Terence grew up everywhere and liked to make things. He discovered photography as a medium with endless creative possibilities and studied the craft at the Academy of Art University in San Francisco. “Now I try to figure out how to balance shooting ads and magazine work in between storytimes with my children and matching piles of socks that are endless,” says Terence, who photographed this month’s feature on young professionals, which involved a day-long studio shoot. “I wouldn’t choose any other man’s life over the one I live or any other career — each experience is part of the process.” For more, visit www.terenceduffy.com.
By this person

An Audience With Angelo Tsakopoulos
A conversation with the region’s best-known developer, history-loving philanthropist and undeniable influencer
All sagas have to begin somewhere. For Angelo Tsakopoulos, it was nighttime when he heard people crying on the upper deck of the ship that brought him, at 15, and hundreds of other immigrants to the United States in 1951.

A Piece of the Pie
Family business spotlight: The Fruit Bowl has been providing peaches and more to Stockton for 76 years
Over the course of summer and the first weeks of fall, over 60 varieties of peaches and nectarines pass through The Fruit Bowl, a 76-year-old produce stand on the rural outskirts of Stockton.

Submersibles That Run Deep
Family business spotlight: World leader in marine tourism is buoyed by family values
The Mayfield siblings grew up in the charmed nautical world of their father’s imagination. At the Sub Sea Systems workshop in Diamond Springs, power tools whir as two generations work side by side to build custom submersibles that resemble something out of a Jules Verne novel.

Gambling on Gaming
Family business spotlight: How an Auburn-based company cornered the gambling market
In his lifetime of entrepreneurship, Don Whitaker has managed to mostly avoid competitors. “You try to find a niche where you have no competition,” Whitaker says of his approach to business. He found his niche market with Ceronix, which he started in 1984 out of his Auburn home.

How to Keep an Employee Lawsuit From Taking You Under
A Private Attorneys General Act complaint can end your company. Here’s what’s coming next on PAGA
February 9, 2017, was a bad day for Mark Snyir and the Sacramento moving company he co-owns, Two Men and a Truck. He and his partner started the business in 2005, growing from two trucks and five employees to 16 trucks and 80 employees.

Kitty O’Neal: A Rock Star on Radio and in Her Off Hours
Catching up with the broadcast legend and community gem
Learning of this interview with local media legend Kitty O’Neal, who has been anchoring news at KFBK for an astounding 37 years, a fan of hers gushes, “Wow! I watch her on the radio all the time!”

Young Professionals: Michael Vargas
Meet the 10 young professionals who are rocking it in their careers and community
As a newly elected member of the Elk Grove Unified School District — one of the largest in the state — a partner in a law firm representing high-tech companies and a molder of young legal minds as a professor, it’s important for Michael Vargas to give back to the community.

Young Professionals: Jade Rodgers
Meet the 10 young professionals who are rocking it in their careers and community
When it comes to navigating life and work, 916 Ink’s Jade Rodgers is a firm believer in “ubuntu,” an African word meaning “my humanity is tied to yours.” “Our experience in this life is interconnected,” she says.

Young Professionals: Ananda Rochita
Meet the 10 young professionals who are rocking it in their careers and community
Ananda Rochita’s first language was Indonesian; by the time she started kindergarten, however, she also spoke English — thanks to time spent in front of the television watching the news. Years later when it came time to decide on an area of study, perhaps unsurprisingly, she chose journalism.

Young Professionals: Julie Phillips
Meet the 10 young professionals who are rocking it in their careers and community
Julie Phillips had a good idea early on where her interests lie. After growing up in Roseville, she attended UC Davis as a political science major and got strongly involved with the Greek community there. She wasn’t interested in pursuing politics; public policy fascinated her instead.

Young Professionals: Lauren Oto
Meet the 10 young professionals who are rocking it in their careers and community
Oto oversees marketing and communications for both the CalAsian Chamber of Commerce, an organization representing Asian American and Pacific Islander-owned businesses around the state, and the Sacramento Asian Pacific Chamber of Commerce, which centers its efforts on the Capital Region.

Young Professionals: Dr. Nkiruka Ohaegbu
Meet the 10 young professionals who are rocking it in their careers and community
The pandemic forced many parents of young children to reduce their volunteer time. Dr. Nkiruka Ohaegbu was not one of them. While guiding an essential government service from her home computer and overseeing her children’s remote education, Ohaegbu maintained her extensive commitments to the community.

Young Professionals: Nathan Langley
Meet the 10 young professionals who are rocking it in their careers and community
For Nathan Langley, entrepreneurship has meant integrating his drive to save lives with his passion for innovation and sales, and the synthesis has helped him succeed. “Everybody is different, and their experiences are different, but I would find it much more difficult to have overcome some of the challenges that we’ve faced over the years if it wasn’t something I believed in,” he says.

Young Professionals: Ken Imwinkelried
Meet the 10 young professionals who are rocking it in their careers and community
Ken Imwinkelried went to work for River City Bank around the time of the Great Recession. Logging extra time on nights and weekends, he learned everything he could about his profession at a very challenging time in the banking industry. And over the course of several years, his extra work paid off with promotion after promotion. But about five years ago, as Imwinkelried implored other staff to not stay too late, he realized he had to do the same.

Young Professionals: Phillip Hon
Meet the 10 young professionals who are rocking it in their careers and community
Phillip Hon, executive director of Unbound Stockton, left
the sea breezes of Hawaii behind to pursue a dream. In 2013, the
nonprofit Teach for America offered him the opportunity to work
at Iroquois Point Elementary School in Oahu, where he served as
vice principal and on the National Advisory Board of the
Collective, Teach For America’s national association for alumni
of color.

Young Professionals: Kevin Hernandez
Meet the 10 young professionals who are rocking it in their careers and community
Clad in a faded Star Wars T-shirt, Kevin Hernandez begins
introducing elated kids to Darth Vader and Rey Skywalker in the
flesh. The children start getting light saber training from these
live-action characters, slashing and twirling their replica space
swords around the heart of Denio’s Farmers Market & Swap
Meet.

Phil Oates Is a Strong Believer in God, Philanthropy, the Sacramento Kings and Candor
At 71, the commercial real estate tycoon continues to earn community-wide kudos — and straight A’s in college
Oates rarely does “the least” he can do. He is chairman of the board of the Buzz Oates Group — a $3 billion commercial real estate investment, management and development firm founded by his late father.

Startup of the Month: HuLoop Automation
AI bots streamline workflows to free up human workers from mundane tasks
Too many employees get stuck doing tedious tasks on legacy systems that can impact job satisfaction and the bottom line. This is why Todd Michaud launched HuLoop Automation, a Sacramento-based AI-powered solution to transform the way work gets done.

A Visit with the Capital’s Real (and More Beloved) Powerhouse
How Sandy Smoley saved the Sacramento Symphony, got those lights installed on the Tower Bridge, chummed around with Ronald Reagan, and thinks we should all sit on our porches
Sandy Smoley was once ubiquitous in local and state government, in the arts, in charity, in civic beautification and ultimately, as an in-demand public affairs and health care consultant for The Smoley Group. We check in with the local icon to see what she’s up to now.

Women in Leadership: Marisa Sharkey
Our annual salute to extraordinary women breaking barriers and rising to the top
Before starting her shoe company Birdies, Marisa Sharkey
described herself as risk averse. Eight years in, her bold moves
have paid off.

Women in Leadership: Cathilea Robinett
Our annual salute to extraordinary women breaking barriers and rising to the top
Cathilea Robinett is CEO of e.Republic, a Folsom-based media and research company focused on state and local government and education. She drives the company’s mission to improve government and education through strategy, stability, growth and expansion.

Women in Leadership: Cindy Petersen
Our annual salute to extraordinary women breaking barriers and rising to the top
As superintendent and CEO of Gateway Community Charters, Dr. Cindy Petersen has grown Gateway Community Charters from a single school in 2003 to nine today, which serve over 5,000 children and employ 700 staff.

Women in Leadership: Risa Omega
Our annual salute to extraordinary women breaking barriers and rising to the top
Risa Omega is president and general manager of ABC10, currently the most-awarded newsroom in the Capital Region.

Women in Leadership: Carrie Lane
Our annual salute to extraordinary women breaking barriers and rising to the top
A 31-year veteran of the California Association for Highway Patrolmen, Carrie Lane has risen through the ranks to become CEO.

Women in Leadership: Lakhwinder Kaur
Our annual salute to extraordinary women breaking barriers and rising to the top
Lakhwinder Kaur started out as a teller, and was quickly promoted to a personal banker. From there, it was a long, steady climb to her current role with Five Star Bank, where she oversees the Sacramento Valley market with an emphasis on community involvement and outreach.

Women in Leadership: Becky Johnson
Our annual salute to extraordinary women breaking barriers and rising to the top
As tribal administrator of the United Auburn Indian Community, Becky Johnson provides recommendations and implements decisions relating to programs such as the tribal school, social services, and cultural and historic preservation.

Women in Leadership: Bonnie Ferreira
Our annual salute to extraordinary women breaking barriers and rising to the top
Bonnie Ferreira helms the Mountain Valley Chapter of the American Leadership Forum, a cohort from all walks of life, ethnic and cultural backgrounds, and industries that represents multiple counties to explore challenges facing the region, connect with one another and develop their leadership skills.

Women in Leadership: Regina Cuellar
Our annual salute to extraordinary women breaking barriers and rising to the top
Regina Cuellar is chairwoman of the Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians, a Placerville-based federally recognized tribe — one of 109 in California.

Women in Leadership: Leah Burdick
Our annual salute to extraordinary women breaking barriers and rising to the top
As chief growth officer of PRIDE Industries, Leah Burdick connects people with disabilities with resources and ultimately jobs.

Startup of the Month: Optimized Foods
Davis company cultivates caviar without harming fish
Optimized Foods, a Davis-based food tech startup, has created a new kind of caviar that is sustainable, nutritious and, most notably, fish-free.

Startup of the Month: Advance Ag
Agtech company aims to bring real-time data tools to farmers
Using Internet-of-Things devices and sensors, the Sacramento-based startup analyzes real-time plant data to monitor the health and performance of crops and water soil saturation.

The Quality of Marcy
Catching up with the region’s tireless philanthropist, art collector and painter
Marcy Friedman is one of the greater Sacramento region’s
best-known and most personally beloved philanthropists, as well
as a genuine influencer.

Startup of the Month: Core Impact
Wearable tech company aims to enhance peak performance of athletes
For athletes, consistency can lead to greatness. Performance data can help get them there. The sports technology startup Core Impact offers a targeted solution through its patent-pending wearable technology.
Sponsored

NECA
WOMEN IN NECA - AMANDA KING
Amanda King, the leadership coach on the Foreman’s Development and Leadership Training NECA team is encouraged and inspired by NECA’s efforts to support women and make them feel valued.
Sponsored

NECA
WOMEN IN NECA - JENNIFER BYRNE
Jennifer Bryne is a NECA member and accounting manager with T&R Communications. She has over 20 years of industry experience and is passionate about creating an accessible industry for everyone.
Sponsored
![Pictured [L-R]: Tracy Randall, Sr. Interior Designer/Interior Design Department Leader; Courtney McLeod-Golden, Principal/ACE Practice Group Leader; Beth Young, Principal/Office Director; Heather Kampa, Principal/Corporate Sector](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/_mg_2487.jpg?1672795930)
HGA
LEADING THE INDUSTRY IN DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION
“Architecture is a team sport that depends on collaboration and diverse viewpoints, including those of women,” says Beth Young, principal and Sacramento office director of HGA. “I’ve seen the industry’s landscape change, with more women hired and more women promoted to leadership positions, and HGA is at the leading edge of that evolution.”
Sponsored

NECA
WOMEN IN NECA - TAMARA RAPOZO
Tamara Rapozo serves on the NECA board and is the division manager of Rosendin Electric, Inc. in Sacramento.

Startup of the Month: California Cultured
Food tech company makes real chocolate from plant cells
It takes about five years for a cocoa tree to grow and start producing cocoa beans. But Alan Perlstein, who spent the last 20 years in cellular agriculture and pharmaceuticals, had an idea: Why not bypass the tree and just grow the bean?
Sponsored

SMUD – MUSEUM OF SCIENCE AND CURIOSITY
Celebrating a Successful Year and Ensuring Access for All
The SMUD Museum of Science and Curiosity, known as MOSAC, opened to the public in November 2021 and now celebrates its one-year anniversary.
Sponsored

Meals on Wheels
REOPENING, RE-ENGAGING AND COMING BACK BETTER THAN BEFORE
Since 2010, Meals on Wheels by ACC (MoW) has provided millions of nutritious meals to seniors aged 60 years or better throughout Sacramento County. As we emerge from the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, MoW is reopening sites and making exciting changes.
Sponsored

SAFE CREDIT UNION
PARTNERING FOR OUR REGION'S ECONOMIC STRENGTH
Dave Roughton serves as CEO for SAFE Credit Union and as an executive committee board member for the Greater Sacramento Economic Council (GSEC), where he is instrumental to both organizations’ success.
Sponsored

Bank of Marin
CELEBRATING A SUCCESSFUL FIRST YEAR IN THE GREATER SACRAMENTO REGION
The end of this year marks Bank of Marin’s first full year in the Greater Sacramento region. Its leaders credit the bank’s success to the continued support of its clients, dedication of its hard-working teams, and the bank’s commitment to the local community.

The New Adventures of Gregg Lukenbill: Catching Up With the Man of a Thousand Projects
From owning a professional basketball team and starting an airline service to resuscitating a neighborhood bar, this Sacramento native refuses to slow down
Gregg Lukenbill has a lifelong, nearly unconditional love
for the city he helped build. Get to know the former Sacramento
Kings owner and his new project to revive a legendary bar.

Startup of the Month: EV Life
Financing platform gives potential EV buyers a boost
EV Life was created to help make the cost of an electric vehicle
equal to or less than a car that runs on gas. The startup’s
founder and co-CEO explains how his business works with potential
EV buyers in three phases.

Vivek 3.0
Sacramento Kings owner Vivek Ranadivé buys the River Cats, talks business successes, future hopes and team involvement
Vivek Ranadivé sometimes draws the ire of fans and media
criticism for perceived meddling in his team, which hasn’t made
the playoffs in 16 years. But there’s another side to his
story, his work as a leader of one of the highest-valued
businesses in the area and the potential impact he continues to
have on Sacramento.
Sponsored

Rex Moore
A CENTURY OF INTEGRATED ELECTRICAL SOLUTIONS
Rex Moore Group, Inc., a Top 50 electrical contractor, is celebrating 100 years in business. Founded in 1922, the firm today has locations in Sacramento, Fresno, Atascadero and Reno and serves all of California, Nevada and beyond, with a vision of expanding nationally.

A Delta Legacy
Showcasing four-generation family businesses in the Capital Region
The Zuckerman family started a farming empire on a Stockton
island. Over 100 years later, they’ve branched out to several new
businesses but have stayed true to the crops that started it
all.

How the Oldest Winery in California Got Its Roots
Showcasing four-generation family businesses in the Capital Region
The Sobon family, owners of Sobon Estate and Shenandoah
Vineyards, are continuing a 166-year legacy of winemaking in
Amador County. Their land has been a vineyard since
1856, making it one of the oldest in the state.

The Fruits of Their Labor
Showcasing four-generation family businesses in the Capital Region
Now in its fourth generation of family ownership, Vacaville-based
dried fruit company Mariani Packing Co. focuses on healthy living
— not just for its consumers, but also for its
employees.

Building a Family Legacy
Showcasing four-generation family businesses in the Capital Region
Founded in 1914, Elliott Homes has successfully weathered the
cyclical building market to emerge as an industry leader.