PUBLISHER'S PAGE
MAY 8, 2008

Business Stars
You Should Cheer

When OC METRO published its first Cover Story about rising business stars under 40, I was still in that demographic, so I could relate (or so my ego liked to believe). But that has long since changed. Now, when I hear editors get excited about this annual issue, I squirm uncomfortably. I am farther and farther away from that arbitrary Mason-Dixon Line for quick success. I am well north of the big four-oh. (Or is it four-ouch?) My wife tells me to relax and not worry about it. From 1 boomer to another, thanks sweetheart.

Fortunately, I am pulled from my personal pity party when I hear about Orange County “contemporaries” who continue to deliver. Sue Parks and Rusty Kennedy are 2 such pillars the business community should cheer.

Parks, a former executive at Kinko’s and Gateway, founded Laguna Niguel-based WalkStyles, Inc. 4 years ago. Walking to stay in shape is her passion. She has literally made it her business to promote the physical activity and encourage the growth of a social network on walkstyles.com.

What sets Parks apart from so many entrepreneurs and C-level executives is her plutonium-rich enthusiasm and infectious commitment to the community, whether it’s with regard to her customers or the county in which she lives. She truly practices what she preaches, whether it is walking 10,000 steps a day (roughly 5 miles) to stay in shape, or championing her causes, including United Way’s Women’s Philanthropy Fund.

Like the Energizer Bunny, she never stops running. (Or should I say walking?) She is a whirling blond dervish, who recently capped a yearlong initiative to promote fitness walking. She walked 5 miles in 50 state capitals in 50 weeks, a tour that ended this month in Annapolis, Md. This is putting your heart and “sole” behind your product.

Kennedy is a different kind of entrepreneur. He is a bureaucrat who acts like a businessman. As the longtime executive director of the Orange County Human Relations Commission, he delivers results on a shoestring budget. He relies on innovation and blind ambition to run 1 of the most important county agencies.

Charged with defusing ethnic and racial issues while building cultural bridges, Kennedy continues to perform well. Hate crimes in Orange County dropped sharply last year, according to a new report. In all, Orange County recorded 81 hate crimes, down from 101 in 2006. It is the lowest level since 2002. It’s a trend that plays directly into the image of Orange County as a safe, inclusive place to do business.

Quality of life has never been more important to business owners and workers alike, and Kennedy and his staffers are tirelessly working to improve it. OCM



Sue Parks' 10 Cool Capitals
1. Most moving: Oklahoma City National Memorial

2. Most beautiful capital on the outside: Hartford, Conn.

3. Most beautiful capital on the inside: Jefferson City, Mo.

4. Most charming city: Montpelier, Vt.

5. Best river walks: Lansing, Mich.

6. Most beautiful setting: , Wash.

7. Best residential neighborhood: Raleigh, N.C.

8. Most impressive governor's mansion: Frankfort, Ky.

9. Best museum: Lincoln Presidential Library, Springfield, Ill.

10. Best big city: Boston