Present Family- Owned

Recognizing the accomplishments of San Diego County’s family-owned and

closely-held businesses.

Family-Owned &

ClOsely-Held Business

awards 2009

Present

Diamond Sponsors:

CONTINUING EDUCATIONFAMILY BUSINESS FORUM

A2 • December 21, 2009 • FAMILY-OWNED & CLOSELY-HELD BUSINESS AWARDS A SUPPLEMENT TO THE SAN DIEGO BUSINESS JOURNAL

usbank.comMember FDIC

All across San Diego, one bank is

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U. S. Bank is one of the strongest banks in San Diego. Our strengths have never been more aligned with the needs of our nation. Our stability makes us evenmore qualified to serve you. We are well capitalized, ready to lend and poised to help every customer – from coast to coast – come through these extraordinarytimes with flying colors.

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Congratulations to all the winners of the 2009 San Diego Business Journal's Family-Owned and Closely-Held Business Awards

December 21, 2009 • FAMILY-OWNED & CLOSELY-HELD BUSINESS AWARDS • A3A SUPPLEMENT TO THE SAN DIEGO BUSINESS JOURNAL

Letter From the Publishers

Armon Mills Reo Carr

Welcome to the San Diego Business Journal’s publication celebrating and recognizing San Diego’s family-owned and closely-held businesses. We are proud to partner with the University of San Diego’s Family Business Forum and San Diego State University’s Entrepreneurial Management Center, as well as co-sponsors Duane Morris; ESET LLC; MassMutual Financial Group, locally represented by The Pollakov Financial Group Inc.; and U.S. Bank, to

honor and promote outstanding family-owned firms in our region.The Family-Owned & Closely-Held Business Awards honor those businesses with familial ties, as well as those

having three or less individuals who own 50 percent or more of the business. Included in this supplement are the four businesses receiving special awards – Duane Morris Entrepreneurial Award, ESET Technology Innovation Award, MassMutual Generation's Cup Award and U.S. Bank Founders Award – nine honorees and 37 finalists, bro-ken down into large, medium and small categories.

The Family-Owned & Closely-Held Business Awards and educational programs, such as the University of San Diego’s Family Business Forum and San Diego State University’s Entrepreneurial Management Center, benefit the prosperity of family businesses. Meeting with other family-owned and closely-held businesses, discussing and

learning the trials and tribulations of other families and learning from local business experts is instrumental to helping these businesses push through struggles and into stability and, ultimately, success.

The Business Journal extends its thanks to Charles Wax, CEO of WAXIE Sanitary Supply, for providing the Dec. 17 event with a keynote address. We thank Mr. Wax for sharing his experiences and expertise with our local family-owned and closely-held businesses.

Congratulations to each of the award winners, honorees and finalists!Thank you,

Armon Mills Reo CarrPresident & Publisher Editor-in-Chief & Associate PublisherSan Diego Business Journal San Diego Business Journal

A ’ .

JOE TORRE, MANAGER

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Since 1919, J.H. Cohn has guided clients through fi ve wars, 16 recessions, and 17 recoveries. Clients know they can rely on J.H. Cohn’s experienced tax, audit, and accounting professionals to help them meet uncertain times. It’s why I won’t face a new management challenge without J.H. Cohn.

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Call 1-858-535-2000 or visit www.jhcohn.comOffi ces in California, New York, Connecticut, and New Jersey

For more information, please contactWade McKnightOffice Managing Partner4180 Ruffin Road, Suite 235, San Diego, CA 92123858-300-3423www.jhcohn.com

Offices in California, New York, Connecticut, and New Jersey

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KES Inc.KES Inc. was founded by John S. Yi and Sookyoung Yi in

1994, and today it has 120 employees and locations in San Diego, Reston, Va., and Las Vegas. The Yis are first-genera-tion Korean-American immigrants who came to the United States during high school without being able to speak a word of English. After completing high school, college and graduate school, as well as having successful careers in the information technology industry, John and Sookyoung bootstrap-financed and founded KES Inc. in 1995. The company was identified as a fastest-growing company by the San Diego Business Journal in 1999, a Fast50 Tech Company by Deloitte LLC every year from 2003 to 2008 and an Inc. 5000 company by Inc. magazine. The business has brought the Yi family close together by clearly communicating roles and responsibilities. The family’s dedication to treating each other with respect and care has helped shape the culture of the corporation.

The Yis are involved in their community church, serv-ing the needy within their community. The family and the company regularly volunteer and donate to local homeless shelters, the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Susan G. Komen for the Cure and more.

Family-Owned & Closely-Held Business Awards

Duane Morris Entrepreneurial Award

John S. Yi

WAXIE Sanitary SupplyThe story of WAXIE Sanitary Supply begins with two brothers

from Utah, Harry and Morris Wax. In 1945, Harry purchased a small business, San Diego Janitor Supply and Chemical Co. Morris, the younger brother, moved to San Diego in 1946 to join Harry in the new venture. The company had a rough start, and acquiring supplies right after the war was difficult. The company survived by selling the basics – brooms, mops, floor wax and cleaners. In the 1950s and 1960s, the company grew by establishing a stable customer base throughout San Diego County, with only five trucks. Today, the firm’s fleet consists of more than 125 delivery trucks, tractor trailers and service vehicles. In 1962, the company expanded its service territory to include all of Southern California by acquiring the Kleen-Line Corp. Since its founding, the company has grown at an annual compounded rate of growth in excess of 12 percent per year. In 1986, Charles Wax began overseeing all company operations. WAXIE has more than 800 employees and is owned by Charles, David Wax and other family members.

All divisions have been involved in doing dozens of local com-munity and charitable events. In San Diego, the company has been involved with the USO, Navy League, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Burnham Cancer Center, Sharp Hospital, San Diego Food Bank, San Diego Hall of Champions and numerous others. WAXIE has supported the American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer the past three years, and in 2009, Team WAXIE consisted of 70 walkers and was a major sponsor.


MassMutual Generation’s Cup Award

Charles Wax

Technology Integration Group

There are currently two generations of Geiers working at Technology Integration Group: Bruce Geier, the founder, president and CEO; his wife, Angela, who manages B2B Web site integration; his son, Mark, who works in the marketing department; and his other son, Kenji, who works in the warehouse. Geier’s late father also worked at the company. It is through Geier’s vision, hard work and daily management that TIG is able to report that it has been profitable every year since its founding in 1981. While many companies in the computer technology business have come and gone since the ’80s, TIG is stronger today than it has ever been. Geier has created an organic organization that promotes employee empowerment and recognizes and rewards suc-cessful employees in all areas of the company. He has also created a learning environment at the company through internal and external training, giving employees the ability and opportunity to keep up with the evolving technology that is a daily part of the technology provider business.

With two charity golf tournaments held every year for the past 14 years, TIG has supported organizations such as Loma Linda Children’s Hospital, the Alzheimer’s Foundation, the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation and more. In the past year, TIG’s tournaments benefited MSD China, which is work-ing to bring economic stability to the 55 ethnic minority groups which account for 46 percent of the national total of extreme poor in China. TIG also sponsors Humphrey’s summer concert series in San Diego.


ESET Technology Innovation Award

Bruce Geier


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ESET congratulatesall Family Owned and Closely Held Business finalists and nominees.

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Family-Owned & Closely-Held Business HonoreeLarge

Brigantine Family of Restaurants

The first Brigantine Restaurant was opened by husband-and-wife team Michael Morton Sr. and Barbara Morton on Shelter Island in 1969. Today, the Brigantine Family of Restaurants has between 1,000 and 1,200 employees, depending on the season, and includes five distinct concepts and 14 locations – all within San Diego County. There are currently six Morton family members involved in the company: Michael Sr., chairman of the board; Barbara, vice president; Michael Jr., president and CEO; Mark, regional general manager; Matthew, director of restaurant de-velopment; and Tori Curtis, retail purchasing manager. Having family involved in the business has always been beneficial. The vested interest of the Morton family members is the main reason the company survived in the beginning, and one of the chief components in why the Brigantine Family of Restaurants is still in business today. Presently, having different family members involved in a variety of aspects of the business helps to keep an owner’s hand in almost everything the company does, and it helps keep family members in constant communication with each other. The Morton family and The Brigantine Family of Restaurants have supported many charities over the past 40 years, hosting golf tournaments to benefit the San Diego Burn Institute, participating in multiple charity food and wine tasting events every year, creat-ing and hosting a several-week “Barrels About Town” promotion and silent auction to benefit St. Madeleine Sophie’s Center, having in-restaurant fundraisers benefiting local schools and other com-munity nonprofits, and much, much more.

Family-Owned & Closely-Held Business Honoree

Large

Southwest Traders Inc.Ken Smith is the CEO and co-founder of Southwest Traders Inc.,

a food service distribution company. The company specializes in providing distribution solutions to quick-service restaurant opera-tors. Smith began his business career in the summer of 1976, as a one-van operation delivering natural foods and fresh juices to cus-tomers in North San Diego County. Today, Southwest Traders boasts seven warehouse facilities in four states, capable of handling four temperature zones, providing coverage to 17 western states, carrying 3,500 different products and employing more than 690 full-time positions. Southwest Traders services nearly 4,500 customer loca-tions, including Starbucks, Jamba Juice, Baskin Robbins, Church’s Chicken, Popeye’s Chicken, Cinnabon, Costco, Golden Spoon, Juice It Up!, TCBY and many others.

The Smith family and Southwest Traders are involved with the community in a variety of capacities, including initiating, planning, financing and building the John Blanche Memorial Soccer Complex, home of Southwest Soccer Club/Arsenal. They also founded the Southwest Soccer Club and are involved with the Arsenal Soccer Club, Temecula Valley High School wrestling program and other high school sports programs in Temecula Valley, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo College wrestling and soccer programs, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo Sports Council, Executive Forum, EDC of Southwest Califor-nia, EMC Business Forum, TEC, Reins Program, Susan G. Komen for the Cure and Toys for Tots.

The Morton family


U.S. Bank Founders Award

Outsource ManufacturingTed Fogliani, president and CEO of Outsource Manufacturing,

founded the company in 1997, after spending several years working in the electronics industry. His brother, Christian, chief financial officer and general counsel, joined the company in 2003, after receiving his J.D. and his M.B.A. and working in Silicon Valley. But the entrepreneurial spirit of these two brothers can be traced back to their grandfathers who found their own success as business owners. Ted and Christian’s father is also an entrepreneur. While working for the phone company and raising three kids, he went to law school at night, and eventually, after adding two more kids to the family, set out to open his own law firm in Pasadena. The road was not always easy for them and they experienced their share of business down-turns, but they had a work ethic that would prove to be invaluable to their success and more importantly, serve as an example to Ted and Christian. They can look back on two generations of successful family-owned businesses, and know that they have it within them to create the same success. Ted and Christian have a thriving business in one of the toughest industries, during one of the toughest times the United States has seen in some time.

Outsource has actively donated its time and money to several worthwhile and deserving charitable organizations in San Diego, including the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America, Lymphoma Research Foundation, Challenged Athletes Foundation, The Old Globe, Notre Dame Academy and the San Diego Police Foundation. Ted cur-rently sits on the board of the San Diego Police Foundation.

Ted Fogliani The Smith family


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RELEASED TO VENDOR

Vendor: Williams

Release Date: 11/30/09

To see if whole life is a good decision for you, contact a local MassMutual representative or visit MassMutual.com

ΜασσΜυτυαλ Φινανχιαλ Γρουπ ρεφερσ το Μασσαχηυσεττσ Μυτυαλ Λιφε Ινσυρανχε Χοµπανψ (ΜασσΜυτυαλ), ιτσ αφ⇒ λιατεδ χοµπανιεσ ανδ σαλεσ ρεπρεσεντατιϖεσ. Ωηολε λιφε ισσυεδ βψ ΜασσΜυτυαλ, Σπρινγ⇒ ελδ, ΜΑ 01111. Οτηερ ινσυρανχε προδυχτσ ισσυεδ βψ, ανδ ρατινγσ αππλψ το, ΜασσΜυτυαλ ανδ ιτσ συβσιδιαριεσ Χ.Μ. Λιφε Ινσυρανχε Χοµπανψ ανδ ΜΜΛ Βαψ Στατε Λιφε Ινσυρανχε Χοµπανψ, ν⇒ ελδ, ΧΤ 06082. 1Αχχεσσ το χαση ϖαλυε τηρουγη βορροωινγ ορ παρτιαλ συρρενδερσ χαν ρεδυχε τηε πολιχψ∏σ χαση ϖαλυε ανδ δεατη βενε⇒ τ, ινχρεασε τηε χηανχε τηε πολιχψ ωιλλ λαπσε, ανδ µαψ ρεσυλτ ιν α ταξ λιαβιλιτψ. 2Φινανχιαλ στρενγτη ρατινγσ ασ οφ 12/1/09: Α.Μ. Βεστ (Α++); Φιτχη (ΑΑΑ); Μοοδψ∏σ (Αα2); Στανδαρδ & Ποορ∏σ (ΑΑ+). Ρατινγσ αρε συβϕεχτ το χηανγε. 3Λεαρν µορε αβουτ ουρ µυτυαλ στρυχτυρε ατ ωωω.ΜασσΜυτυαλ.χοµ/Μυτυαλιτψ. Οφ⇒ χε λιστινγ ινφορµατιον ασ οφ 11/24/09. ΧΡΝ201105−120549

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Notes: MAS1-09-01767-1190REV2_SD

Date:

11/30/09

Job #:

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Family-Owned & Closely-Held Business HonoreeMedium

Cart Mart Inc.Cart Mart Inc., with 40 full-time employees, is Southern

California’s leading golf, transportation and industrial vehicle distributor. It specializes in sales, service, parts and rentals of all major brands. Three generations of family members have worked at Cart Mart since its inception. Ben Bellman, chairman, and Brian Rott, president, are the only ones currently active in the business. Cart Mart began in 1959 as a one-man operation in El Paso, Texas. Bellman, 41 at the time, left his family business – a successful department store in Safford, Ariz. – to pursue a love of golf by selling golf cars. Bellman opened Southwest Marketeer in 1959, and in 1972, moved his business to San Marcos. In 2008, Cart Mart made two acquisitions that have spurred growth in its parts and service departments. The first was of two Web sites, taylordunnparts.com and aevcenter.com. With an existing infra-structure and customers in the industry, both taylordunnparts and aevcenter have helped boost part sales by 35 percent. The second was a golf cart servicing company, Michaels Cart Maintenance. In 2009, Cart Mart acquired Escondido-based Pacific Golf Cars. The company has seen double-digit growth over the past five years, with an increase of more than 385 percent since 2000.

Cart Mart makes a big effort to give back to the community with its support of Make-A-Wish Foundation events, Susan G. Komen for the Cure, the Better Business Bureau, United Jewish Federation, March of Dimes, Humane Society, National MS Society and American Heart Association, to name a few.


Medium

Easy-Turf Inc.Easy-Turf Inc. was founded in 2000 and was purchased by David

Hartman, president and CEO, and his wife, Patricia, executive vice president, in February 2002. The Hartmans first learned about EasyTurf after they hired the company to install synthetic grass in their front yard. They liked the quality of EasyTurf’s products and enjoyed the customer service experience so much that they decided to purchase the company with the goal of growing it into Southern California’s leading synthetic turf provider. The company currently has 49 full-time employees and has been Southern California’s exclusive FieldTurf dealer for more than nine years. The company has an impressive portfolio of installations, including SeaWorld, Legoland, Petco Park, San Diego Zoo, San Diego Humane Society, Camp Pendleton and more than 5,000 homes.

In addition to remaining steadfast business owners, David and Patricia have also contributed much of their time and financial resources to many philanthropic endeavors benefiting children and animal charities throughout Southern California. They are both active members of St. Mary’s Church in Escondido and have been for more than 18 years, volunteering more than 1,000 hours to church-related community events and charities. As animal lovers, they have volunteered more than 700 hours with the San Diego Zoological Society in a variety of roles, including working at fundraisers, private events and as informational partners. In October, the Hartmans instituted a unique referral program at EasyTurf that donates money to local charities for any referrals that result in new customers.

Ben Bellman and Brian Rott David and Patricia Hartman


Large

T.B. Penick & Sons Inc.Four generations of Penicks have been at the helm of T.B.

Penick & Sons Inc. since it was founded in 1905. The company has played a major role in the construction of projects that have shaped the landscape of San Diego. T.B. Penick has contributed to city landmarks such as SeaWorld, Balboa Park and the San Diego Convention Center, as well as more than 4,000 other recreational, religious, educational, military and civic structures. The company has grown from a local firm to an industry leader with a national presence and an international client base. In addition, the company has two subsidiaries, Convergent Design Build and Triton Structural Concrete. Penick family principles of commitment, accountability, integrity and responsibility permeate every bid, design, plan, con-tract, work site and project that the company undertakes. Company responsibilities are divided between Marc Penick, CEO and head of the general contracts division, and Tim Penick, president, who also oversees both the structural and innovative concrete system divisions.

T.B. Penick is deeply involved in the Association of General Contractors. Tim is on the board of directors and serves on the political action committee and the Build & Serve charitable group. Marc chairs the Navy liaison committee and works with the Mentor-Protégé Program. Several other key TBP executives and managers head up or strongly contribute to important committees. The firm has contributed time and money to important local charities such as Nativity Prep School, St. Therese Catholic Parish, International Relief Teams, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and others.

Breaking New Ground Since 1905.

Tim (left) and Marc Penick



Medium

Hilton Campus, San Diego/Del Mar

During the last five years, the Rauch and Simone families have worked together and overcome many obstacles – including a build-ing fire that razed one entire property – to build the Hilton Campus, San Diego/Del Mar. It now includes two hotels, Hilton Garden Inn and Homewood Suites; a newly opened bar and restaurant, Bistro 39; a deli, NY Garden Deli & Café; and a spa, Serenity Salon and Spa. Robert and Linda Rauch are incredibly hard working, and committed to their community. Robert is the general manager of the Hilton Garden Inn, San Diego/Del Mar, and Linda is the direc-tor of marketing for all the entities at the Hilton Campus. Melissa, their daughter, works at the Serenity Salon and Spa. Joe and Janice Simone are intensively involved in the finance and retail aspects of the campus, respectively. Alexandra, their daughter, assists with and oversees campus maintenance.

The Rauch and Simone families are heavily involved with and supportive of local schools, including Canyon Crest Academy athlet-ics; charities like Hunger at Home; and religious organizations such as Beth Am Synagogue. Robert serves on numerous boards and is the chairman of San Diego North Convention and Visitors Bureau. He also serves as president of Beth Am Synagogue.


Small

Happy Heinys, a division of MLB Industries Inc.

Happy Heinys was started in 2001 after the premature birth of Mike and Linda Byerline’s daughter. Due to chronic lung disease they switched her to reusable diapers, which decreased her need for hospitalizations and medications by half. They were unable to find diapers that fit her so they began making their own. When they made a few extra and sold them on eBay, they were surprised to have people bidding up to $200 for single diapers. The Byerlines soon began selling them in an online store and six months later began wholesaling them. Their reusable diapers are now in stores in all 50 states as well as more than 30 countries worldwide. They have since opened a small natural baby store, Baby Frenzy, where locals can not only purchase their diapers but also other natural baby products. The two main principals of the company are Mike and Linda. Both are highly committed to the company and its success as well as keeping all of the company within San Diego and all products manufactured with U.S. goods.

Happy Heinys is very proud of its charitable contributions. As of January 2009, the company has raised and donated in excess of $60,000. The Byerlines and Happy Heinys have donated to Autism Speaks, Guatemala Stove Project, Fistula Foundation, Susan G. Komen for the Cure, El Cajon Mother Goose Parade, Fletcher Hills Little League, Mt. Helix Pop Warner, Northmont Elementary and more. They have also donated and replaced reusable diapers for those who were affected by the 2003 and 2007 San Diego fires.


Small

AutoClaims Direct Inc.Ernie and Peggy Bray have been married for nine years, and

for the past six have been working as partners in their company, AutoClaims Direct Inc. After working in the corporate world for many years, they both wanted to create a business built on their years of experience that they could call their own. With two other partners, they have launched one of the most successful insurance claims services firms in the country. Ernie serves as the CEO and Peggy is on the board of directors and oversees human resources. With a controlling interest in the firm, Ernie and Peggy work as a team and help guide the direction of the company. AutoClaims Direct now employs 18 full-time staff and more than 850 contractors nationwide. The firm had 178.5 percent growth from 2005 to 2008. AutoClaims Direct has been built on the idea of making business family friendly and flexible. While the firm has a portion of its staff in a traditional office setting, a majority of the team works virtually from their homes. By maintaining a flexible work schedule, the staff is allowed to tend to family needs. Technology innovations have made this possible, and by eliminating a commute, staff can tend to business quicker and have more time for quality of life. AutoClaims Direct and the Brays are supporters of many organiza-tions, including Operation Homefront, Special Operations Warrior Foundation, Challenged Athletes Foundation and the Batiquitos Lagoon Foundation. AutoClaims Direct is also an active member of the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce.

The Bray family The Byerline familyThe Simone family

The Rauch family



Small

MPE Consulting Inc.MPE Consulting Inc. was started in March 2000 by its own-

ers, Malena and Randy Minnier. As the daughter of immigrants, Malena was surrounded by family members launching their own business enterprises to participate in the American economic marketplace. Malena’s own career path found her in the midst of small businesses and therefore allowed for the diversity to work in the realms of marketing, business procurement, sustaining client relationships, human resources, record keeping and more. In 2000, she approached her husband, Randy, about launching their own family business venture. His skills for project design and engineering would be the product that they would market. Malena would build and run the business. MPE Consulting was introduced to the marketplace as an electrical engineering firm, specializing in detailed and thorough construction documents and specification for complex projects. Now with 12 employees, the company provides exceptional service for biotechnical, elec-tronic manufacturing, computer and data centers, industrial and manufacturing facilities, and corporate offices.

MPE Consulting endeavors to afford opportunities to those who might not otherwise be looked upon for positions within the field due to limited experience. Additionally, MPE Consulting supports Children’s Hospital, Ronald McDonald House, ReNUH, California Narcotic Officers’ Association, Association of Builders and Contractors, California Professional Firefighters, Heart to Heart International, local youth programs, YMCA, Boys and Girls Club, American Red Cross, MDA, San Diego Food Bank, March of Dimes, Breast Cancer 3-Day Walk, CFF and local religious organizations.

Ace Relocation Systems Inc.

Large Family-Owned & Closely-Held Business Finalist

Reg Lammers relocated his family from Minnesota to take a job as general manager of a San Diego moving and storage company, founded in 1968. Shortly after the move, Lammers officially purchased the San Diego moving company and another one in Long Beach. In 1993, the company name was changed to Ace Relocation Systems Inc. Today, Ace is a family-owned and operated business with eight office and warehouse locations strategically placed throughout the country. Ace executes about 14,000 domestic and international moves per year for individuals, families or businesses. Approximately 25 percent of the San Diego branch’s revenue comes from relocating U.S military. Until his passing last year, Lammers was an active member of the organization and held a seat on the Atlas Van Lines board of directors. Lammers’ son, Larry, was named president in 2002, and his younger son, Dan, currently works out of the San Diego corporate office as vice president of operations.

Ace’s commitment to the San Diego community expands every year. For the past 13 years, the company has provided transportation of bikes for all the cyclists that participate in the MS 100 Bay to Bay Bike Tour. Each year, Ace makes charitable donations to schools, organizations and the military community.

Girard Securities Inc.


Girard Securities Inc. was founded in 1986 by Kaye Woltman and her daughter, Melisa McGuire, as a women-owned busi-ness enterprise specializing in the underwriting of municipal bonds. In November 2001, McGuire revised the business plan of Girard to become a full-service broker/dealer and registered investment advisor using the independent contractor structure. McGuire’s non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, which had been in remis-sion, returned and she lost her battle with cancer in December 2002. Beginning in 2003, her father, Richard Woltman devel-oped and managed the future growth of Girard. He was assisted in these efforts by the management team, including her sister, Susan Woltman Tietjen. The firm is founded on the character traits that McGuire outlined: trust, stewardship, integrity, ethics, respect, honesty, loyalty and honor. The family has created a culture where the employees know that they are cared about personally and professionally.

Girard has supported the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society Light the Night Walk; the Parkinson Disease 5K Walk and Run; the Brain Tumor Foundation; and the Mt. Soledad Memorial Association. The Woltmans have been active volunteers and supporters of numerous nonprofits in the San Diego, and fund nursing scholarships and cancer research.

INDUS Technology Inc.


INDUS Technology Inc. is a federal services company founded in 1991 by Dr. Kathy Sridhar. The company provides systems engineering, technical and program management services for government and industry clients. In the last nine years, it has grown from 14 employees in San Diego to more than 295 employees nationwide. Sridhar served as INDUS president and CEO until March 2004 when she lost a valiant battle with breast cancer. Her husband James Lasswell as-sumed the leadership of the company as both president and CEO and one of the principal owners. Jennifer Lasswell Albers, their daughter and senior vice president, has been working at INDUS since 2000 and is also a principal owner.

Lasswell has been a driving force in the San Diego small business community for more than eight years. He is an active member of the NDIA National Small Business Division, where one of his initiatives has been to duplicate the tremendous success of the San Diego Small Business Committee in other regions. In addition to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, INDUS supports numerous other charitable causes. Lasswell is on the USO Board of Directors and Lass-well Albers serves on the board of directors for the Veterans Museum and Memorial Center in Balboa Park.

Randy Minnier

Recognizing the accomplishments of San Diego County’s family-owned and closely-held businesses.

Family-Owned & ClOsely-Held Business

awards 2009

Finalists


McMahon Steel Company Inc.


Founded in 1970, McMahon Steel Company Inc. provides detailing, fabrication and installation of structural and mis-cellaneous steel for use in commercial construction projects. The company currently has 193 employees, and is owned by the McMahon family: Derek, president and CEO; Kevin, vice president, chief financial officer and secretary; and Cara, vice president. In 1968, founder John McMahon emigrated from Dublin, Ireland to San Diego, where he originally found employment at NASSCO shipyards. In 1970, he established C & B Steel Inc., operating out of a small yard in National City. Later, in 1979, he developed a larger shop in Chula Vista and developed the structural steel side of the business. After Derek and Kevin finished school, McMahon tapped the two as successors to lead the company, which became McMahon Steel Company Inc. in 2000.

The McMahons donate annually to St. Rose of Lima Parish, St. Martin of Tours Academy, Our Lady of Peace Academy, St. Augustine High School, Mater Dei High School, the University of San Diego and Santa Clara University. Derek currently serves on the board at St. Augustine High School, while John serves on the board at Our Lady of Peace Academy. The family also supports Scripps Mercy Hospitals, where John sits on an advisory board committee.

SkillStormLarge Family-Owned &

Closely-Held Business Finalist

SkillStorm CEO Vince Virga founded the company in 2006. He brought on board previous co-workers and experts within the IT industry who shared the same vision and principles and genuinely believed in the SkillStorm business plan. In 2008, SkillStorm increased its market share and expanded into new market segments by acquiring many new custom-ers, developing and implementing a new strategic plan, and creating new training programs for employees. SkillStorm has developed a solid plan to fuel the continued growth of the company over the next 10 years and beyond and is confident that all goals will be surpassed – from increases in revenue to business expansion and hiring more of the best talent in the industry. SkillStorm has prospered immensely due to the dedication, integrity and commitment that employees share. Employees are consistently brought on board through friends and previous co-workers of employees. The result is a close-knit, family-friendly environment that is supportive of each and every member. SkillStorm always encourages employees to aspire to the highest standards of quality and ethical conduct.

The company supports a variety of causes, including chari-table, educational, cultural and professional organizations, and other civic endeavors. Employees are actively involved with and make financial contributions to a multitude of other organizations as well.

Toyota of El CajonLarge Family-Owned &


Toyota of El Cajon was founded in 1990 by Bob and Kim Kaminsky. Bob was the general manager at Keyes Toyota in Van Nuys, Calif., for seven years before pursuing his dream of owning his own dealership. For nearly 20 years, Toyota of El Cajon has become a driving force in the San Diego market. Over the past 13 years, the business has increased annual sales by 150 percent. In 2000, management control of the dealership was handed over to the Bob and Kim’s sons, Gary, general manager and president, and Greg, vice president. Toyota of El Cajon was shaped early on by the ideals of Bob and Kim: family values, integrity, honor and an honest respect for guest satisfaction. Toyota of El Cajon has always actively supported community organizations and charities. It has received numerous awards from Toyota acknowledging its achievements in sales, service and guest satisfaction, setting a standard for other dealers to follow. However, it’s the strong relationships that the Kaminsky family has built with its extended family – employees, customers, vendors and the community – that have been the most rewarding. As one of the last truly family-owned dealerships in San Diego, the Kaminskys sincerely believe that its foundation in family values will drive its continued success.

Your satisfaction… Our Priority

www.copylink.net3441 Main Street Chula Vista, CA 91911877-424-8015

Copy Link congratulates all 2009 Family Owned and Closely Held Business finalists and honoreesCopy Link, Inc. privately owned and operated, began in 1990 as a small service company, building our business one happy customer at a time. Our customers came to depend on the exceptional customer service we offer and over the years we grew to be San Diego’s Premier Sharp Dealer. As we prepare to embark on our 20 year anniversary, we continue to make customer satisfaction our number one goal..


Able Patrol and GuardMedium Family-Owned &


Founded in 1964, Able Patrol and Guard is a professional security guard service provider. The Grauer family assumed control of the company in 1996, which includes George Grauer, president; George Grauer, Jr., senior vice president; Deborah Kopki, vice president controller; and Diane Edwards, vice president administration. Through strong family values, dedication and teamwork, the family has transformed APG into a successful company. Linking family principles to the business requires the understanding of the family and the business, along with the need to identify the interaction of the family and the business. This task is difficult to accomplish as the two regularly cross paths. One question the Grauers needed to answer was, “Are we a family-first business, or a business-first family?” Through formal retreats, forums and discussions, the consensus was that it was both. The business part of the equation is something they all worked into.

APG developed working relationships with organizations, such as Catholic Charities, that have become instrumental in providing a diverse group of employees from Europe, Africa, the Middle East and Latin America. Many of these employees are encouraged to enroll in free English as a Second Language classes offered by Literacy Volunteers of the Lauerbach Society.

Barons Marketplace

Medium Family-Owned & Closely-Held Business Finalist

In 1978, Joe Shemirani, president and founder of Barons Marketplace, left his job as a civil engineer in Maryland, with hopes of starting his own business and bringing his brothers and other family members to San Diego from the East Coast. He and his brothers opened a successful chain of discount wine stores throughout San Diego. With a desire to change the focus of the stores from wine to natural and specialty food, the family’s true passion, Shemirani and his brothers opened Barons in 1990. Other family owners are Eli Shemirani, Paris Shemirani, Moe Shemirani and Bijan Moossazedeh. The family has a passion for great food. Every Sunday evening, the brothers, their wives and all the children gather at the dinner table to eat, talk and laugh. They share their love of food and family with their employees and customers.

The Shemirani family has lived in the San Diego com-munity for more than 30 years. The children have grown up here, attending neighborhood schools, joining community centers, and being involved in sports and other community activities. As a neighborhood market, Barons believes it’s important to sponsor local events and the local farming community by bringing the freshest produce to its custom-ers from within San Diego County. The family also supports numerous local organizations.

Charriol N.A./A’LOR

International Ltd. Medium Family-Owned &


In the late 1970s, Jack Zemer, an Israeli immigrant with a background in mechanical engineering, and his sales-woman wife, Sandy, decided to try their luck at selling gold chains at “Tupperware-like” parties. The business grew to such a level that Jack took a leave of absence from his job at General Electric as a nuclear engineer, became a certified gemologist through the GIA and continued to design jewelry with the Celtic civilization cable motif as inspiration. A few years later, Philippe Charriol, the former president of Cartier, began his watch brand, Charriol, with the same cable motif on his watches. The three met, and their mutual appre-ciation and affection for antiquity and modernity in design laid the basis for the creation of a stunning internationally recognized jewelry brand. In 1999, Ori, Jack and Sandy’s eldest son, joined Charriol N.A. as head of North American and Caribbean marketing and sales. The Zemers’ youngest son, Tal, came into the company in 2003 and is role is now in corporate sales, national training and legal.

The Zemer family and Charriol N.A. support the Sidney Kimmel Cancer Research Center, Boys & Girls Club, Make-A-Wish Foundation, Israeli Air Force Center Foundation, Mother’s Against Cancer, Museum of Contemporary Art, Chabad and many more.

Copy Link Inc.Medium Family-Owned &


Opening its doors in 1990, Copy Link Inc. is a San Diego-based authorized Sharp and Samsung dealer. The company started in a garage with an idea and a hope to provide San Diego businesses with the ultimate customer service and copier products. Kevin and Kimberley Marshall manage the day-to-day operations, with Kevin overseeing service and sales, and Kimberley serving as company controller. Copy Link has 22 employees, with six averaging 10 years and four averaging seven. Other family members involved include Barbara Hansen, who handles the accounts payable and delivery departments, and John Worel, facility manager.

Copy Link is a member of the Chula Vista, La Mesa, San Diego and Oceanside Chambers of Commerce. The company participates in the Oceanside Chamber of Commerce’s Golf with a Hero, an event that supports military men and women. Copy Link also participates with the Little People’s Race, spon-sored by the Chula Vista Yacht Club, supporting the neonatal intensive care unit at Rady Children’s Hospital. Also, the Copy Link family collects their recyclable cans and bottles, averag-ing $1,000 a year, and purchases Christmas gifts for Toys for Tots. Kevin sits on the board of the Southbay YMCA.

Dion International Trucks Inc.Medium Family-Owned &


Dion International Trucks Inc. was incorporated by G.H. Dion in early 1982, following Dion’s retirement from International Harvester Company, where he served in a variety of sales, marketing and executive positions over a 25-year period. He purchased the factory branch operation effective March 1, 1982. Three years later, Dion purchased the only other international truck dealer in the country, BBS Truck & Equipment Co., and in 1987, he purchased the assets of Oceanside Truck Center. In 1993, the Oceanside satellite dealership was closed and merged with the Escon-dido operation. In 1995, Dion moved his company from Escondido to nearby San Marcos in favor of a newer, larger and better located facility. Dion International now has three locations – San Diego, San Marcos and El Centro – and 100 employees. There are currently seven family owners from three generations working at the company. As a complete, one-stop, transportation service marketing company, Dion International has a preeminent commitment to serving the needs of its present and prospective customers by providing productions and services of the highest quality and obvious value when compared to its major competitors. The company strives to develop, nurture and expand long-term, mutu-ally beneficial relationships with existing customers, future customers, suppliers, investors and other firms.

Furniture Resources Medium Family-Owned &


Founded in 1987, Furniture Resources specializes in new and used office furniture, installation, asset management, service and repair, furniture rental, space planning and specification, office moves, project management, ergonomic analysis and custom office solutions.

The company’s owners are Bill and Bobbie Crawford, and there are currently two generations of the family working for this 24-person business. The family has a code of values with which it lives by and demonstrates in its interactions. They are honesty, integrity, honor, loyalty, commitment and family. The Crawfords treat their clients and employees as an extension of their family.

The Crawfords and Furniture Resources are allies and supporters of other leaders and interests in the community, including World Help Ministries; San Diego Christian Uni-fied School District; Venture Charter Schools; Turning Point Ministries; Little League, Pony and high school baseball; San Diego Christian College; high school swimming; So Big Adventures; and Shadow Mountain Ministries, to name a few. Furniture Resources has given financial and product donations to support Madison Elementary School and College Avenue Pregnancy Center. At Montgomery Middle School, the company sponsored reading laboratories and field trips. Furniture Resources also donated the furnishings for the Family Justice Center in downtown San Diego.


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Our Intangible AssetsBy Carmen Bianchi

Buy/sell agreements, estate plans, trusts, planned giving, exit strategies, succession planning — all these wonderful tools we use and teach to families in business, but what about the intangible assets? Known in many countries as the ethical will, this is our assets measured by wisdom, insight and our dearly held beliefs.

The ethical will embraces our values, our vision, why we are, where we are and how we got there. This will guides the family survivors of a family busi-ness as to what the intent and vision and passion of the deceased were. This is so important for our next generation and the generations that follow to know about and to understand. So often we are dealing with our tangible assets, which we need to do, but we sometimes forget about how important our intangible assets are and how to pass these on to the next generations.

I have been a family business consultant for 20 years. I come from a family business in hotels and have taught family business management at the graduate M.B.A. level and undergraduate level for many years. However, my passion is to take a family on retreat and communicate to them just how important their family is to them. Families are the backbone of our society. We need to revere them, cherish them and never allow business issues to destroy them.

So how do we pass on our intangible assets?Family retreats are the perfect venue. Ask one of

the family member participants to volunteer to be the historian. Work with that family member to go back as far as possible in creating a genogram of the family. Then video, tape record or interview the oldest member of the family who may recall the most incredible details of why and what took place when the founder founded the business. This is a perfect opportunity for grandchildren to interact with their grandparents by participating in the storytelling with probing questions and attention to details. So often I hear, “I love my grandparents, but I don’t know how to have a real conversation with them.” Well, grandpar-ents like nothing better than to tell you about the past,

because the past is so clear and vivid in their memories. By asking questions, patterns will emerge. You may

find out that the deaths in your family were due to heart attacks and high blood pressure or there is a tendency for diabetes in your family or the males carry the alcoholic gene and even though they may be entrepreneurial, these people succumb to the alcoholism and lose what-

ever they have started.In the ethical will, you describe your vision and why

you started the business. Like Leonard Lavin, the oldest surviving founder of a family business that went public, his vision was women’s products and creating a business for the family that would be a legacy passed on through each generation. The war was over, he had pennies in his pocket, but he had a vision and he pursued it. His company is now quoted on the New York Stock Exchange and his daughter, Carol Bernick, is chairman of the board. Lavin wanted to create a legacy, a company for his family. His daughter and grandsons now work in the company. He has fulfilled his dream, created an ethical will depicting his values and why he did what he did. Lavin just celebrated his 90th birthday, and his mantra is, “Winners make it happen, losers let it happen.”

Write down your ethical will, have your vision and values captured on a video for generations to come, and create a genogram going as far back as you can depicting any trends that you can fathom up from the past. This is the legacy our children and those that come thereafter will cherish ad infinitum.

An advertorial submitted by San Diego State University. Carmen Bianchi is the immediate past president 2007-2009 of The Family Firm Institute, the premier organization in the world for family businesses and those that serve them. She is the founder and director of the EMC Family and Closely Held Business Forum at SDSU. For more information, please visit sdsu.edu/emc.

USD Family Business Forum Supports Local Family-Owned Businesses

Submitted by the University of San Diego

The greatest portion of America’s wealth lies within family-owned enterprises. More than 75 percent of businesses in the United States are family-owned, and it is estimated that one million are located here in California. It is clear that family-owned businesses are one of the top contributors to the U.S. economy, but unfortunately, few family enterprises will succeed in transferring their business to subsequent generations. Nearly 70 percent of family enterprises will not see the second generation take over the reins, 88 percent will fail taking the business to the third generation and 97 percent of the third generation will not succeed in passing the company to the fourth generation.

It is estimated that within the next five years, the founder of the family business will either retire or pass away, and family enterprises will potentially be faced with upwards of $12 trillion in wealth to be transferred from one generation to the next. Family business own-ers that do not pay attention to the future health and well-being of the family enterprise will become one of those failing statistics. Most family-owned businesses, San Diego’s included, are well aware of the challenges associated with working alongside and managing family members in the family enterprise, but few have time to focus on its rewards.

Every household with working parents is consis-tently put to the test to effectively manage a healthy balance between professional and personal lives; challenges lie in making sure that everyone’s needs are met, not just fiscally, but physically and emotionally

as well. To ensure personal and professional success, some families have found help by participating in organizations that specialize in providing education and coaching specifically for family business owners and their families, such as the University of San Diego’s Family Business Forum.

In 1991, the concept of a Family Business Forum was brought to the University of San Diego by Peg Eddy, co-owner of Creative Capital Management. Eddy and her husband had extensive experience working with closely-held companies, yet were concerned that there was not a local, university-based resource hub for family business owners to gather each month and discuss issues facing their family enterprises. The University of San Diego’s Division of Continuing Education felt the forum concept matched perfectly with its purpose of being the com-munity-outreach arm of the university, as its mission is to bring business professionals onto campus by offering educational professional development workshops in an executive conference center setting. Since its inception, hundreds of family businesses have now participated in USD Family Business Forum programs.

Family business leaders know that leaving business issues at work when they go home is imperative to a harmonious household, albeit a challenge because of whom they work with, and forum members have utilized the extra support and tactics they’ve learned from forum meetings to help them achieve a healthier balance in their busy lives. The programs, events and overall support system remain dedicated solely to the health and survivability of the family business enterprise. Many prominent leaders of family-owned and managed businesses in San Diego consistently

rely on the forum to help sort out and work through the tough issues they face on a daily basis, and ensure that their hard work doesn’t die on the vine with the next generation.

“Several of our forum member families are finally enjoying the benefits and rewards that can come with working with family. Some make a point to regularly schedule special activities with family members to build their personal relationships, away from the work environment,” says Jodi Waterhouse, director of corporate and professional education and director of the Family Business Forum at USD. “One of our member families hired a personal trainer about two years ago, and ever since, Mom, Dad and their two adult children work out together twice a week. They’ve not only improved their personal relationships, they’ve also become healthier and share time with each other that they didn’t think they could afford to spend before,” adds Waterhouse.

Some of the many challenges unique to family-owned businesses include compensation for family vs. non-family managers, conflict resolution, wealth transfer and management, succession planning, as well as extremely delicate subjects, such as the four Ds of a family business: death, disability, depression and divorce.

“Our forum combines relevant business education with information from a variety of business experts and the unique opportunity to not only network with other family businesses, but learn from others who share their often common challenges,” says Waterhouse. “We also offer forum members unique round-table sessions called PAGs, or Peer Advisory Groups. Members have the opportunity to join in private discussions with their peers so they may share personal stories, challenges and solutions to the issues specific to their place in the family business structure.”

The USD Family Business Forum meets for an executive breakfast 10 times per year, on the second Wednesday of the month, and the annual blanket membership encompasses all family members work-ing within the business. Program presenters vary from experts in the field of family business to panels of top management from family businesses that will share testimonials about issues they have faced within their companies. Hearing these testimonials and expert information gives family business owners benchmarks to use when faced with similar issues in their family enterprises. Owners are given the opportunity at each executive breakfast to network and have a dialogue with each other to promote interaction between other family business owners. Family business owners often feel isolated because colleagues and peers that are not involved in working with family members cannot relate to the struggles that many family business owners deal with on a daily basis. The forum provides a safe and confidential environment at which this type of dialogue can take place.

An advertorial submitted by the University of San Diego. All family-owned businesses are welcome to attend a program as our guest – please go to sandiego.edu/family for detailed information about all of the programs, workshops and events USD offers. The USD Family Business Forum hopes that all of San Diego’s family business owners enjoy the rewards of working with family, and congratulates their leaders and supportive families for their powerful contributions to our local community! Jodi Waterhouse, director of corporate and professional education and director of the USD Family Business Forum can be reached at [email protected].

Carmen Bianchi


GTC Systems Inc.


GTC Systems Inc. was founded in March 1995 by Keith Mi-chael Esshaki, CEO, and his sister, Holly, who left the company in 2004. Other family members currently involved with the company as owners are Amy, Mary and Meriam Esshaki.

GTC stands for Global Technology Consulting, the original name of the company. With much tenacity and hard work from Keith Michael Esshaki and the GTC team, the company grew from very modest beginnings as a PC builder and re-seller to a distinguished nationwide provider of information technology solutions firm, offering IT consulting, training, staffing and managed services solutions. Since 1996, GTC embraced centralized application delivery using the Citrix platform as the main core competency and go-to-market strategy. This focused strategy distinguishes GTC from the competition and has proven to be one of the main reasons for the company’s continued success and longevity.

GTC’s growth and stability allow it to contribute its resources to various charities and communities, including the Child Abuse Prevention Foundation, Polinsky Children’s Center, American Cancer Society, American Heart Association, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, a national drive for mentally challenged children, Beyster Institute, UCSD Rady School of Management, Cal State San Marcos, homeless shelters, sports team sponsorships, crisis pregnancy clinics, and families of soldiers and veterans.

Harper Construction Co.


Harper Construction Co. is a design-build general contrac-tor that was founded in 1974 by its chairman, Ron Harper. Current owner and President Jeff Harper continues the con-struction family tradition while maintaining its outstanding reputation with an uncompromising commitment to quality and safety. Renowned for its pre-eminence in design-build construction, Harper Construction provides excellence in a full spectrum of preconstruction, program management, design development, construction, interior design manage-ment, inspection and quality control services. The company has retained an enduring core of executive management, senior managers and value-driven professionals for three and a half decades. More than 30 employees have worked at the company for more than 10 years, and nearly half of the 100-plus employees have worked at Harper Construction for more than five years. This type of mutual commitment is virtually unparalleled in the industry. Harper Construc-tion continues to deliver the best value in building services by placing experienced construction professionals on every project undertaken.

MountainWest Real Estate


As a resident of San Diego since 1957, James V. Pieri has been a developer of real estate since 1974 and, since that time, has completed countless residential and commercial developments in San Diego County worth more than $500 million.

His extensive background in finance and manage-ment, and his operational skills have been a driving force for his most recent accomplishment, Gateway Chula Vista. Pieri’s projects have had the esteemed privilege of winning the Chula Vista Beautification award five times during the past decade, including winning the coveted city of Chula Vista Mayor’s Award of Excellence. Pieri’s major role with the company is owner and developer. His son, James Pieri Jr., vice president and associate broker, is primarily in charge of leasing, land acquisition, brokering, management and marketing, and is on a strong path to take over the full operation of MountainWest Real Estate. MountainWest principals are strongly involved in the commu-nity and are members of the Chula Vista Arts Foundation. Pieri Jr. is a member of the Rotary Club, vice president of Unico San Diego, member of South Bay Family YMCA, volunteers with Palomar Elementary and works with Junior Achievement, both with “JA in a Day” and “JA BizTown.” MountainWest supports the local YMCA, National MS Society and local organizations such as the Chula Vista Little League.

Appeal Media Interactive Studios

Small Family-Owned & Closely-Held Business Finalist

Founded in 1997, Appeal Media Interactive Studios is a 15-person, high-end Web design and Internet marketing company. Victor and Tracy Ochoa founded Appeal out of necessity when Victor’s 62-year-old mother died, leaving his 92-year-old father in need of care. Victor Ochoa quit his job to take care of him full time, and shortly thereafter, Tracy Ochoa quit her job to help. Victor’s computer background coupled with Tracy’s business administration background led them to start a Web design company from home while caring for Victor’s father. The quality of their work was noticed and they have grown ever since. They now work with companies including Adobe Systems Inc., Sony Corp. and Cisco Systems Inc. The Ochoas’ commitment to their family has spilled over to a commitment to their clients. They usually become friends with their clients, maintaining long-term relation-ships. They’ve always felt that if you do well for others, it will always come back to you.

The Ochoas’ personal interest in people has led them to work with many charities. They have built many sites at no cost for organizations such as Ronald McDonald House, Elder Help of San Diego, The Seany Foundation and recently, Project Wildlife.

Bob Hoffman Video Productions


Bob Hoffman, with a lifelong love of photography and the visual arts, decided to open Bob Hoffman Video Productions with his wife, Tara, in 1983. They always strive to provide videos that have a great, positive impact for local companies. With eight employees, this small, but successful company has continued to grow over the years. Having raised both of their children in San Diego with a high degree of community involvement, the Hoffmans find their personal and business lives overlap quite frequently. Many of their business clients have become friends and vice versa. The principles upheld in their family are the same staples on which their business grows: honesty, integrity, commitment to excellence and a strong desire to better the community around them. With an understanding of how powerful and effective video is as a tool for communication, Bob Hoffman has produced many videos for San Diego nonprofits such as Mental Health Systems, ARTS, YMCA and City of Hope. The company has partnered with many nonprofits in receiving the San Diego County Television Station annual grant to produce videos for community solutions. Generous discounts are always given to nonprofit organizations, and donations of cash and work are extended whenever possible, like the annual DVDs reproduced for the San Diego Asian Film Festival.

Callan CapitalSmall Family-Owned &


Trevor, CEO; Ryan, chief operating officer; and Tim Cal-lan, president, are three brothers who grew a thriving wealth management business at Merrill Lynch before starting their own wealth management boutique, Callan Capital, in January 2007. Driven by the goal of providing independent, objective and unbiased advice to affluent clients, Callan Capital is at the forefront of a significant shift in wealth management for affluent families. There are several reasons the brothers of Callan Capital left well-paid corporate positions to start this firm: the lifetime of working together, commitment to creating a family legacy and knowledge that each member’s personal strengths combine to create an incredible team.

Each Callan family member dedicates his time to making San Diego County a better place. In 2006, Trevor Callan co-founded the Environment Accelerator Fund, a philanthropic fund managed through San Diego Social Venture Partners, and has served on the board for The Chairmen’s Roundtable, a nonprofit where he provided free business advice and mentoring to local entrepreneurs. Ryan Callan currently sits on the board of the San Diego Kiwanis Club and is an active member in that organization. Tim Callan has been active with the San Diego chapter of the Tech Coast Angels and participates in the San Diego MIT Forum.


Chism Brothers Painting


As young boys living in Mission Hills, brothers Michael and Patrick Chism learned the skills of painting under the apprenticeship of their father, Milton, himself a San Diego painter since the 1940s. In 1982, they founded Chism Broth-ers Painting.

Since its inception, Chism Brothers Painting has striven to become the leading residential painting company in San Diego by consistently providing exceptional quality and dependable service. Each member of the family has played a vital role in the success of the company today. Patrick Chism, the former vice president, died of cancer in July 2006, but his part of quality control and customer/community relations was huge. Michael Chism’s strength was more in business development, bringing structure and systems into the busi-ness. Michael brought his children, David, Emily and Curtis, into the business. Emily was the organizer who helped with the office administration and overall business plan up until 2003. David is the current estimator and marketing director, joining the company full time in 2000. Michael’s wife, Terry, is involved on a part-time basis as a support to the owners, especially in the area of customer appreciation and office administration.

Chism Brothers Painting has been volunteering for the past 14 years to help the nonprofit Las Patronas in La Jolla.

Coastal Payroll Services Inc.


Coastal Payroll Services Inc. believes that it is one of the most ethical companies in San Diego. This devotion to business ethics was infused in Jonathan Gallagher, CEO, by his father, Tom, who is the president of the Better Busi-ness Bureau of Central Virginia. When Jonathan Gallagher founded Coastal Payroll Services with Craig Coleman, presi-dent, in 2007, they realized that ethical business practices were not just something of importance, but a value of their organization.

Jonathan came up with the idea for Coastal Payroll Services after visiting his brother, David, who co-founded Dominion Payroll Services in Richmond, Va. David suggested that he should start a payroll company in San Diego and fol-low the model of Dominion Payroll Services. Jonathan has and will continue to lean on his brother for advice in all areas of business, and together, their companies have become two cross-country family businesses relying on each other to be the best they can be. In less than three years of operations, Coastal Payroll Services has earned the business of more than 325 local and national businesses. On a daily basis, it competes against the national payroll conglomerates. The company’s remarkable service model, based on a local presence, is what differentiates it from its competitors.

Crystal Pyramid Productions Inc.


Mark Schulze founded video production services company, Crystal Pyramid Productions Inc., in 1981. Patty Mooney joined him in 1982, and became his wife in 1987. In those early days, CPP videotaped special events, weddings, bar mitzvahs, etc. The company morphed into providing higher-end video production services to corporate and broadcast clients during the next two decades. Clients have included Oprah, UPS, Access Hollywood, A Current Affair, Mail Boxes Etc., Puma, IBM Corp., Pat & Oscar’s, GlaxoSmithKline plc and many others.

Schulze is CEO, executive producer, marketer, direc-tor of photography, videographer and director. Mooney is chief operating officer, chief financial officer, editor, sound technician, second camera operator, photographer, Web maven, blogger, sometimes talent and voice-over, and public relations expert. The fact that they each can wear many hats has helped the company to substantially grow during its 28 years of existence.

Mooney has produced several pieces pro bono or at sub-stantial discounts for various organizations, and Schulze has volunteered with the San Diego Media Communications Association International and occasionally speaks to UC San Diego students about video production. CPP donates every year to the Monarch School for homeless children, Peace Resource Center, Environmental Health Coalition and Californians Against Waste, among others.

Dewhurst & Associates


Dewhurst & Associates has been designing and building quality, custom homes in the La Jolla area since Ernest Dewhurst founded it in 1929. Family-owned and operated, it is La Jolla’s largest and oldest construction company.

Ernest set the tone for a commitment to excellence that has been carried on since he turned over the operations of the company to his son, Walter, in the mid-1940s. Under Walter’s direction, the business continued to prosper through the years. In the mid-1970s, his son, Don, joined the firm, representing the next generation of the Dewhurst legacy. Don worked side-by-side with his father until 1996, when Walter retired. Today, Don runs the daily business operations, and his children, Doug, Dave and Donna, all work for the company, which has 35 employees.

Actively involved in their community, the Dewhursts be-long to La Jolla Rotary, Promote La Jolla, La Jolla High School Foundation and Our Lady of Peace Academy. Dewhurst & Associates is a member of both the San Diego Better Business Bureau and the Greater San Diego Chamber of Commerce. The company also sponsors the Training Education and Re-search Institute Golf Tournament, and in 2008, donated 150 hours of labor and materials to an exterior flooring project at La Jolla’s Bird Rock Elementary School.

eBoost Consulting


Founded in 2004, eBoost Consulting is run by Micha Mikailian and Johnny Chan. eBoost Consulting is a 10-person digital marketing consultancy made up of young, hungry, eclectic business minds hellbent on solving timeless business issues.

While most agencies know “how,” eBoost knows “how” and “why.” The mission of its consulting process is to pro-vide clients’ management teams with confident decisions in uncertain business environments. Anyone can provide ideas, but when money and people are on the line, clients choose a firm that can provide ideas backed by an indepen-dent, fact-based view of customers, industry economics and organizational capability.

eBoost keeps it simple with a team of executives, managing directors, consultants and associates. In typical environments with numerous departments, communication amongst everyone is nearly impossible and accountability is spread razor thin. eBoost’s silo-busting model creates cross-func-tional leaders that are not only adept at executing all digital marketing initiatives, but built to create coherent and cogent strategies. In past lives, eBoost’s consultants were corporate marketing mavericks, management consultants and primar-ily entrepreneurs. With business acumen in one hand and diversity of thought in the other, prospective employees come to eBoost thinking like a CEO.

Greene Properties Inc.


Founded in 1997, Greene Properties Inc. is a commercial building owner and professional, full-service management company. The company is managed by Katharine Issa, who is heavily involved in the day-to-day operations, Congress-man Darrell Issa, and their son, Will, who is also involved in operations.

Greene Properties has more than 12 years of manage-ment expertise and currently manages a portfolio in excess of 1 million square feet of office and light industrial space leased by more than 45 companies. Greene Properties has a full-time office staff and on-site day and night cleaning and maintenance crews, in addition to on-call staff members to support building operations 24 hours a day, seven days a week. A majority of the current staff at Greene Properties have worked at companies owned by the Issa family in excess of 10 years, which is a testament to how the Issas treat their employees like an extension of their own family. Greene Properties manages properties exclusively for Issa family-owned DEI LLC; Viper LLC; and Third I LLC, and does no third-party or fee managed work for other building owners. The Issas have provided community support to a number of 501(c)(3) charities throughout San Diego County through the Issa Family Foundation.


Hoffman Hanono Insurance Services


Hoffman Hanono Insurance Services was founded in 1959 by Jerry Hoffman. In 1970, his son, Phil, joined the agency and became president. In 1995, Phil’s son, David, joined the agency and became president. Since 2004, they have experienced tremendous growth. Hoffman Hanono Insurance Services is proud to celebrate its 50th year of providing insurance products to the San Diego community. Specializing in commercial lines, Jerry started the agency on very simple principles. Provide the best-quality customer service with the best possible insurance products and clients will follow. This principle has been passed down to the younger generations. Hoffman Hanono Insurance Services has successfully been able to endure and prosper through many economic cycles, making the company one of the oldest family-owned insurance agencies in San Diego.

Hoffman Hanono Insurance Services actively supports The South Bay Family YMCA and Chula Vista Rotary Club. David is a Southwestern College Foundation board member, South Bay Family YMCA board member, Chula Vista Chamber of Commerce board member and Chula Vista Rotarian.

Initial Impression


Initial Impression was founded by Joy Weiss, president, and her husband, Steve, vice president, in November 1983 as a wholesale engraver, although it had a retail outlet during the weekends at Kobey’s Swap Meet, from which many of the company’s largest and oldest customers came. The company built the wholesale engraving business, later adding on the advertising specialties and logo clothing.

Initial Impression deals with more than 7,100 accounts nationwide. Its growth rate throughout the early years was consistently 20 percent to 40 percent, and has been about 10 percent since 2003. Steve’s father used to help at the Kobey’s Swap Meet on weekends, and Joy’s mother used to handle the mail and bank deposits through 2005. Steve and Joy’s son, Craig, joined the business in 2000 and is vice president of sales and marketing; their daughter, Bethel, joined in 2003 to take on the financial and operations side of the business.

Initial Impression and the Weiss family have contributed time and money to the San Diego Convention & Visitors Bureau, La Mesa Chamber of Commerce, We Deliver Dreams Foundation, Aztec Foundation, Meeting Professionals Inter-national, Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, Susan G. Ko-men for the Cure, and The San Diego Women’s Foundation, among others.

Island Staffing


After 15 years in the technical staffing business, E.J. Conrad opened his own company, Island Staffing, in 2002. His wife, Annette, joined the company in April 2007 and works 20-plus hours a week managing administrative and accounting duties.

Like most startups, the first office was home-based. In 2005, the business moved into a small industrial office space, where additional staff was added. In 2007, the com-pany moved once again to a larger building and increased its staff.

While the business is a major factor for the financial side of the family, the Conrads both work hard to have a work-life balance. They have three kids, two of whom regularly assist in various business tasks. E.J. and Annette feel that the example they set will go a long way in shaping their children’s future. The Conrads contribute to Rady Children’s Hospital on a quarterly basis in the name of one of their contractors. They donate financially to a local school and participate annually in the Carlsbad 5K by sponsoring an Island Staffing team comprised of staff members and their families and friends. Each year during the holiday season, the Conrads adopt a family in need. They also have donated supplies and vol-unteered for North County Community Services on various charitable efforts.

K-CO Construction Inc.


It’s no surprise that K-CO Construction Inc.’s president and founder, Dave Konstantin, became the owner of a construction company. His family has been in the construction industry since 1913, when his grandfather, Anton, arrived in New York City from Germany. Dave’s dad, Benn, followed in his father’s footsteps and often brought Dave, and his sister Janet, to the construction jobs he was working on in Manhattan, N.Y. Dave worked as a carpenter and superintendent for a number of contractors in the ensuing 18 years. He realized that he had the technical skills as well as the people skills to become a successful contractor on his own. After talking it over with his wife, Ruby, and the rest of the family he took the contractor’s license test and started K-CO. His son, Chad, is the general manager. With more than 20 years of collec-tions experience, Ruby joined K-CO as chief financial officer in 1998. In 2005, Dave and Ruby’s daughter, Dalen, joined K-CO as the office manager.

K-CO supports its community in a multitude of ways. City Council members, county supervisors and the superintendent of schools have all commended Dave for setting an example for volunteerism, and the entire Konstantin family is involved with the community, especially Clairemont.

L.B. Powers & Son Co. Inc.


In 1914, Luther B. Powers established his plumbing company, Mission Hills Plumbing, in San Diego just before the Pan Pacific Exposition was opened in 1915. Powers’ great-granddaughter still owns the Mission Hills building that houses the current company. His son, Calvin, took over the business operations in 1922. In 1969, Calvin sold the shop to Jack Deitrick, who incorporated the business as L.B. Powers & Son Co. Inc. Phil Stull, the current owner, was a plumber who worked with Deitrick and has been with the company for more than 40 years. Stull’s sense of community, customer service and loyalty to the traditions that had become engrained in the culture of the shop was a perfect fit. Bob, the office manager, has been with the company for 30 years and Shane, the foreman, 12 years. The legacy built by the Powers family continues because of the consistent quality the company has invested in the brand and code of conduct, which means providing good service, honest business dealings and treating clients as neighbors.

L.B. Powers is the longest running sponsor of the Presidio Little League, donates to Special Delivery, and supports Francis Parker and Grant School fundraisers, among others.

Pacific Highlands Ranch Tippy Toe

Child CareSmall Family-Owned &


Alena Schupp founded Pacific Highlands Ranch Tippy Toe Child Care in February 2008, and her daughter, Tamara Schupp, joined in April 2009. The Schupp family has lived in Germany, Switzerland and South Africa. Alena started a child care business in Switzerland with the hope of translat-ing what she was doing best, being a wonderful mother to her own children, into a passion for children in need in her community. When Alena’s husband, Dr. Joachim Schupp, was offered a position with a La Jolla-based company in 2004, the family moved to San Diego. Realizing the great potential and opportunity for a family-owned business, Alena took the initiative to start her own, with the vision to excel and grow beyond the current size of the enterprise. The goal of Tippy Toe is to provide a loving and safe environment in which each child can develop and grow. Several educational programs, music, gymnastics and swimming lessons are offered. The large home day care offers a wide variety of educational ma-terials and toys for each child, including language programs such as “My Baby Can Read” in English and German. Also, French language lessons are being offered.


Retail LocationsCarlsbad

Borders Books.........................1905 Calle Barcelona, #120Lamonts ..................................... 7100 Four Seasons Pointe

Chula VistaBorders .............................................878 Eastlake Parkway Third Ave. News.............................................335 Third Ave.

El CajonBorders ..............................................159 Fletcher Parkway

San DiegoCarmel Mountain RanchBorders Books.............................11160 Rancho Carmel Dr.DowntownThe Hyatt.......................................................... 1 Market Pt.Grant’s Marketplace ....................................2953 Beech St.Horton News............................................. 324 Horton PlazaBorders Books.................................................. 668 6th Ave.Cafe Netro............................................701 B St., 12th FloorHillcrestHillcrest News ....................................... 529 University Ave.La JollaWine Barrel........................................ 1030 Torrey Pines Rd.Spirit of Germain ....................................... 3251 Holiday Ct.Mission ValleyBorders Books................................ 1072 Camino del Rio N.North ParkParas News ................................................... 3911 30th St.San Diego AirportCommuter Terminal ....................................... Nine DragonsUniversity Towne Center (UTC)UTC Newsstand ............................. 4439 La Jolla Village Dr.

National CityBorders .................................Plaza Bonita Shopping Center 858-277-6359

www.sdbj.com

Where to find us. San Diego County’SawarD-winning BuSineSS weekly

Coin Box LocationsCarlsbad

Vons Shopping Center .............El Camino Real & Marron Dr.Carlsbad Village Station................................Grand & StateIsland Food Court..................................... Ashley & Faraday

EncinitasRalph’s ............................. Encinitas Blvd. & El Camino Real

EscondidoPlaza Del Lago .......................... Via Rancho Parkway & I-15

San DiegoBankers HillHob Nob Hill ........................................1st Ave. & Juniper St.ClairemontCocos................................................... Balboa & GenesseePost Office ............ Clairemont Dr. & Clairemont Mesa Blvd.DowntownMerrill Lynch.........................................701 B St. (at 7th Ave.)Bank of America............401 B St. (between 4th & 5th Aves.)Civic Center .................................................... 1200 3rd Ave.First National Bank Building .............................401 W. A St. Sempra Building................................................ 101 Ash St.San Diego National Bank ................ Kettner Blvd. & Ash St.Seaport Village ................ Kettner Blvd. & G St. (near trolley)Starbucks..........................................Market St. & 10th Ave.7-11............................................................. 2nd & BroadwayStarbucks Coffee..........................................6th Ave. & B St.San Diego County Courthouse .......... Broadway & Union St.Bayside Bar & Grill/

Best Western Hotel ............. 555 W. Ash St. (near India St.)America's Cup Kiosk...........................1000 N. Harbor Drive HillcrestStarbucks Coffee.....................2440 5th Ave. (near Laurel St.)

Kearny MesaSan Diego

Business Journal....................4909 Murphy Canyon RoadStarbucks Coffee........Murphy Canyon Road (near Aero Drive)Sizzler........................Murphy Canyon Road (near Aero Drive)WalMart/Dollar Tree. ..Murphy Canyon Road (near Aero Drive)Montgomery Field -

Airport Terminal ...................... Aero Dr. & Sandrock RoadKensingtonStarbucks..................................Adams Ave. (at Marlborough)

La JollaPost Office ..............................................Wall St. & IvanhoeProspect Center ....................................1020 Prospect Ave.Hotel Parisi............................................ 1111 Prospect Ave.Squire’s Cafe & Deli .................. 8080 La Jolla Shores DriveHR Block ................................................5707 La Jolla Blvd.Bank of America........................................7680 Girard Ave.La Jolla Village Center ..................................Noble Dr. & I-5Starbucks.............................................. 5604 La Jolla Blvd.

MiramarSubway................................................. 9242 Miramar RoadDenny’s Diner ......................................6908 Miramar RoadMission HillsEspresso Mio .......... 1920 Ft. Stockton (near St. James Pl.)Starbucks Coffee................... Falcon St. & Washington Ave.Rancho BernardoCVS Pharmacy..............................Bernado Center Rd. & I-5Old TownOld Town Trolley Station ................Congress St. & Taylor St. University CityHenry’s Marketplace........... Governor Drive & Regents Road

Solana BeachVon’s Shopping Center ..................Lomas Santa Fe near I-5

(near Einstein Bagels)

Parra Building Consultants Inc.


Founded in 1976, Parra Building Consultants Inc. inspects residential, commercial and industrial properties, writes project specifications and performs on-site management consulting, expert reports and testimonies.

The five-person company was founded by Ernest N. Parra and is now run by his son and grandson, Dennis Sr. and Dennis II. There are currently four family owners, three generations, all working and involved in the small, but productive busi-ness. Starting with general contracting, roofing, insulation and troubleshooting/consulting, the family business evolved into its present status.

Parra Building Consultants’ knowledge of construction practices and forensic third-party investigations has given it a reputation of thoroughness and honesty. Before passing, Ernest taught the family work ethics and family values. Dennis Sr. formed contracting and consulting practices, and established licenses and credentials for the business. Two grandsons, Kenneth Merritt and Chad Parra, now share certifications and training, and look forward to continuing the business. Jeannine Parra is the driving force for accuracy and productivity.

Everyone in Parra Building Consultants is actively involved in trade and related inspection associations on a local, state and national scale, giving seminars, classes and committee work. The company and family have participated with churches, PTA, school boards, Habitat for Humanity, Christmas in April and Beta Sigma Phi charities.

Peek PackagingSmall Family-Owned &


Specializing in custom packaging supply and design, Peek Packaging was founded in 2003 by Bob Peek. Three generations of the Peek family have been involved with the company, including Bob’s father; his wife, Lisa, a co-owner; and his nephew, Adam, general manager. Bob’s two sons also worked with the company during their summer vacation. Each year, Peek Packaging has grown exponentially, and this year was recognized on Inc. magazine’s top 5,000 Fast-est-Growing Private Companies in America list. Bob started in the industry in 1992 and has taken all of his knowledge to form a successful business. In the past year and a half, Peek Packaging has just about doubled in size, not only in employees, but also in income. Because of the small size of the company — eight employees — and the fact that it is a family-owned business, the team really feels like a family. The employees are committed and hard working in order to see Peek Packaging succeed.

Peek Packaging has donated boxes to the North County Food Bank, volunteered at the YMCA in coaching, donated to the Vista High School Band and Pageantry and, most recently, donated and will continue to donate to Christine Cohen, a young woman who was paralyzed when she fell off of a La Jolla cliff.

PRAVA Construction Services Inc.


Glenn Torrez and Denise Maiorano-Torrez started their vision in 2005, and financed the startup of PRAVA Construc-tion Services Inc. with their life savings. With hard work and sacrifice, PRAVA was able to reach its sales goal in the first year, and has had an increase of about 25 percent to 35 percent each year since.

When Glenn and Denise started the company, they knew that it was going to be a great deal of hard work. Looking back at the sweat and tears that went into PRAVA, the Torrez clan saw how much it brought the members even closer and how much they all have matured in different arenas. Watching their son, Nolan, who also works for the company, grow into a well-rounded businessman and decision maker has been rewarding for Glenn and Denise.

The Torrez family built a home in Mexico with the Baja Christian Ministry, and has been actively involved with The Chicano Federation of San Diego County fundraiser, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and the American Cancer Society. The family participated in the 2009 Walk for Autism and has supported Autism Speaks for several years. Denise and her daughter, DemiRae, have volunteered together for the past six years at many San Diego charities through the National Charity League.


Proven Staffing Consultants Inc.


Founded in 2007, Proven Staffing Consultants Inc. is a 17-person company led by owners Louis Song and Ingram Losner. Proven Staffing Consultants’ success is linked to the quality of people it hires and the extent to which they are all aligned with the company’s vision, mission and core values. Each employee was involved in a two-month, extensive pro-cess which created the vision, mission and core values. This level of engagement created alignment and a consistency of service delivery, which is becoming well-known within the community. Proven Staffing Consultants does not expect or require its employees to support community and charitable groups, but it is expected that they will regard this as an integral part of their modus operandi. The company and its employees are involved with and support a variety of com-munity groups involved in youth sports, including Encinitas Express and FC Bratz; the arts, like the San Diego Asian Film Foundation; youth support groups such as Special Task Force; men’s and women’s health awareness, including Susan G. Komen for the Cure and the National Multiple Sclerosis Soci-ety; education, like the San Diego Science Fair; and women’s support, such as The Crossroads Foundation.

Pure Spa and Chiropractic


Tina Zadravecz, D.C., known to her patients as “Dr. Z,” founded Dr. Z’s Chiropractic Spa in 1997. As word spread around the Tierrasanta community of this wonderful woman who healed, more patients came, and Chantal Russell, D.C., joined the spa. Zadravecz then found a need to supplement chiropractic modality with massage and other esthetics. Years later, Jessica Leigh joined the team as an esthetician and is now a partner in the business. Today, the team consists of 12 people, including a yoga instructor, receptionist, massage therapists, estheticians and nail technicians. There is also a life counselor and weight counselor on the roster. To revamp the spa after seeing this growth, the shop has gone through a light remodel and name change — now known as Pure Spa and Chiropractic. This boutique chiropractic spa is commit-ted to treating patients with the same passion as Zadravecz would like to be treated with.

Zadravecz and the team actively support and chair the Tierrasanta Junior Women’s Club. Pure Spa participated in the Walk for Cancer Awareness and sponsors most if not all of Tierrasanta’s community events such as Oktoberfest, July 4th Parade and food tastings.

San Diego Auto RecoverySmall Family-Owned &


Larry Reeves is the president and owner of San Diego Auto Recovery, which was founded in 1982 with one employee. SDAR is now a 14-person operation, providing recovery and investigative services to the financial and automobile loan industry. There are four immediate family members and two in-laws working for the company. In the past as many as five in-laws were employed. Both of Reeves’ daughters were brought up in the business to join him and his wife. They joined after two longtime employees were let go for financial reasons. The eldest daughter jumped right in and has helped take the business to new heights. Knowing the difference between right and wrong, good and bad are the business principles that Reeves has seen carry on to both his daughters from birth all the way to present day. And because of the help of Reeves’ daughters, SDAR is the most technologi-cally advanced company in the industry.

Reeves’ daughters both contribute to the Make-A-Wish Foundation, and the family donates a lot of the personal property that people never redeem directly to The Salvation Army and the Lakeside community.

Scholefield Associates P.C.


Scholefield Associates P.C. started in 1998 after Pamela Scholefield graduated from law school, initially as a part-time operation while she continued to work in the electrical equip-ment industry. She went full time in 2000, and her husband now works at the firm as technical adviser and business development manager. Success has come from applying the personal philosophy that everyone should be treated fairly all of the time. Not just employees, but clients, too. The firm strongly believes and strives to have clients for life, not just as a one-time costly legal matter. Because both husband and wife share the same philosophy, employees also must believe the fair treatment approach.

While times are tough right now, Scholefield still offers free training to apprenticeship programs and trade groups on construction law and contracts topics. In addition, Scholefield donates firm time and manpower to help with San Diego State University scholarship fundraisers through Associated Gen-eral Contractors. Firm employees have been encouraged to become active in community charities that they are interested in, one being Vista Hill Foundation. Other ways the firm has helped the community is to volunteer for events that raise money for charities such as triathlons. Scholefield recently joined the Downtown San Diego Partnership.

Judges

tOdd POlinGPRESIDENT & FOUNDERVantaGe POint adVisOrs

william suPerTAX SENIOR MANAGERmOss adams

KeitH eCKFOUNDER, OWNERKeitH eCK FinanCial & insuranCe serViCes

miCHael HOwardPARTNERernst & yOunG, llP


Events

Congratulations to the Family-Owned & Closely-Held Business Award Finalists and Honorees

&CONTINUING EDUCATIONFAMILY BUSINESS FORUM

&

Current Diamond Sponsors

Able Patrol and GuardAce Relocation Systems Inc.Appeal Media Interactive StudiosBarons MarketplaceBob Hoffman Video ProductionsCallan CapitalCharriol N.A. / A’LOR International

Ltd.Chism Brothers PaintingCoastal Payroll Services IncCopy Link Inc.Crystal Pyramid Inc.Dewhurst & AssociatesDion International TruckseBoost ConsultingFurniture ResourcesGirard SecuritiesGreene Properties Inc.GTC Systems IncHarper Construction Co.

Hoffman Hanono Insurance ServicesINDUS Technology Inc.Initial ImpressionIsland Staffing K-CO Construction Inc.L.B. Powers & Son Co. Inc.McMahon Steel Company Inc.Mountain West Real EstatePacific Highlands Ranch Tippy Toe

Child CareParra Building Consultants Inc.Peek PackagingPrava Construction Services Inc.Proven Staffing Consultants Inc.Pure Spa and ChiropracticScholefield Associates P.C.San Diego Auto RecoverySkillStormToyota of El Cajon

Finalists

ESET Technology Innovation Award

Technology Integration Group

Bruce GeierPresident/CEO

MassMutual Generation Cup Award

Waxie Sanitary Supply

Charles WaxCEO

John YiFounder/Chairman/CEO

Duane Morris Entrepreneurial Award

KES Inc.

Ted FoglianiPresident/CEO

U.S. Bank Founders Award

Outsource Manufacturing

Special Awards

Brigantine Family of Restaurants

Southwest Traders Inc.T.B. Penick & Sons Inc.

Honorees

Auto Claims Direct Inc.MLB Industries Inc. dba

Happy Heinys/ Baby Frenzy

MPE Consulting

Cart Mart Inc.Easy Turf Inc.Hilton Garden Inn,

HomewoodSuites, Bistro 39, Serenity Spa, NY Garden Deli & Café

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