solar Turbines, Crachy doesn’t just see facts and figures. He sees a massive game of chess where every move represents a carefully calculated strategy to make Solar, its customers and its suppliers more successful.

Brennan fostered many hospitality successes in San Diego and beyond, including Stingaree, Searsucker and Herringbone. He made the pivot into consumer products with Suja Juice, the self-proclaimed highlight of his career.

Zemax became an industry giant; and as that success grew, the Moore's looked for ways to share it. Michelle has taken her entrepreneurial ambition to new heights -- the Upcountry of Maui.

Attributing WD-40’s astronomical growth–from $100 million to $381 million in Ridge’s tenure as CEO–more to the “tribe” than the “secret sauce” of the WD-40 formula itself, Ridge is deeply committed to fostering health and happiness in the workplace.

I am now known notoriously as the worst pitch in the history of Shark Tank to actually land a deal. I gathered myself and made this Rocky-like comeback and then ended up getting a deal with Mark Cuban.

There's something romantic about it -- the opportunities throughout the process of distilling spirits to create something uniquely your own.

I’m proud of being a voice for the voiceless. But I’m always proudest when I’m representing the organization, not as Sherman Gillus, but as a paralyzed veteran.

Morones founded Border Angels not as a political answer, but as a human response. The enormity and complexity of the [immigration] issues don't concern Morones.

Under her tenure, Guild has become a top-10 national lender, growing from $1.2 billion in loan volume in 2007 to $15.9 billion in 2017. McGarry has achieved the type of success that most people only dream of.

Nathan Resnick has become a powerhouse in the entrepreneurship community. Only a few years after graduation, Resnick’s company Sourcify won Connect’s Most Innovative Product Award.

Amazon Prime Now was born with Peyre leading the charge to meet consumers’ needs when and where they live.

Akerblom would be the first woman to be based in Europe becoming an experienced international business executive. In 2005, Akerblom became the firm's first National Managing Partner of Gender Diversity.

Matt Reno has been huge in building the San Diego skyline. He also works to build its community.

When I think about my journey, it’s not about what I’ve accomplished, it’s about how others have impacted me and how I’ve impacted other people. I’m ready to continue to take my career to the next level.

Vasquez had an epiphany. He didn't need a position. He wanted purpose; and he found it in increasing financial literacy and economic opportunity among lower income people.

Attisha's career path [to Cox Communications] has been blazed by his student government experience and the business degree he earned at USD.

Kasperick had the novel idea that he could be most successful if he put himself out of a job. He launched AimLoan.com and streamlined the role of a traditional [mortgage] loan officer.