Freddie Silveria, 35, has charisma. Asked about his craft as owner of FSA Auctions, he erupts into the exuberant cadence and gesticulations of an auctioneer, unfazed by the surrounding cafe patrons. But he also knows the art of silence, and he’s not afraid to sit in it. 

In general, players know to watch out for the younger players, who can be child prodigies who rapidly increase their ratings. “They say when his feet don’t touch the floor, you’re in trouble,” local player Paul Taylor said.

Brandon Kennedy, 32, is a program manager for Improve Your Tomorrow, a nationwide nonprofit that helps young people transfer to four-year universities. Over the course of a few years, Kennedy has helped 25 boys do this.

Blake Johnson, 37, once told himself he wouldn’t follow his mother’s career path. She’d been an educator — both a teacher and a principal— and while he respected her work, he wouldn’t pursue the same trajectory. He eventually changed his mind, setting off on a course that ultimately led him to his current role as chief strategy officer at Child Action.

Jack Davis, 32, has a unique background as a lawyer but has found that researching, writing and arguing cases as associate attorney at Kershaw Talley Barlow is the perfect melding of his many skills and passions.

Chris Cormier, 40, knew from day one at the Rocklin-based construction firm Tricorp that he wanted to own the place — and now, as president and co-owner, he does.

On average, more than 13,000 animals come into Bradshaw Animal Shelter in Sacramento each year. During our Comstock’s photo shoot, we were told 72 animals came in on one day alone!

Nichole Baxter, 36, is director of business development at California American Water, a role that lets her express her lifelong gift for clear communication. 

Nexa Labs took home first prize at the 2025 UC Davis Big Bang! Competition for a solution designed to give farmers real-time health data on livestock so they can catch diseases early.

My younger employees are fixated on switching to a four-day workweek. They send me articles about Scandinavian companies and work-life balance. We cannot be competitive and switch to a four-day model. And the older employees are fine with the standard 40-hour workweek. What do I say to get them to stop asking?