IGOR M. OLENICOFF
Owner, President
Olen Properties Corp.
Newport Beach
Born in Mazandaran, Iran
Age: 73
Lives in Laguna Beach (Emerald Bay)
WHY: Billionaire real estate developer. County’s second largest commercial real estate owner after OC 50er Donald Bren. Estimated $3.5 billion fortune makes him OC’s second wealthiest resident, trailing only 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, 380 buildings in OC. Area holdings include low-rise offices, pair of office towers near airport, Olen Pointe office campus in Brea.
RECENT: More than $300 million in acquisitions reported in past year, largely apartments outside OC. Deals for large rental complexes in Arizona, Florida and Georgia added over 2,300 apartments to portfolio. Purchased business park in Aliso Viejo for nearly $17 million last September, and paid another $44.9 million for 15-building office property near John Wayne Airport last month. Company taking advantage of favorable interest rates to take on more debt to fund some recent acquisitions. Among first Americans named as having anonymous offshore accounts in Panama Papers disclosures. Claims allegations are “sheer made up fantasy,” or possible case of mistaken identity. Says media jumped to link him to oil company operating under Olen name due to his 2007 settlement with U.S. government over tax-evasion charges.
PERSONAL: Born in northern Iran when under Soviet occupation during WWII. Parents had 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 Ostensen, USC grad, is Olen senior vice president and playing larger company role. Andrei Olenicoff Memorial Foundation, charity for eye health, blindness cure, set up in honor of late son. Supports Russian orphans, University of California-Irvine, Second Harvest Food Bank, Children’s Hospital of Orange County.
—Mark Mueller
ROBERT D. OLSON
President
R.D. Olson Development
Newport Beach
R.D. Olson Construction
Irvine
Born in Oakland
Age: 59
Lives in Newport Beach (Balboa Island)
WHY: California’s most active hotel developer for several years running. Company has built more than 1,000 hotel rooms in past few years, with construction costs topping $200 million. Notable developments under way in Huntington Beach and Irvine Spectrum.
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 and other product types. Wanted to develop hotels for own portfolio; started by building two hotels in Disneyland Anaheim Resort that were later sold to Intercontinental Hotels. Remains 100% owner of development business, whose activity has surged in past five years. Development company moved to Newport Beach last year, construction firm remains in Irvine.
RECENT: Working with Irvine-based Pacific Hospitality Group on 250-room Paséa Hotel & Spa in Huntington Beach, part of Pacific City mixed-use development. Scheduled opening by summer. Broke ground this year on 271-room, full-service Irvine Spectrum Marriott, scheduled to start work this year on Lido House Hotel, 130-room upscale boutique hotel at former Newport Beach City Hall site. Out-of-town projects include hotel in Maui town of Wailea that’s wrapping up, developments in Silicon Valley and Santa Barbara area. Given last year’s Partnership Circle Award from Marriott International recognizing organizations for support of Marriott hotel brands. Named developer of year by Marriott International in 2014.
PERSONAL: Received MBA from the 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 American Red Cross. Company hosts annual surf camp at San Onofre.
—Mark Mueller
JAMES J. PETERSON
Chairman, Chief Executive
Microsemi Corp.
Aliso Viejo
Born in Port Jefferson, N.Y.
Age: 60
Lives in Laguna Beach, San Juan Capistrano
WHY: Boss of OC’s largest chipmaker pushed acquisition strategy to over $1.25 billion in sales, up more than fourfold 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: Acquired PMC-Sierra for $2.5 billion in bidding war against Apple supplier Skyworks. Deal jumpstarts move into booming storage segment with big-data aggregators Google, HP and EMC. Sold secondary line of embedded security, RF, microwave and custom microelectronics businesses for $300 million to Mercury Systems, shedding about 275 employees. Established research and development center in Ennis, Ireland, to build on strong legacy aerospace business and reputation for designing products with high reliability and intelligent power technology. Supplied several key components for NASA’s New Horizons spacecraft, which was sent to study Pluto in mission launched nearly decade ago. Donated $1 million to Chapman University to support center opening in 2018 under new Schmid College of Science and Technology.
PERSONAL: Philanthropic interests include Discovery Cube; MIND Research Institute; CASA (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 University of California-Irvine’s board of trustees, Social Ecology Leadership Council, Engineering Industry Advisory Board, Paul Merage School of Business Advisory Council and 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: 62
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 days of 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. Did 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, a popular gathering of over 20 independent restaurants nestled in former citrus warehouse. Agora Arts District in Laguna Niguel is in works.
RECENT: LAB Holding in January invested $10 million in several commercial and mixed-use developments in Anaheim scheduled to be done by 2019. Sadeghi also working to acquire 320-seat Balboa Performing Arts Theater built in 1920s, which he envisions as “multi-purpose events/performance venue.” Another potential development is Lower Rosan Ranch, 16 open acres north of Stonehill Drive in San Juan Capistrano where he wants to set up an “Area of Arts” to host festivals, outdoor concerts, cultural events, along with brewery, art school or coffee roaster.
PERSONAL: Studied fashion design, merchandising at Pratt Institute’s School of Design, Fashion, Art and Architecture in Brooklyn, N.Y., completed the Executive Finance Program at Harvard Business School. Received developer of year award in Anaheim, and Hall of Fame Award for Community Revitalization in Costa Mesa. Wife, Linda; three sons. Auto buff has fleet of nine vehicles, including 1954 Austin Healey.
—Mediha DiMartino
HENRY SAMUELI
Co-Founder, Chief Technical Officer
Broadcom Ltd.
Irvine
Born in Buffalo, N.Y.
Age: 61
Lives in Corona del Mar
WHY: Revered as engineering visionary at Broadcom, world’s third largest chipmaker. Owns Anaheim Ducks and company that runs Honda Center. Had big hand in moving Broadcom headquarters to campus in University Research Park alongside University of California-Irvine, where company recruits engineers.
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: One of few Broadcom execs to retain role after this year’s $37 billion sale to Avago. Nearly entire Broadcom management team cleared out during integration, plus 700 OC employees. More cuts likely as sale of one or more buildings under construction at 1.1-million-square-foot project Great Park Neighborhoods campus explored. Ducks had another early playoff exit.
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 Corona del Mar-based Samueli Foundation with wife, Susan. Couple has three children.
—Chris Casacchia
ELIZABETH SEGERSTROM
Managing Partner
South Coast Plaza, C.J. Segerstrom &
Sons, HTS Management
Costa Mesa
Born in Olsztyn, Poland
Age: 62
Lives in Newport Beach, maintains permanent residence in New York
SANDRA “SANDY” SEGERSTROM
DANIELS
Managing Partner
South Coast Plaza, C.J. Segerstrom & Sons, HTS Management
Costa Mesa
Born in Orange
Age: 53
Lives: Costa Mesa, Newport Coast
ANTON SEGERSTROM
Partner
South Coast Plaza, C.J. Segerstrom & Sons, HTS Management
Costa Mesa
Born in Orange
Age: 58
Lives: Corona del Mar
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 and 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 the family business over the past 30 years. Founded Festival of Children Foundation in 2003, a support network for more than 480 national children’s charities. Instrumental in designation of 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 and development at South Coast Plaza. On advisory boards of Someone Cares Soup Kitchen and Second Harvest Food Bank, on executive committee of Orange County Museum of Art.
RECENT: Elizabeth took active role in South Coast Plaza operations shortly after Henry’s passing in February 2015. Member of Carnegie Hall’s 125th Anniversary Gala Chairmen Committee, along with Robert Kraft of The Kraft Group, John Paulson of Paulson & Co. Inc., Annette de la Renta, among other notables of commerce, fashion, society. Sandy last May donated $5 million to CHOC Children’s Mental Health Inpatient Center, to be completed in late 2017. Represented family at last year’s opening of addition to Orange County School of the Arts, where $2 million gift led to Hal and Jeanette Segerstrom Family Music Center. She received Legacy Award at National Philanthropy Day Orange County awards luncheon hosted by Association of Fundraising Professionals’ OC chapter.
PERSONAL: Elizabeth has doctorate degree from New York University. She 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 of Science in communications and minor in music. Divides time between Costa Mesa and Newport Coast. Has a daughter and two grandchildren. Anton is married to Jennifer and has two children, ages 13 and 15. 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: 81
Lives in Newport Beach
WHY: Head of group of companies, including cabinet maker RSI Home Products Inc., real estate arm RSI Development.
HOW: Engineering degree from Los Angeles City College. Worked as junior engineer at Layne and Bowler Pump Co. for five years before joining father’s medicine cabinet business, Perma-Bilt Industries. Led company to become nation’s leading bathroom medicine cabinets maker. Sold it in 1987, re-entered industry when founded RSI in 1989. Established homebuilding arm in 2008.
RECENT: Newport Beach-based RSI Communities scooped up talent in wake of Irvine-based Standard Pacific Corp.’s combo with Ryland Group to form CalAtlantic. Simon’s outfit nabbed StanPac veteran Todd Palmaer as chief executive, president. Firm also announced plans to invest $400 million over next three years, triple number of homes for entry-level buyers in Texas and Southern California. Company has 20 employees and plans to hire another 180 by 2018.
PERSONAL: With wife, Sandi, focuses on philanthropic efforts to help youth gain better education and achieve self-sufficiency. Simon Foundations have awarded over 850 scholarships valued at $25 million-plus over the years, with Simon Scholars a keystone effort. Simon Foundations announced partnership with Horatio Alger Association—Simon himself is past honoree of the group—with plans to award $20 million in scholarships over a decade. Simon Foundations also announced partnership with Chapman University, Orange High School to create Simon STEM Scholarship Program to grant a full Chapman scholarship to selected high school students who major in science, technology, engineering or math. Estimated $2 million to be awarded annually. Member, Pacific Symphony Orchestra board.
—Michael de los Reyes
VINNY SMITH
Founder
Toba Capital, Insight Capital Partners
Newport Beach
Born in Baltimore
Age: 52
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 some $800 million.
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, chief executive from 1997 until sale. Grew it to $800 million-plus in annual sales, upper ranks of OC software makers. Oversaw over 70 acquisitions and investments there.
RECENT: $500 million evergreen fund has invested about $400 million, 40 companies in portfolio. Initiated new investments in oil and gas sector. Toba investments in OC include virtual reality content maker NextVR; security software maker SecureAuth Corp.; fast-growing data analytics software company Alteryx Inc., Irvine-based True Drinks Holdings Inc.
PERSONAL: Supports over 100 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 and shelters in 25 Latin American locations, Philippines. Gave $4 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—goes by “Vinny,” often sports jeans, cap.
—Chris Casacchia
DAVID SUN
Chief Operating Officer, Vice President
Kingston Technology Co.,
Fountain Valley
Born in Taichung, Taiwan
Age: 65
Lives in Irvine
JOHN TU
Chief Executive
Kingston Technology Co.,
Fountain Valley
Born in Chongqing, China
Age: 75
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. 2015 revenue hit $6.5 billion, up $600 million, with growing sales of solid-state drives, contract manufacturing, embedded memory and gaming accessories. Employs about 650 in OC, 3,000 worldwide. Plants in Fountain Valley, Taiwan, mainland China. Sun oversees U.S. operation; Tu handles Asia.
HOW: Started computer maker Camintonn in garage in early 1980s. Became division VPs when former computer maker AST Research bought Camintonn. 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: Acquired IronKey brand of encrypted USB flash drives and external USB hard drives from Imation for $4.2 million in first tech buy. Signed licensing deal with Microsoft to manufacture headsets for Xbox One, big evolution for its HyperX division, which targets gamers and now separately branded. HyperX has new partnerships with Ubisoft, French video game maker behind Tom Clancy franchise, that includes free game with headset purchase—a Kingston first—and Cyprus-based Wargaming. Kingston’s Latin American unit working with counterparts at Blizzard Entertainment on cross-promotions. Sold supply chain logistics and chip processing subsidiary Payton Technology to Kaifa Technology in Shenzhen, China.
PERSONAL: Sun came from Taiwan in 1977, was chief engineer at Alpha Micro Systems 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: 78
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 in school, competed in 1956 U.S. Olympic trials. Post-college, married, moved to Hawaii, started career in travel industry. Founded 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 in wake of 1992 riots. Orchestrated 1999 acquisition of resort operator Pebble Beach Co. with Arnold Palmer and Clint Eastwood.
RECENT: Contrarian made various local investments, including in CT Realty, Payoff 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 golf courses, resorts and private clubs nationwide. Investor in Marrone Bio Innovations and Sauce Labs. Received prestigious Theodore Roosevelt Award at NCAA’s annual convention this year. Organization’s highest honor reserved for one-time athletes who “exemplify ideals of college sports.”
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, which daughter Vicki Ueberroth Booth runs as president. Part of founding group of Sage Hill School in Newport Beach.
—Michael de los Reyes
WILLIAM W. WANG
Founder, Chief Executive
Vizio Inc.
Irvine
Born in Taipei, Taiwan
Age: 52
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 $3.1 billion in 2015 sales. Moved Vizio into national spotlight with big endorsement deals, sports sponsorships. Expanded offerings into speakers, sound bars, tablets, and home theatre systems. Employs over 400, most based at Spectrum headquarters.
HOW: Started Vizio in 2002. Designs, markets TVs and 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: Filed registration statement with SEC to raise up to $172.5 million in initial public offering. Wang, who owns 54.7% of brand, to retain control under plan, including nominating majority of board. Researching new revenue streams based on connected customer base, monetizing data on viewing habits, and driving mobile commerce through smart TVs. Paid $50 million for full ownership of Cognitive Media technology that enables smart TVs to capture, record, disseminate viewing habits data. Introduced Vizio SmartCast Ultra HD home theater system synced with Google Cast.
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 and 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
H. LAWRENCE “LARRY” WEBB
Chairman, Chief Executive
The New Home Co.
Aliso Viejo
Born in Jacksonville, Fla.
Age: 68
Lives in Newport Coast
WHY: Longtime homebuilding executive most active builder in OC and area’s largest luxury homes builder.
HOW: Thirty 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 $220 million.
RECENT: New Home Co. now largest builder in OC and in county’s busiest homebuilding location—the Irvine Ranch—through projects marketed under its own name and a fee-building business it provides to Irvine Pacific, Irvine Co.’s in-house building arm. Wrapped up sales of Meridian, 79-unit high-end condo project next to Fashion Island with home prices above $3 million, plus upscale project in Newport Coast. Selling in Orchard Hills, Portola Springs communities in Irvine, providing fee-building services for new Eastwood Village there. Has high-end project selling in San Juan Capistrano, plans similar project in Orange. Gearing up for spring launch of luxe home project in Crystal Cove, with homes topping $5 million.
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 and Greystone Homes. Has served on boards of HomeAid America, Interval House. Wife, Janet Hadley, retired pediatric nurse who serves on Sage Hill School board. Daughters, Laura and Emily.
—Mark Mueller
MARK WETTERAU
Chairman, Chief Executive
Golden State Foods
Irvine
Chairman, Chief Executive
Wetterau Associates LLC
St. Louis
Born in St. Louis
Age: 57
Lives in Laguna Niguel
WHY: Heads second largest privately held company in OC and leading food maker and distributor to restaurants in 50 countries.
HOW: Bachelor’s degree in business administration from Westminster College. Started career at Wetterau Inc. Grandfather founded $6 billion St. Louis-based food company. Appointed CEO, chairperson of 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. for $1.1 billion in 1992. 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, grew company from $1.4 billion in annual sales to $2.2 billion. Bought out majority partner The Yucaipa Companies in 2004.
RECENT: Has grown Golden State into $6.4 billion food maker and distributor to 125,000 national fast-food restaurants in 60 countries. Global focus has led GSF to buy food makers Arkansas City, Kan.-based KanPak U.S., KanPak China, New Zealand-based SNAP Fresh Foods and Groenz Group Ltd. in past four years.
PERSONAL: Says he’s firm believer in “The Golden Rule,” people’s dignity and commitment to social, environmental responsibility. Founded GSF Foundation in 2002 to support 600 charities and schools to help children in need and their families. Chairman of advisory board, Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County in Irvine. Golden State has solar panel-powered power pallet jacks, uses rainwater to irrigate native vegetation at select facilities, made GSF shareholder in biodiesel fuel maker Renewable Energy Group, moving GSF toward a zero landfill user.
—Michael de los Reyes
DANIEL H. YOUNG
President
Irvine Community Development Co.
Irvine Company
Newport Beach
Born in Orange
Age: 64
Lives in Irvine
WHY: Key Irvine Company executive after chairman and OC 50er Don Bren.
HOW: Young came to Irvine Co. in 1999 after 20-year career as real estate developer, politician, industry consultant. Became community development head in 2007. Responsible for residential development on Irvine Ranch. Guides community master planning, development process. Oversees Irvine Pacific LP, in-house building division, and nearly 50,000-unit apartment portfolio.
RECENT: Irvine Pacific is OC’s most active homebuilder for several years running. Closed on nearly 630 home sales last year. Only builder currently selling homes at Eastwood, new Irvine Co. village that opened in February, with about 1,900 homes planned. Irvine Co. selling land to builders for projects elsewhere on Irvine Ranch, with the builders paying top dollar for land at projects like Orchard Hills and Portola Springs in Irvine and Fiano community in Newport Coast. Nearly 1,700 homes sold on Irvine Co. land last year, the most of any master-planned community in state and second most of any U.S. project. Builder profit participation agreements for Irvine Co. land deals mean developer gets strong back-end profits on top of land sales. High-end home project opening in about a month at Crystal Cove, with homes built by New Home Co. under fellow OC 50er Larry Webb.
PERSONAL: Graduate of Santa Ana High School. Eight years as Santa Ana’s mayor, 11 years on city council. City’s soccer field named for him. Also served on boards of several regional agencies, including Metropolitan Water District, Orange County Transportation Authority. Bachelor’s from Cal State-Fullerton, completed coursework toward master’s in public administration from University of Southern California.
FAMILY: Wife, Leslee, three children.
—Mark Mueller
