Chairman, CEO, Salas O’Brien
WHY: Runs one of OC’s largest and fastest-growing construction engineering companies. Expected to bring in 2019 revenue of $145 million and currently employs about 650 people.
RECENT: OCBJ Excellence in Entrepreneurship Award winner. Grown from $4.6 million in 2006, now OC’s No. 22 engineering firm by local billings, with bulk of work outside the area.
QUOTABLE: On decision to make company employee-owned, said “I wanted to share the rewards and value of ownership with everyone in the firm, and empower employees to make decisions.”
FUN FACTS: Favorite book, “Walden”; band of youth, A Flock of Seagulls; favorite TV show, “The Simpsons.”
