The Business Journal compiles roughly 60 lists a year using various factors to rank local companies—growth pace, employee count, and in some cases, annual revenue. The OC 50—published since 1992—sorts entries alphabetically, so rather than a list, think of it as an always-evolving collective of local influencers.
The 50 entries—some made up of two or three people instead of one—are vetted somewhat subjectively by the size of the businesses they own or run, their community involvement or political clout, and the significance they have in their industries.
This year’s OC 50 edition features 57 names, six of the entries include multiple executives closely bound by professional circumstances or family ties.
Seven newcomers join a foundation of perennial influencers from finance, real estate, technology, healthcare, education, retail and other sectors:
• In-N-Out Burger Inc. President Lynsi Snyder, who inherited nearly full ownership of the Irvine-based burger chain upon her 35th birthday this month. Her paternal grandparents, Harry and Esther Snyder, founded the business in 1948.
• Too Faced Cosmetics LLC co-founders Jeremy Johnson and Jerrod Blandino, who sold their Irvine-based company in November to Estée Lauder Cos. Inc. for $1.5 billion. The deal was the second in nearly 18 months for the popular brand; former majority owner Weston Presidio cashed out in 2015 for a reported $500 million.
• Pacific Investment Management Co. Chief Investment Officer Dan Ivascyn and Chief Executive Emmanuel “Manny” Roman, who share an OC 50 slot. Ivascyn oversees $1.5 trillion in investments at one of the world’s biggest management firms, while Roman is responsible for the Newport Beach-based firm’s overall business strategy.
The new names represent a 14% turnover from last year’s roster. Some individuals had to make way for new risers, while others dropped off because they no longer hold key positions in Orange County:
• VF Corp. in Greensboro, N.C., promoted Vans Inc. President Kevin Bailey to the same post for the parent company’s Asia-Pacific region in December. The Cypress-based skate footwear and apparel brand’s revenue more than doubled to $2.2 billion during his tenure.
• Western Digital Corp., Orange County’s largest public company, recently switched its headquarters to Silicon Valley, thereby bumping Chief Executive Steve Milligan from the list, as he and other company executives were already based at its expansive Great Oaks campus in San Jose.
• Doug Hodge, former PIMCO chief executive—whose departure last year made way for Roman and Ivascyn’s debut on the OC 50.
Perennial names make up the rest of the list, including Irvine Co. owner and Chairman Donald Bren; Vizio Inc. founder and Chief Executive William Wang; Broadcom Ltd. co-founder and Chief Technical Officer Henry Samueli; Blizzard Entertainment Inc. co-founder and Chief Executive Michael Morhaime, and Edwards Lifesciences Corp. Chief Executive Michael Mussallem.
Nearly a dozen names on the list cross over to our annual OC’s Wealthiest ranking, which is scheduled for publication in July—and there’s nothing subjective about that one.
The Business Journal eliminated the Namely Notables section that featured other prominent people in the community. We’ll publish the much more extensive OC 500 Directory of Influence this fall.
DR. RICHARD F. AFABLE
President, Chief Executive
St. Joseph Hoag Health
Irvine
Regional Chief Executive, Providence St. Joseph Health
Born in Chicago
Age: 63
Lives in Corona del Mar
WHY: Regional executive of one of eight regions of newly formed Providence St. Joseph Health System; continues leading OC-based integrated health network created four years ago by St. Joseph Health System and Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian.
HOW: Had run Hoag since 2005. Hoag added Sue and Bill Gross Women’s Pavilion, converted former Irvine Regional Hospital into Hoag Hospital Irvine under his leadership. Worked at Catholic Healthcare East, taught at Wake Forest University, Northwestern University.
RECENT: St. Joseph Hoag Health announced several executive changes to hospitals, including St. Jude Medical Center, Mission Hospital and St. Joseph Hospital. Also created new position of COO for acute care.
PERSONAL: Undergraduate degree from Loyola University Chicago. Master’s of public health, University of Illinois. Medical degree from Loyola University Chicago. Wife, Sally. Three children, one grandchild.
— Sherry Hsieh
BARRY ARBUCKLE
President, Chief Executive
MemorialCare Health System
Fountain Valley
Born in Kansas City, Mo.
Age: 55
Lives in Laguna Beach (Nellie Gail Ranch)
WHY: Head of Fountain Valley-based health system with five hospitals in Orange County, Long Beach. Track record of aggressively approaching shifting business landscape resulting from federal healthcare reform.
HOW: With MemorialCare since 1989; jobs included CEO positions at Saddleback Memorial Medical Center and Orange Coast Memorial Medical Center. System chief executive since 2002.
RECENT: Continues to grow number of outpatient centers, comprising over 200 locations from OC to South Bay of Los Angeles. Its Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital Long Beach opened pediatric outpatient center in Irvine.
PERSONAL: Bachelor’s degree, Southwest Missouri State University; master’s, Arizona State University; doctorate, University of North Carolina. Wife, Gina, four children.
— Sherry Hsieh
GEORGE L. ARGYROS
Chairman, CEO
Arnel & Affiliates, Costa Mesa
Founding Partner, Westar Capital LLC
Costa Mesa
Born in Detroit
Age: 80
JULIA ARGYROS
Born in Adrian, Mich.
Age: 76
The couple lives in Newport Beach (Harbor Island)
WHY: Real estate mogul and wife among Orange County’s top philanthropists
HOW: George Argyros started selling land to oil companies for service stations in 1962. Bid on state land as freeways were built in OC. Went on to buy land for restaurants, stores. Founded Arnel & Affiliates in 1968. It owns, manages 5,500 apartments in OC, over 2 million square feet of commercial space. Formed venture firm Westar Capital in 1987 with Chuck Martin, who recently died. Net worth estimated at nearly $2 billion.
RECENT: Family funding big addition to Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Costa Mesa. Groundbreaking in January for center’s public town square, which will be named Julianne and George Argyros Plaza and include a stage, guest amenities. Designed to draw more daytime crowds and encourage people to arrive earlier for performances. Gave $13.5 million to help fund project. Already donated $5 million to center’s South Coast Repertory, where theater’s Julianne Argyros Stage is located. Also has given theater-related gifts to Chapman University, Discovery Cube in Santa Ana, and out-of-state theaters. George Argyros has taken step back from day-to-day management of family holdings in recent years, and Julia has assumed more responsibilities, including running Arnel. Couple received Lifetime Achievement Award last year from Costa Mesa city officials and civic leaders.
PERSONAL: George Argyros is former owner of Seattle Mariners. Second-generation Greek-American. First job was mowing lawns. 1993 winner of Horatio Alger Award; association’s treasurer, chairman emeritus. On numerous local, national boards. Been active in Republican politics. Served as U.S. ambassador to Spain 2001 to 2004. Chapman graduate met wife when she was at Long Beach State, married in 1962, two weeks after her graduation. Other major beneficiaries include Orange County Girl Scouts, CHOC, Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian, Sage Hill School, Alzheimer’s Association, Orange County School of the Arts and Laura’s House, Ladera Ranch-based nonprofit that helps victims of domestic violence.
— Mark Mueller
SCOTT D. BORAS
Owner, President
Boras Corp.
Newport Beach
Born in Sacramento
Age: 64
Lives in Newport Coast
WHY: Agent to 170 Major League Baseball clients; notable players include Los Angeles Dodger, 2016 Rookie of the Year Corey Seager; Chicago Cub, National League MVP Kris Bryant; Washington Nationals, 2016 NL Cy Young winner Max Scherzer, and Bryce Harper; Pittsburgh Pirate, UCLA grad Gerrit Cole. Forbes named Boras “world’s most powerful sports agent” multiple times.
HOW: Knee surgeries spelled end of professional baseball career after stint in minor leagues. Got law degree; ex-teammate Bill Caudill asked him for representation on contract talks in 1984. Landed $7.5 million deal, now has 40 people in OC office following player stats, crunching other data; has 100 player representatives in global operation.
RECENT: Advised several players in 2016 amateur draft, including No. 2 pick Nick Senzel, No. 7 pick Braxton Garrett. Forbes in September put Boras Corp. MLB contracts at $2.2 billion, $132 million in commissions coming to company over next several years. Boras Foundation held fifth annual Boras Baseball Classic last year, a 32-team tournament.
PERSONAL: Foundation provides scholarships to baseball camps for 13- to 15-year-olds; family charitable trust finds top-level teachers. Wife active in charitable causes for Catholic Church, JSerra Catholic High School in San Juan Capistrano, Sage Hill High School in Newport Coast. Grew up on 800-acre farm in Elk Grove near Sacramento. Baseball scholarship to University of Pacific in Stockton. Played in minors for Cardinals, Cubs. Doctorate in pharmacology, law degree from University of Pacific. Grown daughter, two sons.
— Paul Hughes
DONALD BREN
Owner, Chairman
Irvine Company
Newport Beach
Born in Los Angeles
Age: 84
Lives in Newport Beach
WHY: County’s dominant landowner, landlord, with estimated 120 million total square feet in companywide portfolio, including more than 500 offices, over 40 retail centers, 160 apartment communities with nearly 50,000 units, multiple golf clubs, five marinas, and three resorts. Irvine Ranch among country’s most successful, most copied master-planned communities. Sole shareholder of company. Wealthiest U.S. real estate developer. Business Journal estimates fortune at $16.8 billion.
HOW: Founded homebuilder California Pacific Homes in 1958. Started Mission Viejo Co. with O’Neill-Moiso family and others five years later. Later sold stake to partners. Part of 1977 group that bought Irvine Co. Bought out most partners in 1983 for $518 million. In 1991 paid $256 million court award to heiresses Joan Irvine Smith and her mother, Athalie Clarke, for their shares. Became 100% shareholder in 1996.
RECENT: Irvine Co. remains most active commercial developer in Orange County, has plenty of projects under way in other California markets. 200 Spectrum Center, OC’s tallest office, opened year ago and is nearly full. Second, 21-story tower two blocks away opens soon, along with midrise offices being built elsewhere in Spectrum. $150 million renovation for Spectrum shopping center under way at site of former Macy’s. Luxury apartments next to Fashion Island in Newport Beach opened this year, more rentals going up across Irvine. Irvine Ranch now best-selling master-planned community in country.
PERSONAL: Bloomberg BusinessWeek puts lifetime giving at $1.3 billion to the University of California-Irvine, the University of California-Santa Barbara, Caltech, Chapman University, local school districts, Santa Ana nonprofit after-school program specialist Think Together, others. Awarded president’s medal from University of California, another from UCI. Has endowed more UC distinguished faculty chairs than any other person. Former Marine officer, contributed academic chairs at Marine Corps University in Quantico, Va. Contributed more than 50,000 acres—over half of 93,000-acre Irvine Ranch—as parks and open space. Involvement with boards of UCI Foundation, Los Angeles County Museum of Art, Caltech, others. Accomplished skier, has ranch in Sun Valley, Idaho. Married to entertainment lawyer Brigitte Bren. Splits time between Newport Beach and Los Angeles.
— Mark Mueller
JANE BUCHAN
Chief Executive Officer
Pacific Alternative Asset Management Co. (PAAMCO)
Irvine
Born in Seattle
Age: 53
Lives in Newport Coast
WHY: Co-founder in 2000 of fund of hedge funds that will have $34 billion in assets under management or advisement after merger completed with Prisma that was announced in February.
HOW: Bachelor’s in economics from Yale University; doctorate and master’s in business economics from Harvard University. Began career at J.P. Morgan Investment Management. Was assistant professor of finance at Amos Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth College. Founded PAAMCO in 2000 with three others.
RECENT: Arranged merger with hedge-fund asset manager Prisma at legendary Wall Street firm KKR Inc. Merger scheduled to be completed in second quarter. Says larger scale will permit more opportunities overseas with sovereign wealth funds. Will become co-CEO of PAAMCO Prisma Holdings with Girish Reddy.
PERSONAL: Makes time to annually visit Paris. Hobbies include puzzles, reading, including textbooks. Nationally ranked high jumper in college; four-time champion at Yale.
— Peter J. Brennan
ED CARPENTER
Founder, Chairman, Chief Executive
Carpenter & Co.
Irvine
Managing Member
Carpenter Community BancFund
Irvine
Born in Salix, Iowa
Age: 72
Lives in Newport Beach
WHY: Longtime bank adviser, builder. Heads private equity fund that functions like VC firm for U.S. banking and is also bank holding company. Has advised on start of hundreds of banks that now have over $100 billion in assets. As investment manager, has raised $280 million in capital; fund has controlling stakes in three community banks in state, including two in OC.
HOW: Bachelor’s in business administration from Loyola Marymount University. MBA from California State University-Long Beach. Began banking career at Security Pacific National Bank with specialty in strategic planning. Founded Carpenter & Co. in 1974; has been consultant at over 1,200 banks. Managed assets for Resolution Trust Corp. during 1990s savings-and-loan crisis. Started Carpenter Community BancFund in 2008 to strengthen community banks. Has served on California and fed boards to review bank regulations.
RECENT: Chairman of Costa Mesa-based Pacific Mercantile Bancorp, which is now focused lender in entertainment, technology and innovation sectors. Owned 17% of Paso Robles-based Heritage Oaks Bancorp, which completed its sale in April to Irvine-based Pacific Premier Bancorp, where his firm now owns 5%. After also selling Bridge Capital Holdings in 2015, has combined portfolio bank assets of $3.5 billion, down from $5.9 billion. In process of starting several banks in California, elsewhere.
PERSONAL: Director, first-responder relief agency International Medical Corps. Member, World Presidents’ Organization. Trustee, Loyola Marymount, part of LMU Alumni Entrepreneurship Wall of Fame. Grew up on corn farm, moved to California as teenager. Surfs three times a week in summer at favorites Hollister Ranch, Trestles and Swami’s. Also drives stock cars at Fontana and Irwindale tracks; no longer racing because insurance premium “is more than a Formula 1 car.”
— Peter J. Brennan
KIMBERLY CHAVALAS CRIPE
Chief Executive
Children’s Hospital of Orange County
Orange
Born in Spokane, Wash.
Age: 62
Lives in San Juan Capistrano
WHY: Runs county’s only dedicated pediatric hospital. CHOC has gained national recognition, expanded facilities, staffing, and launched collaborative efforts with providers.
HOW: With CHOC since 1991; took current position in 1997. Hospital has 333 licensed beds, including 54-bed satellite facility in Mission Hospital and 3,600-plus workers. Led early 2000s financial turnaround allowing CHOC to regain control of operation, which was temporarily managed by what’s now St. Joseph Health. Previously with Columbia HCA Holdings Inc.
RECENT: Completed neonatal intensive care unit of 36 private rooms, scheduled to open this summer. Initiatives include 18-bed center for children 3 to 18 providing comprehensive mental illness care. Project started with $5 million lead gift from Sandy Segerstrom Daniels, has raised over $18 million.
PERSONAL: Undergraduate studies at University of Southern California, University of South Florida. Master’s degree, Golden Gate University. Commissioner, Children and Families Commission of Orange County. Previously board chair of California Children’s Hospital Association, helping win passage of pediatric hospital bonds in 2004 and 2008. Married, three sons. Enjoys horseback riding, hiking, walking, gardening.
— Sherry Hsieh
MICHAEL COLGLAZIER
President
Disneyland Resort
Anaheim
Born in Indiana
Age: 50
Lives in Newport Beach
WHY: OC’s primary tourism destination, driver, largest employer, with 29,000 spread over Disneyland Park, Disney California Adventure, three hotels, Downtown Disney shopping, dining, entertainment.
HOW: Began nearly three-decade Disney career as corporate analyst before earned executive slots, including vice president of operations strategy and technology at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, vice president of Animal Kingdom Park in Florida.
RECENT: Preparing for summer opening of Disneyland Resort’s first attraction built around a Marvel franchise: Guardians of the Galaxy—Mission: Breakout Classic attractions returning soon include Disneyland Steam Trains and the nighttime Fantasmic Show; continuing work on new “Star Wars”-themed land set to debut in 2019.
PERSONAL: Bachelor’s in industrial engineering from Stanford University, master’s from Harvard Graduate School of Business Administration. CHOC board member; executive committee, commissioner, Visit California; Chair, Chief Executive Roundtable at UCI. Received Chairman’s Award from Orange County Visitors Association on May 2. Enjoys golf, college basketball, mountain biking. Wife, DeAnna, two sons.
— Paul Hughes
MARK COSTA
Executive Director, Orange County service area
Kaiser Permanente
Anaheim
Born in Patterson, Calif.
Age: 60
Lives in Rancho Palos Verdes
WHY: Entering second year at helm of Oakland-based nonprofit health enterprise with hospitals in Anaheim, Irvine, medical offices around county, more than half million health plan members.
HOW: Successor to longtime Kaiser head Julie Miller-Phipps, now president of Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of Georgia. With Kaiser decade, including as executive director of Kaiser Permanente Los Angeles Medical Center before taking OC position. Previously with Providence Health System, Little Company of Mary, Torrance Memorial and California Hospital Medical Center.
RECENT: Kaiser launched Project RAD for medical offices that includes digital membership cards, mobile doctor work stations and teleconsultation capability. Implemented new concept in Aliso Viejo, Huntington Beach, building facility in Fullerton-La Habra area scheduled for completion this year. Kaiser’s focus areas include mental health and wellness. Continued outpatient care delivery effort, rolling out integrated video visits allowing patients to visit doctors via mobile devices, computers.
PERSONAL: Bachelor’s, master’s degrees, University of California-Los Angeles. Former board member of Hospital Association of Southern California and California Hospital Association. Wife, Kathy, four children, four grandchildren. Enjoys hiking, road cycling, gardening.
— Sherry Hsieh
TANYA DOMIER
Chief Executive
Advantage Solutions
Irvine
Born in Los Angeles
Age: 51
Lives in Coto de Caza
WHY: Advantage Solutions provides sales, marketing, merchandising and digital technology services to 1,300 packaged-goods brands and major retailers, including Wal-Mart Stores Inc. and Kroger Co. Domier retained top job, led company through $4.2 billion sale in 2014 to private equity firms Leonard Green & Partners LP and CVC Capital Partners. Advantage ended year with over $2 billion in revenue.
HOW: Began career with Orrville, Ohio-based J.M. Smucker Co. as sales representative, moved up to district sales manager covering territory from San Diego to Santa Barbara. Advantage had 50 employees, $5 million in revenue when she joined in 1990 as director of natural and specialty foods. She’s since held various executive positions in sales, marketing and operations, taking on CEO role after founder Sonny King became executive chairman.
RECENT: Advantage Smollan Ltd. in London—a holding company Advantage Solutions set up in 2015 with Smollan Group in Johannesburg—acquired Combera Group GmbH in Munich in the first quarter on undisclosed terms. Combera provides outsourced sales, merchandising, auditing, product and service activation and customer engagement. Its clients are “leading multinational brands” in 13 European countries.
PERSONAL: Graduated from California State University-Chico as political science major. Husband, Dan; three sons. Member of Network of Executive Women, avid reader. On Nordstrom Inc.’s board of directors since 2015.
— Mediha DiMartino
JAMES L. DOTI
President Emeritus
Chapman University
Orange
Born in Chicago
Age: 70
Lives in Villa Park
DANIELE STRUPPA
President and Professor of Mathematics
Chapman University
Orange
Born in Milan, Italy
Age: 61
Lives in Irvine
WHY: Doti was president of OC’s largest private university for 25 years. He passed the torch to Struppa last fall.
HOW: Doti joined Chapman faculty in 1974. Founded A. Gary Anderson Center for Economic Research in 1978. Appointed dean of Argyros School of Business and Economics in 1985. Struppa joined Chapman as professor and provost in 2006, became first chancellor in 2007 and president last year.
RECENT: Doti created a certificate program at Chapman in applied statistical analysis. In March, Whittier Trust, a private family office in South Pasadena serving about 350 families and with $11 billion in assets under advisement, appointed him to board of directors. Last year became monthly Business Journal columnist. Just ran 60th marathon, raising $37,000 for Boston-based Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in honor of colleague’s 3-year-old son who’s battling leukemia. In April, Struppa inducted as fellow of National Academy of Inventors. In March, co-recipient of Cozzarelli Prize awarded by National Academy of Sciences for best math-physics paper published in Proceedings of the National Academy in 2016.
PERSONAL: Doti said he’s busier than ever since returning to full-time teaching, research, but it’s “a fun kind of busy.” Struppa editor or co-author of six books. Has four children. Married to Lisa Sparks, founding dean of Chapman School of Communication.
— Deirdre Newman
MOHAMED EL-ERIAN
Chief Economic Adviser to Management Board
Allianz Group
Munich, Germany
Born in New York
Age: 58
Lives in Laguna Beach
WHY: Top adviser to one of world’s largest financial services groups, parent of Pacific Investment Management Co. in Newport Beach, where he served as CEO, co-CIO. Regular contributor to global financial press, television. Former chair, President Obama’s Global Development Council, managed Harvard’s endowment, was deputy director at International Monetary Fund.
HOW: Bachelor’s, master’s degrees in economics from University of Cambridge. Doctorate in economics from Oxford University. Named to Foreign Policy List of Top 100 Global Thinkers four years in row. Held various roles in IMF 1983 to 1997. Briefly worked at Salomon Smith Barney in London before joining PIMCO in 1999 as senior member of portfolio management. Left in 2006 to run Harvard Management Co. Returned to PIMCO in 2007, served as CEO, co-CIO with Bill Gross until 2014. Popularized catchy phrase “The New Normal” to describe the financial world after 2008 crisis. Book “When Markets Collide,” won Financial Times/Goldman Sachs 2008 Business Book of the Year, named one of best business books of all time by the Independent (UK).
RECENT: LinkedIn ranked him No. 1 on list of top 10 influencers of 2016. “His incisive commentary on the global economy, financial markets and monetary policies—not to mention his short-form updates—have made him a must-read on LinkedIn for years,” it said. The supporter of Democrats wrote on Election Day 2016: “An equity market selloff is likely should Donald Trump win the presidential vote.” Later recognized Trump’s moves on deregulation, tax reform, infrastructure as fueling stock market rally.
PERSONAL: Die-hard New York Jets fan. Cited relationship with daughter as key reason for departure from PIMCO. Is diplomatic in criticisms, says he listens to Republicans. On boards of National Bureau of Economic Research, Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, others.
— Peter J. Brennan
MILDRED GARCÍA
President
California State University-Fullerton
Born in Brooklyn, N.Y.
Age: 65
Lives in Fullerton
WHY: Runs largest university in 23-campus California State University system by enrollment—40,235 in fall semester. CSUF employs about 5,750. Since her arrival, university’s six-year graduation rate risen 24%, the transfer student achievement gap has been eliminated, first-time freshmen achievement gap cut in half. School No. 1 in state in awarding bachelor’s degrees to Hispanics, sixth in U.S. in graduating students of color. U.S. News & World Report for first time heralded CSUF as a top national university rather than a top regional university; school has been lauded for comprehensive array of student-success initiatives.
HOW: Became first Latina chief executive in California State University system as president of California State University-Dominguez Hills 2007 to 2012.
RECENT: CSUF fundraising topped $22 million last year. Honors for Garcia this year include honorary doctor of laws degree from Pepperdine University that she’ll receive this month, and Reginald Wilson Diversity Leadership Award from American Council on Education. Board involvement includes Pacific Symphony; chair-elect of Association of Public & Land Grant Universities; American Association of State Colleges and Universities; Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute; National Institute for Learning Outcomes Assessment; Coalition of Urban Serving Universities.
PERSONAL: Parents migrated to New York from Puerto Rico; was first in family to attend college, culminating with M.A. in higher education administration, doctorate in education from Columbia University. Enjoys dancing, reading.
— Deirdre Newman
HOWARD GILLMAN
Chancellor
University of California-Irvine
Born in Los Angeles
Age: 58
Lives in Irvine
WHY: Oversees 50-plus-year-old public research university with over 33,000 students and nearly 24,00 employees, including nearly 3,000 full- and part-time faculty as of last fall, including medical center, hospital staff.
HOW: Appointed chancellor September 2014 after serving as interim chancellor provost and executive vice chancellor. Scholar of American Constitution and Supreme Court. Holds faculty appointments in law, political science, history, criminology, law and society. Lives in Tierney University House in University Hills. Dean 2007 to 2012 and professor of political science, history and law at the University of Southern California; helped raise $450 million there.
RECENT: UCI ranked second in “Golden Age” of universities by Times Higher Education; ranked top 10 public university by U.S. News &World Report; recognized in 2015 by the New York Times College Access Index as the No. 1 university in the country doing the most for low-income students, based on the share of students who receive Pell grants, the graduation rate of those students, and the price that colleges charge for low- and middle-income students; received third-highest number of applications in country—104,672—for admission this fall; established Sue and Bill Gross School of Nursing to help meet national need for nursing professionals; UCI generated more than 120 inventions last year addressing regional and global challenges.
PERSONAL: Grew up in working-class San Fernando Valley neighborhood. Magician at Magic Castle as teenager. First in family to attend college; earned bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees in political science at UCLA. Wife, Ellen, two children. Prolific writer. Most recently wrote “Free Speech on Campus” with UCI School of Law Dean Erwin Chemerinsky.
— Deirdre Newman
MIGUEL GONZALEZ REYNOSO
Co-President
Northgate González LLC
Anaheim
Born in Jalisco, Mexico
Age: 66
Lives in La Mirada
WHY: Runs growing retail chain that ended last year with over $745 million in sales, based on Business Journal estimates. Oversees about 5,500 employees at 42 stores, 12 of them in Orange County.
HOW: Co-president with younger brother Oscar Gonzalez Reynoso. Late father, Miguel Gonzalez Sr., founded company with wife, Teresa Reynoso. Moved to U.S. after shoe shop in Jalisco, Mexico, burned down. Older sons, rest of family followed, settled in La Mirada. Planned to buy apartment building but went for discounted retail space in Anaheim. First store opened in 1980 selling Latino products, offering check-cashing services. Second store opened in 1986 in La Habra, and Pico Rivera location followed in 1989. Company entered San Diego market in 2008 with El Tigre Markets buy.
RECENT: Grocer invested estimated $1.3 million to renovate 38,000-square-foot former Ralphs grocery store at La Habra Towne Centre vacant since 2006. Flagship Northgate Gonzales market opened in March. Interior layout features concept Northgate calls “Mercado,” focusing on variety of “grab-and-go” or “oven-ready” meals, salsa, soup and salad bars, and plethora of seafood and organic produce. Mercado part of effort to “stay ahead of the game,” cater to busy second- and third-generation Latinos. New store offers free Lyft rides home to local customers who spend more than $50.
— Mediha DiMartino
BILL GROSS
Portfolio Manager
Janus Capital Group
Newport Beach
Born in Middletown, Ohio
Age: 73
Lives in Laguna Beach
WHY: Co-founder, former CIO of Pacific Investment Management Co. in Newport Beach. “Bond King” now with Janus Capital in an office a 5-minute walk from PIMCO.
HOW: Bachelor’s in psychology, Duke University. Served in Navy before getting MBA at University of California-Los Angeles. Co-founder of PIMCO in 1971 in L.A. as part of Pacific Life Insurance. PacLife sold 70% stake to German insurance company Allianz in 2000, sold remaining equity in 2008. Became legend in bond world, the first three-time winner of Morningstar’s prestigious Fixed Income Manager of the Year and manager of decade for 2000 to 2009. Dominant investment voice as his Total Return Fund returned 4.8% in the 2008 financial panic, beating his category by 9.5% in year when S&P 500 plummeted 38%. PIMCO grew to about $2 trillion in assets by 2014, though performance of Gross-run TR Fund lagged in 2013 and outflows began.
RECENT: Received $81 million from PIMCO to resolve his lawsuit over 2014 split. Is struggling to keep up, though, as his Janus Unconstrained Bond Fund lags performance of key rival funds at PIMCO. His fund has grown to $2 billion, a $500 million increase from year ago, but still fraction of assets he managed at PIMCO. Has publicly said relative smallness of fund and being “free from complications of” executive and administrative duties attracted him.
PERSONAL: Wife Sue filed for divorce in November after 31 years of marriage. Her attorney is Laura Wasser, who’s represented celebrities like Angelina Jolie and Maria Shriver. Gross has said Sue was in charge of giving for their charity, which has donated $800 million over the years, including $40 million to create school of nursing at the University of California-Irvine, $38 million to Doctors Without Borders, $23.5 million to Duke University. Gross to donate his PIMCO settlement to the foundation. Longtime sponsors of OC Teachers of the Year awards and in 2014 donated $10 million to Mission Hospital Laguna Beach to support emergency medical services. Played blackjack in Las Vegas after reading Ed Thorp’s book on card counting.
— Peter J. Brennan
EMILE K. HADDAD
Chief Executive, President
FivePoint Communities Inc.
Aliso Viejo
Born in Beirut, Lebanon
Age: 58
Lives in Laguna Hills (Nellie Gail)
WHY: In charge of developing homes, commercial at Great Park Neighborhoods at former El Toro Marine base in Irvine.
HOW: Stepped down as Lennar Corp. chief investment officer in 2009 to take top spot at FivePoint, new company in charge of developing some of Lennar’s largest California holdings, including 3,700-acre El Toro project, of which 2,100 acres is being used for residential and commercial development.
RECENT: Imminent IPO will make FivePoint public company valued at several billion dollars, could raise over $600 million to fund development, new purchases. Lennar would remain company’s largest shareholder, and builder would buy additional $100 million of FivePoint’s stock as part of deal. Regulatory filings show FivePoint’s land sales at Irvine development have taken in about $1.7 billion since 2013. Haddad earned over $30 million over 8-month period last year, factoring in bonuses and stock bonuses, the filings show. In addition to overseeing latest batch of homes being sold at Parasol Park, FivePoint negotiating with city over location of proposed veterans cemetery on part of Irvine land.
PERSONAL: Business Journal named him and Lennar COO Jonathan Jaffe Business People of the Year after leading purchase of El Toro base in 2005—biggest local real estate deal in recent memory. Chairman of UCI Foundation, on UCI’s Real Estate Advisory Board, member of University of Southern California Price Planning Program Advisory Board and USC Lusk Center for Real Estate Executive Committee. Serves on board of PBS SoCal and Claremont Graduate University. Civil engineering degree from American University of Beirut; California licenses in engineering, contracting. Left troubled Lebanon with fiancée, now wife, Dina. Has daughter, son.
— Mark Mueller
MIKE HARRAH
Owner, President
Caribou Industries Inc.
Santa Ana
Born in Los Angeles
Age: 66
Lives in Newport Beach (Lido Isle)
WHY: Dominant landlord in downtown Santa Ana, where he has proposed several big developments. Recent investments in property previously used by Orange County Register have given him some clout in local media industry.
HOW: Owns Caribou Industries, development, construction, tenant improvement, property management company with offices on Broadway. It’s owned more than 70 buildings in Santa Ana over years totaling over 5 million square feet. Still owns substantial portfolio there, also has real estate investments in Nevada, Arizona.
RECENT: Completed $34 million purchase last year of land, property surrounding former Register HQ after bankruptcy auction of assets of Freedom Communications, paper’s parent company. Had backed unsuccessful bid of Freedom’s management to buy paper, bought land from winning bidder, Digital First Media. Now owns site’s printing presses, five-story office previously home to Register operations, after buying it in 2014 for reported $27 million. Register relocated to new offices in Anaheim last month. Harrah proposing mixed-use development on Santa Ana site potentially including two high-rise towers, apartments, shopping center. Has begun groundwork for One Broadway Plaza tower in Santa Ana. 37-story development in works for over a decade, would be OC’s tallest building, his crowning achievement.
PERSONAL: Grew up in Whittier. Son of machinist and Whittier High School teacher. Attended Rio Hondo College, Cal State Long Beach. At 19, started working as framing carpenter, general contractor by 21 building Riverside apartments. Made small fortune by 25. Later turned attention to Santa Ana; played key role revitalizing county’s most populous city by restoring buildings, attracting restaurants, art galleries, other businesses. Known as “Big Mike.” One of city’s most active philanthropists. Easily distinguishable from rest of county’s real estate elite with ZZ Top-style beard, 6-foot-6 frame. Owns multiple jets, vintage cars, Cobra helicopter he’s piloted in aerial stunts for movies. Cluttered office in historic building overlooks One Broadway development site. Stuffed bear in corner.
— Mark Mueller
DAN IVASCYN
Chief Investment Officer
Pacific Investment Management Co.
Newport Beach
Born in Oxford, Mass.
Age: 47
Lives in Newport Beach
EMMANUEL “MANNY” ROMAN
Chief Executive Officer
Pacific Investment Management Co.
Newport Beach
Born in Paris
Age: 53
Lives in Laguna Beach
WHY: Ivascyn oversees $1.5 trillion in investments at one of the world’s largest management firms. Roman named CEO last year amid shake-up, responsible for firm’s overall business strategy.
HOW: Chicago-educated execs now running PIMCO. Ivascyn has MBA in analytic finance from University of Chicago, bachelor’s in economics from Occidental College. Roman has MBA in finance and econometrics for the University of Chicago, bachelor’s degree from University of Paris IX Dauphine. Ivascyn, at PIMCO since 1998, made a name for himself after 2008 financial crisis by successfully betting on nonagency mortgage-backed securities. He, 71 other managing directors share annual profit pool that at its peak topped $1 billion; Bloomberg reported he received $70 million bonus in 2013. Roman, a former Goldman Sachs banker, credited with turning around Man Group PLC, one of world’s largest publicly traded alternative asset managers.
RECENT: Ivascyn’s income fund became PIMCO’s largest this year with $79 billion in assets as of March 31, surpassing $73.6 billion at Total Return Fund, which predecessor Bill Gross managed before his 2014 departure. Ivascyn and co-manager Alfred T. Murata celebrated 10th anniversary of fund, which has ranked in the top six in nine years in Morningstar category. Roman, who took over at PIMCO in November, oversees operations side, which cut 3% of workforce before he arrived, now has 2,150 employees.
PERSONAL: Former boss describes Ivascyn as “a beast” of a worker who would spend his free time on weekends studying prospectuses. Enjoys Boston’s major sports teams. Roman collects French wine and art. Big fan of London soccer club Arsenal.
— Peter J. Brennan
GARY JABARA
Founder, Chief Executive
Mobilitie LLC
Newport Beach
Born in Baldwin Park
Age: 55
Lives in Newport Beach
WHY: Telecom, wireless exec, owner of country’s largest privately held wireless infrastructure provider. Force in OC’s residential, commercial real estate markets.
HOW: Former partner in Deloitte’s telecommunications infrastructure practice, started Mobilitie in 2005. Company quickly grew into one of country’s largest cell tower owners. Scored $1.1 billion from 2012 sale of 2,300 cellphone towers to SBA Communications Corp. Used proceeds to buy real estate, primarily in OC, while rolling out business lines for telecom company. Big source of business is now providing upgraded wireless service to sports arenas, concert venues, casinos, others through Distributed Antenna Systems.
RECENT: Working with Overland Park, Kan.-based Sprint Corp. on nationwide upgrade of wireless giant’s network, primarily through small cell base stations. Mobilitie reportedly hired hundreds across U.S. for rollout, which has been described as largest network deployment in U.S. history. Doing rollouts with other carriers for similar small cell deployments, installing equipment that can handle next-gen wireless and broadband traffic in congested areas. Company has petitioned FCC to set ground rules on how much cities can charge wireless companies to deploy in public rights-of-way.
PERSONAL: Named Ernst & Young National Entrepreneur of the Year in 2013 for real estate, took home Business Journal Excellence in Entrepreneurship Award in 2015. Calls Mobilitie as much a real estate venture as technology company. Main investor in Newport Beach-based Villa Real Estate, residential brokerage that targets high-end coastal properties. San Diego State University grad led ownership group that tried unsuccessfully to buy San Diego Padres baseball team in 2012. Son Cameron a collegiate pitcher. Big believer in sending thank-you cards.
— Mark Mueller
JAMES H. JANNARD
Founder, Chairman
Red Digital Cinema Camera Co.
Irvine
Born in Alhambra
Age: 68
Lives in Washington, Las Vegas, Los Angeles
WHY: Built two global brands: Foothill Ranch-based Oakley Inc., now part of Luxottica Group SPA, and Red Digital Cinema Camera Co. in Irvine, which he runs with President Jarred Land as front man.
HOW: Dropped out of University of Southern California School of Pharmacy to start Oakley in 1975 with $300, selling motorcycle grips out of car. Motorcycles, ski goggles followed, then designs for state-of-the-art sunglasses. Took company public in 1995, sold it to Italy-based Luxottica in 2007 for $2.1 billion. Red Digital, two years after he launched it in 2005, released Red One, “a 4k camera for $20k,” while competitor Sony was selling digital cinema cameras for about $200,000. Bought Ren-Mar Studios in Hollywood in 2010, renamed it Red Studios. Directors Peter Jackson, Ridley Scott, James Cameron among customers.
RECENT: Involved in secret, “most mind-numbing project” he ever worked on. Posted few hints about it on Red Digital user forum last summer, including, “It has to do with space. And travel. And time. And electronics. Get ready to place your deposit. It will be guaranteed by me.” Hasn’t provided update since November.
PERSONAL: Married to Misha; four children, 14 grandchildren.
— Mediha DiMartino
JEREMY JOHNSON
Co-founder, Brand Strategy
and Innovation
Too Faced Cosmetics LLC
Irvine
Born in Palm Springs, Calif.
Age: 43
Lives in Corona del Mar
JERROD BLANDINO
Co-founder, Chief Creative Officer
Too Faced Cosmetics LLC
Irvine
Born in Brea
Age: 44
Lives in Corona del Mar
WHY: Sold Too Faced last year to New York-based Estée Lauder Cos. Inc. for $1.5 billion. Blandino and Johnson remain in charge of day-to-day operations of youthful makeup brand.
HOW: Duo worked for Estée Lauder prior to launching Too Faced—Blandino manned the makeup counter at South Coast Plaza’s Saks Fifth Avenue while Johnson was at Fashion Island’s Bloomingdale’s. Started Too Faced in 1998 from apartment in Irvine, financed it with loan from Blandino’s parents, their own credit cards. Sold majority stake to Weston Presidio in early 2012 for $71.3 million. Too Faced quadrupled in size during three years under San Francisco-based private equity, which cashed out in 2015 for a reported $500 million. Founders and senior management team retained “significant ownership” in company while General Atlantic in New York took majority stake.
RECENT: Too Faced, whose consumer base is mostly under 40, posted about $270 million in revenue last year. Company employs 122 here, 275 globally.
PERSONAL: The couple, who met about 22 years ago, married in 2008. Company named after Blandino’s “makeup counter clients—the women he lovingly called Too Faced because they would turn from sweet to stressed if he was out of their favorite lipstick.” A makeup palette inspired by couple’s chihuahua, Clover, is close to release.
— Mediha DiMartino
JOSEPH E. KIANI
Chairman, Co-Founder, Chief Executive
Masimo Corp.
Irvine
Born in Shiraz, Iran
Age: 52
Lives in Laguna Niguel
WHY: Business- and politically savvy entrepreneur who leads Patient Safety Movement, which involves sharing data as way to stop hospital-related patient deaths.
HOW: Founded patient monitoring company in 1989 with partner in garage. Attracted over $80 million in venture capital before taking Masimo public nine years ago in offering that raised $233 million.
RECENT: Expanding monitoring technology, ensuring next-generation technologies, devices incorporate built-in telemedicine capabilities, such as one- and two-way video communication, third-party device Bluetooth connectivity and seamless data integration with emergency medical records. Continued work with Patient Safety Movement Foundation, which recently celebrated saving 70,000 lives and has over 70 medical technology companies that have pledged to share data.
PERSONAL: Trustee, Chapman University. Dean’s advisory board at alma mater, San Diego State University College of Engineering. Holds over 50 patents related to signal processing, sensors, patient monitoring. Came to U.S. with family at age 9, graduated high school at 15. Tennis fan who’s fixture at BNP Paribas Open tennis tournament in Indian Wells. Wife, Sarah, two daughters, one son.
— Sherry Hsieh
BILL LINK
Co-Founder, Managing Director
Versant Ventures
San Francisco
Born in Morenci, Mich.
Age: 71
Lives in Newport Beach
WHY: Longtime healthcare industry veteran with over 30 years as entrepreneur, investor. Co-founder, director of $1.9 billion venture capital firm that invests across healthcare sector, at all stages. Emphasis on discovery, development of novel therapeutics.
HOW: Engineer by trade. Earned bachelor’s, master’s, doctorate in mechanical engineering from Purdue University. Got interested in medicine, gained academic exposure through Purdue’s veterinarian program. Was assistant professor in department of surgery at Indiana University. Pioneer of sorts in blend of medicine, engineering. Got into biomedical engineering in 1970s when “it wasn’t even a profession yet.” Came to OC as part of transition from academia to industry. Founded American Medical Optics, sold to Allergan in 1986. Started Chiron Vision, sold to Bausch & Lomb in 1997. Shifted focus to investing. Was general partner at Brentwood Venture Capital before co-founding Versant in 1999. Company closed Newport Beach office about two years ago.
RECENT: Chairman of Laguna Hills-based eye device maker Glaukos. Director of Edwards Lifesciences Corp. Recipient of 2014 Catalyst Award from Glaucoma Research Foundation. Was Director of the Year Honoree, Early Stage Companies, at 2016 Forum for Corporate Directors. Received Hall of Fame Lifetime Achievement Award at 2016 WSGR Phoenix Conference, a medical device, diagnostic conference for CEOs.
PERSONAL: Likes to be outdoors, whether hiking in Colorado mountains, skiing in “beautiful” Steamboat Springs, hunting with buddies in the fall. Avid aviator who “truly enjoys flying,” especially with son in cockpit and family in the back. Wife, Marsha; two children, four grandchildren. Has homes in Newport Beach, Steamboat Springs.
— Deirdre Newman
PAUL MERAGE
Chairman
MIG LLC
Newport Beach
Born in Iran
WHY: Longtime venture investor, entrepreneur, active philanthropist, listed among Business Journal’s OC’s Wealthiest.
HOW: Bachelor’s in economics, MBA at the University of California-Berkeley. Founded Chef America Inc. with brother, David, in 1975. Grew it to leading manufacturer of frozen food products, including Hot Pockets. Company had $750 million in annual sales and 1,800 workers by 2002, when Nestlé acquired it for $2.6 billion. Donated $30 million in 2005 to the University of California-Irvine’s business school, which bears his name.
RECENT: Son, Richard, runs MIG Capital in Newport Beach, one of three investment channels run by Merage family under MIG umbrella, according to news reports. Parent company also includes MIG Real Estate LLC division and private-equity fund that manages $1.6 billion in assets, employs 50. In April, MIG Capital bought stock in Mountain View-based Alphabet Inc. valued at approximately $19 million. MIG Real Estate invests, operates diverse portfolio of properties primarily in Sunbelt, Western U.S, according to website. Currently engaged in “aggressive expansion strategy, seeking investment opportunities in hospitality, retail, office, industrial/flex and multifamily product types throughout its target markets.” In September, acquired 300-unit luxury apartment community Cape May at Harveston in Temecula.
— Deirdre Newman
TONY MOISO
Chief Executive, Chairman
Rancho Mission Viejo LLC
Born in West Los Angeles
Age: 77
Lives in Laguna Beach (Emerald Bay)
WHY: Heads development, leasing arm of Moiso, O’Neill, and Avery families; real estate development, leasing, cattle, agricultural operations; OC’s No. 2 landowner after Donald Bren.
HOW: Family traces land ties to 1882. Ranch once covered 200,000 acres from El Toro Creek in Lake Forest to Oceanside, including what’s now Camp Pendleton. It now owns 23,000 acres in county’s southeast corner. Developer behind Mission Viejo, Rancho Santa Margarita, Las Flores and Ladera Ranch.
RECENT: Esencia, 2,700-home second village of its newest community, Rancho Mission Viejo, had 458 sales last year, making it 16th best-selling community in country. Project includes homes for all ages, including retirees. Next batch of Esencia model homes scheduled to open around September.
PERSONAL: Longtime supporter of Mission San Juan Capistrano. Well known for love of horses; hosts annual Rancho Mission Viejo Rodeo, which has raised over $1 million for local charities. Staunch Republican, had childhood friendship in West Los Angeles with former Democratic Gov. Gray Davis. Served two years in Army as infantry officer. Wife, Melinda. Four daughters. Richard “Dick” O’Neill, his uncle and family patriarch, died in 2009. Took over official chairman title from O’Neill last month, turned over president duties to Don Vodra, longtime company man. Working with Vodra to help “identify, mentor, coach, develop, and empower those men and women who will help guide the Rancho Mission Viejo family in the future.”
— Mark Mueller
ALAIN MONIE
Chief Executive
Ingram Micro Inc.
Irvine
Born in Marrakech, Morocco
Age: 66
Lives in Newport Beach
WHY: Leads OC’s largest company by sales, with over $42 billion in revenue. Tech bellwether biggest distributor of computer, consumer electronics products, software in world, with strong business in mobility, cloud, commerce supply chain services. Employs about 900 here, over 29,000 in 45 countries. Serves customers in over 160 countries.
HOW: First joined firm in 2003 as executive vice president. Appointed Asia-Pacific region president year later. Doubled region’s size after acquisition of Tech Pacific, transforming break-even business into company’s largest growth market. Left in 2010 to head large pulp and paper producer in China; returned in 2011 as president, COO. Named CEO in January 2012. Later that year, spearheaded $840 million buy of BrightPoint Inc., largest acquisition in company history. 2013 Business Journal Business Person of the Year.
RECENT: Led $6 billion sale to Tianjin Tianhai Investment Co., a unit of Hainan-based conglomerate HNA Group. Transaction closed in December, ending Ingram’s 20-year run as public company.
Retained title under new owner and Irvine headquarters at Park Place. Continued roll-up strategy in fast-growing, higher value businesses, evident by recent assets buy of Dubai-based Network Information Technology, a distributor of security solutions in the Middle East and Africa. Continues to improve margins across business lines.
PERSONAL: Likes scuba diving, sports cars, fine wines. Fluent in French, Spanish. Has lived and worked in Europe, Mexico, Japan and Singapore. Big execution guy. Drives aggressive M&A strategy to promote rapid, more profitable growth. Demands accountability, transparency, open communication. Educated in France. Received high honors in automation engineering studies at Ecole Nationale Supérieure d’Arts et Metiers. MBA from Institut Supérieur des Affaires in Jouy-en-Josas. Wife, Dominique, from Bordeaux. Couple has moved 16 times; three sons, four grandchildren.
— Chris Casacchia
ARTURO “ARTE” R. MORENO
Owner
Angels Baseball LP
Anaheim
Born in Tucson, Ariz.
Age: 70
Lives in Phoenix, Corona del Mar
WHY: In 15th season as owner of one of OC’s three professional sports teams. Owns KLAA 830 AM, the Angels’ flagship radio station.
HOW: Paid Walt Disney Co. $184 million in 2003 for Anaheim Angels. Forbes valued what’s now Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim at $1.75 billion in April, up 33% in one year; revenue $350 million, up 12%; and $68 million in EBITDA, up 62%. Baseball buying dates to 1985 as an owner of Class A Salt Lake City Trappers and original investor in Arizona Diamondbacks in 1998. Built billboard company Outdoor Systems with partner Bill Levine, also an Angels investor; sold firm to Viacom in 1999 for $8.7 billion in stock. Forbes puts wealth at $2.1 billion as of April—up 17% since this time last year.
RECENT: Resumed negotiations with Anaheim in August to renew lease on Angel Stadium; Moreno had held talks with Tustin and San Diego developer Oliver McMillan for stadium at former Tustin Marine Corps Air Station. Team plans to stay in Anaheim for foreseeable future despite opt out clause in 2019. Lease expires in 2029, with three-year opt-ins through 2038. The 50-year-old stadium was last renovated in 1998 for $117 million. This year’s Angel payroll about $162 million, including $26.4 million to Josh Hamilton, who departed team in 2015 via trade.
PERSONAL: Started Angels Baseball Foundation in 2004 with second wife, Carole; has given over $7 million to various charitable programs in Southern California. Fourth-generation Mexican-American. Oldest of 11 kids. Father ran print shop, grandfather published newspaper. Attended Catholic school. Joined Army in 1965; Vietnam veteran. Graduated University of Arizona in 1973 with marketing degree. Three children.
— Paul Hughes
MICHAEL S. MORHAIME
Co-Founder, Chief Executive
Blizzard Entertainment Inc.
Irvine
Born in Panorama City
Age: 49
Lives in Newport Coast
WHY: Pioneer of multiplayer online games, big factor in 2008 agreement to combine with Santa Monica-based Activision in $18 billion deal, creating Activision Blizzard, world’s largest, most profitable independent game publisher, with annual revenue over $6.6 billion.
HOW: Started Blizzard in 1991 with fellow University of California-Los Angeles alums Allen Adham, Frank Pearce. Borrowed $15,000 from grandmother—has handwritten loan contract on office wall. Blizzard’s forerunner bought by Torrance educational software publisher Davidson & Associates in 1994, then by predecessor to New Jersey-based Cendant in 1996. Sold to Havas in France in 1998, later bought by Vivendi.
RECENT: First-person shooter “Overwatch” a hit, amassing over 25 million players year after launch. First new title in 18 years; fastest-growing Blizzard game ever. Game is foundation of Overwatch League, could rival largest esports competitions in world when launched late this year. “Overwatch,” along with sixth “World of Warcraft” expansion, helped drive annual record sales for parent. June 2016 release of “Warcraft” feature movie a hit in China, flopped in U.S.
PERSONAL: San Fernando Valley native. Bachelor’s in electrical engineering from UCLA. Donates to Jewish Federation & Family Services, Daniel Pearl Foundation, University of the People. Played in World Series of Poker in Las Vegas. Placed second in 2006 celebrity poker tournament hosted by Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences. Plays bass in Blizzard-themed rock band with employees. Inducted into AIAS Hall of Fame in 2007.
— Chris Casacchia
JAMES T. MORRIS
Chairman, Chief Executive, President
Pacific Life Insurance Co.
Newport Beach
Born in Bryn Mawr, Pa.
Age: 57
Lives in San Juan Capistrano
WHY: Chief executive of biggest OC-based private company, one of top U.S. life insurance companies.
HOW: Bachelor’s in math from the University of California-Los Angeles. Started up ranks in 1982 when joined PacLife as assistant actuary. Promoted to senior vice president in 1996, executive vice president in 2002. Named chief insurance officer in 2005, chief operating officer in 2006, chief executive in 2007. Fourteenth CEO in company’s nearly 150-year history. Serves on board of Edison International.
RECENT: Company assets climbed 4% to $143 billion last year. Operating income rose 16% to $868 million. Last year purchased Cadence Capital Management, with $4 billion assets, to gain strategic beta solutions, and new term-life business platform of Genworth Financial.
PERSONAL: Chairman, Pacific Life Foundation, which gave $6.3 million last year to about 100 nonprofits, including $1 million to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Huntington Valley. Serves on board of visitors of UCLA Anderson School of Management. Fellow, Society of Actuaries. Member, American Academy of Actuaries. Wife, Ann; two children.
— Peter J. Brennan
SEBASTIAN PAUL MUSCO
Founder, Chairman
Gemini Industries Inc.
Santa Ana
Born in Providence, R.I.
Age: 91
Lives in Irvine
WHY: Prominent donor to education, arts, music. Founder, Santa Ana-based precious metals provider to auto, oil refining industries; helped develop catalytic converter to lower auto exhaust toxicity.
HOW: Served in World War II as teenager. Moved to OC in 1972, founded Gemini in 1973 as gold, silver refiner. Later developed industrial process to economically recover platinum, palladium from used catalytic converters. Provides products, services to every major oil company.
RECENT: One of 10 children of immigrant parents, received Ellis Island Medal of Honor, which celebrates “patriotism, tolerance, brotherhood and diversity.” Created Santa Ana-based Relief Pod International to design, make emergency kits for disaster survivors. Honored last year at second annual “Let’s Be Frank About Cancer” gala, which drew 400 leading business professionals, philanthropists, community members, grossing over $2.6 million to benefit City of Hope.
PERSONAL: Prefers to be called Paul. He and wife, Marybelle, donated $39 million of $82 million needed for Sebastian P. Musco Center for the Arts at Chapman University. Holds three honorary doctorate degrees. Met wife in Chicago in 1970. Served on executive committee for Los Angeles Opera, supporter of PBS SoCal. Sicily-born father believed music makes “food for the soul.” Donors to Orange County School of the Arts, Canyon Acres Children and Family Services, Muscular Dystrophy Association, Chapman University. Has identical twin, Anthony.
— Peter J. Brennan
MICHAEL MUSSALLEM
Chairman, Chief Executive
Edwards Lifesciences Corp.
Born in Gary, Ind.
Age: 64
Lives in Laguna Beach
WHY: Leads biggest OC-based medical device maker, with over $2 billion in annual sales, 3,200 local employees, over 9,250 worldwide. Recent $22.9 billion market value.
HOW: Baxter International Inc. veteran tapped to lead spinoff of company’s cardiovascular business into Edwards Lifesciences. Only CEO Edwards has had in 15-year history as independent company. Edwards among cardiovascular disease treatment leaders. Makes transcatheter heart valves, surgical heart valves, critical-care products.
RECENT: Focusing heavily in research and development to drive long-term growth. Diversifying in core less-invasive aortic heart valve market, adding mitral and tricuspid valve technologies. Spent $340 million this year for mitral, tricuspid valve repair technology from Valtech Cardio Ltd. in Israel.
In process of securing approval to expand aortic valve therapy to a broader group of patients including severe aortic stenosis patients considered moderate-risk.
PERSONAL: Trustee, UCI Foundation. On boards, executive committees of Advanced Medical Technology Association and Healthcare Leadership Council, both in Washington, D.C. Die-hard Chicago Cubs fan. Wife, Linda. Former Business Journal Business Person of the Year. Of Lebanese descent. Bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering, honorary doctorate from Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology in Indiana. Worked summers at steel mill to help pay for college; offered full-time job upon graduation but opted to seek career in newer industry.
— Sherry Hsieh
IGOR M. OLENICOFF
Owner, President
Olen Properties Corp.
Newport Beach
Born in Mazandaran, Iran
Age: 74
Lives in Laguna Beach (Emerald Bay)
WHY: Billionaire real estate developer. County’s second largest office landlord after OC 50er Donald Bren. Estimated $4 billion fortune makes him OC’s second wealthiest resident after Bren.
HOW: Started Olen in 1973. Now owns over 7.5 million square feet of commercial real estate, about 12,000 apartments in California, Nevada, Florida, Georgia and Arizona. Along with office and industrial buildings, owns marinas, airport hangars, restaurants and a golf course. Trophy property Chicago’s 40-story One South Dearborn tower bought in 2006 for reported $362 million. Much of portfolio local. Has nearly 2,000 tenants, 400 buildings here. Area holdings include low-rise offices, two office towers near airport, Olen Pointe office campus in Brea.
RECENT: Said in February his firm has placed more than $830 million in debt over past year on about 20 properties it had owned free and clear, including Brea’s Olen Pointe campus. Said funds from the deal, plus cash flows from continuing operations, to fund out-of-state developments, potential new acquisitions here and other markets. Apartment buys outside OC recently been frequent; deals in Arizona, Florida and Georgia have added close to 2,500 apartments to portfolio in past few years. Last big local buy was last May’s $44.8 million deal for Main & Redhill Business Center, a 17-acre office property in Irvine.
PERSONAL: Born in northern Iran when under Soviet occupation during WWII. Parents left Soviet Union for Iran after Russian Revolution due to ties with Czar Nicholas II. Went to Iranian mining town, then came to U.S. when Olenicoff was 15. Worked way through University of Southern California, where he graduated with multiple degrees. Worked for Shell, Touche Ross, Motown Records, where he was bean counter for Berry Gordy. Founding partner in real estate syndicator Gemini Pacific. VP of operations at Dunn Properties before starting Olen. Wife, Jeanne. Daughter, Natalia, USC grad, is Olen vice president and plays key role in company’s leasing and acquisition activities. Andrei Olenicoff Memorial Foundation, charity for eye health, blindness cure, set up in honor of late son. Supports Russian orphans, UC Irvine, Second Harvest Food Bank, Children’s Hospital of Orange County.
— Mark Mueller
BOB OLSON
President
R.D. Olson Development
Newport Beach
R.D. Olson Construction
Irvine
Born in Oakland
Age: 60
Lives in Newport Beach (Balboa Island)
WHY: California’s most active hotel developer for several years running. Company’s built more than 1,500 hotel rooms in past few years, developed over $1 billion in hotel assets since 2000.
HOW: Founded R.D. Olson Development in 1998 after nearly 20 years at helm of contractor R.D. Olson Construction, which builds hotels, offices, restaurants, apartments, other product types. Wanted to develop hotels for own portfolio; started with two hotels in Disneyland Anaheim Resort that later sold to Intercontinental Hotels. Remains 100% owner of development business, whose activity has surged in past six years. Founded construction company when he was 23 using $35,000 of his savings.
RECENT: 250-room Paséa Hotel & Spa in Huntington Beach, part of Pacific City mixed-use development, opened last summer. Partnered with Pacific Hospitality Group in Irvine on project. Steel up on 271-room Irvine Spectrum Marriott, first full-service hotel in area in several years. Construction began this year for Lido House Hotel, 130-room upscale boutique at former Newport Beach City Hall. Out-of-town projects include hotel in Maui that opened last year, plus developments in Silicon Valley and Santa Barbara area. Awarded 2016 Development Partner of the Year by Marriott International.
PERSONAL: Received MBA from University of Southern California, convinced school to admit him without undergrad degree. Member, Young Presidents’ Organization, served on board of directors, executive committee of Orange County Chapter of the American Red Cross.
— Mark Mueller
JIM PETERSON
Chairman, Chief Executive
Microsemi Corp.
Aliso Viejo
Born in Port Jefferson, N.Y.
Age: 61
Lives in Laguna Beach, San Juan Capistrano
WHY: Boss of OC’s largest chipmaker pushed acquisition strategy to record $1.65 billion in sales, up about five-fold since tenure began in 2000. Has overseen 24 acquisitions.
HOW: Ran Garden Grove-based Linfinity Microelectronics, unit of Symmetricom in San Jose. Microsemi bought Linfinity in 1999 for $24 million, ran it as Microsemi division before promotion to top spot. Earlier held senior worldwide marketing, sales management positions with Silicon Systems Inc., marketing management positions at Rockwell Corp. in Newport Beach, General Instruments Microelectronics in New York.
RECENT: Chipmaker joined GE Ventures, Corning and Paladin Capital in $18.7 million investment to launch Irvine-based Menlo Micro Inc., developing modern take on electronic switch, one of engineering’s most basic components. Hired Bank of Montreal to test pool of potential buyers. Closed plant in China, considered maker of “lower value” devices. Took one-year sponsorship in naming rights of Los Angeles Rams practice facility at the University of California-Irvine. Newest member of Chapman University’s Board of Trustees, joining fellow OCer Richard Afable, CEO of St. Joseph Hoag Health, and Gavin Herbert Jr., CEO, co-owner of Roger’s Gardens.
PERSONAL: Philanthropic interests include Discovery Cube; MIND Research Institute; Court Appointed Special Advocates of OC; Talk About Curing Autism; Academy Charter High School, a community project of Orangewood Children’s Foundation. Staunch education supporter; serves on UCI’s board of trustees, Engineering Industry Advisory Board, Paul Merage School of Business Advisory Council, CEO Executive Roundtable. Enjoys golf, landscape gardening, driving fast cars, being grandparent. Known for annual Super Bowl bash. Known by many as Jimmy P. Friendly, sunny outlook. Wife, Sheila. Six children, eight grandchildren.
— Chris Casacchia
SHAHEEN SADEGHI
President, Founder
LAB Holding LLC
Costa Mesa
Age: 63
Lives in Laguna Beach
WHY: Visionary developer behind retail centers that include LAB Anti-Mall and The Camp in Costa Mesa, Anaheim Packing House food hall and Center Street.
HOW: Spent early career as couture designer for Charles James in New York. Moved to West Coast to work for Jantzen Inc., once part of VF Corp., as executive in design, merchandising, international manufacturing. Came to OC decade later to work for Gotcha Sportswear Inc., soon taking on executive VP role. Stint at Quiksilver as president under Bob McKnight before launching LAB Holding—which stands for Little American Business. Opened the LAB Anti-Mall in 1993 as “indoor-outdoor hangout with shops, restaurants geared for the young at heart,” set out “to combat retail monotony.” The Camp followed in 2002 with sustainable-themed retail lineup. Opened Anaheim Packing House in 2014, popular collection of over 20 independent restaurants in former citrus warehouse. Agora Arts District in Laguna Niguel in works.
RECENT: LAB Holding got the green light in August from Long Beach City Council to turn city-owned property in north Long Beach into “small-business friendly” retail center scheduled to open in summer of 2019. Developer will pay discounted price of $2.6 million for 30 “surplus” properties totaling 176,613 square feet near intersection of South Street, Atlantic Avenue, another $4.4 million for 18 nearby parcels. Lab Holding also in $3.38 million deal to transform 17 homes and parcels into small businesses in Garden Grove’s Civic Center area.
PERSONAL: Studied fashion design, merchandising at Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, N.Y., completed Executive Finance Program at Harvard Business School. Received developer of year award in Anaheim, Hall of Fame Award for Community Revitalization in Costa Mesa. Wife, Linda; three sons. Auto buff has fleet of nine, including 1954 Austin Healey.
— Mediha DiMartino
HENRY SAMUELI
Co-Founder, Chief Technical Officer
Broadcom Ltd.
Irvine
Born in Buffalo, N.Y.
Age: 62
Lives in Corona del Mar
WHY: Revered as engineering visionary at Broadcom. Owns Anaheim Ducks and company that runs Honda Center. One of OC’s biggest philanthropists.
HOW: Former University of California-Los Angeles professor. Worked at PairGain, TRW in 1980s. Started Broadcom in 1991 with Henry Nicholas, who left in 2003. Each threw in $5,000. Started recruiting best engineering students from UCLA.
RECENT: Samueli Foundation in Corona del Mar gave the University of California-Irvine $30 million to help build 100,000-square-foot facility for cross-disciplinary research in engineering, computing and physical sciences. Gave $20 million to UCLA’s Henry Samueli School of Engineering and Applied Science to support up to 50 first-year undergraduates in annual scholarships, and research or industry internships. One of few Broadcom execs to retain role after last year’s $37 billion sale to Avago, renamed Broadcom Ltd., world’s fifth largest chipmaker. Heads tech strategic direction but no longer face of company. Has kept low profile since sale. Ducks advanced to second round of playoffs in bid to regain Stanley Cup. Broadcom shed over third of local operation since sale, more cuts likely puts buildings at Great Park Neighborhoods campus up for sale.
PERSONAL: Gave $30 million to UCLA, $20 million to UCI; both named engineering schools after him. Other beneficiaries: Segerstrom Center for the Arts, OC High School of the Arts, PBS SoCal, Discovery Science Center, Tarbut V’Torah day school, Orangewood Children’s Foundation, Ocean Institute, Jewish Federation of OC, Shoah Foundation, University Synagogue. Parents, Aaron and Sala, were Holocaust survivors from Poland who met after war, came to America in 1950s, eventually moved to Southern California. Family ran liquor store on Whittier Boulevard where Samueli worked as teen. Understated, modest. Life-long hockey, basketball fan. Skis, hikes. Bachelor’s, master’s, doctorate in electrical engineering from UCLA. Jointly runs Samueli Foundation with wife, Susan. Couple has three children.
— Chris Casacchia
ANTON SEGERSTROM
Partner
South Coast Plaza, C.J. Segerstrom & Sons,
HTS Management
Costa Mesa
Born in Orange
Age: 59
Lives in Corona del Mar
ELIZABETH SEGERSTROM
Managing Partner
South Coast Plaza, C.J. Segerstrom & Sons,
HTS Management
Costa Mesa
Born in Olsztyn, Poland
Age: 63
Lives in Newport Beach, maintains home in New York
SANDRA “SANDY” SEGERSTROM DANIELS
Managing Partner
South Coast Plaza, C.J. Segerstrom & Sons,
HTS Management
Costa Mesa
Born in Orange
Age: 54
Lives in Costa Mesa, Newport Coast
WHY: Key stakeholders in family business defined in public’s eyes for decades by the late Henry Segerstrom, developer of South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa, much of city’s business district, and arts center named for him. Elizabeth is Henry’s widow. Sandy is daughter of Henry’s cousin, Harold, and his wife, Jeanette. Anton is one of Henry’s three children from first wife, Yvonne de Chaviney Perry.
HOW: Elizabeth a clinical psychologist, married Henry in 2000 after his second wife, Renée, died from cancer. Was involved in final design, opening of Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall. Launched Elizabeth and Henry Segerstrom Select Series in 2007, a collaboration with Philharmonic Society of Orange County. Director of American Friends of Versailles, a nonprofit established in 1998 to “promote positive American-French relationship.” Sandy worked her way up in family business over past 30 years. Founded Festival of Children Foundation in 2003, a support network for nearly 500 national children’s charities. Instrumental in designating September as National Child Awareness Month in 2014. Anton has been one of two general managers at Crate & Barrel/Macy’s home store wing at South Coast Plaza. Actively involved in leasing, marketing, development at South Coast Plaza. On advisory council of Someone Cares Soup Kitchen, on honorary board of Second Harvest Food Bank, and on executive committee of Orange County Museum of Art.
RECENT: PBS-produced documentary, “Henry T. Segerstrom: Imagining The Future,” premiered in March at Directors Guild of America in New York. Film chronicles “the personal journey and broad impact of a man raised on a Southern California farm who played a part in discovering, celebrating and supporting some of the world’s great artists.” The release coincided with South Coast Plaza’s 50th anniversary. Shopping center ended last year with about $1.7 billion in taxable sales.
PERSONAL: Elizabeth has doctorate from New York University. Co-authored “Lovesick—The Marilyn Syndrome,” a New York Times bestseller that was translated into Polish and Russian. Sandy graduated from California State University-Fullerton with bachelor’s in communications, minor in music. Divides time between Costa Mesa and Newport Coast. Has daughter and two grandchildren. Anton married to Jennifer, has two teenagers. Graduated from University of Oregon with degree in finance and business administration. Enjoys surfing, mountain climbing, art collecting.
— Mediha DiMartino
RONALD SIMON
Founder, Chairman
RSI Holding LLC
Newport Beach
Born in Los Angeles
Age: 82
Lives in Newport Beach
WHY: Head of group of companies including cabinet maker RSI Home Products Inc., real estate arm RSI Development, which generated about $550 million in 2015, employed 4,500.
HOW: Engineering degree from Los Angeles City College. Was junior engineer at Layne and Bowler Pump Co. for five years before joined father’s medicine cabinet business, Perma-Bilt Industries. Led company to be nation’s leading bathroom medicine cabinets maker. Sold it in 1987, re-entered industry when founded RSI in 1989. Established homebuilding arm in 2008. RSI makes precision-manufactured houses that can be assembled faster, more efficiently than through traditional methods.
RECENT: Ramping up efforts to own or control 7,000 lots in Inland Empire and Texas by end of year. Newport Beach-based RSI Communities bought 228-acre site in January in Riverside County city of Beaumont, where plans to build development to sell 981 homes ranging from high $200,000s to nearly $400,000.
PERSONAL: With wife, Sandi, helps youth gain better education and achieve self-sufficiency. Simon Foundations has awarded over 850 scholarships valued at $30 million-plus, Simon Scholars keystone of effort. Recipient of Horatio Alger Award in 2005. Simon Foundations also announced partnership with Chapman University, Orange High School to create Simon STEM Scholarship Program to grant selected high school students who major in science, technology, engineering or math a full scholarship to Chapman. Simon is director on Pacific Symphony Orchestra board.
— Peter J. Brennan
VINNY SMITH
Founder
Toba Capital, Insight Capital Partners
Newport Beach
Born in Baltimore
Age: 53
Lives in Newport Beach
WHY: Launched venture capital firm Toba in late 2012 with former Quest Software colleagues, now OC’s largest VC. Latest track for serial entrepreneur who sold Quest to Dell in early 2012 for $2.8 billion, cashed out nearly $1 billion.
HOW: Started career with Oracle in 1986. In 1992 started San Francisco-based Patrol Software with Oracle colleague. BMC Software Inc. bought Patrol in 1994 for estimated $33.7 million. Aliso Viejo-based Quest chairman, CEO from 1997 until sale. Grew it to $800 million-plus in annual sales, upper ranks of OC software makers. Oversaw over 70 acquisitions, investments there.
RECENT: Toba big winner in $145 million Alteryx IPO; controls 6% stake in analytics software maker through $6 million in investments, another $2 million came from Smith’s Teach a Man to Fish Foundation. Co-led $10 million funding round for Super League Gaming, Santa Monica company that runs tournaments, related events for amateur gamers in first foray into booming esports market. Took lead in $10 million initial funding round for San Francisco-based human resources software specialist Restless Bandit. $800 million evergreen fund has invested about $600 million, 44 companies in portfolio. Other Toba investments in OC include virtual reality content maker NextVR; security software maker SecureAuth Corp.; Irvine-based True Drinks Holdings Inc.; Costa Mesa-based business website, social media services provider Mopro; Irvine database security provider Cirro.
PERSONAL: Smith and wife, Tori, support numerous charities, including Cure Duchenne; Augie’s Quest, which battles Lou Gehrig’s disease; kids programs, such as Orphan Starfish, which provides after-school training in orphanages, shelters in 25 Latin American locations, Philippines. Gave $5 million to Mount Saint Joseph High School in Baltimore, where he attended; seeded Newport Beach-based Gen Next Foundation with $1 million grant; gave $1 million to Irvine-based nonprofit Fuel Freedom Foundation. Has several real estate plays across state as personal investor, chief financial backer behind Newport Beach-based developer Integral Communities. Graduated from University of Delaware, where he wrestled. Has casual air, often sports jeans, cap.
— Chris Casacchia
LYNSI SNYDER
Owner, president
In-N-Out Burger Inc.
Irvine
Born in Glendora
Age: 35 (as of May 5)
Lives in Bradbury in L.A. County
WHY: Scheduled on May 5—her 35th birthday—to take at least 96% ownership of burger chain founded in 1948 by paternal grandparents Harry and Esther Snyder. Forbes profile found 4% ownership held by unknown party. Been company president since 2010, said to be taking greater role of chain with about 325 locations in Southwest U.S. Average unit volume tops $2 million; In-N-Out No. 5 on Business Journal list of OC-based chains, highest-ranked private company on list. Competes in “quick service plus” category of food considered higher in quality than fast food while at lower price-point than fast-casual chains.
HOW: Ascent has involved great personal tragedies, some corporate drama. Company’s been led by succession of family members since death of co-founder Harry Snyder, including by his widow, who died in 2006. Snyder’s uncle, Richard, and father, Guy, both led chain, dying during their tenures. Court battle involving other senior executives ended in 2006 with ouster of one.
RECENT: In-N-Out operates in six states, employs about 25,000; starts workers at wages above national standard for fast food—minimum wage increases have been in recent industry news—and regularly ranked in top echelons of best places to work: No. 13 on Glassdoor in 2016, ahead of Apple Inc. and Costco Wholesale Corp. Snyder No. 17 on the job search website’s list of “Highest Rated CEOs”—the top-ranked woman on list—with 94% of surveyed employees approving performance. Chain recently entered Texas, Oregon; Snyder has said she doesn’t intend to take company public or to franchise.
PERSONAL: Married to her fourth husband, has four children. Enjoys drag racing, said to be member of Glendora-based National Hot Rod Association. Said to be publicity-shy but has recently spoken more about family history, her religious beliefs. Bought $17 million home in 2012 in Bradbury, near Duarte, from Texas Rangers third baseman Adrian Beltre. Has said she prefers to work in company offices in Baldwin Park, where first In-N-Out was built—as it’s closer to her home.
— Paul Hughes
DEAN SPANOS
Owner, Chairman
Los Angeles Chargers
Costa Mesa
Born in Stockton
Age: 66
Lives in Newport Coast
WHY: Brought National Football League back to OC after 22 years without a team, Rams left county in 1995 for St. Louis. Headquartered team’s training and business operations at new Costa Mesa facility. Forbes valued franchise at $2 billion last year before move. Likely higher this year.
HOW: Father, Alex, acquired 60% of team in 1984 for $48.3 million from majority owner Eugene Klein. Grew share to 97% in decade. Dean took over daily operations in 1993. Ceded day-to-day leadership in 2015 to sons A.G. and John. Eldest son, A.G., president of business operations; John president of football operations.
RECENT: Will play home games in Carson at StubHub Center 2017, 2018 NFL seasons. Opted to join Rams at $2.6 billion stadium in Inglewood scheduled to open in 2019, had to make call by Jan. 15 as deal for new stadium in San Diego collapsed; lost by wide margin in 2016 ballot measure. New 100,000-square-foot, temporary headquarters in Costa Mesa to employ about 200; lease at least 5 years. Practice field will be built on adjacent 3.2 acres near Ikea.
PERSONAL: Longtime contributor to charities, organizations working to improve lives of children, families, including Make-A-Wish Foundation; American Cancer Society; Armed Services YMCA; Susan G. Komen; Rady Children’s Hospital; Girl Scouts; Huntington’s Disease Society; San Diego Blood Bank; STAR/PAL; Special Olympics of Southern California; San Diego Food Bank; Casa de Amparo; Salvation Army. Member of golf team at University of the Pacific in Stockton; graduated in 1972 with business administration degree. Five-time Pro-Am tournament champion, including back-to-back wins in 1990 at Bob Hope Chrysler Classic and AT&T National Pro-Am at Pebble Beach.
— Chris Casacchia
DEAN STOECKER
Chairman, Chief Executive, Founder
Alteryx Inc.
Irvine
Born in Denver
Age: 59
Lives in Irvine
WHY: Took analytics software maker public in March, first IPO in OC since Glaukos Corp. in June 2015 raised about $188 million. First local tech IPO since December 2013 when Irvine-based Kofax raised $11 million after years on London exchange.
HOW: Alteryx founded in 1997 as SRC LLC, took name of core product in 2010, common move in software industry. Posted $85.8 million in 2016 sales, up 59% over 2015. Closed year with over 400 employees, about 125 in OC. Customer roster tops 2,300, including blue chippers Ford, Knight, Nike, Southwest Airlines and Accenture. Held previous stints as sales executive for Strategic Mapping Inc. and Dun & Bradstreet.
RECENT: Net IPO proceeds at $145 million. Goldman Sachs and J.P. Morgan Securities joint book-running managers; Pacific Crest, William Blair, Raymond James, and Cowen co-managers. Backers include Newport Beach-based Toba Capital, Insight Venture Partners, Sapphire Ventures, Thomson Reuters and ICONIQ Capital.
PERSONAL: Big on work culture, evident in company’s open-concept, 40,000-square-foot HQ at Park Place; features 1962 double pass-through Volkswagen Bus outfitted with conference room and gas-caskets-turned-beer-taps. Launched Alteryx For Good last year, corporate philanthropic program to empower people to drive social change through data, analytics.
Started 501C3 foundation i-Rise with wife, Angie, to elevate opportunities for underserved to improve their economic situations. Bachelor’s degree in international business from University of Colorado, MBA from Pepperdine University.
— Chris Casacchia
DAVID SUN
Chief Operating Officer, Vice President
Kingston Technology Co.
Fountain Valley
Born in Taichung, Taiwan
Age: 66
Lives in Irvine
JOHN TU
Chief Executive
Kingston Technology Co.
Fountain Valley
Born in Chongqing, China
Age: 76
Lives in Rolling Hills
WHY: Co-leaders of top memory products maker for computers, consumer electronics. Run county’s biggest minority-owned company, third largest private company. 2016 revenue topped $6.6 billion, up $100 million, with growing sales of gaming accessories, solid-state drives, contract manufacturing, embedded memory. Employs about 650 in OC, 3,000 worldwide. Plants in Fountain Valley, Taiwan, mainland China. Sun oversees U.S., Far East operation; Tu handles Europe, Middle East, Africa, Latin America.
HOW: Started computer maker Camintonn in garage in early 1980s. Became division VPs when former computer maker AST Research bought it. Left to start Kingston in 1987 after losing millions in stock market crash. Famous for giving $100 million to workers after selling 80% of Kingston to Softbank in 1990s. Pair bought back Kingston in 1999 for fraction of what Softbank paid.
RECENT: Released world’s largest-capacity USB drive, DataTraveler Ultimate Generation Terabyte; 2 terabytes of storage into flash drive 3 inches long, 1 inch high and wide. Niche product geared for architects, production studios, IT departments costs $1,650. Headset line launched in 2014 has sold over 2 million units. Key prong in esports blitz, sponsors about 30 competitive video gaming teams. Launched first keyboard and mouse, next generation headsets with Dolby 7.1 surround sound, four distinct equalizer settings for enhanced vocals, chatting purposes. Making big strides in SSD channel.
PERSONAL: Sun emigrated from Taiwan in 1977, was chief engineer at Alpha Microsystems in Costa Mesa 1978 to 1982. Lively, unconventional operations man. Tu’s family fled China for Taiwan in 1949. Avid golfer. Electrical engineering degree from Tatung Institute of Technology in Taiwan. Married, two children. Son, Donald, heads Costa Mesa-based Association of Volleyball Players pro circuit. Tu sent to Germany as kid to live with uncle who owned Chinese restaurant. Says “doesn’t like to study,” expelled from several high schools. Came to U.S. in 1972. Electrical engineering degree from Technische Hochschule Darmstadt in Germany. University of California-Irvine cancer diagnostic center named for him, friend Tom Yuen, co-founder, AST Research. Funny, soft-spoken public face of company. Loves Elvis. Heads JT and California Dreamin’ Band. Plays drums. Collects cars. Investor in Yuen’s stem cell startup PrimeGen Biotech.
— Chris Casacchia
PETER UEBERROTH
Chairman, Managing Director
Contrarian Group Inc.
Newport Beach
Born in Evanston, Ill.
Age: 79
Lives in Laguna Beach
WHY: Head of investment firm specializing in hospitality, travel industries. Former Major League Baseball commissioner, U.S. Olympic Committee chairman. Entrepreneur, philanthropist.
HOW: Received athletic scholarship from San Jose State University, graduated with business degree. Played water polo at school, competed in 1956 U.S. Olympic trials. Married after college, moved to Hawaii, started travel industry career, founding First Travel Corp. in 1962. Built it to second largest travel business in North America, sold it in 1980. Founded Contrarian in 1989. Organizer of 1984 Los Angeles Olympics. First privately financed games ended with $238 million surplus. MLB commissioner 1984 to 1989. Oversaw Rebuild LA after 1992 riots. Orchestrated 1999 acquisition of resort operator Pebble Beach Co. with Arnold Palmer and Clint Eastwood.
RECENT: Received Los Angeles Sports Council’s lifetime achievement award in February; Dodgers legend Vin Scully won award prior year. Won NCAA’s highest honor, Theodore Roosevelt Award, last year. Contrarian made various local investments, including in CT Realty and PrimeSport Holdings, which sells tickets, suites, and hospitality packages to events, such as Final Four, tennis Grand Slams. It’s second largest shareholder of Century Golf Partners in Texas, which manages 160 U.S. golf courses, resorts and private clubs.
PERSONAL: Named Time Magazine Man of the Year in 1984. Received Olympics Order in gold, highest award from International Olympic Committee. Received John Wooden Global Leadership Award from Anderson School of Management at University of California-Los Angeles. Author of best-seller “Made in America.” Chairman, U.S. Olympic Committee 2004 to 2008. With wife, Ginny, founded Ueberroth Family Foundation in 1984. Part of founding group of Sage Hill School in Newport Beach. Has honorary degrees from 12 schools.
— Peter J. Brennan
GRANT VAN CLEVE
President
Tech Coast Angels Orange County
Irvine
Chief Executive
Buy It Installed Inc.
Irvine
Managing Director, Partner
VCInvest
Newport Beach
Born in Oxford, Ohio, raised in Los Alamitos
Age: 48
Lives in Newport Beach
WHY: Leader of OC chapter of America’s “most influential” angel investing group. In 20 years, TCA invested nearly $200 million in 340 companies, attracting $2 billion in follow-on financing. He’s participated in over 50 venture deals. On board of advisers of 17 of the firms. Also real estate developer who created The Vista Group in Albania to build residential communities in Eastern Europe. VCInvest provides services such as entrepreneurial training, microcredit and energy independence to impoverished in Africa, South America, Asia. Also handles legal portion of OC urban infill development projects that he works on with other companies as joint ventures.
HOW: Describes journey as “atypical.” Raised in OC’s real estate world. Got “top-tier training” at Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. Spent almost 20 years rebuilding “spiritual and commercial foundations” of post-communist Eastern Europe by “planting churches and planting businesses.” Amidst “massive geopolitical transition” in Eastern Europe, pivoted from nonprofit work to consulting and eventually business. Returned to U.S in 2010. Used financial resources from real estate to invest in OC startups. “Breadth and depth” of investments led to invitation to head OC chapter of angel investing group in 2015.
RECENT: One of his portfolio companies, Buy It Installed Inc., went live last year and “almost instantly had some of the largest potential clients in the industry asking to be customers.” Said reception convinced him it’s OC company most likely to be a unicorn.
PERSONAL: Obtained master’s in intercultural studies from Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena. Met wife, Carina, a native of Sweden, in Albania. Three children, all born in Europe. Active in leadership at Grace Fellowship Church in Costa Mesa and his homeowner’s association. Member of Wharton SoCal Club, Barnabas Group, Angel Capital Association. Expert-in-Residence at Applied Innovation, UCI’s innovation institute.
— Deirdre Newman
WILLIAM W. WANG
Founder, Chief Executive
Vizio Inc.
Irvine
Born in Taipei, Taiwan
Age: 53
Lives in Newport Beach
WHY: TV titan battles Samsung for top U.S. market share, leader in 4K ultra-HD TVs. Top sound bars seller. Ranks among top private companies based in OC with $3.5 billion in estimated annual sales. Moved Vizio into national spotlight with big endorsement deals, sports sponsorships. Expanded offerings into speakers, sound bars, tablets, and home theater systems. Employs about 480, nearly half at Spectrum headquarters.
HOW: Started Vizio in 2002. Designs, markets TVs, other electronics. Sets made in China, Taiwan, Mexico by Taiwan-based Vizio investor AmTran Technology, others. Forged close partnerships with retailers, suppliers, original design manufacturers. Used similar model in 1990s at prior companies—monitor sellers Mag InnoVision, Princeton Digital. Both took off early, ended poorly. Started Mag InnoVision at 26 with $350,000 from family, friends, Asian investor. Taiwan-based monitors maker Mag Technology bought business in 1998.
RECENT: $2 billion sale to Chinese conglomerate LeEco collapsed last month amid cash crunch, regulatory hurdles. Weighing several paths following axed deal. Potential new distribution channel in works in China through LeEco, no details been announced. Unveiled smart-TV line for Canadian market in tie-in with National Hockey League playoffs. Crafting next phase of developing data business after settling $2.2 million penalty with FTC and New Jersey attorney general for tracking viewing habits of about 11 million smart-TV owners without their knowledge or consent.
PERSONAL: On board of Segerstrom Center; Viterbi School of Engineering Board of Councilors, President’s Leadership Council at alma mater University of Southern California, where earned bachelor’s in electrical engineering; Committee of 100 group of distinguished Chinese-Americans. Likes golf, other sports, reading, movies and, of course, TV. Moved to Hawaii at 12, California at 14. Big on design, innovation, user-friendliness. Among survivors of Singapore Airlines crash in 2000 that killed roughly half of passengers. Wife, Sakura; daughter.
— Chris Casacchia
LARRY WEBB
Chairman, Chief Executive
The New Home Co.
Aliso Viejo
Born in Jacksonville, Fla.
Age: 69
Lives in Corona del Mar
WHY: Longtime homebuilding executive most active builder in OC, been area’s largest luxury homes builder last few years.
HOW: 30 years of homebuilding experience. Between 1995 and 2008, led John Laing Homes, grew Irvine-based company into second largest private homebuilder in U.S. Sold it in 2006 to Dubai-based Emaar Properties for nearly $1.1 billion, largest private residential transaction in U.S. history. Left company in 2008, founded New Home Co. in 2009 with former John Laing, Irvine Company executives. Took company public in 2014, raising $86 million. Company valued at about $240 million.
RECENT: New Home Co. remains largest builder in OC and in county’s busiest homebuilding location—the Irvine Ranch—through projects marketed under its own name and as fee-building business it provides to Irvine Pacific, Irvine Co.’s in-house building arm. Two home projects in Crystal Cove largely sold out within year of opening, some home prices topped $5 million. Also selling in Orchard Hills, Portola Springs communities in Irvine, building more affordable homes at Great Park Neighborhoods. Preparing its largest-ever project, a 1,600-home development in Corona called Bedford, where sales start next year, will include offerings by New Home Co., other builders.
PERSONAL: Bachelor’s in history from State University of New York at Cortland, master’s in city, regional planning from Harvard University. Before John Laing ran OC divisions of builders Kaufman & Broad, Greystone Homes. Has served on boards of HomeAid America, Interval House. Daughters, Laura and Emily.
— Mark Mueller
MARK WETTERAU
Chairman, Chief Executive
Golden State Foods Corp.
Irvine
Chairman, Chief Executive
Wetterau Associates LLC
St. Louis
Born in St. Louis
Age: 58
Lives in Laguna Niguel
WHY: Heads second largest privately held company in OC. GSF services 125,000 restaurants in over 60 countries.
HOW: Bachelor’s in business administration from Westminster College. Started career at Wetterau Inc. Grandfather founded $6 billion St. Louis-based food company. Appointed CEO, chairman Shop ‘n Save Warehouse Foods in 1987, tripled sales to $650 million in two years. Returned to Wetterau Inc. in 1990, named president, COO year later, sold company to Super Valu Stores Inc. in 1992 for $1.1 billion. Formed Wetterau Associates LLC after sale to manage, acquire distribution, retail and manufacturing businesses. Bought minority stakes in Golden State Foods in 1998, became chairman, CEO in six years. Bought out majority partner The Yucaipa Companies in 2004.
RECENT: Has grown Golden State into $6.1 billion food maker. Unit in November bought Denver-based Mile Hi Specialty Foods, which has about $373 million in annual revenue distributing to restaurant chains. In recent years, has bought food makers in China, New Zealand.
PERSONAL: Says firm believer in “The Golden Rule,” people’s dignity and that committed to social, environmental responsibility. Founded GSF Foundation in 2002 to support 600 charities, schools to help children in need and their families; foundation has raised over $36 million. Chairman of advisory board, Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County in Irvine. Golden State has solar panels-powered power pallet jacks, uses rainwater to irrigate native vegetation at select facilities, made GSF shareholder in biodiesel fuel maker Renewable Energy Group, moving GST toward zero landfill user.
— Peter J. Brennan
