OC 50: Profiles of Orange County's Most Influential Businesspeople

TECHNOLOGY

DWIGHT WILLIAM DECKER

Chairman, CEO

Conexant

Born in Brandon, Manitoba, March 18, 1950

Lives in Newport Beach (Back Bay)

Turnaround man ahead of own schedule for reviving chipmaker.

Surprised Wall Street in fall with return to adjusted profitability three months before planned.

Quarter later, beat estimates for adjusted profits. Now looking to expand profits in third phase of turnaround.

Stock doubled in past six months.

Longtime Conexant leader, took back reins in late 2004 after nine months as chairman. Planned to step away after buying New Jersey's GlobeSpan Virata.

Pulled back in after losses, botched integration.

Built turnaround on chips for satellite TV boxes, high-speed Internet, wireless networking. Big on India: made massive expansion into country, hiring 500 people in one year, headcount there at 900 and growing.

In January, Decker skipped International Consumer Electronics Show to go to India to detail extra $250 million investment.

Set to be around for a while. President Matt Rhodes recently said he plans to move on, figures he won't be able to lead Conexant anytime soon.

Turnaround is latest chapter for Decker. Led business as chip arm of then defense contractor Rockwell.

Almost fired from Rockwell decade ago for pushing shift away from custom chips to modem chips, years before Internet entered mainstream.

Led 1999 spinoff. Rode tech boom, crash. Starting in 2002, set out on major reworking of company, selling off businesses, spinning off Skyworks Solutions, Mindspeed Technologies, sold chip plants as Jazz Semiconductor.

Looking to cash out 38% stake in Jazz, which has filed to go public.

Professorial, fiercely competitive, demanding.

Big donor, particularly to UCI. Member, former chair, UCI Chief Executive Roundtable, recruited 20-plus members.

Cofounder, driving force behind tech group Octane.

Still involved but community endeavors second fiddle to Conexant turnaround. Last year handed over chairmanship of San Jose-based Fabless Semiconductor Association to Qualcomm's Sanjay Jha. Now vice chairman of trade group.

Dabbled in real estate: last year sold headquarters buildings for about $110 million, leased back.

Owns about 25 acres in Newport Beach near headquarters. Worth around $50 million. Looking to rezone for redevelopment as apartments, condos, stores. Move could triple land's value.

Long way from rural Canadian upbringing. Bachelor's in physics, math from Montreal's McGiIl University, doctorate in applied math from Caltech.

Was a math prof at North Carolina State, Raleigh, 1978 to 1984. Took sabbatical with modem maker TeleBit in Silicon Valley, fell in love with corporate life.

Still visits family in Canada, prefers weather in OC.

Director, Pacific Life, along with OC 50er Tom Sutton

Wife Silla, 4-year-old son. Enjoys spending time with family.

-Brian Womack

HARSHAD K. "H.K." DESAI

Chairman, CEO, President

QLogic Corp.

Born in Abrama, Gujarat, India, March 13, 1946

Lives in Laguna Beach

Engineer with business smarts.

Heads designer of chips, circuit boards, boxes for storage area, server networks used by big companies to manage, access data, process mammoth computations. Sun Microsystems, Fujitsu, HP, IBM, Hitachi are buyers.

Competes with Brocade, former parent Emulex. Gained market share lead in longrunning battle with Emulex.

Has shed slow-growth business, entering healthy markets, getting more efficient.

Sold disk drive controller business for $225 million last year to Sunnyvale's Marvell Technology Group. Unit was profitable but inconsistent.

Stock near 52-week highs, market value of $3 billion. Investors see brighter future without disk drive controllers.

Paid about $110 million this year to buy Sunnyvale's PathScale. Deal boosts QLogic's product lineup, helps servers quickly communicate with each other during demanding tasks.

Has outsourced about 100 low-level jobs to his native India, says move helps engineers here focus on key products. Expects more hiring, including in OC.

Expanding locally. Real estate sources say company plans to add building to Aliso Viejo campus, going from 200,000 square feet to 300,000 square feet.

A regular on stock conference, trade show circuit. Going on 12th year as QLogic chief. Considers himself more engineer than executive.

In 1995 left QLogic to become VP at Western Digital. Lured back to QLogic as interim CEO soon after abrupt exit of thenCEO MeI Gable. Board said to have come around to Desai's way of thinking. Post made permanent in 1996.

Side project: spent past few years trying to right Irvine-based Lantronix, where he's chairman. Company, which restated 2002 results, not out of woods. Still losing money, subtle revenue growth. Shares up more than 40% in past six months.

Earned master's in electrical engineering from UC Berkeley. Was engineering manager at Unisys in Mission Viejo for 10 years before joining QLogic in 1990 as engineering director. Earlier stints at NCR, Sperry Univac, Addressograph Multigraph.

Engineer's boss. As new QLogic leader, scaled back sales and marketing departments temporarily so he could hire more engineers.

Pensive, calculating. Said to be aggressive in meetings. Shrewd questioner, deft businessman.

Has a lighter side-said to crack up everyone in room.

Strives for egalitarianism. Wants to ensure everyone, especially engineers, can speak freely. Has no reserved parking place. Won't demand place in front of buffet line.

Company split off from Emulex in 1994. When asked about competing with Emulex, told New York Times, "In my culture, we are not allowed to say bad things about our parents."

On top of corporate governance rules. Some call him an expert. Named 2002 Director of the Year by Forum for Corporate Directors. Member, UCI Chief Executive Roundtable. Charter member, Southern California chapter of The Indus Entrepreneurs.

Wife Anjanna, two grown children. Used to like skiing, tennis; swears by golf now.

-Brian Womack

PAUL FRANCIS FOLINO

Chairman, CEO

Emu/ex Corp.

Bom in Seattle, Jan., 23, 1945

Lives in Coto de Caza

Day job: pushing veteran tech company toward faster growth. Side gig: helping moderate Republicans in decidedly blue state of California.

Influential GOP booster in county, state. Chairman of moderate Republican group New Majority, key support group for Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger. Serves on governor's jobcreation commission. Informally lobbied legislators on behalf of governor's public works plan.

In upper ranks of those with close ties to Schwarzenegger. His support unwavering, despite governor's political setbacks. Has given more than $1 million to governor, his causes. Big fund-raiser: has helped raise more than $10 million for governor, mostly, from New Majority members. Hosted governor, Maria at Goto de Caza home in 2003, VIP at state of state speeches. Says he's "like family" with Schwarzeneggers.

Only few years ago was political independent. Now office walls graced with pictures of high-ranking Republicans.

At Emulex, working to jumpstart sales growth. seen setbacks of late. Emulex makes gear for linking computers on storage networks run by big companies.

Expanding into products targeting smaller companies. Looking for acquisitions. Has plenty of cash on hand to go shopping. Last month struck deal to buy San Jose networking company Aarohi Communications for about $40 million.

In 2003, moved company to bigger, custom Costa Mesa campus.

Has led Emulex's growth from quiet maker of printer networking cards to leading maker of fibre channel adapters for storage networks.

Still working hard. Gets up at 4:30 a.m. Says he feels guilty if he sleeps in until 5 a.m.

Approachable with old-school friendliness. Good communicator.

One of OC's top philanthropists, arts patrons.

Heavily involved in Performing Arts Center as board member, former chair. Led South Coast Rep growth, theater named for him. Awarded Outstanding Patron by Arts Orange County in 2003.

Vice chairman of Chapman University's board, heads fund raising for Dodge College of Film and Media Arts. Also supports CaI State Fullerton.

Been around corporate block. In 1980s, left post at computer distributor Bezel after mismanagement by corporate raider James Goldsmith.

Brought on at Emulex in 1992. Oversaw shake-up after his arrival.

Born into modest Seattle home, lived in public housing. Neither parent finished high school. Put himself through graduate school by working at Boeing.

Graduated cum laude with bachelor's from Central Washington State University. Received MBA from Seattle University.

Career stops at Xerox, Thomas-Conrad. Advisory board member of JatoTech Ventures, an Austin, Texas, venture firm. Director, Project Tomorrow, Mind Institute.

Huge sports fan. Likes golf, has season tickets to Lakers, Clippers, Ducks, Angelsi True to roots, is Seattle Seahawks fan. Wife Daranne, daughter Courtney, 19.

-Brian Womack

HENRY A. SAMUELI

Chairman, Chief Technical Officer

Broadcom Corp.

Bom in Buffalo, N.Y., Sept. 20, 1954

Lives in Corona del Mar

SCOTT ALAN McGREGOR

CEO, President

Broadcom Corp.

Born in St. Louis, Oct. 10, 1956

Lives in San Juan Capistrano

McGregor starting second year on job alongside cofounder Samueli. They head up one of hottest chip companies.

Broadcom's stock near multiyear high with rapid sales growth, chips in iPods, Razrs. Things haven't been this good since 2000.

Samueli, remaining half of founding duo at OC's most valuable company, helped bring in McGregor early last year to lead mature company with youthful perspective.

McGregor third CEO in company's 14-year history. Replaced interim chief, chip veteran Alan "Lanny" Ross, who himself replaced rambunctious founder Henry "Nick" Nicholas.

Nicholas, who owns about 26 million shares, has 32% voting stake, left in 2003 amid changes at company, family issues.

Nicholas consulted on McGregor hire. He, Samueli felt pressure to hire smart, say choice has proved to be good so far.

McGregor surprised Wall Street in February with guidance of 6% rise in sequential sales.

Former Philips exec has put company deeper into consumer electronics. Early last year, assembled engineering to make chip for video iPod. Move paid off with sales at end of 2005.

Company also sees mammoth growth from Bluetooth, wireless networking popular with cell phone users.

Taken hard line against cell phone chip leader Qualcomm. Companies have fired off lawsuits at each other.

Challenge ahead: stock options. Company could get dinged by analysts when they include costs in estimates.

McGregor paid $3 million in 2005. Awarded about $4.5 million in options.

Bespectacled, 5-foot, 10-inches tall. Thoughtful, calculating. Likes outdoors, spending time with wife, two kids. Professional, likeable.

Smart. Great recall. Gets more animated when he talks about chips, electronics. Writes blog for employees.

Well-rounded career. Formerly headed Philips Semiconductors. Lengthy background in software, stints with Santa Cruz Operation, Microsoft, Xerox's PaIo Alto Research Center. Also worked at Digital Equipment.

Samueli oversees research, called engineering genius. Turned down top job upon Nicholas' exit because he says research would have suffered. Owns 26.7 million shares, 32% voting stake, hair more than Nicholas.

Former lab guy, was Nicholas' professor at UCLA. Worked at PairGain with Nicholas in 1980s, started Broadcom in 1991. Met Nicholas at TRW in 1980s.

Bachelor's, master's, doctorate in electrical engineering from UCLA.

Says he learned frugality from parents. Billionaire says he still compares prices while shopping.

Last year, he, wife Susan bought Mighty Ducks of Anaheim hockey team from Walt Disney for reported $75 million. Team bounced back from strike, made playoffs in first year under Samueli. Plans to shorten name to Anaheim Ducks next year. Owns company that runs Arrowhead Pond. Could bring NBA to Pond.

With wife, is one of county's top philanthropists. Made more than $150 million in charitable gifts in past decade. Given $30 million to UCLA, nearly that to UCI. Along with other execs, received "Advocate of the Year" from UC Alumni Association in March.

Performing Arts Center, Ocean Institute, Temple Beth El, Reform Synagogue, University Synagogue also beneficiaries.

Parents, Aaron, Sala, were Holocaust survivors from Poland. Met after war. Came to America in the 1950s, moved to California. Family ran liquor store on Whittier Boulevard, where Samueli worked as teen.

Described as understated, moderate in all aspects of life. Enjoys skiing, hiking, basketball. Three children.

-Brian Womack

ARIF SHAKEEL

CEO President

Western Digital Corp.

Bom in Karachi, Pakistan, Jan. 30, 1955

Lives in Laguna Niguel

MAHHEW ERIC MASSENGILL

Executive Chairman

Western Digital Corp.

Born in Placentia, April 12, 1961

Lives in Laguna Niguel

Reconfigured leadership duo at disk drive maker.

Massengill stepped down as CEO in October, now executive chairman. Former COO, longtime right-hand man Shakeel stepped up. Some speculated move prompted by courting of Shakeel by another company. He says no.

No massive change for conservative-minded company. Massengill still very involved. Participates in earnings calls. Both kept same offices.

Longtime engineer Massengill drove turnaround in past years with help of Shakeel. Had realist tack: drives are commodities. Pushed lean manufacturing in Southeast Asia, spends less on R&D than rivals, though spending on upswing with push into new markets. Helped reduce operational costs by 50%.

Expect more of the same under Shakeel. Won't push company into markets first. Waits to see what sells and then dives in. Uses operational efficiency to gain market share.

Re-entered drives for laptops in 2004 after exiting business back in 1997. Late to party, but sales soaring. Good growth in drives for set-top boxes as traditional drives for PCs see slower growth. Not much from consumer gadgets yet.

Shakeel must deal with massive rival Seagate Technology. Largest player in market buying No. 4 Maxtor in deal worth $1.9 billion. Western Digital now more distant No. 2.

In twist, deal could benefit company with more sales as big PC makers shift contracts to Western Digital to diversify supply.

Concerns of price war persist in industry, though some analysts dismiss worries. Shakeel trying to limit concerns by managing supply more effectively.

Shakeel not a flashy leader, more like an affable neighbor. Likes to laugh.

True to past position, loves to talk up operations, how they can run more efficiently. Comfortable in new role.

Loves engineering. Knew he would be in industry since he was 10-year-old growing up in Pakistan.

Began career at Western Digital in 1985 as product manager. Later held positions of director of marketing, marketing VP, procurement VP.

Took hiatus in 1997 from Western Digital, rejoined in 1999.

Family man. Loves spending time with wife, two children. Daughter offers advice following conference calls.

Likes golf, music, including jazz, the Stones. Basketball fan, loves Lakers.

Sits on board of Share Our Selves, provider of food, clothes to disadvantaged.

Massengill: Western Digital vet. Took charge in 2000.

Company man.

Spent past 19 years at Western Digital.

Began career as a product engineer. Held various engineering, marketing positions.

Named vice president, marketing for personal storage division in 1994. Three years later, was named senior vice president, general manager of now-defunct enterprise storage group. In 1999, appointed executive vice president, worldwide operations. Four months later became chief operating officer.

Took over from longtime chief Charles Haggerty. Added chairman's title in 2001.

Business style described as gentlemanly. Even-tempered, personable. Bit of a card, known for making people laugh.

Fine in casual attire. Wore Hawaiian shirt on first day as chief executive. Left Western Digital briefly in 1990 to run a ranch in Oregon.

Director of Walnut's ViewSonic, Irvine's Microsemi, charity Think Together. Member, UCI Chief Executive Roundtable.

Engineering degree from Purdue University in 1983, received Purdue's Outstanding Engineering Alumni award in 1988. Married.

-Brian Womack

RICHARD DALE SNYDER

Chairman, Interim CEO

Gateway Inc.

Bom in Battle Creek, Mich., Aug. 79, 1958

Lives in Irvine, Ann Arbor, Mich.

Chairman, caretaker CEO as computer maker searches for boss after 2005 OC 50er Wayne Inouye's surprising exit earlier this year.

Was in running for job himself. Pulled out last week.

Leading board's search. Goal to hire by fall. Snyder expected to stay as chairman after new CEO found. For now, tending to turnaround effort.

Some still in shock over Inouye's ouster. Inouye led company back to profitability on retail sales, cost cutting, after years of red ink. Critics say his letting go was latest blunder for company known for missteps.

Snyder's family in Michigan, ties to state, were factors in withdrawing from permanent CEO consideration. "I have three children and it just was not going to work out for them."

On OC: 'The weather's nice."

Previously COO under Ted Waitt, Gateway's founder, largest shareholder. Waitt's pullback from company affairs seems real this time around.

Gateway trying to keep PC toehold amid behemoths Dell, HP. Looking to boost sales to businesses, directly to consumers.

Last year, company saw 59% rise in retail sales, 52% drop in direct sales, 11% decline in sales to business, schools, governments.

Snyder says initiatives will help grow sales. Planned U.S. plant will get PCs to businesses quickly. Server line getting upgrade. Targeting gamers, other special users with direct push.

Growth comes with "getting down to blocking and tackling level." Emphasizes execution of plans.

Wants to communicate simple story: "We need to set a path so people know what to expect of us."

Former stint at Gateway began in 1991. For six years, was executive VP, director under Waitt. President, COO in 1996, 1997.

In 1997, founded, led Avalon Investments, venture capital firm. Started as $100 million fund. From 1997 to 2000 invested in 24 companies.

Chairman at Gateway since 2005.

Other job: Chairman, CEO, cofounder of Ardesta in Ann Arbor, focused on bringing small tech products to global markets.

Casual delivery style called throw back to days when Gateway was based in South Dakota.

Has Midwest roots himself. Grew up in Michigan, big University of Michigan guy.

Earned three degrees from University of Michigan, then MBA, then law degree. Member of three University of Michigan advisory boards, including chairman of Technology Transfer Board.

Started career in 1982 with Coopers & Lybrand (now PricewaterhouseCoopers) in tax department of Detroit office. Rose to partner. In 1989 named partner in charge of mergers, acquisitions in Chicago office. Focused on buyer's side, due diligence.

Serves as chairman of Ann Arbor Spark, economic development group, on board of The Nature Conservancy, Michigan chapter.

Loves spending time with wife, children.

-Brian Womack

GREGORY MARK EMILE SPIERKEL

CEO

Ingram Micro Inc.

Born in Sept-?les, Quebec, Jan. 27, 1957

Lives in Laguna Hills

New leader making OC's largest company by sales even bigger.

Sales, earnings growing, sometimes beyond expectations. Company moved up four spots on this year's Fortune 500 to No. 172. Stock up about a fourth since taking helm last June.

Technology products distributor edging longtime nemesis Tech Data, especially in Europe.

Last year devoted to making company more efficient with outsourcing, layoffs, other efforts. Also, integrating, making acquisitions. Margins growing in business with slim profits.

"It's all moving in the right direction," Spierkel says.

Now seeking to drive overall revenue growth. Increased focus on consumer electronics.

Joined Ingram in 1997 as senior vice president, president, Ingram Micro Asia-Pacific. Was vice president, president of Ingram Micro Europe. Most recently was worldwide president, responsible for global divisions with focus on company's Europe, Asia-Pacific businesses.

Led Ingram's $530 million buy in 2004 of Tech Pacific, largest in company history. Acquisition has gone better than hoped. Region fueling overall growth.

Also key in 1997's buy of Singapore's Electronic Resources.

Operations man: oversaw Europe consolidation, including operations in Scandanavia, integration of major acquisition in Germany.

Prior to Ingram, spent 11 years at Canada's Mitel, maker of phone systems, software, electronics. Got his start at Bell Canada, working on one of first e-mail systems in 1979.

Holds business master's from Georgetown University, bachelor's from Carleton University, Ottawa. Attended Advanced Manufacturing Program at Insead in France.

Unlike predecessor Kent Foster, a 2004 OC 50er who split time between OC, Dallas, Spierkel based at Santa Ana HQ.

Not pretentious. Open to others' opinions. Has spent many an hour with customers since arrival.

Parents came from Luxemburg to Canada. Uncle is founder of Cirque du Soleil. Father a jack-of-all-trades, owned newspaper, TV station, worked at airline, dabbled in construction. Mother was a linguist who spoke seven languages.

Played hockey, curling until age 17. Says he wasn't NHL material. Worked for a time in iron ore mines, doing number of duties including driving giant mining trucks. Has lived abroad most of professional life, including in Hong Kong, Singapore, England, Belgium.

Says he enjoys living in OC, particularly weather.

Two boys, 9, 12. Both have triple citizenship: Canada, U.S., UK.

Wife Rhiannon. "A good Welsh name," he says.

-Brian Womack

GARY SHIGEO TOYAMA

Vice President Southern California,

Boeing lntergrated Systems,

Boeing Co,

Bom in Great Lakes, III., May 9, 1954

Lives in Orange

Boeing's new local leader in time of growth, management changes.

Took over in fall for former OC 50er Bill Collopy. who held position since 2003.

Local operations seeing expansion with Pentagon's effort to unify, upgrade military systems.

Much of the effort centered in Huntington Beach, Anaheim, Seal Beach. About 1,000 Delta rocket workers in Huntington Beach to leave for Denver as part of planned satellite combination with Lockheed Martin.

Toyama oversees about 12,000 workers in Anaheim, Cypress, Seal Beach, Huntington Beach, Irvine.

Not in charge of programs; oversees site administration, operations, employees.

Recent changes: had reported to former OC 5()er Jim Albaugh, chief executive of Integrated Defense Systems in St. Louis. Now reports to Howard Chambers, vice president and general manager of Boeing Space and Intelligence Systems in Seal Beach. Toyama still oversees California sites.

Says he can devote more time to the job than Collopy, who had other duties. Collopy serves as chairman of Sea Launch, Boeing's satellite venture with European partners, was involved in acquisitions at Boeing.

Toyama's goal: boost ties, find common ground among Boeing's various programs. Faces stiff competition for engineers.

Southern California one of most diverse collections of businesses for Boeing. Sites sometimes make decisions without much thought for others.

Toyama looks at the overall California picture in bid to manage costs, customer needs, benefit from having all program workers in one area.

People person: has brought site managers into more joint meetings. Also, trying to organize information from each site to easily share among different operations.

Looking to close or sell sites no longer needed.

Boeing already sold off acres in Huntington Beach, Seal Beach, elsewhere for redevelopment.

Toyama, who has engineering, finance training, knows local operations well.

After graduating from UCI in 1978 with master's, joined Rockwell International in 1978 in finance department. Within three years, was in management. Later moved to operations, manufacturing at Rockwell.

Since late 1990s has touched almost every piece of region's businesses.

Was director for Delta IV rocket program in Huntington Beach. Was director of business operations for space group in Seal Beach. Most recently was deputy to vice president of Integrated Defense Systems. Pair oversaw 20,000 workers in 20 plants across the country.

Affable. Friendly. Unselfish. Sends out personally signed Christmas cards to colleagues.

Former professional bowler. Used winnings for spending money in college. At 13, had average score of 170. Has bowled 27 perfect games.

Of Japanese descent. Executive sponsor for the Asian American Professionals Association. Amelia Earhart Society, Mesa Boeing Black Employees Association.

In 2005, Toyama landed Mentor-of-the-Year award from Inroads, nonprofit that trains talented minority youths. Recipient of National Asian American Corporate Achievement Award.

Married 27 years to wife Sandy. Two daughters.

-Brian Womack

VICTOR TSAO

Senior Vice President,

Cisco Systems Inc.

General Manager, Cofounder

Cisco-Linksys LLC

Born in Taipei, Taiwan, Sept, 2l 1953

Lives in Newport Coast

Founded Irvine's Linksys with wife Janie, played big part in building consumer market for networking gear.

Sold to Cisco Systems for $500 million in 2003.

Still heads unit, given leeway by Cisco boss John Chambers, who made him company VP and is using Linksys as basis for consumer push.

Last year Cisco paid about $60 million for Kiss Technology, maker of networked DVD players, media adapters, other products. Folded unit into Linksys.

Cisco also recently spent $7 billion on Scientific-Atlanta, big maker of cable TV set-top boxes, modems. Unit to stay outside Linksys but work together.

Linksys adding more to lineup, eyeing networked homes that let users control air conditioning, iPod, TV, other devices over home network.

Traditionally geeky Linksys appealing more to mainstream.

Also expanding Cisco's Internet-based phone systems to small-business market.

Linksys on track to post yearly sales of $ 1 billion. Unit accounts for about 5% of Cisco revenue, has more than half of U.S. market for home networking gear.

Built Linksys from ground up. In early days, took out trash at Irvine headquarters. He, wife left cushy computer jobs in late 1980s to start company from home. Classmates from Taiwan approached them about selling network gear.

Used own money. First product, MultiShare, linked printers.

Moved on to routers. Today, wireless networking is big.

Struck Cisco deal with Chambers over a doughnut. First acquisition Cisco has allowed to keep brand name.

Has seen huge growth in global sales as part of Cisco.

Not big on meetings. They just prolong decisions, he says. Product of Corporate America: worked in middle management in tech department at Taco Bell before starting Linksys. Earlier stints at Santa Fe International, TRW, Kraft.

Humble. Smiles, laughs a lot. Took trip to Egypt after sale, bought leather jacket. Lived in modest house in Irvine for several years. Splurged on Newport Coast house when Linksys began to take off.

Bachelor's in computer science from Taiwan's Tamkang University. Master's in computer science, Illinois Institute of Technology. Business master's, Pepperdine University.

Met wife at Tamkang University.

Two sons, 20, 22. Attend UCI, CaI State Fullerton.

Drives a Mercedes. Plays basketball with sons. Doesn't like golf. Takes up too much time, he says.

Company man: wears Linksys shirts to work. Likes to keep it casual with jeans, when possible.

-Brian Womack

JOHN TU

President, Kingston Technology Co.

Born in Chongquing, China,

Aug. 21, 1941

Lives in Rolling Hills

DAVID SUN

COO, Vice President

Kingston Technology Co.

Bom in Tai-Chung, Taiwan,

Oct. 12, 1951

Lives in Wine

Duo behind company that's fast-becoming one of OC's largest.

Tu, Sun head up biggest maker of memory products for computers, networking gear, consumer gadgets.

Company buys memory chips from Asian, European suppliers, assembles on circuit boards or as flash. Industry largely based in OC. Kingston dominates with 27% share.

2005 sales soared to record $3 billion, up 22% from 2004.

Credit solid product lineups, "stronger focus on developing memory market segments for global production expansion."

Boards for computers are bread and butter. Flash memory cards for consumer devices growing.

Flashy move: recently struck pact with Paris' Actimagine, will provide flash memory for technology that lets cell phones carry movies.

Plants in Malaysia, Taiwan. Expanding in China. Opened 260,000-square-foot plant in Shanghai this year. Set to expand China operations by 300%.

In 2004, Sun, Tu paid $4 million to buy out China Great Wall Computer Shenzhen's 20% stake in the company's Shanghai operation.

Moves in Japan: Last year anted up $27 million through Japanese affiliate for 27% stake in new company that tests memory wafers for manufacturers in Japan, including Elpida Memory of Tokyo.

Tu, soft-spoken public face of Kingston. Sun, boisterous operations man.

Pair made big news in 1996 by handing out $100 million in bonuses to workers after selling 80% of Kingston to Softbank. Duo bought back Kingston in 1999 for fraction of what Softbank paid.

Tech downturn took toll on fabled benevolence. In 2001, some benefits cut, bonuses halted, workers laid off for first time. Yearly sales fell below $1 billion during slump.

Never lost title as OC's largest minority-owned company by sales, workers. Would rank as No. 6 among OC public companies, just ahead of Broadcom.

Sun, Tu sit in cubicles with other workers. Headquarters has strong Asian influence but is global melting pot. Many languages spoken.

In early 1980s, duo founded Camintonn in garage. Lugged around memory in back seats of their cars. Became division VPs when computer maker AST Research bought Camintonn. Left to start Kingston in 1987 after losing millions in proceeds in stock market crash.

Two made wager when founding company. Tu bet Kingston wouldn't succeed. Sun bet it would. The stakes: a new Jag. Tu paid off in 1990.

A few years later, Sun gave Jag to six-year employee whose longtime dream was to own one.

Sun once challenged Sun Microsystems' Scott McNealy to golf to settle a lawsuit.

Tu's mother was an actress. Family fled to Taiwan in 1949.

A rebellious student who loved Elvis, sent to Germany to live with an uncle who owned Chinese restaurant. Learned enough German to start engineering apprenticeship. Earned electrical engineering degree from Technische Hochschule Darmstadt in Germany. Came to U.S. in 1972.

Wife Mary, two children. Plays drums. Every Tuesday, plays with his band "JT and California Dreamin'" at Kingston's HQ. Band includes workers, colleagues, professionals.

Duo named company after beloved Kingston Trio. Member of 1960s folkie group recently visited, sang with Tu's band.

Sun came from Taiwan in 1977, was chief engineer at Alpha Micro Systems in Costa Mesa, 1978 to 1982. Electrical engineering degree from Taiwan's Ta-Tung Institute of Technology.

Wife Diana, two children. Avid golfer.

-Brian Womack

HONORABLE MENTION

L GEORGE KLAUS

Chairman, CEO, president

Epicor Software Corp.

STEPHEN D. MARLOW

Executive vice president

Toshiba America Electronic

Components Inc.

HENRY "NICK" NICHOLAS III

Cofounder, Broadcom Corp.

LEE ROBERTS

Chairman, CEO

FileNet Corp.

VINCENT "VINNY" SMITH

Chairman, CEO

Quest Software Inc.

RON VERNI

CfO

Best Software Inc.

OC 50 ASTROLOGY

The largest number of OC 50ers are Aquarius at eight, including Paul Folino, George Argyros and Larry Agran. leos are next at seven, including Arte Moreno, Bob McKnight and John Tu.

Sagittarius is the loneliest sign with just one-Seth Johnson.

Quite a few OC SOers share birthdays. Don Bren and Jim Mazzo both celebrate the same day, May 11. So do Michael McKee and Burt Selva (Jan. 2), Arif Shakeel and Hadi Makarechian (Jan. 30), Moreno and Anne B?lec (Aug. 14) and Victor Tsao and Jon Jaffe (Sept. 21).

-Jill langredi Michael Lysler

APPAREL

JAMES HENRY JANNARD

Founder, Chairman

Oakley Inc.

Born in Los Angeles, June 8, 7949

Lives on Spieden Island, Wash,

DAVID SCOn OLIVET

CfO, OaWe/Inc.

Bom in Cheshire, Conn., April 24, 1962

Lives in Laguna Beach

Jannard company founder, visionary, dominant owner.

Olivet change-minded marketing, apparel veteran enlisted as CEO in October.

Olivet steering big changes at sunglasses maker. Former Nike, Gap executive took reins from Jannard in fall, moved fast on plans to spur growth. Made two acquisitions, nixed most of Oakley's shoe lines, revamped clothing.

Refocused on bread and butter: shades. Sunglasses bulk of 2005's $648 million in sales.

First moves designed as early signs of intent to change company.

"You can wave your arms and say you're going to do lots of things," Olivet says. "Those are quick moves in support of the new strategy."

Wall Street needed some reassuring. Just days after Olivet took over, Oakley warned 2005 sales were set to come in lower than expected. Shares fell 20%, since have mounted a comeback.

Just getting started. Plans to open some 60 stores this year. Expects 230 in all by year's end. Company got a boost with recent buys of Aliso Viejo-based Optical Shop of Aspen, which runs upscale chain of sunglass stores. Making a bigger play in fashion shades with acquisition of Los Angeles-based Oliver Peoples.

Company known for sporty shades worn by athletes. Holds license to make glasses, goggles for Northern California's Fox Racing. Owns majority stake in Carlsbadbased Dragon Optical.

Now targeting women with fashion glasses. On the hunt for new brands but will be "selective," Olivet says.

Has to answer to Jannard, who owns 64% of Oakley. Only second chief executive other than Jannard in company history.

Olivet crunches numbers. Jannard focuses on design passion.

Says he, Jannard "connect" on new path, "play off each other very well in the branding and product side."

Agreed to nix most of Oakley's shoes, favorite of Jannard, who fired first outside CEO who tried to do same thing.

"It's always difficult when a founder takes on a different role and someone comes in from the outside," Olivet says. "He was thoughtful about it and supportive."

Before Oakley, Olivet was Nike VP over seeing several units: Cole Haan, Converse, Starter, Bauer-Nike Hockey, Costa Mesa's Hurley International. Prior, Olivet was Gap senior VP of real estate, store design, construction for Gap, Banana Republic, Old Navy. Also had stint at Bain & Co. Has business master's from Stanford University, bachelor's from Pomona College.

A photography buff, like Jannard. Collects art. Single.

Jannard reclusive to extreme. Rarely grants interviews. Splits time between OC, Spieden Island, Wash., a getaway he bought in 1997 for around $20 million.

Last month, bought another 100,000 shares.

A blunt, cigar-smoking University of Southern California dropout. Shows up at stockholder meetings wearing Oakley shorts, T-shirt, shoes. Sports shaved head, as do several Oakley colleagues. He's donned radical Oakley headpieces, such as over-the-head contraption with fake dreads shooting out the back.

Started peddling motorcycle handle grips from his station wagon in 1975, moving on to goggles and then sunglasses.

Raises Oakley English Setter show dogs. Company name taken from favorite dog breed.

Recently designed affordable high-resolution digital camera. Oakley engineers working on lens.

Wife Bobbie, seven children. Loves drag racing.

-Jennifer Bellantonio

SETH RUSSELL JOHNSON

CEO

Pacific Sunwear of California Inc.

Bom in Minneapolis

Dec. 10, 1953

Lives in Laguna Beach

Runs retailer targeting fickle teens. Has spot to himself after April departure of former executive chairman, CEO, ex-OC 50er Greg Weaver.

Battling sluggish sales at existing stores, hyping much anticipated new shoe store chain, One Thousand Steps. Just opened first three in Riverside, Cerritos, Minneapolis. Plans seven more for first half of year. Targets 18- to 24-year-olds with shoes, belts, bags, watches from hip brands Puma, Diesel, Steve Madden, Kenneth Cole, Tsubo, among others.

Company's biggest chain, PacSun, sells surf, other West Coast fashions in malls nationwide. Smaller d.e.m.o. sells hip-hop styles Phat Farm, Baby Phat, P. Diddy's Scan John.

Needs a hit. Off to a slow start in 2006 after seeing a 13% gain in sales to $1.4 billion last year. March same-store sales off 11%, resulted in lower first-quarter profit forecast.

Seeing stepped up competition from other teen clothing chains. Losing shoppers to Zumiez, Abercrombie's Hollister.

Struggling with fashion misses, revamping d.e.m.o. Testing new products at PacSun geared toward girls, including rugs, lamps, luggage. Hopes new shoe stores spur growth. Shoes bring higher profits than clothes.

Handpicked by Weaver, who ran company for years, built into retail power. Johnson ramped up with own managers. Hired chief operating officer, division presidents for PacSun, d.e.m.o., new executive vice president of merchandising. Old guard at company gone.

Has track record of growing chains, even during tougher times. Says he likes to "delve down in the details of the business."

Attended Yale University, earned business master's at University of Chicago. Worked for Dayton Hudson (now Target), Batus Retail Group, Abercrombie's former parent. Helped build Hollister chain at Abercrombie, became retailer's financial chief in 1992, before it went public. Was named chief operating officer in 2000.

Said he grew tired of playing second fiddle at Abercrombie and resigned. Weaver later asked him to dinner. They hit it off.

Has wife Sharon, two daughters, Melissa, 16, Kelsey, 12. Enjoys tennis, golf.

-Jennifer Bellantonio

ROBERT BUCHNER MCKNIGHT JR.

Chairman, CEO, Quiksilver Inc.

Born in Pasadena, Aug. 17, 1953

Lives in Laguna Beach (Emerald Bay)

OC surfwear king with a French connection.

Runs dominant maker of surf-inspired clothes.

Trying to convince wary Wall Street that last year's buy of struggling French snow gear maker Skis Rossignol wasn't a mistake.

Big confidence boost: Launched skis this winter under popular girls' brand, Roxy. Nailed it.

Designs, including polka dots, were hot. Plans to go wider, expand Rossignol's now small clothing collection.

Unabashed about Rossignol's potential. Says brand's clothing sales, now at some $50 million yearly, to hit $500 million to $1 billion in five, 10 years. Looking to bring Quiksilver's Midas design touch to Rossignol ski, snow clothes. Biggest expansion of line not expected until fall 2007. Says he eventually would like to do upscale Rossignol garb that could sell in Fred Segal.

Some analysts remain skeptical. Brand losing money, market share before Quiksilver buy. One company watcher calls Rossignol "show-me story." Said evidence of turnaround could take time.

McKnight already made changes, including installing executives, design team at Rossignol. Planning new headquarters in France, U.S., for business. Cut some 200 Rossignol jobs, streamlined operations.

Expects to save $25 million within three years, including $10 million from back office, marketing savings.

Charismatic, easy-going surfer. Has rode ultimate wave-growing big, staying cool.

Projects yearly sales of $2.25 billion to $2.27 billion with about $105 million in net income this year. Rossignol expected to do some $600 million to $620 million in sales, helping to easily top Quiksilver's year ago sales of $1.8 billion.

Continues to diversify beyond surf. Sells everything from bikinis, board shorts to watches, luggage, golf clubs with addition of Rossignol's Cleveland Golf in Huntington Beach. Inked deal with cosmetics maker Inter Parfums to make perfume, sunscreen and skin products. Roxy energy bars-a favorite of McKnight's-also in works.

Shaking up DC Shoes unit, acquired in 2004. Adding clothes to skateboard brand.

Big on retail with 400-plus stores. Owns Australians Surfection. Has company shops, including Quiksilver Boardrider Clubs, Roxy, Hawk Clothing, Quiksilver Youth.

Along with media ventures, marketing geared toward surfing events, magazines, apparel publications, Spin, Rolling Stone.

"Surf City" headquarters spans some 700,000 square feet, including warehouses. Features big-wave video displays, stadium seating conference room, surfboards, custom rattan furniture.

McKnight's office sits on second floor above lobby, like lifeguard tower. Says his primary role is refining company's message. Says Quiksilver can become global conglomerate, stay core.

Sticks by friends. Helped organize fundraiser to cover medical costs for surf videographer Timmy Turner, who caught a virulent staph infection after trip to Mexico. Asked high school buddy, owner of Laguna smoothie, sandwich joint Orange Inn to open stand inside headquarters. Wanted to give workers-mostly surfers, skaters-healthy food. Eatery now a place to brainstorm, he says. His favorite: albacore, avocado sandwich, fresh-squeezed orange juice, smoothies.

Founded Quiksilver USA as surf trunks maker in 1976 with Jeff Hakman, Aussie who he met in BaIi. Pair moved to OC that year. Bachelor's in business from USC. Described himself as "spoiled rich kid in college." Delta Tau Delta fraternity brother with sec Chairman Christopher Cox.

Drove Porsche, made surfing films in spare time. Was set to work for dad after college. Turned to plan B after dad's company went under.

Still finds time to hit waves on custom surfboards, or links with buddies surfer Kelly Slater, Fidra line designer John Ashworth. Company has travel division, full-time boat dedicated to finding surf spots. Inducted into Surfers' Hall of Fame in Huntington Beach last year.

Wife Annette (New Zealander he met, along with Hakman, on 1973 trip to BaIi), three children.

Trustee, Otis College of Art and Design, where daughter attends. In October, daughter Kristi modeled Roxy garb at Otis benefit bash in Newport.

Lives in beachfront Laguna home. Has land on Hanalei Bay in Kauai. Enjoys surfing, snowboarding, tennis, golf, softball, volleyball, diving.

-Jennifer Bellantonio

PAUL RENEIR NAUDE

President, Billabong USA

Executive Director,

Billabong International Ltd.

Born in Durban, South Africa,

Nov. 18, 1955

Lives in Laguna Beach

Built booming U.S. business for Australian-based surfwear giant. Billabong USA second only to Quiksilver in sales of surf-inspired clothes.

Former exec with surf pioneer Gotcha. Onetime South African pro surfer. Took over U.S. arm of Billabong in 1998. Rebuilt after Bob Hurley, founder of Costa Mesa-based Hurley International, left to do his own thing, took Billabong workers with him.

Articulate, straight-shooting Naude dug in. Told surf trade magazine in 2000 it was "like being at the bottom of Mount Everest with no ice ax. It was an incredible task."

Now counts about 320 workers in Irvine, up from 120 in 2000.

Has driven strong gains, offset slowdown in Australian surf market for publicly traded parent, which has yearly sales of about $650 million. Naude's division accounts for a major chunk, with sales of about $300 million.

Surfboard shaper Gordon Merchant started parent in 1973 in station wagon.

Surf trunks, bikinis, jackets, other items sold in more than 90 countries, including Australia, New Zealand, Europe, North America, which is under Naude's watch.

Well respected, keeps vigilant eye on operations.

Observers say he likes to keep things close to his chest personally, professionally. Continues to expand, diversify.

Several key acquisitions made under his watch. In December, bought Nixon Watches, hip watch, accessories maker.

In 2001, grabbed Element skateboard clothing company, Von Zipper, sunglasses maker. Helped both brands expand: Element went from boards to clothes, Von Zipper added women's frames.

Taken bold retail moves. In 2004, bought Beach Access, chain of stores now called Beach Works that carry Billabong brands, other garb. Says gave Billabong a presence in "A" malls, such as South Coast Plaza, Shops at Mission Viejo. Snatched up 22 Honolua Surf Co. stores in Hawaii two years ago. Also has nine Billabong stores (six are company owned), one for Element.

Taking surf east. Turned heads last year with swanky, new 5,800-square-foot shop under MTVs Times Square studios. First East Coast shop devoted to Billabong, Element. Stone's throw from Quiksilver's Big Apple store.

Says he just wants to keep getting better every day.

Launched wholesale line under Honolua Surf brand aimed at older surfers still wanting to look cool. Expanding Billabong Girls, which debuted in 1999. Introduced Kustom surf shoes, an Australian brand Billabong acquired in 2004, to U.S. last year.

No nonsense. Passionate about ocean, surf. Was sergeant in tank regiment in South Africa during years of mandatory military service. Attended college in South Africa. Began repairing, building surfboards in South Africa in 1970s. South African surfing champion in 1976, same year he placed third in Pipe Masters.

Turned to business after few years on pro tour. Coowner of surfboard maker with three surf stores in Durban from 1974 to 1981. Became chief executive of Gotcha South Africa, moved to U.S. in 1992 to become executive VP of Gotcha.

Has headed Billabong USA since 1998. Vice president of Surf Industry Manufacturers Association. Supports charities Surf Aid International, Surfrider Foundation.

Has used seaplanes on surf trips to South Pacific to spot uncharted spots. Father flew seaplanes during World War II.

Billabong has two "Albatross" seaplanes once used for military search, rescue. Now they shuttle top surfers to undiscovered hot spots. Sponsors big wave contests, movies to promote surfing.

Enjoys surfing, says "older I get, the more passionate I am about it." Also likes snowboarding, spending time with family, travel, wildlife photography.

Married, wife Debbie. Son Jason, daughter Frances.

-Jennifer Bellantonio

HONORABLE MENTION

RAJ BHATHAL

Chairman, CEO

Raj Manufacturing Inc.

BOB HURLEY

CEO

Nike Inc. 's Hurley International LLC

PHILIP B. MILLER

Interim CEO

St. John Knits International Inc.

TODD SCARBOROUGH

President

Apparel Group, Ennis Inc.

PIERRE ANDRE SENIZERGUES

CEO, founder

Sole Technology Inc.

IVAN SPIERS

Owner

n'Zania LLC

JOEL WALLER

CfO, president

Wet Seal Inc.

RICHARD "WOOLY" WOOLCOH

CEO, president

Volcom Inc.

INDUSTRY & SERVICES

ANNE ELIZABETH BELEC

CEO, President

Volvo Cars of North America LLC

Born in St. Paul Minn., Aug. 14, 1962

Lives in Coto de Caza

MIKE PATRICK O1DRISCOLL

President

Aston Martin, Jaguar, Land Rover

North America

Bom in Coventry, England,

April 6, 1956

Lives in Irvine

Euro car execs for Ford's Irvine-based Premier Automotive Group.

B?lec heads Volvo, biggest piece of import group. Replaced former OC 50er Victor Doolan, who retired last year. Took over at difficult point for Swedish brand. Has made her mark in local business circles, one of few women leaders in auto industry. Called rising star at Ford.

British-born O'Driscoll heads Premier's other luxury brands, English icons Jaguar, Aston Martin, Land Rover.

As with rest of Ford, struggling with sales.

Volvo sold 139,076 vehicles last year in North America, down 10%. Sales for March off 4%, though decline not as steep as prior months. Decline not unexpected, she says, as Volvo gears up for 2007 push.

Expects flat 2006, rising sales in 2007 with all-new S80 luxury sedan, XC90 SUV, C30-first compact car in decades. C30 to compete with BMW Mini Cooper, Volkswagen GTI.

2006 lineup includes S40 sport sedan, V50, a wagon counterpart, C70 hardtop convertible. Brand known for reliable, safe cars. B?lec's task: boost sales in warmer areas. Came out with remodel for U.S. dealerships.

Strong marketing background. Was sales VP for Volvo in Sweden, 2003 to 2005. Prior to Volvo, worked at Ford in OC. Was general marketing manager for Lincoln Mercury, 2001 to 2002. Network business development manager for Lincoln Mercury, 1999 to 2001.

First automotive job: correcting dealer orders at Ford assembly plant in Canada.

Business master's from Fuqua School of Business at Duke. Emphasis on global business. Has business bachelor's from University of Ottawa.

Trustee, Marketing Science Institute, director of Volvo Cars of North America, Volvo Cars of Canada, Volvo Monitoring & Concept Center. In 2005, named to Automotive News' "100 Leading Women in the North American Automotive Industry."

Serves on advisory board at UC Irvine's Paul Merage School of Business. Nominated for Business Journal's Women in Business award, 2002.

Co-chair, along with Maria Shriver, of Best Buddies, group that works with people with mental disabilities.

Fluent in French, her native tongue. Born in America, grew up in Rouyn-Noranda, Quebec. Holds dual citizenship.

Not married, no children. Enjoys tennis, hiking with golden retriever Murphy, gourmet cooking, canoeing on lake at her Canadian cottage. Drives 2005 Volvo XC90 T6.

O'Driscoll's Land Rover on upswing after few years of lackluster sales. Sales up 34% to 11,299 autos for year ended March 31.

Jaguar still a drag. Ford blames weak dollar.

Sold 5,124 Jaguars for 12 months through March 31, 41% drop. Bid to appeal to younger drivers not getting much traction.

Jaguar still important, won't be sold, company says.

Premier Group doesn't break out Aston Martin sales, considered high-end "boutique" car.

Joined Jaguar Rover Triumph in 1975 as business student, held number of positions before taking over marketing, planning for Jaguar Cars North America in 1987. Prior to current position, was president of Jaguar North America.

Oversees more than 400 people, travels 300,000 miles or more yearly. Came to U.S. in 1987. Moved to Ford in 1995, spent five years in Dearborn, Mich., New Jersey. Moved to OC, took over three brands in 2001 when office relocated here.

Passionate about cars. Likes speed, excitement, design, style, performance. History, tradition separate brands from others. "Aston Martin was James Bond's first and favorite car," he says.

Business master's from University of Warwick in Coventry, his hometown.

Irish father, American mother. Don't call him Michael. Hobbies: sailed British Virgin Islands. When not traveling, spends time with family. Likes books the way he likes cars: page-turning thrillers by Nelson DeMiIIe, James Patterson.

Wife Maureen, three children, 24, 23, 17. Has white dog "so small that you could put batteries in him," a Bichon Frise named Shamrock, 7.

-Sherri Cruz

SCOTT DEAN BORAS

President, owner

Scott Boras Corp.

Bom in Sacramento, Nov. 2, 1952

Lives in Newport Coast

Baseball's ?ber agent.

Considered one of most powerful player agents in any U.S. sport. Ranked No. 8 most influential (between Tony Ponturo of Anaheuser-Busch and baseball player's association COO Gene Orza) by Sports Business Journal this year.

Top of OC's sports agent heap, which includes David Dunn, Leigh Steinberg, agent turned Arizona Diamondbacks CEO Jeff Moorad.

In 2000, struck largest single contract in sports history ($252 million for Alex Rodriguez, then with Texas Rangers). During last offseason, handled $370 million in contracts for just five top players he represents (Carlos Beltran, Maglio Ordonez, Kevin Millwood, Johnny Damon, Jarrod Washburn). Was "biggest offseason yet," he says.

Won largest arbitration victory award in MLB history. Was first player representalive to obtain free agency for drafted player. In 20-plus years, has negotiated more than $2.5 billion in baseball contracts. Represents 15 of top 50 players in the game.

Current roster also includes Kevin Brown, Bernie Williams. Angels clients include third baseman Dallas McPherson, pitchers Chris Bootcheck, Jeff and Jared Weaver. Represents Los Angeles Dodgers closer Eric Gagne, Derek Lowe, outfielder J.D. Drew, newcomer Lance Carter.

Among San Diego Padres, handles rookie outfielder Xavier Nady, pitcher Chan Ho Park, second baseman Josh Barfield.

In all, Boras' Newport Beach-based company represents 150 clients in Major League Baseball, minor league affiliates. Also operates Impact Marketing, Impact Consulting, Boras Sports Fitness Institute from Newport Beach.

Shrewd. Soaks up statistics, financial statements, market economics. Astute at bluffing, bullying, bargaining. Employs psychologists. Knows how to play off egos of owners. Says he's representing "millionaires against billionaires."

Critics charge his work has led to "salary insanity."

In July, plans move to 25,000-square-foot building he bought on Newport Center Drive. Will house baseball museum, exhibits featuring past, present clients.

Influential thinker: World Baseball Classic needs more lead time for players to prepare, he says. Thinks MLB could see changes to "luxury tax" in next bargaining pact.

Spends $500,000 a year on tickets at five stadiums on both coasts.

Company donated baseball field to Newport Beach Little League, gave $75,000 to UCI baseball program, $250,000 to University of Pacific's baseball program.

Grew up on 800-acre farm in Elk Grove near Sacramento, where he says his dad insisted he, siblings finish chores before they could listen to or play baseball. Earned baseball scholarship to University of the Pacific in Stockton. Signed with St. Louis Cardinals organization. Played in minors for Cardinals 1974-77, Chicago Cubs 197778. Left after knee surgeries to complete law degree at McGeorge School of Law at University of the Pacific. Practiced medical litigation in Chicago law firm until an old friend from Elk Grove asked if he'd represent former teammate Bill Caudill in 1984. That first contract-with the Toronto Blue Jays-worth $7.5 million.

Wife Jeanette of 20 years, three children. Plays tennis with daughter, 17; baseball with two sons, 16, 13. Wife active in charitable causes for Catholic church, Sage Hill High School, JSerra High School. He, wife are arts supporters, givers to charities, community programs

-Sandi Cain

EMIL JOHN BROLICK

President, Chief Concept Officer

Taco Bell Corp.

Born in Grand Haven, Mien.,

Oct. 26, 1947

Lives in Coto de Caza

First revamped taco chain. Then led it on a tear.

Getting ready for next phase: opening nearly 400 U.S. restaurants by 2008.

Has led Taco Bell on four straight years of same-store sales growth. Handpicked for job in 2000 by David Novak, boss at parent Yum Brands.

Saw bonus double last year to $1.1 million, up from about $614,500 in 2004.

Turned Taco Bell from dog to Yum darling. First-quarter same-store sales at Mexican chain jumped 8%, outpacing siblings KFC (up 5%), Pizza Hut (down 1%).

Says brand fuels some 52% of domestic sales for Yum, compared with 28% for Pizza Hut, 19% at KFC.

Last year, Taco Bell reported total sales of $6 billion, with $1.8 billion from company restaurants, $4.4 billion from franchisees. More than 5,900 restaurants in chain.

Using tactics honed at Wendy's International. Revamped menu, boosted quality, service.

Redid restaurant design with more modern interior, bold colors, comfortable seating.

Pushes Taco Bell name through "subtle things," from taco-shaped door handles to bell logo on backs of chairs. Says restaurants no longer are just a place "for cheap food." Still offers cheap items so there's something for everyone, he says.

Admired by franchisees for dedication to fixing problems, smoothing relations. Yum spent millions few years back to bail out indebted, struggling franchisees. Demeanor described as one of "great humility."

Calls himself "deep believer in consumer'" research." Upped food quality after surveys showed customers had concerns. Launched profitable premium items. Shaved closed to a minute off drive-through times.

Considering upgrading drive-throughs by putting in better speakers, adding canopies to shield rain. Testing simplified menu to remove slow-moving items. Says he's being methodical about it.

Pushing new items: 10-ounce Crunchwrap Supreme, a stuffed hexagon-shaped tortilla sealed at edges. It's portable for drivethrough buyers, bulk of Taco Bell's business.

Brolick's favorite: bean burritos, Fresco style (uses salsa instead of sauce and cheese) with a splash of "fire" Border Sauce.

Says he eats them "virtually every single day at the office" in sleek Irvine tower that houses a Taco Bell.

Known for marketing twists. Giving away a million pesos (about $94,000), a year of free food, trip" to headquarters in promotion for Mountain Dew Baja Blast. Winner gets to be "el presidente."

Did taco poll during 2003 California recall election. Candidates represented by different menu items (Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger was a crunchy beef taco).

Prior to Taco Bell, was 12-year Wendy's vet, directing planning, research, new product marketing. Earlier, served for seven years as vice president of marketing, concept development at Ponderosa. Also held various senior financial, product development positions at Copeland, Chrysler, where he did mergers, acquisitions.

Bachelor's, master's degrees in economics from University of Detroit Mercy. Originally attended in 1960s wanting to be a lawyer. Got hooked on business.

On board of governors for Boys & Girls Clubs of America. Wife Maureen, three children. Hobbies include golf, running, travel, cross country hiking.

-Jennifer Bellantonio

KIM PATRICK BURDICK

President

Bank of America Orange County;

President, California Premier Banking

Born in Montebello, Feb. 25, 1957

Lives in Tustin

Local BofA fixture for more than quarter century. Wears two hats with Charlotte, N.C.-based bank: public face in OC, over sees banking for welloff clients.

Joined as management trainee at 23. Took over OC market operations for second time following 2003 exit of former OC 50er Tara Balfour.

Heads up premier banking, investments division for customers with balances of $250,000 to $3 million. Oversees 150,000 clients, $52 billion in balances. Manages 650-member team that helps rich clients build, keep wealth.

Far reach-handles OC. Santa Barbara, San Diego, Nevada. In November, BofA created new management team by taking five premier banking executives. Put them in charge of geographic areas. Burdick got Southwest division.

OC one of BofA's top 10 markets. Overseeing regulatory shift for banks concerning privacy of clients, compliance with federal rules.

Grown branches. OC deposits up 11% to $13.1 billion for 12 months ended June 30. Looking to lure business banking customers from other banks.

Plans to open a banking center in heart of downtown Santa Ana, at Fourth and Main Streets, later this year.

Takes philanthropy seriously. Expects executives to be involved with community, which helps expand personal ties. BofA contributed more than $1.5 million in OC last year.

Named after his father's beloved high school teacher, whose name was Kimball. He got shortened version.

Named consumer region executive in 1987 for Los Angeles County, later OC. In 1995, headed up grocery store branch rollout. In 1998, took over premier banking. Two years later, promoted to newly created position of consumer planning, integration executive. Moved to bank's North Carolina headquarters for a time. Close ties to BofA consumer banking chief Liam McGee.

Graduated from UCLA, majored in history. Earned graduate certificate in banking from the Southwestern Graduate School of Banking at Southern Methodist University. Was a drum major for UCLA band-only drum major to serve all four years.

On boards of Performing Arts Center, Pacific Symphony Orchestra, United Way. New Majority member.

Avid rower, single scull: "I love being in the water first thing in the morning when the sun comes up."

In 2005, won a gold medal in rowing double sculls for California. Rows in Newport Harbor with other executives. Rowed at UCLA. Competes in masters competitions. Inspired his son to row, now rowing for Orange Coast College.

Enjoys eating at Gulfstream along Pacific Coast Highway in Newport Beach. Likes ambience: Two sculls donated from rowing club at UC Irvine hang overhead.

Likes spending time with his family, boating, water-skiing. Wife of 25 years Dawn, two children, son, 21, daughter, 17.

-Pal Maio

SCOTT NELSON FLANDERS

CEO, President

Freedom Communications Inc.

Born in Indiana Dec, 26, 1956

Lives in Newport Beach (building in Shady Canyon)

N. CHRISTIAN ANDERSON III

Publisher, CEO

The Orange County Register;

President, Metro Information Division;.

Senior Vice President

Freedom Communications Inc.

Born in Idaho, Aug. 4, 1950

Lives in Coto de Caza

Flanders took top spot at OC's dominant media company in January after former OC 50er Alien Bell retired.

Since then, been crisscrossing country, meeting with workers, talking strategy.

Steering Freedom into new phase after 2004 company sale to private equity firms Blackstone Group, Providence Equity Partners. Deal, worth $2 billion, ended feuding among descendants of founding Holies family, who sold about 58% of shares. Firms are capped at a 49.9% voting stake. Expected to want to cash out around 2010.

Has history with Blackstone: Oversaw firm's sale of Columbia House to Bertelsmann last year.

Former Freedom director, oversees some 70 newspapers-including Santa Ana-based Orange County Register-eight television stations, magazines.

Has big plans for OC. More local Web sites, magazines, maybe a TV station. (Would be second go-round after failed Orange County NewsChannel in 1990s.)

Wants to snag largest share of advertising dollars spent in OC on all media. Considering launching or buying magazines.

Putting more resources into Web. Wants to make it a major focus. Scouting for president of interactive development.

Told Wall Street Journal: "If we're going to get growth, it will come from capturing new readers, being able to segment them and being able to let advertisers target audiences."

Former New Yorker, likes broadcast. Could buy more newspapers in 100,000-circulation range.

Battling long running decline in readers. Flagship Register holding up, beating national averages.

Wants to make Freedom more profitable, reduce debt, which was $792 million in September.

Before running Columbia House, was president of Macmillan Publishing, now part of Germany's Verlagsgruppe Georg von Holtzbrinck.

Not big on mentoring, micro managing. Rather would give employees leeway, correct mistakes when they happen.

Has an economics degree from University of Colorado, law degree from University of Indiana. CPA.

Loves sports, including Indiana basketball, football, running, hiking, reading nonfiction books. Also into politics, domestic, international policy. Misses late meals in Manhattan after working until 11 p.m.

Married, three daughters.

Anderson top man at flagship Register since 1999. Heads other OC ventures under Freedom Orange County Information, Freedom Metro Information, which includes company's biggest papers: Register, Gazette in Colorado Springs, CoIo., Phoenix-area papers.

Fought-and won-block-by-block war with Times for OC readers that ended around 2000, when Tribune bought Times. L.A. paper couldn't "outlocal the locals," Anderson says.

Continues to fine-tune Register to appeal to more readers. Most recently replaced business with "Marketplace" section, redid local coverage.

Employs about 2,000 workers at Santa Ana newsroom, printing plant. Celebrated paper's 100th anniversary last year.,

Joined Register as editor in 1980 from Seattle Times. Pushed reader-friendly graphics, shorter stories, upgraded editorial content.

Named 1988 editor of the year by National Press Foundation, 1993 California newspaper executive of the year by California Press Association. Reassigned in 1994 as publisher of Colorado Springs Gazette, Freedom's third largest paper. Returned to Register in 1998.

Past president of American Society of Newspaper Editors. Director, KOCE-TV Foundation, Orange County Community Foundation.

Wife Aletha, four kids. Likes reading, skiing.

-Jennifer Bellantonio

WILLIAM HUNT GROSS

founder, Managing Director,

Chief Investment Officer

Pacific Investment Management Co.

Born in Middletown, Ohio,

April 13, 1944

Lives in Laguna Beach

WILLIAM SAMUEL THOMPSON

Managing Director, CEO

Pacific Investment Management Co,

Born in St. Louis, Aug. 7, 1945

Lives in Shady Canyon

Up to their necks in debt at world's largest manager of bond funds.

Gross is star fund manager, sought out for opinions on interest rates, economy, other matters. Thompson is global-minded executive looking to conquer opening markets in Europe, Asia.

Hot topic these days for Gross: interest rates. Predicted in December Fed would stop hikes at 4.5%, missed mark by quarter point so far. Bond king now podcasting monthly "Investment Outlook" column, which has huge following among finance types.

Challenges at hand: rising interest rates, inflation, deficits-all impacting bonds. Sought to diversify with currency, commodity, other funds.

Key rival BlackRock combining with assetmanagement arm of Merrill Lynch, would leapfrog Pimco as biggest bond fund manager.

Thompson unfazed: "Our goal is not to be the biggest but the best."

Company has $610 billion in assets under management. World's largest bond fund, Gross' Pimco Total Return Fund, has $93 billion in assets.

Last year, Pimco lost key emerging markets guy when Mohamed A. El-Erian left to manage Harvard University's $26 billion endowment.

Thompson, Gross skillfully pulled off majority sale six years ago to Allianz to create global powerhouse with more than $1 trillion under management, more than half managed by Pimco.

Were leaders in forming Pimco Advisors in 1994 after split from Pacific Life, which still retains $368 million stake as of Dec. 31, down from $1.5 billion in late 1990s.

Thompson chairs Pimco's compensation, executive, partners committees. Sits on management board, executive committee of Allianz Global Investors, as well as international executive committee of Allianz. At Pimco, oversees 800 people in U.S.-500 in Newport Center-seven global offices.

Disciplined, straight shooter, responsible for expanding business worldwide (manages people, business while Gross manages money). Targeting growth in deregulating Asian, European pension markets. A quarter of clients outside U.S., sees that growing to half.

Visits each office annually.

Serves hot dogs to workers every year on his birthday. Prior to joining Pimco in 1993 as CEO, spent 18 years with Salomon Brothers including two in Tokyo as chairman, Salomon Brothers Asia.

Personal mantra: Reward people on merit, not hierarchy. Don't let head get too big.

Thompson, Gross emerged stronger from mutual fund scandal couple of years ago. Pimco's funds drew attention from regulators, but no charges.

Thompson, Gross used episode to wrest control of Pimco name from parent company's troubled East Coast stock funds, which settled illegal trading charges

Last year, Allianz locked Gross into new two-year contract after his $200 million, five-year retention bonus from 2000 ran out. Said to be highest paid executive in OC.

Gross tweaking bond strategy as deficits widen, dollar falls. Been big buyer of TIPs-treasury inflation protected bonds.

No stranger to controversy, Gross has taken on hedge funds, GE, government inflation trackers. Called hedge funds overpriced, too leveraged (though he's used some of then-investing tricks amid low bond returns). Blasted way government tracks inflation. Said the consumer price index is really 1 % higher than official figures, real GDP is 1 % less. A Republican, came out against invading Iraq in 2003.

Broadcasts market commentaries from Pimco's own TV studio in Newport. In 1997 wrote, "Everything You've Heard About Investing is Wrong." "The Bond King: Investment secrets of Pimco's Bill Gross," by Tom Middleton, out in 2004.

Slave to routine. Checks data terminals from home at 4:30 a.m., eats breakfast, heads to office. Digests morning's economic news. Tries to keep information flow to a minimum. Limits phone calls, e-mails. No Blackberry, cell phone. At 8:30 a.m., breaks for gym for exercise, yoga.

Feared blackjack player. Learned how to play after a car crash put him in hospital during college. Honed skill in Las Vegas.

Humble, almost shy. Jogger, stamp collector. Last year, became second person to have complete 19th century U.S. stamp collection. To complete collection, acquired rare "1-cent Z Grill" from 1868, depicting Benjamin Franklin. Got stamp after paying $3 million at auction for 1918 24-cent airmail stamps known as "Inverted Jenny," then trading for Franklin stamp.

Bachelor's from Duke, MBA from UCLA. Philanthropic: with wife Sue, gave $23.5 million to Duke to endow scholarships, support faculty. Also gave $20 million to Hoag for hospital's Women's Pavilion bearing their names. Funded James Hines Foundation, which contributes $100,000 annually to OC Teachers of the Year. Donated $1.5 million to Sage Hills private school for minority scholarships. Couple supports Laguna Beach Boys & Girls Clubs.

Children: Jeff, 32, Jennifer, 29, Nick, 17.

Thompson on Pacific Life board. Involved with Hoag Hospital Foundation, now chairman emeritus.

Regularly contributes to Pacific Symphony Orchestra, Orangewood Children's Home. Instrumental in setting up $15 million Pimco Foundation, funded by managing directors.

Married to Nancy for 38 years. Couple into yoga, physical training, local charities. Gave $1 million to high school where they met. Last year, gave $8.5 million to University of Missouri-Columbia for autism treatment, research center.

Graduated from Missouri in 1968 with civil engineering degree. Business master's from Harvard.

Three children: William III, 33, works for Citigroup; Emily, 30, Bucknell University, Chapman U alum living in Newport Beach, works with autistic children; Brad, 27, attended University of Oregon, lives in San Francisco.

Raised in Midwest. He, wife own home in Lake Tahoe, cabin near Lake of Ozarks in Missouri where they go bass fishing. Likes reading, golf (15 handicap). Has played in Toshiba Pro Am, AT&T Pebble Beach Classic. Also loves vintage American cars.

-Pat Maio

PARKER STEVEN KENNEDY

Chairman, CEO

The First American Corp,

Bom in Orange, Feb. 18, 1948

Lives in Orange Park Acres

Leading charge to diversify nation's No. 2 title insurer. Despite efforts, Wall Street continues to value on core business of writing policies to protect buyers of homes, other real estate from contesting claims.

Spent 2005 buying, diversifying, grabbing market share from rivals in industry that's slowed from 2003 peak. In fourth quarter, First American said it's buying Clearwater, Fla.'s Trans-Continental Title Co.

Also buying non-title companies at rapid pace. Moving deeper into data services for lenders, real estate agents, appraisers.

Company boasts of nation's largest, most comprehensive property database. Has 35,444 workers, including 2,395 in OC. Recently undertook major expansion of Santa Ana campus, added nearly 300,000 square feet of space.

More acquisitions could be in the works: looking at "quite a few fairly expensive acquisitions" Kennedy says.

Title insurance remains largest source of business at 72% of 2005 revenue, nearly same as in 2000. Five-year goal: title at half of sales.

Title industry seeing continued troubles with refinancing, housing slowdown.

Industry as a whole could be off by 10% in 2006, company projects, with housing slowdown.

Kennedy is fourth generation to run business founded in 1889 by great grandfather C.E. Parker. Went public in 1964, family run since then. Succeeded dad Donald Kennedy as chairman in 2003.

Shareholders, directors call shots.

"I could be fired tomorrow," Kennedy says.; "I think that's a very good thing."

Runs OC's No. 2 public company with 2005 sales of $8.1 billion, after Ingram Micro, following Fluor's move to Texas. Net income up 39% to $485 million last year.

Before joining First American in 1977, spent four years with Beverly Hills law firm Levinson & lieberman. Became First American vice president in 1979, executive vice president in 1983. Became president in 1993 (company didn't use chief executive title back then).

Gave up president's title in late 2004, named Craig DeRoy to spot. DeRoy company insider, but not member of Kennedy clan. Succession not being discussed yet. Both men in their 50s.

Title insurance industry under increasing scrutiny. First American, others being investigated by New York Attorney General Eliot Spitzer. Follows California Insurance Commissioner John Garamendi's probe into title insurer payments to lenders, agents, homebuilders for referrals.

In July, First American, other title insurers agreed to pay $37.8 million to settle charges with Garamendi. Followed $24 million settlement in 2004 with Colorado over similar charges.

Diversification key for growth. In 2004, acquired Experian Real Estate Services from Costa Mesa's Experian Group, run by OC 50er, former employee Don Robert. Along with Experian, bought Transamerica Finance's tax, flood business for $375 million in 2003, one of company's largest buys for Kennedy.

After more than 50 acquisitions in past two decades, company now does credit reporting, flood zone insurance, property valuation, worker screening, automotive credit, other services.

Current market value at $4 billion. Kennedy contends company should be valued closer to $6 billion, with its more profitable data services, 77% stake in St. Petersburg, FIa.-based First Advantage, holding company for businesses outside real estate.

Fortune 500 company (No. 284 this year, up from No. 309 in 2004). Perennial Fortune "Most Admired," Forbes 400 company. Parker ranked fifth "Best Boss" in nation in 2003 by Forbes. One of the Business Journal's fastestgrowing companies.

Personable, remembers employees' birthdays.

Involved with many groups. Serves on board of Boy Scouts of America's OC Council, received group's Distinguished Citizen Award in 2004. Past chair of Santa Ana Chamber of Commerce, Bowers Museum. Has bachelor's in economics from USC; law degree from Hastings College of Law, San Francisco.

With wife of 27 years, Sherry, have two grown children. Hobbies include running (including Los Angeles Marathon), fly-fishing, golf.

-Mark Mueller

ARTURO RICARDO "ARTE" MORENO

Owner, Angels Baseball LP .

Bom in Tucson, Aug. 14, 1946

Lives in Phoenix, La JoIIa

Started 2006 season with big court win over Anaheim in battle over team name.

City still could appeal. Moreno could play hardball, press for legal fees.

Prevailed in early February when jury found he didn't violate team's lease at Angel Stadium of Anaheim when he added Los Angeles to name. Got another victory in March, when judge rejected city request for injunction against Los Angeles name.

Fans seem to be staying above the fray, though many still refer to team as "Anaheim Angels." Season ticket sales at 30,000, up from last year's record 28,387.

In February, struck $500 million, 10-year TV deal with Fox Sports West after breaking off talks just days earlier.

Efforts paying off: Forbes just valued team at $368 million, twice $184 million Moreno paid to buy from Disney in 2003.

Angels had strong 2005, winning American League West with 95-67 record. Beat pricey New York Yankees in first round playoffs. Lost American League championship to eventual world champs Chicago White Sox. Team drew 3.4 million fans last season.

Has opened wallet to bring competitive team to Orange County. Opening day payroll of $103.6 million ranked third in baseball.

Unloaded veterans in offseason. Pitcher Jarrod Washburn went to division rival Seattle Mariners. Veteran catcher Bengie Molina signed with Toronto Blue Jays, took parting shots at Angels.

Aggressive marketer. Adding Los Angeles touted as way to expand team's appeal to advertisers. TV.

Even with name controversy, enjoyed favorable local, national coverage. Came across as likeable during trial, sarcastic at times.

Says he loves OC. Looking for coastal home in Newport or Laguna so he doesn't have to put up family in hotels during homestands.

Moreno, other investors, bought Spanish language Radio 830 KMXE for $42 million. Station to do Spanish broadcasts of Angel games.

Insists on being called "Arte." Focused, laconic. Enjoys watching baseball over beer with buddies.

Made fortune in billboards. With partner Bill Levine (minority investor in Angels), built Outdoor Systems into player, sold to Viacom for $8.7 billion in stock in 1999. Forbes puts wealth at $940 million.

Former owner of minor league baseball team in Salt Lake City, had been minority owner of Arizona Diamondbacks in native Arizona. Owned stake worth some $30 million in NBA's Phoenix Suns.

Fourth-generation Mexican-American, semi-reluctant role model for OC, other Hispanics. Oldest of 11 children. Speaks fluent Spanish, often to fans, workers. Thanked Hispanic juror with "muchas gracias."

Father ran print shop, grandfather published newspaper. Attended Catholic grammar school, worked in dad's print shop during high school. Joined Army in 1965. fought in Vietnam.

Returned to Tucson. enrolled at University of Arizona. Graduated in 1973 with marketing degree, activities included Alpha Tau Omega fraternity.

Staunch Republican. Met with President Bush at December fund-raiser in Phoenix. Lives in tony part of town near Arizona Biltmore Resort and Spa. Family spends summers at La Jolla home. Travels via private jet.

With wife Carole (who's prominent in Phoenix social circles), spent honeymoon driving the West Coast attending baseball games. Son, two daughters. Enjoys spending time with family. Longtime Little League coach.

-Vita Reed

MATT ANTHONY OUIMET

President, Disneyland Resort

Walt Disney Co.

Born in Augsberg, Germany,

March 16, 1958

Lives in Coto de Caza

Master of ceremonies for Disney's ongoing 50th anniversary.

2005, actual anniversary year for Disneyland Park, was a smash, best since 2000. seeking to keep crowds coming by stretching anniversary marketing push through September

Says 2006 could be even better than last year, when Disneyland hit 14.5 million visitors, Disney hotels were 96% full.

Heads OC's largest private employer at about 20,000 "cast members." Manages two theme parks, three hotels, Downtown Disney. Works from office with view of Space Mountain, Matterhorn Bobsleds, Twilight Zone Tower of Terror

Has new boss. Ouimet (pronounced "wemet") had reported to Jay Rasulo, chairman of Walt Disney Parks & Resorts in Burbank. Now falls under Al Weiss, former head of Walt Disney World in Orlando, now president of worldwide operations under Rasulo

Company centralizing command of parks with executive committee headed by Rasulo.

Likes new Disney boss Robert Iger: "Bob has laid out something that's really good for us."

Appears relaxed, comfortable. Frequently walks parks. Puts emphasis on detail, recognizes employee efforts. Last year, served breakfast to 1,500 night shift custodians.

Disney's California Adventure, which opened in 2000, remains work in progress. Drew nearly 6 million visitors last year, helped by overflow crowds at Disneyland. Has added rides based on movies "Finding Nemo," "Monsters, Inc." to revitalize second park.

In October, went to Australia to pitch Aussies on visiting. Says he "can go to Finland and have people instantly recognize the place I work. That doesn't happen to very many people."

As part of bid to keep attention on Disneyland, relaunching Pirates of the Caribbean ride to coincide with movie this summer. Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage to open in 2007 at Disneyland with flashy technology. Disneyland started podcasts showcasing rides last fall with 65,000 downloaded so far.

Says anniversary was "chance to show the economic impact of the Disneyland Resort on Orange County."

Gratified to see how global spotlight was turned on OC, creating greater awareness for area, benefiting other businesses.

Charitable giving-financial, in-kind, scholarships, volunteer efforts-source of pride for Disney, Ouimet. Donated $1 million to Anaheim Boys & Girls Club. Three-quarters of Disneyland execs involved in area nonprofits.

Oversaw strong Southland debut of Disney cruises last summer. Trips to Mexico from Los Angeles nearly sold out. Ships now set to tour Mediterranean for first time in 2007.

Ouimet was president of Disney Cruise Line. Disney's Port Canaveral cruise terminal before joining Disneyland Resort.

Life before Disney: worked in auditing, commercial real estate development. Came to Disney in 1989 via real estate department of Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. Became senior vice president of finance, business development at Walt Disney World.

Also served as senior vice president of finance, chief financial officer at Walt Disney Imagineering. Was executive general manager of Disney Vacation Club, Disney's Wide World of Sports.

Held position of executive vice president of new business initiatives for Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, developed new ways to target core Disney vacationers.

Grew up in upstate New York with two brothers, one a twin. Mom was cashier, father built roads, did other jobs. Instilled work ethic in kids. Friends from college say he hasn't changed, despite coming a long way.

Graduated from Binghamton University, where he was a wrestler. Wife Kathleen, two children. Says family enjoying life here. Likes to golf, studies history in spare time.

-Sandi Cain

DONALD AUSTIN ROBERT

CEO, Experian Group

Born in Portland, Ore., May 15, 1959

Lives in Newport Coast

Preparing to lead independent company after it cuts apron strings from British retailing parent.

Built up credit reporting company under Britain's GUS. Within next year, GUS plans to spin off Experian to shareholders with London Stock Exchange listing.

Independent Experian bound for London HQ. Small staff expected in London with listing there. Operational headquarters set to stay in Costa Mesa, Nottingham, England. Costa Mesa now de facto HQ with Robert, other top brass.

Robert still deciding where he'll end up. Could split time.

Arguments on both sides. Robert has said he could lead from Costa Mesa, but would rack up more air miles. In London, would be closer to shareholders, analysts, rest of top brass making move.

Company is hard-charging unit alongside more sluggish GUS retail siblings, home improvement chain HomeBase, general merchandiser Argos.

Experian has yearly sales of $3 billion. North American sales up 35% through the six months ended March 31.

Separation stands to boost Experian's identity, bring investors. Market value of company could reach $12 billion or more.

Robert loves idea of heading up new independent company with own board: "We'll be better able to tell our story."

Has pushed global expansion, including in China, Russia, India.

Joined Experian in 2001 as president of Experian Credit Services. Rose to CEO of Experian Group a year ago. At same time was named to board of GUS, one of Britain's largest companies.

Guided company through acquisition binge to grow quickly with financing help from parent.

Wanted to expand beyond credit reporting business. Spent hundreds of millions on companies that did everything from help with financial planning to comparison shopping online.

Company now has 12,000 employees in 29 countries.

Banker's mentality: Worked at U.S. Bancorp for 15 years. Titles included vice president of emerging business until mid 1990s.

Later joined Santa Ana-based First American, built up, managed consumer information and services group from 1995 to 2001. Still has ties: sits on board of First Advantage, First American's Florida holding company for non-title insurance business.

Leader who doesn't demand spotlight. Informal. Focused.

Oregon State University alum. Fan of the Beavers' football team.

Member of the board of counselors for Chapman University's Argyros School of Business and Economics.

Avid wine collector. Plays golf.

Good-size family: Wife Jennifer, four children.

-Brian Womack

THOMAS COLE SUHON

Chairman, CEO

Pacific Mutual Holding Co.,

Pacific Life Insurance Co.

Born in Atlanta, June 2, 1942

Lives in Corona del Mar

JAMES THOMAS MORRIS

Chief Operating Officer

Pacific Mutual Holding Co.,

Pacific Life Insurance Co.

Born in Bryn Mawr, Pa., Jan. 11, 1960

Lives in Laguna Niguel

Life insurance lifer Sutton nearing retirement sometime next year. Heir apparent Morris taking on more responsibilities.

At January reception where nonprofits were given $3 million by Pacific Life, Sutton made a point to introduce affable Morris to crowd.

Morris not officially named as Sutton's successor yet. But slew of management changes at Newport Beach-based insurance company make him CEO-in-waiting. In January, Morris named chief operating officer.

Sutton heads parent company Pacific Mutual Holding, primary operating unit Pacific Life. County's largest private company with 2005 sales of $4.6 billion. Owned by policyholders.

Calls management style "laid back." Often foregoes tie.

Has overseen big diversification beyond Pacific Life's traditional life insurance into broader financial services.

Last year, paid $2.6 billion for Bellevue, Wash.-based aircraft leasing company Boullioun Aviation Services. Move doubled Pacific Life's Aviation Capital Group, launched more than a decade ago. Now has 220 planes worth more than $5 billion.

In 2004, paid $40 million for 49% stake in New York's Asset Management Finance, a financier of money managers.

Parent owns brokerages M.L. Stern & Co., Associated securities, Mutual Service Corp., United Planners' Financial Services of America, Waterstone Financial Group. Premiums make company big investor in mortgages, bonds, venture funds.

Last month, Pacific Life unveiled plans to develop building in Aliso Viejo, move 1,000 employees from Newport Beach, Foothill Ranch once eight-story story offices are done in 2008. Plans to keep headquarters at company-owned Newport Center building.

Employs 2,500 workers in OC, down 8% from 2004 levels with shift of work to regional business center in Nebraska, 2004 sale of health insurance unit to PacifiCare.

Princeton-based College Savings Bank, college savings plans acquisition made in 2002, may go on block. Sutton says he'd consider selling $800 million-in-asset thrift because lacks strategic purpose.

Company spawned bond fund manager Pacific Investment Management. Still retains investment tie to Pimco. Stake fell to $366 million in 2005, down from $1.5 billion in the late 1990s. Germany's Allianz, which bought most of Pimco in 2000, could exercise option to buy remaining Pacific Life stake this year. Pimco boss, OC 50er William Thompson on Pacific Life board.

Big sports backer as way to reach new customers, connect with existing ones. Title sponsor of Pacific Life Open, an Indian Wells tennis tournament. Also, title sponsor of Pacific Life Holiday Bowl, Pacific Life Pac-10 Men's Basketball Championship, Pacific Life Yacht Club Challenge.

Company owns Tijeras Creek Golf Club, which it bought in the 1990s from OC 50er Anthony Moiso.

Big community benefactor. Committed $3.6 million this year. Beneficiaries include: Performing Arts Center, Bolsa Chica Conservancy, Tiger Woods Learning Center Foundation, KOCE, UCI Foundation, Ocean Institute. Gave $1 million to UNICEF for tsunami relief.

Long-running local CEO, now in 16th year at helm of Pacific Life. Worked summers with the company during college, stayed on as an actuary.

Earned bachelor's in mathematics, physics from University of Toronto. Completed Harvard University's Advanced Management Program.

Director, the Irvine Co., Southern California Edison. Member, UCI Chief Executive Roundtable. Chairman, Public Policy Institute of California, Association of California Life & Health Insurance Cos. Member of California Chamber of Commerce board. Past chairman, American Council of Life Insurers, Health Insurance Association of America.

Last year, saw OC 50er David Pyott of Allergan join Pacific Life's board.

Wife, high school sweetheart, Marilyn, English professor. Three grown sons, one grown daughter.

Skis, golfs, travels, reads. Recent nightstand reading, "Warped Passages: Unraveling the Mysteries of the Universe's Hidden Dimensions." Says he could go back to school to study physics upon retirement.

Morris was summer actuarial student from 1981 to 1982 with Transamerica Occidental before joining Pacific Life in 1982 as assistant actuary in marketing.

Promoted to assistant VP, product research, development in 1986. Rose through ranks to department VP by 1990. Six years later became senior VP.

In 2002, promoted to executive VP of life insurance division. A year ago, role expanded to include annuities, mutual funds division, Pacific Select Group, which oversees brokerages. Named chief operating officer in January.

Oversees donations for Pacific Life's political action committee.

Fellow, Society of Actuaries. Member, American Academy of Actuaries. Graduated from UCLA with bachelor's in mathematics, 1982.

Married to Ann Morris, two children. Couple supports Court Appointed Special Advocates, nonprofit mentoring group.

-Pat Maio

ROSEMARY LOLITA TURNER

Vice President,

Southern California District

United Parcel Service Inc.

Bom in Houston, May 10, 1961

Lives in Laguna Niguel

UPS lifer, heads Brown's largest market with $1.4 billion in yearly sales.

Oversees 7,000 workers. Operation extends from Long Beach to Mexico border. Serves 178,000 customers a day, including Ingram Micro, Target, Beckman Coulter, Oakley.

Public face. Regular at business, community events. Management philosophy: teach, lead, motivate. Has about 18 managers.

Air of determined professionalism with flashes of casual, endearing personality.

With company for 24 years. Worked at UPS part-time during college, drove truck. Still carries trucker's drivers license. Formerly VP of northern plains district, made up of 3,400 workers, 120,000 customers daily in Nebraska, Dakotas. Was a California girl up until then. Calls time in bone-chilling Omaha a shock.

Hits home gym before daybreak. Runs five miles a day on treadmill while watching CNN. Spends much of day in field drumming up business.

One of most prominent women in business in OC, along with OC 50er Anne B?lec. Business Journal women in business award winner, 2003. Named one of 10 women making a difference by OC Metro two years ago.

Credits mother, single parent who held down multiple jobs, stressed education, as inspiration. Has bachelor's in accounting from Loyola Marymount in Los Angeles. Recipient of 2005 William Strickland Award for Excellence from her alma mater. Last year was keynote speaker at school fundraiser for African American Alumni Association Scholarship Fund.

On boards of Orange County United Way (heading 2005-2006 campaign), Orange County Business Council, Performing Arts Center. Founding member of Orange County Women's Philanthropy Fund. Gave $80,500 to second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County this year on behalf of UPS.

Member, UPS" strategic planning committee responsible for company's role in Black Executive Exchange Program sponsored by National Urban League. Volunteer, Juvenile Diabetes, March of Dimes. Mentors upcoming professionals.

Hobbies include golf, jogging, reading, shopping. Jazz enthusiast. Husband Robert.

-Sherri Cruz

PETER VICTOR UEBERROTH

Managing Director

Contrarian Group Inc.

Chairman, U.S. Olympic Committee

Born in Evanston, III., Sept. 2. 1937

Lives in Laguna Beach (Emerald Bay)

Making rounds of cities hoping to host 2016 Olympic games as chairman of U.S. Olympic Committee.

Seen as white knight after Olympic scandals of past few years, infighting at committee. Colorado Senator recently introduced bill "congratulating and commending" Ueberroth, others for transforming group.

Recently appointed Newport Beach's Bob Ctvrtlik as committee's international VP. Ctvrtlik possible successor to Ueberroth, whose term ends in two years.

Enjoys lasting notoriety from role organizing 1984 Los Angeles Olympics. Turned around near-bankrupt operation by bringing in corporate sponsors. Left $200 millionplus surplus, which continues to back youth sports programs today. Time magazine's Man of the Year for 1984.

Supported Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger after own bid for governor in 2003 recall vote fizzled. A Republican, ran as independent focused on jobs.

Managing director of Newport's Contrarian Group, which brings tougher investors to buy stakes in turnaround candidates, then puts one of them in charge.

Classic case: 1999 buy of Pebble Beach for $820 million. Group entered bidding late, bypassed auction by forging ties with Japanese owners. Buyout team included Arnold Palmer, Clint Eastwood, Richard Ferris. As CEO, put in Bill Perocchi, who worked with Ueberroth in hotel business in early 1990s.

Now faces fight with environmentalists over plans for 18-hole golf course, driving range, horse park, homes, hotel in Monterey Peninsula's fabled Del Monte Forest. Offering to preserve some 850 acres. Has county approval. Voters passed project a few years ago. Issue rests with California Coastal Commission, which is holding hearings.

Ueberroth, co-chairman of Pebble Beach Co., Eastwood waited for hours to speak before commissioners at a peaked March meeting. Commission decision due in June.

Baseball commissioner, 1984 to 1989. Boasts a\\learns were profitable when he left. Picked to head Rebuild L.A. committee after 1993 riots. Resigned when he couldn't raise enough corporate funds.

Created First Travel in 1962, sold it in 1980 as the second-largest U.S. travel company. In 1990s, started company that bought Doubletree, Red Lion, Embassy Suites, Hampton Inn. Later sold to Hilton, where he's a director.

Also director of Coca-Cola, with Warren Buffett. His pay, that of other Coke directors, now tied to financial results.

Chairman, Newport Beach-based meeting planner Ambassadors International. Son Joseph is CEO. Friend of OC 50er Donald Bren. Wife Brigitte Bren is Ambassadors director.

Company just bought American West Steamboat, which runs two cruise ships in the Pacific Northwest.

Business degree from San Jose State University, attended on water polo scholarship.

Moved around several times as child. At 16, moved into an orphanage for children of broken homes. Became home's recreation director, earning $125 a month.

Wife Virginia, goes by Ginny. Chairs Ueberroth Family Foundation, trustee Hoag Hospital Foundation. Director, First American, along with OC 50er Parker Kennedy. Couple owns Paso Robles winery, organically produces zinfandels.

Couple has three daughters, son. Eight grandchildren.

-Michael Lyster

HONORABLE MENTION

ROLAND ARNALL, ASEEM MITAL

U.S. ambassador to the Netherlands, owner, Ameriquest Capital Corp.; CEO, ACC Capital Holdings Corp.

ROBERT COLE, BRAD MORRICE

Chairman, CEO, cofounder; Vice chairman, president, COO, cofounder (set to become CEO in July);' . New Century Financial Corp.

ROBERT HOFF

General partner

Crosspoint Venture Partners

FLETCHER "TED" JONES JR.

CEO, president, Fletcher Jones Management Group

GEORGE KAYE

Senior vice president, group manager of retail banking Washington Mutual Inc.

O.S. "OWEN" KOH, LEN HUNT

CEO, president

Hyundai Motor America Inc.;

Executive vice president, COO

Kia Motors America Inc.

MAURICE L. McALISTER

Cofounder, chairman,

Downey Financial Corp.

THOMAS McKERNAN

CEO, president Automobile Club of Southern California

BYRON ROTH

Chairman, CEO,

Roth Capital Partners LLC

DAVID WILSON

Chairman, CEO,

David Wilson's Automotive Group

MARK WETTERAU

Chairman, CEO

Golden State Foods

NICK E. YOCCA

Cofounder, president

Stradling Yocca Carlson & Rauth

KIM YOUNG, DAVID RITCHIE

Executive vice president, regional president;

executive VP, regional manager

Wells Fargo Community Bank

REAL ESTATE

GEORGE LEON ARGYROS

Chairman, CEO, Arnel & Affiliates;

Limited Partner, Westar Capital LLC

Bom in Detroit, Feb. 4, 1937

Lives in Newport Beach (Harbor Island)

Picked up where he left off.

Starting second year back in OC after serving as ambassador to Spain from 2001 to late 2004. Back at helm of Arnel, his real estate development, management company. But says he's staying out of way of executives who ran things while he was gone.

Resumed directorship at First American, where he's an investor. Prior to ambassadorship, spent 13 years on title insurer's board.

Politics, charitable endeavors back on.

In January, co-hosted Newport Beach meeting with governor's Chief of Staff Susan Kennedy, local donors. Director of U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Washington, D.C.. business group that recently ran ads in support of Arnold Schwarzenegger with money from moderate GOP group New Majority, where Argyros is a member.

Helping wounded Iraq soldiers with $5 million pledge to Military Veterans Scholarship Program.

Longtime force in local real estate. Recent comments have been bearish. At October conference, called market overheated.

Founded Arnel in 1968. Costa Mesa-based company owns, manages 5,200 apartments in OC. more than 2 million square feet of commercial space. Local holdings include Metro Pointe near South Coast Plaza.

Last year, struck deal to buy former Super K site in La Habra, first deal since Argyros' return. Company plans to turn the site into a 220,000-square-foot shopping center.

Formed venture capital firm Westar Capital in 1987. Holdings include pet products maker Doskocil Manufacturing, cooler maker Igloo Products.

Investments proved successful last year. Owns 12.5% stake in DST Systems, a Kansas City, Mo.-based maker of financial software. Shares up 20% in 2005, boosting value of Argyros' stake to $540 million.

Has estimated worth of $1.4 billion. About half comes from stocks.

Worked way through school at Mayfair grocery market in Orange. Became assistant manager. Sent to manage Palm Springs store, becoming grocer's youngest manager.

Says he left grocery business "to make some money."

In 1962, started selling land next to oil companies for service stations. He'd bid on state land as freeways were built in OC. Went on to buy land for restaurants, stores.

Realized it wasn't how much mone.y you made, "but how much you kept." Starting building, owning real estate.

Made initial fortune. In 1981, paid $12 million for Seattle Mariners. Had never been to Seattle before.

Lost $30 million on team in next five years before turning operation around.

Bought AirCal with OC 50er William Lyon for $62 million in 1981. "1 thought baseball was nuts. Then I bought an airline," he says.

Ownership marked by recession, high oil prices, interest rates, air traffic controller strike. Says he happily sold to American Airlines five years later for $225 million. Played reluctant seller in negotiations. Lyon played eager one.

Before becoming ambassador, headed up California fund raising for 2000 Bush campaign, helping to raise $30 million. Was prominent figure in push for El Toro airport in early 1990s.

Major contributor to Chapman University, where business school, student center, Argyros Forum bear his name. Also given to Performing Arts Center. Supported college scholarships to Horatio Alger Association of Young Scholars (designated for Southern Californians).

1993 winner of Horatio Alger Award; association's treasurer, chairman emeritus. Recent recipient of Norman Vincent Peale Award.

Second-generation Greek-American. First job was mowing lawns. Besides grocery store, early career stops included paperboy, oil sales, food distribution. Earned licenses in securities, insurance, real estate.

Neighbor of Irvine Co.'s Donald Bren on Harbor Island.

Alumnus of Michigan State, Chapman. Majored in Business and Economics. Served more than 26 years as chairman of Chapman's board. Still a trustee.

Member, Bethesda, Md.-based Chief Executives Organization. Former chairman, Richard Nixon Library; founding chairman of Nixon Center in Washington, D.C.; former chairman, current board member, OC Council Boy Scouts of America. Currently on board of Caltech, chairman, Beckman Foundation.

Wife Judie, went by Julia in Spain. Also known as "Mrs. Ambassadorable." Has three children, six grandchildren. Enjoys sailing, snow skiing, running, golf, fishing, hunting.

-Mark Mueller

DONALD LEROY BREN

Owner, Chairman

The Irvine Company

Bom in Los Angeles, May 11 1932

Lives in Newport Beach (Harbor Island)

Undisputedly OC's most powerful name.

Driving force behind Irvine Co., largest real estate owner in county. Recent buys have made him a big San Diego landlord.

OC's richest man at Business Journal estimated $7.5 billion.

Shaped county's development more than anyone. Has owned, directed company for more than two decades. Estimated empire spans more than 30 million square feet of offices, shopping centers.

Owns more than 400 office buildings, 35 shopping centers, 80 apartment complexes. Rent from offices, apartments, shopping centers at estimated $1.5 billion yearly. Land sales, development push annual revenue to estimated $2 billion.

Moves watched closely for clues about real estate markets. Recent deals show big faith in offices, especially upscale towers.

Early this year, spent close to $1 billion on OC, San Diego trophy towers.

In OC, acquired Newport Gateway, Irvine Towers, where rents already nudging up. In San Diego, bought four of downtown's premier buildings, including signature tower One America Plaza.

Paid top-dollar for properties, close to $385 per square foot for Newport Gateway, nearrecord for county. Paid record-shattering $500 per square foot in San Diego.

San Diego moves part of ongoing expansion beyond OC. In 2003, 2004, bought four San Diego towers for about $550 million. In 2000, paid $350 million for Century City's Fox Plaza, Westside trophy.

Not just buying. Building company's first office towers in more than 15 years. In April, started construction on 20-40 Pacifica, twin 15-story towers next to Irvine Spectrum Center.

Also readying fifth office building at recently acquired Irvine Towers project, a 10story, 231,178-square-foot tower.

Recently completed three-year, $240 million renovation of shopping centers, office buildings, hotels, apartments.

Opened first phase of The Village at Irvine Spectrum Center, apartment complex next to shopping center. seeking to put people next to jobs, shopping in Spectrum.

Hasn't jumped into high-rise condo craze. Spokesman says "it's not what we do. We build communities."

In fall, won approval for developments in Anaheim, east Orange, which faces Sierra Club lawsuit.

Assumed management of company's The Island hotel Newport Beach, formerly the Four Seasons.

Started construction of resort next to Tom Fazio-designed golf courses at Pelican Hill. Redesign based on classic Italian architecture. Closed OCs best, most expensive public golf course during redesign.

Construction continues for 700,000 square feet of buildings at University Research Park for Broadcom. Deal could turn park into research hub it was meant to be.

Woodbury, first masterplanned community in Northern Sphere project, one of Bren's final big housing developments, off to strong start, earning national award for finest masterplanned community.

In next decade, Northern Sphere should add some 12,000 homes, apartments to Irvine.

Said to be happy with Lennar's buy of El Toro, which sits amid Irvine Co. developments, land. Lennar known entity, worked on Irvine Ranch for years.

Cited again by Business Week as one of the country's most generous philanthropists.

In 2004, gave $20 million to UCI for what now is Donald Bren School of Information and Computer Sciences.

Given $40 million in all to UCI, mostly for academic chairs. Funded UCI's Bren Events Center, campus theater named after his stepmother, Claire Trevor Bren, actress who died in 2000. School of Environmental Sciences and Management at UC Santa Barbara bears his name.

Company, Donald Bren Foundation spending $200 million over time to support teachers, principals, schools. Gave $20 million for arts and sciences in Irvine schools in April.

Has donated $50 million to enhance land reserve, created nonprofit Irvine Ranch Land Reserve Trust to manage open space, improve public access.

Contributed 21,000 acres to Nature Reserve of Orange County.

Avid outdoorsman. Now thinking about conservation legacy. In 2001 moved to set aside extra 11,000 acres as open space. Move cut nearly 8,000 homes from east Orange housing development, some 7,000 from Anaheim project.

More than half of 93,000-acre Irvine Ranch set aside for parks, open space.

Coined phrase "open space is freedom" while riding along Back Bay bike trail.

Twenty years of development left on Irvine Ranch. Evolved company into real estate manager.

Private, some insist shy. Stays out of spotlight. Comes to Newport Center office nearly every day, involved in all details, down to project colors, design. Inspired by coastal Mediterranean hillside towns.

In 1958, founded homebuilder Bren Co., now California Pacific Homes. Later started Mission Viejo Co. with O'Neill-Moiso family, others. Sold stake to partners, who later sold to Philip Morris in 1970s.

Part of 1977 group acquiring control of Irvine Co. Bought out most partners for $518 million in 1983. In 1991 paid $256 million court award to heiresses Joan Irvine Smith, mother Athelie Clarke for their shares. Became 100% owner in 1996.

Oversees team of younger hand-picked lieutenants. Lost head of office operations Bill Halford in January, no replacement named yet.

Sun Valley ski buddy of Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger. Political, personal ally of President Bush, both father, son.

A Caltech trustee. A UC, UCI Medal winner. Former Marine at Camp Pendleton, gave $1 million for two chairs at Marine Corps University in Quantico, Va. In 1998 received Semper Fidelis Award for support of Marine Corps University Foundation. Did officer training at Quantico in 1957.

Business administration, economics degree from University of Washington.

Mother Marion Jorgensen was married to movie producer Milton Bren, later steel magnate Earle M. Jorgensen, who died in 1999.

No talk of stepping back. Says Jorgensen, Arnold Beckman are idols. Both worked into 10Os.

Married to entertainment lawyer Brigitte Bren, runs international business consultancy. Son born in 2003. Has other children. Last year, family moved to new Harbor Island mansion built on double lot.

Two sons active in local real estate here, head their own companies. Neither holds positions at Irvine Co.

Splits time between Los Angeles, Harbor Island. Accomplished skier. Also windsurfs, sails, plays tennis.

-Mark Mueller

MICHAEL FREDERICK HARRAH

Owner, President

Caribou Industries Inc.

Born in Los Angeles, March 25, 1951

Lives in Newport Beach (Lido Isle)

"Big Mike" dominates Santa Ana real estate with burly frame, 3 million square feet of commercial space.

Played key role revitalizing county's most populous city by restoring old buildings, attracting restaurants, art galleries, other businesses.

Last year, opened own lavish theater, OC Pavilion, spending more than $20 million to convert former bank building. Earlier, converted old auto dealership into Original Mike's restaurant. Eats there weekly. Usually has meatloaf sandwich. Shot elk, heads of which hang on restaurant walls.

All part of effort for crowning project: proposed $86 million, 37-story office building between Civic Center, downtown.

One year after getting voter go-ahead, still working to line up tenants, financing. Says he's got three big names committed. Recently settled lawsuit with opponents.

Under pact with city, needs to have half of building leased before starting construction. Hopes to start building in fall. Envisions five-star French restaurant on top floor, Fortune 500 companies, big law firms below. Has to pay $12 million for traffic upgrades.

Could consider high-rise condos next to office tower.

Has sold some sizeable office buildings during past year to help finance tower. Still area's biggest landlord with about 50 buildings.

Said in April he was selling historic, 75year-old downtown Masonic Temple to Church of Scientology. Had spent $11 million to restore four-story building. Sale angering preservationists.

Sold three office buildings in 2004.

In past decade, has redeveloped much of central Santa Ana. Supporters call him savior for restoring old buildings, reviving city. Critics say he's changing historic downtown for worse with tower.

Most of space downtown, near Civic Center. Downtown now arts hub with trendy restaurants, lofts. Honored by Santa Ana Historical Preservation Society as Preservationist of the Year for 2003.

Owns Caribou Industries, development, construction, property management company with offices on Main Street. Does about $40 million a year in revenue.

Building tower with no opposition in Hawaii: 40-story luxury condo high-rise in downtown Honolulu set to finish in 2008.

Easily distinguishable from rest of county's real estate elite. Sports ZZ Top beard, 6 feet, 6 inches tall, 280 pounds. Piloted Cobra helicopter in aerial stunts for movies "Austin Powers: Goldmember," "The Hulk," "The Siege."

Last year, shot reality show pilot featuring him riding motorcycle, helicopter, dragster.

Born in Los Angeles, grew up in Whittier. Son of machinist and Whittier High School teacher. Attended Rio Hondo College, CaI State Long Beach. At 19, started working as framing carpenter, then general contractor by 21, building Riverside apartments. Made small fortune by 25.

Developed resort at Lake Havasu over 10 years while a national top water ski racer, boat racing contender. Development of shopping centers, hotels, golf courses, condominiums, marinas earned him millions.

Another large Havasu deal pushed him to bankruptcy in 1990. Had to rent room from mother-in-law in Garden Grove. Emerged from bankruptcy, turned to Santa Ana at a time when city was left for dead.

Hard-driving. Works seven days' a week, 16-hour days, very hands-on. Steady focus on business. Push to get projects going, keep them on track, leaves some with aggressive impression.

Supports community charities, including education, arts groups such as Orange County High School of the Arts, Boys & Girls Club.

Not married. Says he's looking at buying home in Santa Ana's Floral Park. Music fan. Plays drums, trombone. Likes to ride Harley, pilot helicopter, smoke cigars.

-Mark Mueller

JONATHAN MOSHEIM JAFFE

Chief Operating Officer

Lennar Corp.

Born in New York, Sept. 21 1959

Lives in Laguna Beach (Emerald Bay)

EMILE KHALIL HADDAD

Chief Investment Officer,

President, California Region

Lennar Corp.

Born in Beirut, Lebanon, June 14, 1958

Lives in Mission Viejo

Operations duo behind Miami-based homebuilder, developer.

Jaffe No. 2 exec at Lennar, after CEO. Promoted to COO from Western region president two years ago. Haddad heads massive California operation with 30 homebuilding, land divisions, more than 50,000 lots. Promoted to companywide chief investment officer.

Duo runs day-to-day operations for entire company. Miami HQ handles Wall Street.

Locally, remaking large swaths of Anaheim, Irvine, Tustin. Biggest drivers of higher-density, urban living in OC. Still see themselves as community developers. High-rises near rail links afford families more time at home, Haddad says.

Haddad responsible for finding real estate, managing assets. Over sees all urban developments. sees more European-style merging of residential, transit projects.

Works with Jaffe at Lennar's regional headquarters in Aliso Viejo.

Deals have propelled Lennar alongside Irvine Co., Rancho Mission Viejo, as one of largest, most influential developers. Deals in past 18 months bringing 10,000 homes to county.

Jaffe, Haddad Business Journal's Businesspersons of the Year for 2005.

Last year, pulled off biggest real estate deal here since Donald Bren bought Irvine Co.: $1 billion buy of former El Toro Marine base.

El Toro zoned for about 3,600 homes. Lennar expects first homes to finish in 2008. Site also includes more than 1,300 acres of public land for Great Park.

Has spent close to $250 million buying industrial buildings near Angel Stadium, as city created special zoning to allow housing with shops, offices. They plan 13 condo highrises at ?-Town development, including one as tall as 38 stories. Would be tallest condo tower in county.

Plan about 3,000 homes in Anaheim in all, plus commercial space. Demolition at ATown began early this year. Groundbreaking set for this month.

Another $55 million section of Anaheim industrial properties closed this year. A-Town 2 is expected to hold more than 1,000 homes, along with about 50,000 square feet of shops, restaurants.

Bought controlling stake in former Parker Hannifin site in Irvine for about $100 million to develop 1,400 condos, as well as shops, offices at 43-acre site. Central Park West plans include two high-rises. Some homes are due early next year. Towers set for 2007, 2008.

Last February, Lennar got approval to build about 2,000 homes at former Tustin Marine base. Developing two neighborhoods along with William Lyon Homes. First homes under way.

Jaffe led homebuilder's charge into California in 1995. Had to buy way into OC's tight-knit homebuilding club, where big landowners, homegrown builders dominate. Good ties with county's major landowners.

Oversaw combination of Lennar's homebuilding operations and Los Angeles-based Pacific Greystone. Followed that with U.S. Home deal.

Jaffe oversees 100 homebuilding, land divisions in Arizona, California, Carolinas, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Maryland, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Texas, Virginia.

Became executive officer with parent Lennar in 1994, vice president in 1999. On national advisory board of HomeAid America.

Sees OC housing market remaining strong due to supply-demand imbalance. But rising interest rates, prices could deter entry buyers.

Undergraduate degree from University of Florida, graduate studies in architecture at Georgia Tech University. Joined Lennar right out of college.

Wife Karen, three sons. Hobbies include tennis, enjoying beach life, coaching kids' little league teams. Lived in OC for past decade.

Haddad, like boss, has low-key style. Both prefer deflecting praise to other company members. Proud of Lennar's unique, entrepreneurial management style, which even includes company song, poem.

Haddad led land development in Southern California for Canada's Bramalea when Lennar bought it in 1996. Became part of executive staff here-common Lennar strategy.

Has civil engineering degree from American University of Beirut, has several California licenses in engineering, contracting. Member, Urban Land Institute.

Says his story is "story of America." Left troubled Lebanon with now-wife Dina. Couple had engagement party in Lebanon, married in Vegas. Daughter, 15, son, 9. Not big on hobbies, family man.

On board of Home Aid of Orange County, Children's Hospital of Orange County, UC Irvine's Paul Merage School of Business, USC's Lusk Center for Real Estate.

-Mark Mueller

WILLIAM LYON

Chairman, CEO

William Lyon Homes Inc.

Born in Los Ange/es, March 9, 1923

Lives in Coto de Caza

Persistent. For second time in a year, looking to buy what he doesn't already own of namesake homebuilder, take private.

In March, offered $93 per share for 25% he doesn't control. Upped offer to $100 in April. Board OK'd higher offer.

A year ago, board with different members rejected offer of $82 a share. Investors, betting Lyon would up ante, pushed shares to around $150. Analysts called episode "fiasco."

Looking to go private to cut costs of being public. Privatizing also could speed succession plans. Son, William H. Lyon, 32, taking on more responsibility with eye to succeeding father someday, sources say.

Seeing fallout of slowing housing. Firstquarter orders down 26%, off 33% in California.

Developing portion of Tustin Marine base with OC 50ers Jon Jaffe, Emil Haddad of Lennar.

In homebuilding for five decades. Started Luxury Homes with brother Leon in Fullerton in 1954. Sold company to American Standard in 1968. Started William Lyon Co. in Newport in 1972.

In 1987, acquired Newport's Presley Development, ran separately from William Lyon Co. Downturn of early 1990s reduced empire to rubble. Doggedly worked through disaster without resorting to bankruptcy.

Started William Lyon Homes in 1993. In 1999, combined William Lyon, Presley creating William Lyon Homes, just in time for housing boom.

OC's second-largest builder last year, with 647 homes sold in 2005, up 90% from a year earlier. Building in California, Arizona, Nevada. Has 12 projects in OC.

Owns majority stake in William Lyon Property Management, separate from William Lyon Homes. Company owns, manages about 10,000 apartments, primarily in OC.

In 2003, became chairman of Commercial Bank of California in Costa Mesa. Is major investor, involvement helped bank set record $27 million in startup funds.

Retired Air Force major general, served as chief of Air Force Reserve, 1975 to 1979. Seventeen combat decorations. Pilot during World War II, Korea.

Buddy, fellow OC 50er George Argyros jokes he finally outranked three-star general with ambassador stint in Spain.

Aviation buff: In 1981, he, Argyros paid $62 million to buy AirCal, turned around troubled regional airline. Sold five years later for $225 million.

In late 1980s, formed Air/Lyon with former AirCal exec, provided ground services for commercial airlines, private aircraft. Owned Martin Aviation.

Also an avid car collector: has 95 classic and antique cars, including 10 Duesenbergs (only 480 made). Has collection of old warplanes.

Politically connected. Member of moderate Republican group New Majority. Among top givers to Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger. In January, hosted with Argyros meeting with Chief of Staff Susan Kennedy, donors in Newport Beach.

Attended Dallas Aviation School and Air College, USC. Received honorary doctorate from USC in 2002.

Last year received Chairman's Distinguished Public Service Award in Pentagon ceremony for support of Operation Smile, which provides free reconstructive surgery around the world, including in Iraq, Afghanistan.

Also supports Boy Scouts, Performing Arts Center, Orangewood Children's Foundation.

Last year won an Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year award. He won for the real estate, hospitality, construction group.

In 2003, received lifetime achievement award from Forum for Corporate Directors.

Known for droll, deadpan sense of humor.

Lives with wife Willa Dean in mansion on 130-acre Goto estate. Five children. Pilots Gulfstream 4 business jet.

-Mark Mueller

HADI MAKARECHIAN

Chairman, CEO, President

Capital Pacific Holdings Inc.

Bom in Tehran, Iran, Jan. 30, 1948

Lives in Newport Beach (Big Canyon)

Readying to take on Irvine Co.-size development in Colorado: plans 75,000 homes, 75 million square feet of office, shopping, industrial space in next halfcentury on 23,000 acres in Colorado Springs.

Makar Properties, Capital Pacific offshoot run by son Paul Makarechian, owns land, managing project. Capital Pacific building homes.

First phase of project approved in February. Some hiccups with neighbors, water utility. Development fee payment of $500,000 in January helped push things along.

Hired former Colorado Springs economic development official as public face of Banning-Lewis Ranch project.

Capital Pacific known for building coastal McMansions. Yearly sales of $670 million. Now privately held. Delisted from American Stock Exchange in 2003, went private to avoid Sarbanes-Oxley compliance costs.

Homebuilding arm, Capital Pacific Homes, builds in California, Arizona, Colorado, Texas. Building more affordable offerings in Inland Empire, higher end in Santa Barbara.

Building luxury homes along coastal OC, including Pointe Monarch at St. Regis in Dana Point.

Continues to let Paul take most of limelight. Son, 32, was Capital Pacific senior VP, now CEO, owner of Makar Properties, developer of St. R?gis Monarch Beach Resort, built in 2001.

Paul looking to build condos, shops, hotel on prime 31-acre site on PCH in Huntington Beach.

In March, Makar bought 238-room Wyndham Orange County hotel in Costa Mesa. Early plans to renovate with high-rise condos on top of hotel rooms.

Sold chunk of land early this year in San Diego to Hines Interests for office tower development. Still owns 17 acres of land at La Jolla Commons.

Paul is chairman of Generation Next, partyminded young Republicans, youthful counterweight to dad's New Majority. Used St. Regis resort to host fund-raisers for governor.

Hadi is engineer by training, did rough designs himself for Rancho Palos Verdes homes. Hands-on with company's pricey homes, commercial projects. Often arrives on site unannounced, directs changes during construction. Has hired helicopter to fly over coast looking for land to build on.

Has lawsuit for $35 million pending after Coastal Commission blocked building of oceanfront Dos Pueblos Golf Links in Santa Barbara County. Issue seen as test for Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger. Big governor supporter, contributor. Also big supporter of solar energy.

Grew up in Iran. Family ran largest construction, development company that built U.S. military bases', other big projects. Came here in 1960s to study civil engineering at State University of New York, Buffalo.

Earned degree, got married, returned to Iran to family business.

Fled to Florida with wife after Islamic revolution. Company nationalized.

Started over from scratch. Couple settled near her relatives. Took construction job. Saved money, began building condos in Florida.

When recession hit Florida in early 1980s, moved to Washington, D.C. Built high-rises along subway line near a regional mall in Maryland. Developed more than 1,000 units. Sold business when others started doing same thing.

Moved to California in 1990 at age 41. Enjoyed several months of early retirement at Big Canyon. In 1991, started Capital Pacific. Bought J.M. Peters in 1992 for $47 million. In 1994 combined Capital Pacific with J.M. Peters to form Capital Pacific Holdings.

Other son. Cyrus, 28. is technology VP with Makar. Wife Barbara. Couple lives in Big Canyon, second home in Montecito.

-Mark Mueller

MICHAEL DALE McKEE

Wee Chairman, COO

The Irvine Company

Bom in Clinton, III., Jan. 2, 1946

Lives In Laguna Beach (Emerald Bay)

CLARENCE W. BARKER

President,

Investment Properties Group

The Irvine Company

Born in Tulsa, OkIa., May 27, 1948

Lives in Corona del Mar

JOSEPH DAVID DAVIS

President

Irvine Community Development Co.,

The Irvine Company

Born in Los Angeles, March 18, 1950

Lives in Rancho Santa Fe

Key players for company that's as much about management as development these days.

Trio oversees Irvine Co.'s core operations: land planning, development, real estate management, corporate finance, strategy.

McKee is No. 2 to Chairman Donald Bren, standalone OC 50er. Started legal career in 1970s with Latham & Watkins. Worked on some of earliest real estate investment trusts. Provided legal council to Los Angeles Olympic Organizing Committee, headed by OC 50er Peter Ueberroth:

Worked closely with Bren on number of Irvine Co. projects, including Irvine Apartment Communities public offering in 1993. In 1994, was brought in as company's chief legal officer, Bren's personal attorney.

Instrumental in deals allowing Bren to buy out minority shareholders, become 100% owner of company, as well as Bren's 2002 buyback of apartment unit.

Became chief financial officer in 1996. As vice chairman, he, Bren form two-person operations management committee overseeing all aspects of the company.

Not a developer by training, though his real estate background is key to company that's more financially complex, focused on investment, asset management.

Said to be like Bren: gentlemanly, private.

Board member, Hoag Hospital Foundation, Health Care Property Investors, Donald Bren Foundation. UCLA law degree. Wife, Cindy. Two children, two grandchildren.

Avid golfer. Works out regularly, does yoga.

Barker oversees group that manages estimated 30 million square feet of office, retail space, some 27,600 apartments in 80 communities owned or being built by the company. Empire grown with recent office tower buys in Irvine, Newport, San Diego.

In short term, taking on more day-to-day operations with recent loss of office department president Bill Halford. Replacement yet to be named.

Previously headed office, retail, apartment units. He's run everything except hotels, golf courses.

Bren's point man for investment property expansion. "He has one of the toughest, most complex jobs in the company," colleague says.

Overseeing big return to office development. Three office towers in Irvine totaling 860,000 square feet in early stages of development.

Building 700,000-square-foot HQ for Broadcom at University Research Park, first building opening next year. Another 400,000 square feet of office space being built in Discovery Business Center near Spectrum.

Weathered tough few years in office market at start of decade. Enjoying comeback. Irvine Spectrum, Newport Center nearly full.

Raising rents in marquee spots, including newly acquired properties such as Newport Gateway.

Joined in 1988 as VP, development. Prior to Irvine Co., served as development VP for Williams Realty of Tulsa, OkIa., which owned high-rise office buildings, hotels, malls.

Company liaison to UCI. Former member, Urban Land Institute.

Holds a bachelor's in business, accounting from Northeastern State University in Tahlequah, OkIa.

Wife Eve, three children, one grandson.

Davis directs development of homes on company land-most lucrative side of business in past few years. Gains from 2005 lot sales for homes said to help finance acquisitions in office sector.

Development at Woodbury, first phase of Irvine's Northern Sphere-one of company's final big housing projects-continues. Named best masterplanned community in America by National Association of Home Builders. Home sales remain strong, with no unsold homes available in any village.

Lot sales for custom homes at tony Shady Canyon nearing completion. Sales of Crystal Cove custom home sites remains strong.

Eyeing start of long-planned developments east of Orange, east Anaheim.

Newport Coast, Pacific Ridge, Quail Hill also hot spots in supercharged housing market.

Joined Irvine Co. in 1993. Became president of company's Irvine Community Builders in 1996. Following year promoted to executive VP of newly formed Irvine Community Development Co. Later that year named president.

Worked for Chevron, Watt Land Development, Amfac Properties before joining Irvine Co. Created exclusive Fairbanks Ranch community.

Holds general building contractor, real estate broker licenses. Has bachelor's, master's in business administration from USC.

Received the 2002 "Spirit of Life" award from City of Hope. Wife Terri, four children, one grandchild.

-Mark Mueller

ANTHONY RICHARD MOISO

CEO, President

Rancho Mission Viejo LLC

Born in West Los Angeles, Sept. 17, 1939

Lives in Laguna Beach (Emerald Bay)

Heads development, leasing arm of Moiso, O'Neill, Avery families, longtime ranching clan here. Family owns 22,815 acres in county's southeastern corner. OC's No. 2 landowner after Donald Bren.

Big vision for land. Plans call for 14,000 homes, 5 million square feet of commercial development, along county's southern foothills, largest vacant swath of land left in county.

Last year, settled lawsuit by environmentalists seeking to block development. Pact kept number of homes unchanged, but cut acres to be developed, upped open space.

Compromise means 75% of land now set to be open space, protected habit, from 66% originally approved by county. Development still several years away.

Family set to continue farming, ranching there. They have 500 acres of citrus, barley, other crops. Sprawling ranch owned by family since 1882.

Moiso closing out Ladera Ranch, 4,000acre masterplanned community near Mission Viejo.

Grooming next generation of leadership, including daughters Katrina, Cristy, Anne Marie, Francesca, as well as other family members.

Says he, uncle Richard O'Neill, 83, talking about future. Family members could run operation or bring in managers overseen by family board.

Along with land, owns shopping centers, apartments, senior complexes, medical, other commercial buildings.

A staunch Republican, shared childhood friendship in West Los Angeles with former Democratic Gov. Gray Davis. Two later attended Stanford, joined the same fraternity. Uncle is Democratic bigwig.

Earned history, political science degrees from Stanford. Served two years in Army as infantry officer. Started Mission Viejo Co. with Bren. Revived Santa Margarita Co. in 1973.

In California Building Industry Foundation's Hall of Fame., President, Mission Preservation Foundation working to maintain Mission San Juan Capistrano. Benefactor, Heart of Jesus Retreat Center, Santa Ana, co-chair with wife Melinda of annual fund-raiser for center in which prominent local men model clothes.

Four daughters, three granddaughters, two grandsons.

Well known for his love of horses. Hosts annual Rancho Mission Viejo Rodeo, benefiting charities. Also bikes, hikes, skis, golfs.

-Mark Mueller

IGOR MICHAEL OLENICOFF

Owner, CEO, Olen Properties Corp.

Bom near Moscow, Russia,

Sept. 19, 1942

Lives in Laguna Beach (Emerald Bay)

Real estate developer, owner saw another strong year, and family tragedy, in 2005.

Son, heir apparent Andrei killed in auto accident in October. Had been VP, treasurer, extremely well liked in real estate circles. Daughter Natalia now taking more high-profile role in company.

Expanding residential, commercial holdings here, elsewhere. Counts close to 5.3 million square feet of office space, 11,000 apartments.

Plans to develop up to 2,000 apartments near John Way ne Airport. Project could include two eight-story towers. Believes market for apartments is strengthening.

Last year, finished developing 135,000-square-foot office building in Brea. The fivestory building is a $20 million-plus final phase of Olen Pointe Brea.

Recently refinanced Olen Pointe Brea for more than $130 million. Deal brings cash for expansion via acquisitions, development.

Paid about $135 million in early 2005 for pair of 13-story office towers on Main Street in Irvine. First big local high-rise office acquisition for company. Wants to own other local towers.

Lost out on bid to buy Newport Gateway this year. Was narrowly outbid by fellow OC 50er Don Bren's Irvine Co. for twin Newport Beach trophy offices.

Owns 1,400 acres of land in Temecula, Las Vegas, Florida, Arizona. Developing 400 condos, three shopping centers in South Florida. Two office projects in South Florida finished recently.

Big mixed-use development in the works in Florida, near Cape Canaveral. Decided to build another 1,000 homes at site, alongside semi-private, company-owned golf course.

Selling part of Las Vegas holdings to a venture of Harrah's, Steve Wynn. Faced threat of eminent domain for coveted site. Sale price close to $170 million. Proceeds to be used for acquisition plans.

Earlier this year, bought 18 acres in Phoenix area. Plans 450 hotel rooms, 560 homes, 400,000 square feet of office space.

Owns about 5 million square feet of office, industrial space in OC. Counts close to 2,000 tenants, 380 buildings locally. Also owns vacant land set to house another 1.3 million square feet.

Along with Olen Pointe Brea, other prime holdings include Irvine's Spectrum Technology Center, Spectrum Pointe in Lake Forest. Four years ago, finished 100,000square-foot Orchard Technology Park in Lake Forest. Also in 2002, acquired One Venture, Two Venture buildings, both in Irvine Spectrum.

In 2004 cashed out of a big project in Colorado. Was investor partner with fellow OC 50er Hadi Makarechian, son Paul Makarechian to develop masterplanned community on 24,000 acres in Colorado Springs. Makarechians pressing ahead with project.

Sold stake in the project for $90 million, according to newspaper accounts and a source familiar with deal.

Has headquarters in one of more distinctive OC buildings: huge, museum-like structure on Corporate Plaza near Fashion Island. Shrewd businessman, knows how to get around obstacles to get his projects done.

Parents fled Soviet Union due to family ties with Czar Nicholas II. Family went to Iran, came to U.S. in 1957. Attended missionary school where he became fluent in English, Russian, Farsi.

Worked his way through USC where he graduated with four degrees-bachelor's in finance and engineering, MBA, master's in statistics, quantitative analysis.

Worked for Shell, Touche Ross, Motown Records. Founding partner in real estate syndicator Gemini Pacific. VP of operations at Dunn Properties before starting Olen in 1973.

Wife Jeanne. Daughter Natalia a USC grad, company's director of asset management. Joined in 2004.

Enjoys snow and water skiing, off-road motorcycle riding.

-Mark Mueller

STEPHEN JEFFREY SCARBOROUGH

Chairman, CEO

Standard Pacific Corp,

Born in Los Angeles, Oct. 27, 1948

Lives in Wine (Turtle Rock)

Built more than 11,400 homes in 2005 in record year for company. Got $16 million bonus for effort.

Rode housing boom, seen expansion into other states pay off. Profits last year up 40% to $441 million.

Revenue up 20% to $4 billion.

Broke into Fortune 500 this year at No. 493, up from No. 519 on Fortune 1000 last year.

Now battling investor fatigue. Shares down more than 30% since summer. Stock falling on rising mortgage rates, industry slowing, especially in Southern California. No. 3 homebuilder in OC last year with 488 homes.

In February, says company saw lower demand in some markets, compared to unsustainable pace of past few years.

Company, analysts still expect another year of sales, profit gains in 2006. Counts nearly 6,300 pre-sold homes in backlog, valued at $2.3 billion.

Says company could scale back developments or slow land buying if the market turns dramatically.

Has transformed company from regional builder with operations in California to national player. Now builds homes in 31 major markets.

Recently visited all 24 company divisions, met with leaders, employees to share philosophy, answer questions.

In January, company was only one from OC to make Fortune's list of "America's 100 Best Companies to Work For." Workers given breaks on houses. Company picks up most of healthcare. Rewarded with "Scarbucks" coupons for items at company store.

Big in California, Florida, Arizona, Texas, more recently, Las Vegas.

Vegas getting a big push. Part of a group that bought 2,675 acres for homes in November.

Got in relatively late in Sin City, which some fear is overheated. Others say limited land should spur more growth.

Continues expanding via acquisitions, new divisions. In 2005, bought Bakersfield operations of Probuilt Homes, scooping up 1,000 area lots. Opened division in San Antonio, Texas, a year ago.

Expanded Standard Pacific into new states through acquisitions, including buys in 2002 of three builders in Florida, Carolinas.

In 2003, bought another Florida builder, Coppenbarger. Homes.

In the 1990s, when Scarborough was president, company formed venture with Catellus Residential Group, Starwood Capital Group to develop San Clemente's Talega. Move assured lots at one of OC's largest projects. Also building at South County's Ladera Ranch, Irvine.

Been with company for nearly 25 years, in homebuilding industry entire career. Started with company in 1981 as president of Orange, Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Riverside counties. In 1996 elected president. Appointed CEO in 2000, chairman in 2001.

Graduated from USC in 1970, bachelor's in business. Attended UCLA but transferred to USC, got business master's there in 1971. While doing MBA, exposed to OC real estate and Irvine Co.

Inducted into California Building Industry Hall of Fame in 2000. Past chairman of board of Boy Scouts of America's OC Council, on board of City of Hope Construction Industries Alliance, on National Advisory Board for HomeAid America, which constructs temporary housing for poor families.

Wife Irish. Two daughters, son. Family lives in Standard Pacific-built home in Turtle Rock.

-Mark Mueller

HENRY THOMAS SEGERSTROM

Managing Partner

CJ. Segerstrom & Sons

Bom in Orange County, April 5, 1923

Lives in Newport Beach

South Coast visionary. Turned family farmland into hub of shopping, business, arts.

South Coast Plaza, first U.S. shopping center to hit $1 billion in yearly sales, could grow to $1.5 billion this year, Segerstrom says.

Lap of luxury: shopping center's top stores by sales per square foot are jewelers. Top selling Tiffany, Chanel stores are at South Coast. Recently awarded trademark to "ultimate shopping resort."

Early on, lured Nordstrom to open first Southern California store at South Coast. Today, Costa Mesa store is chain's top performer.

September set to see debut of $200 million Ren?e and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, part of Performing Arts Center expansion. Along with 2,000-seat concert hall, includes 500-seat Samueli Theater, an education center, outdoor plaza.

Segerstrom, deceased wife Ren?e gave $40 million to begin fund raising for the hall. Money raising since then has lagged expectations. Serves as founding chairman of Performing Arts Center.

Facility is "establishing a level of performance that you would have to go to New York or London to even come close to what we have here," Segerstrom says.

Public face of family business, which also owns office buildings, develops communities. Says he's "thrilled that we're able to have these marvelous buildings that will last hundreds of years."

Family owns Costa Mesa office high-rises, including Plaza Tower, Center Tower, Park Tower.

Now planning high-rise condos near South Coast Plaza. Two towers, with 275 condo, hotel units, could be built on Bristol. Early stage planning, construction most likely in 2007. One of six developers planning condo towers in Costa Mesa.

Honored last year by Orange County Tourism Council for lifetime contributions to tourism.

Sprawling Home Ranch project calls for 200 homes, 1 million square feet of office, industrial space on some 93 acres of farmland. Already lured Ikea, Emulex to Home Ranch.

In 2001, Segerstroms won 15-year battle with opponents, Costa Mesa's stringent zoning rules to get Home Ranch approved.

Armstrong Ranch project in Santa Ana includes high school bearing Segerstrom name, cathedral for Roman Catholic Diocese of Orange. Shea Homes built 156 homes there.

Grandfather CJ. was Swedish immigrant farmer. By 1950s family was leading lima bean grower. Henry influential in changing family's focus from farming to development.

Cousin-in-law Jeanette Segerstrom, former co-managing partner, died in 2001.

Enlisted, rose from Army private to field artillery captain. Received Purple Heart in World War II.

Business bachelor's, master's from Stanford. Honorary doctorates of law from Western State, Whittier Law School.

In 2003, received inaugural lifetime achievement award from OC Business Council, which named award after the family.

Married to Elizabeth, third wife, naturalized U.S. citizen. Says he enjoys spending time with her. Likes shopping. Has membership No. 1 at Center Club.

Daughter Andrea, sons Anton, Toren from first wife. Anton, son-in-law David Grant involved in business.

-Mark Mueller

PETER OWEN SHEA JR.

CEO, J.F. Shea Co.

Born in Farmington, N.M., Feb. 17, 1967

Lives in Newport Beach

ROBERTO FRANCISCO SELVA

CEO, Shea Homes

Born in San Francisco, Jan. 2, 1962

Lives in Newport Beach (Crystal Cove)

COLM WILLIAM MACKEN

CEO President, Shea Properties

Born in Dublin, Ireland, May 21, 1958

Lives in Rolling Hills Estates

Family member, familiar face, newcomer running familyowned real estate empire.

Includes homebuilding, apartments, offices, industrial, retail, land.

Shea gradually taking over family company based just over county line in Walnut. Picked up CEO title two years ago, was chief operating officer. John Shea is chairman.

Homebuilding arm, headed by Selva, one of most active in OC. No. 5 last year at 366 homes. Largest privately held homebuilder in the nation, annual revenue of more than $3 billion.

New hire Macken oversees unit that develops, owns office buildings, retail, industrial, apartments.

Portfolio valued at about $2 billion.

Other businesses include Shea Financial Services, J.F. Shea Construction.

Family business is 125 years old. Sheas worked on some monumental projects: Golden Gate Bridge, Hoover Dam, building tunnels, stations for San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit System, Washington, D.C., Metro.

Peter worked up company ranks. Got start as a laborer in Shea's rock, gravel quarry in Redding.

During 17 years, worked as project manager, project engineer, field engineer, VP of construction division.

Earned bachelor's in civil engineering from UC Berkeley.

Serves on boards of Harbor Day School District, Fidelity National Title, Beaver's, nationwide construction industry group. Previously served on board of Association of General Contractors.

Wife Debbie, four children. Golf enthusiast.

"Bert" Selva's unit building homes at former Tustin Marine base with Shea Properties, Dallas-based Centex. Tustin Legacy Community Partners, 822-acre, masterplanned community, approved in April.

Project calls for up to 2,105 homes, 6.7 million square feet of commercial development. Four-phase construction project will go through 2016.

Also on the drawing board: a 20-story high rise condominium project in Santa Ana. Could be several years away from construction.

Selva low-key, easy-going executive, gets along well with Shea family. Worked way up company ranks.

Joined Shea in 1996, hired to set up, grow Colorado division. Previously did stints with Colorado division of KB Homes, OC office of Signature Homes.

Adjusted company's strategy in Colorado while developing 22,000-acre Highlands Ranch. Kept more lots to build on, sold less to other builders, also sold raw land, instead of doing all prep work.

Diverse career. Previously international banker in Hong Kong, South Korea, Tokyo. Also was management consultant with Arthur Andersen.

Holds bachelor's in business from USC, master's in business from UCLA.

Serves on national advisory board of HomeAid America, High Production Home Builders Council. Previously served as president of the Homebuilders Association of Metro Denver, Trustee of Regis University. Member, Young Presidents' Organization.

Hobbies include golf, cars. Prominent local Hispanic exec, fluent in Spanish. Wife Cindie, three children.

Macken took over Shea Properties reins from retired William Gaboury in January. Oversees 7,500 apartments, 5.4 million square feet of office, industrial, retail space.