Forty under 40 winners for 2008
The next generation of leaders makes its mark; young leaders shape future
By Gary Quackenbush, Special Correspondent
Who will lead the North Bay into the future?
That is the question the Business Journal sought to answer as it searched for a second year for 40 young leaders under the age of 40 having an impact on businesses and communities in the region.
Many are leading companies that have been in their families for generations, keeping the tradition of locally owned businesses alive in the North Bay. Others made their mark by striking out on their own or using their skills to serve the community.
In the years ahead, the North Bay economy will have to confront many challenges — health care, a strained transportation system, housing prices that remain out of reach for many employees, an aging population and mass retirements by baby boomers.
In the wake of these retirees and with the pressing challenges ahead, the 2007 and 2008 winners of the Business Journal’s Forty under 40 are evidence the region will be in good hands for the coming decades.
Renee Amochaev, 39
Financial adviser
Wachovia Securities LLC, Private Client Group, Santa Rosa
Since coming to Wachovia Securities in 2004, Renee Amochaev has helped her clients manage approximately $25 million in investable assets in the global-equity and fixed-income financial markets.
She started her Wall Street career on Main Street, Santa Rosa, in her late 20s and has been an advocate for the status of women in the financial services industry when it comes to achieving equal opportunity and pay. In 2005 Ms. Amochaev became the lead plaintiff representing 2,500 female advisers in a national discrimination class action lawsuit against Citigroup Inc., which settled the suit for $33 million just this month.
Best advice received: “Trust your gut, know your stuff and don’t ever let fear of the unknown paralyze you. If you’re going to kick up dust, wear cowboy boots!”
Donna Beels, 39
Partner
Beels Soper LLP, Petaluma
After earning a bachelor’s degree in accounting and a master’s of taxation from Arizona State University, Donna Beels gained experience as a business adviser providing tax planning, financial issue analysis and auditing services and by applying generally accepted accounting principles to closely held firms and nonprofit organizations.
In 2005, she launched a new public accounting firm in Petaluma with partner and fellow CPA William Soper and has seen 300 percent revenue growth in just two years. “My role involves developing and maintaining client relationships with the real estate developers and construction contractors we serve.”
Most admired businessperson: “Oprah Winfrey. Not only is she a great business person, but she is also known for giving back to the community.”
Kevin Bernard, 35
Associate
Russell & Davis Architects, San Rafael
When not focused on construction management projects — such as the international terminal at SFO, Gold’s Gym, Century Theaters, Discovery Channel Stores and Williams-Sonoma retail locations — Kevin Bernard leads Russell & Davis Architects in embracing innovative technologies for architecture as well as sustainable products and green building practices that will benefit the environment and provide a better future for Bay Area communities.
“My father, Keith Bernard, taught me the value of cooperation and leadership through teamwork as well as how to be a creative problem solver.”
Best advice received: “Life is what happens when you are busy making plans. So, be flexible, adaptive, honest and open to life’s path — because the most memorable parts of life probably were not planned.”
David Berry, 37
Partner
Abbey, Weitzenberg, Warren & Emery, Santa Rosa
Attorneys handling all aspects of litigation, from investigation through the trial phase, know that part of their job is to supervise other lawyers who do the same. “You have to be a good mentor. I vividly remember how hard it was to learn this job and how lucky I was to have people like Richard Abbey take an interest in my professional development,” said David Berry.
His greatest accomplishment has been in helping clients who are afraid of a lawsuit ease their fears by becoming active participants in resolving their cases.
Greatest professional challenge: “Demystifying the legal process for clients who have never been involved in a lawsuit. Movies and TV paint a picture of our legal system that creates unrealistic expectations about what it can do for you.”
Brandon Blevans, 35
Partner
Dickenson, Peatman & Fogarty, Santa Rosa
At age 29 Brandon Blevans left a “white-shoe, big-city” law firm — where he had to overcome the perception that youth equates to inexperience — to start a boutique Wine Country labor and employment law practice that would ultimately grow to become a merger target.
He joined Dickenson, Peatman & Fogarty as managing director of the Santa Rosa office, where he also serves as a member of the management committee and heads the firm’s Commercial Ventures and Wealth Management Group. Active with both the California and Sonoma County Employers Advisory Councils, Mr. Blevans offers the advice that “if you don’t have time to do it right the first time, where will you find the time to fix it?”
Next professional goal: “Teaching a labor and employment course at a major law school.”
Copyright © 1988–2012 North Bay Business Journal
View the policy for linking to website content.
Forty professionals younger than 40 who have made a significant contribution to the business community of the north San Francisco Bay Area. [
Read presentations at the April 18 Wine Industry Conference and in-depth responses to questions on grape and wine supply, globalization and finance. [
Submit Your Comments