Perkins Coie LLP

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After transitioning from a career managing Danish rock bands, Charles has achieved spectacular status, including receiving national recognition for his signature wines. Best aspect of his craft? "The artistry of it. What I make, people consume. Its an act of intimacy, like music. How much closer can you get to someone?"

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

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

His company, Optima, Inc., is distinctive as a developer, controlling the entire building processdesign, construction, and marketing. Hoveys multi-family dwellings grace Chicago and Phoenix, emphasizing environmental sensitivity, unconventional materials, and natural light and ventilation. Recognized by many for his excellence in architecture, Hovey is resolute about his approach to building design. I think about architecture every minute. Design of a good building is life and death for me.

As an assistant store manager for the retailer, Duy is an outdoor enthusiast in every sense of the word. He cycles, hikes, climbs and kayaks. His exuberance transcends his work life. Duy works alongside REI members and the community as an active volunteer in trail maintenance through the companys stewardship efforts. I maintain the very trails I enjoy and help make the outdoors accessible for everyone. At REI, we dont just talk about how we can help. We truly live it.

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

As Vice President of Design and Construction, Meyers turns innovative visions into reality. His sky bridge designs not only connect mixed-use projects but also allow shoppers to conveniently go from their cars to great gathering places and retail stores. "Were always thinking about how people use space," he explains. "Our goal is to continually improve their shopping experiences through easy access and fun surprises."

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

The founder and managing partner of real estate firm Integrated Capital has made it his lifes work to build thriving communities. Inspired by a hero from his childhood in South Central Los Angeles, Ken works tirelessly to improve the lives of underprivileged children. Through organizations such as Challengers Boys & Girls Club, he supports mentorship and job training programs and other resources the children might not be able to access otherwise. Kens partners and the employees of Integrated Capital share his vision for leaving the world a better place. "At our firm, we want to have community impact. Thats part of who we are," Ken explains. "Everyone benefits when a city becomes more livable."