North Bay Business Journal

Kelly Steele-Jordan, 31

Account Executive, Nelson Staffing, Santa Rosa

Since starting with Nelson in 2006, Kelly Steele-Jordan has doubled her territory by going after target accounts through marketing, cold calling and networking.

After her first year with the company, she was named “Rookie of the Year” and has been a perennial recipient of “Chairman’s Club” honors for top performers.

Greatest professional challenge: Increasing her ability to foresee customer needs in an industry where it is difficult to predict the future.

Single most important recent event: Participating in the MAP 360-degree peer assessment program. “I listened to co-worker insights and strengthened my relationships with others.”

Hobbies: Cooking, reading and “accessorizing” — adding flair to life by arranging flowers, making gift baskets and finding unique jewelry online.

Favorite book: Oh the Places You’ll Go by Dr. Suess. 

Mike Kallhoff, 38

President and Chief Executive Officer, United Way of the Wine Country, Santa Rosa

Overseeing a budget of $3 million, a staff of 21, and providing support for human services in Sonoma, Lake, Mendocino, Humboldt and Del Norte Counties, is a 24/7 job for Mike Kallhoff.

“We’re improving the lives of local children, families and individuals by mobilizing the caring power of our community.”

Greatest professional challenge: “When resources are limited, the need for community services is the highest. I seek out new opportunities and strategic ways to use our limited funds to bring new partners to the table, and new dollars to our community.”

Best advice received: Be yourself, no one can do that better than you.  

Favorite after-work drink: Diet Mt. Dew — “Yep, seriously.”

Stephanie Kendall, 28

Co-owner and Restaurant Manager, Carpe Diem Wine Bar, Napa

Responsible for accounting, payroll and marketing functions for the company, Stephanie Kendall also manages event and menu planning for restaurant with husband, Scott. “I also bus tables, carry food, help in the kitchen or wash dishes as needed.”

Her greatest accomplishment was starting a restaurant from scratch. “I believe the amount of work you put into something you can get back. When customers say they had a great experience, all the blood, sweat and tears fade away.”

Best advice: This, too, shall pass. Don’t dwell on the bad, just breathe deep and move on.

Single most important event: Being voted “Best Restaurant” by the local community.

Mentor/admired businessperson: Jill Techel, Mayor of Napa.

Favorite movie: Sleepless in Seattle, “I’m a hopeless romantic.”

Karissa Kruse, 36

Co-founder, Argot Wines; Founder, Onit Consulting, LLC, Santa Rosa

Karissa Kruse is involved with everything from harvesting grapes and selling Argot Wines, to leading executives in industry-wide task forces and facilitating think tanks, to developing strategic and marketing plans to drive innovation and build consumer interest in different brands.

“We were founded in 2007, and 2011 was a benchmark year for Argot with our first 1,000 case vintage and first crop from our estate vineyard in Sonoma County’s Bennett Valley AVA.”

Through Onit Consulting, LLC, she provides marketing and business development services leveraging her Wharton MBA and 15+ years of experience in packaged goods, entertainment, toys, dairy, athletics and nonprofits.

First job: Marketing General Mills Honey Nut Cherrios after college. “I danced in a bee costume with the O’Jays at an annual meeting.”

Naveen Kumar, M.D., 36

Physician, Permanente Medical Group, San Rafael

 As the first interventional radiologist at the Kaiser hospital in San Rafael, Dr. Naveen Kumar heads a department he started from the ground up.

This is a relatively new field where minimally invasive surgical procedures are performed using imaging guidance and new technology to treat diseases. These outpatient procedures are typically performed under conscious sedation through tiny incisions.

Greatest professional achievement: “Every life I am able to save.”

Best advice received: Importance of balancing confidence with humility, without becoming overconfident.

Steps being taken to sustain the company: “We will continue to offer superior quality and service in a timely manner while focusing on both the health of patients and our employees — who are our biggest asset.”

Favorite movie: Avatar.