Jeff Wilser is the author of “The Book of Joe: The Life, Wit, and (Sometimes Accidental) Wisdom of Joe Biden” from Three Rivers Press. He has written five previous books, including “Alexander Hamilton’s Guide to Life.” His writing has appeared in print or online in New York magazine, GQ, Condé Nast Traveler, TIME, Glamour, Cosmo, Esquire, mental_floss, Men’s Fitness, Los Angeles Times, Chicago Tribune, Comstock’s, The Miami Herald, Detroit Free Press and The Huffington Post. For more, visit www.jeffwilser.com.
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![(Photo by Wes Davis)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/ck0a3687.png?1721316657)
The Way We Work: Caroline Beteta
A glimpse into the daily life of the CEO of Visit California
On paper it’s a dream job of nonstop travel, but the reality is that most days she’s stuck in her office until 7 p.m. Thankfully she has a secret weapon: white space.
![Sacramento DA Thien Ho makes it a priority to meet with the community to demystify the role of a district attorney. (Photo by Wes Davis)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/0624_dept_twww.png?1719335505)
The Way We Work: Thien Ho
A glimpse into the daily life of Sacramento County’s district attorney
Thien Ho oversees 180 attorneys and a budget of $129 million with a purview of prosecuting all misdemeanors and felonies in the county. He starts his day with lots of water.
![Joe Davidson, also known as Joe D, has been a sports writer at The Sacramento Bee for more than 35 years. He loves covering prep sports and has won 14 awards from the California Prep Sports Writer Association. (Photos by Wes Davis)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/ck0a0445.png?1715301133)
The Way We Work: Joe Davidson
A glimpse into the daily life of the busy Sacramento Bee sportswriter
His days are wildly different, depending on the sport and the season. So we’ll unpack his favorite and his busiest: Fridays covering high school football.
![Caltrans Director Tony Tavares travels the state each week, overseeing 55,000 lane miles of highways, 24,000 bridges and more. Here he's meeting with a Caltrans crew in Sacramento. (Photos by Wes Davis)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/ck0a9222.png?1714407098)
The Way We Work: Tony Tavares
A glimpse into the daily life of the director of Caltrans
His trick for listening to all those voices? He starts every day in the middle of the night.
![Kim Pacini-Hauch is the No. 1 luxury sales agent in the Sacramento region, with more than $1 billion dollars of home sales in her 37-year career. (Photo by Wes Davis)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/0324_dept_twww.png?1711486641)
The Way We Work: Kim Pacini-Hauch
A glimpse into the daily life of Sacramento’s top Realtor
Pacini-Hauch’s secret? “I answer the phone,” she says, adding that clients are routinely surprised that she always picks up or calls them back immediately, no matter when.
![Lisa Hausmann led Mercy Hospital Folsom through the COVID-19 pandemic when she was head of nursing. She's now the hospital's president and CEO. (Photo by Wes Davis)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/0224_dept_twww.png?1707770895)
The Way We Work: Mercy Hospital President and CEO Lisa Hausmann
A glimpse into the daily life of a Dignity Health hospital executive
The roughly 900-employee, 106-bed hospital has gotten really good thanks in large part to Hausmann’s tireless work ethic, something she calls the “protected hour,” and a box of cookies.
![Dr. David Lubarsky, CEO of UC Davis Health, starts his day at 5:45 a.m. and fills it with meetings, knocking out emails and fitting in a mandatory workout. (Photo by Wes Davis)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/ck0a9972.png?1704752116)
The Way We Work: Dr. David Lubarsky
A glimpse into the daily life of the CEO of UC Davis Health and UC Davis Vice Chancellor of Human Health Services
Being the CEO of UC Davis Health isn’t easy. But that’s only half of Dr. David Lubarsky’s job as he is also the school’s vice chancellor of human health sciences. Here’s how he makes it all work.
![Meteorologist Mark Finan has been forecasting the weather for KCRA for more than 30 years. (Photo by Wes Davis)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/1223_dept_twww.png?1701902578)
The Way We Work: KCRA Chief Meteorologist Mark Finan
A glimpse into his daily life of monitoring the weather for the Capital Region
Will it rain this weekend? For over 30 years, the man Sacramento trusts for that answer is Mark Finan, chief meteorologist at KCRA.
![Dr. John Jackson, president of Jessup University, compares his busy schedule to that of a dentist with a day full of appointments. (Photo by Wes Davis)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/763a8271.png?1699399884)
The Way We Work: Jessup University President Dr. John Jackson
A glimpse into the daily life of the pastor and Christian university leader
Dr. John Jackson grew up as a pastor’s kid, but he didn’t see that as his calling. “I told God in my own way, ‘I’ll do anything you want, except I’ll never be a missionary, and I’ll never be a pastor,’” says Jackson. So of course he became a pastor.
![Sacramento Police Chief Kathy Lester starts her day at 5 a.m. and makes sure she checks in with her staff throughout the day and night if necessary. (Photo by Wes Davis)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/763a6775-edited_final_1.png?1697484906)
The Way We Work: Sacramento Police Chief Kathy Lester
A glimpse into the daily life of Sacramento’s first female police chief
It’s a job just like any other job, except with responsibility for the safety of an entire city. No pressure. When Kathy Lester was sworn in as chief of the Sacramento Police Department in December 2021, she joined a new executive team with fresh eyes, and they surveyed the many challenges.
![Chris Glassman, a principal at LeadershipOne, says the “tough love” approach no longer works in the workplace. Employees will be glad to move elsewhere where they feel more valued. (Photos by Katy Karns)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/managment_chris_final_-1.png?1697230249)
The Evolution of Leadership Styles
Several factors, including lockdown and generational differences, influence managers
The pandemic, the rise of Gen Z and new cultural norms have all contributed to a shift in the values we expect from modern leaders. Understanding these trends — and the strategies required to keep up — is crucial for any leader who wants to retain employees, inspire their best work and even continue their own career.
![Melissa Jones is managing partner at Stoel Rives, a firm known for its expertise in renewable energy and natural resources. (Photo by Wes Davis)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/763a4333.png?1695747815)
The Way We Work: Stoel Rives Managing Partner Melissa Jones
A glimpse into the daily life of the law firm managing partner
When you’re the managing partner of a blue chip law firm it’s kind of like being a CEO, but in some ways it’s far more complex. Just ask Melissa Jones, managing partner at Stoel Rives, a firm known for its expertise in renewable energy and natural resources.
![Michael Hargis is the owner behind Sacramento restaurants including Beast+Bounty, LōwBrau Bierhalle and Holy Spirits. (Photo by Wes Davis)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/763a4126_f.png?1691178786)
The Way We Work: Michael Hargis
A glimpse into the daily life of restaurateur and entrepreneur Michael Hargis
Michael Hargis has always been entrepreneurial; as a fifth-grader he sold condoms to the upperclassmen. He would later produce parties, raves and music events like Sacramento’s 2012 Electronic Dance Festival. Then came food.
![Congresswoman Doris Matsui in her office at the Robert T. Matsui U.S. Courthouse and Federal Building in Sacramento, named for her late husband. (Photo by Wes Davis)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/763a1746.png?1690925643)
The Way We Work: Congresswoman Doris Matsui
A glimpse into the daily life of Congresswoman Doris Matsui
Think CEOs have crazy schedules? Try being a member of Congress. The most carefully planned itinerary can be scrambled — or even scuttled — thanks to a call from the White House, an emergency vote, or urgent negotiations across the aisle. “We have to be flexible, and everyone else has to be flexible. That’s what’s different from being a CEO and running a company,” says Congresswoman Doris Matsui.
![Chloe Wang, 20, started investing when she was a girl by selling cookies. She’s now a student at UC Davis studying economics, starting several businesses and investing in stocks. (Photos by Wes Davis)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/763a0611.png?1689960973)
Gen Z to the Moon
The youngest investors take a novel approach
Eric Lam didn’t care for college. In 2018, as a freshman at UC Davis studying managerial economics, he decided to drop out. “I knew I wanted to do something in business, and I knew that I could probably learn that off YouTube,” says Lam. A friend suggested real estate.
![Kelly Brothers is a financial advisor and principal at CAPTRUST, a wealth management firm with $630 billion client assets under management. (Photo by Wes Davis)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/kbrothers_f.png?1686683273)
The Way We Work: Kelly Brothers
A glimpse into the daily life of financial advisor and TV and radio business reporter Kelly Brothers
For over 15 years, Sacramento has turned to Kelly Brothers for making sense of Wall Street and the economy, where he serves as a frequent contributor to KCRA-TV and News Radio KFBK. But that’s only part of his story.
![Robert S. Nelsen is the president of Sacramento State University. (Photo by Wes Davis)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/0523_twww_wesdavis.png?1682971879)
The Way We Work: Robert S. Nelsen
A glimpse into the daily life of Sacramento State President Robert S. Nelsen
Fire engines, medical calls, protests, academic policy, a $400 million budget, COVID-19 challenges, donor relations — this is all in a day’s work for the president of a 33,000-student and 2,000-faculty university.
![Jeanne Reaves in her consulting office. Reaves was CEO of River City Bank for more than a decade before starting her own consulting firm.](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/jreaves_2f.png?1679505918)
The Way We Work: Jeanne Reaves
A glimpse into the daily life of Jeanne Reaves, president and CEO of Jeanne Reaves Consulting
Jeanne Reaves works with CEOs on both personal growth and operational improvements. Her secret for pulling it off? She’s been in their shoes.
![Stan Van Vleck is head of the 12,000 acre Van Vleck ranch, a family business that dates back to 1856. (Photo by Wes Davis)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/0223_twww_final.png?1676402159)
The Way We Work: Stan Van Vleck
A glimpse into the daily life of Stan Van Vleck, attorney and owner of Van Vleck Ranch
Stan Van Vleck is head of the 12,000 acre Van Vleck ranch, a family business that dates back to 1856.
![Ken Endelman in his massive Sacramento warehouse where his company's Pilates reformers are made.](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/twww_jan.png?1673486083)
The Way We Work: Ken Endelman
A glimpse into the daily life of Ken Endelman, founder and CEO of Balanced Body
Ken Endelman, who began his career as a furniture designer, never expected to become the CEO of the largest Pilates manufacturer in the world. Here’s how he tackles his day.
![(Shutterstock illustration)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/0123_health_shutterstock_lead.png?1673054299)
New Year, New You
From wearables to short HIIT workouts, these trends are expected to grow in 2023
Just in time for New Year’s resolutions, local nutritionists
and fitness experts share what they’re seeing as the most
popular health trends. Some are legitimate and backed by
science, some are silly, some are useful, and all of them are
very much in vogue.
![Cindy Nichol, director of airports for Sacramento County, at Sacramento International Airport. SMF was just named the best midsize airport in America by the Wall Street Journal.](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/twww_1222_lead.png?1670975357)
The Way We Work: Cindy Nichol
A glimpse into the daily life of Cindy Nichol, director of airports for Sacramento County
Many business leaders say they’re busy “putting out fires.” For Cindy Nichol this is not a metaphor.
![Jeff Richardson, senior general manager of Westfield Galleria, outside the mall in Roseville. (Photo by Wes Davis)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/ck0a0616.png?1667867102)
The Way We Work: Jeff Richardson
A glimpse into the daily life of Jeff Richardson, senior general manager of the Westfield Galleria at Roseville
Each issue, we dig into the working habits of a top executive in the Capital Region, providing insight into how they get things done.
![Mark Jansen, CEO of Blue Diamond, surrounded by flavored almonds in the company store. Blue Diamond is a co-op of more than 3,000 almond growers. (Photo by Wes Davis)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/img_6847.png?1666120396)
The Way We Work: Mark Jansen
A glimpse into the daily life of Blue Diamond CEO Mark Jansen
Each issue, we dig into the working habits of a top executive in the Capital Region, providing insight into how they get things done.
![Amanda Blackwood is the first female CEO and president of the Sacramento Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce. She says it’s a leader’s job to have uncomfortable conversations, such as the homeless issue. (Photos by Fred Greaves)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/leadership_amanda_blackwood_2022_09_15-fg1822.png?1664903756)
Where Have All Our Leaders Gone?
In a divided country, some local leaders are serving with integrity
Across the political spectrum, this is perhaps the only thing
that everyone can agree on: The nation lacks inspiring leaders.
While leadership appears to be lacking on the national stage,
quietly — away from the spotlight — local leaders can
inspire.
![Cassandra Pye, president of Lucas Public Affairs, in her colorful, playful office.](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/cassandra_pye_landscape.png?1662675705)
The Way We Work: Cassandra Pye
A glimpse into the daily life of Lucas Public Affairs President Cassandra Pye
Each issue, we dig into the working habits of a top executive in the Capital Region, providing insight into how they get things done.
![Mark Haney, CEO of HaneyBiz, in his podcast studio at his Rocklin office.](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/ck0a1011.png?1660868738)
The Way We Work: Mark Haney
A glimpse into the daily life of HaneyBiz CEO and podcast host Mark Haney
Each issue, we dig into the working habits of a top executive in the Capital Region, providing insight into how they get things done.
![Jeff Randle, president and CEO of Randle Communications, in his office on Capitol Mall in Sacramento.](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/ck0a9297.png?1658784652)
The Way We Work: Jeff Randle
A glimpse into the daily life of Randle Communications President and CEO Jeff Randle
Each issue, we dig into the working habits of a top executive in the Capital Region, providing insight into how they get things done.
![Tinn Salinas is a UI/UX designer who was seeking someone to advise and guide her as she started her career.](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/fg_comst_mentor_tinn_2022_06_13__r5a0255.png?1656720098)
The Merits of Mentorship
Workers and managers both benefit from helping guide careers
Mentors can help mentees look for a job, strengthen their
portfolios, navigate the rocky waters of freelancing and
more.
![Doug Bergman, CEO of UCP of Sacramento and Northern California, at UCP's Sacramento headquarters.](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/img_7920.png?1654731980)
The Way We Work: Doug Bergman
A glimpse into the daily life of UCP of Sacramento and Northern California CEO Doug Bergman
Each issue, we dig into the working habits of a top executive in the Capital Region, providing insight into how they get things done.
![Lial Jones in her office at the Crocker Art Museum, where she oversees "an ocean of details," including planning years ahead for major exhibits.](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/img_7065.png?1651608420)
The Way We Work: Lial Jones
A glimpse into the daily life of Crocker Art Museum CEO Lial Jones
Each issue, we dig into the working habits of a top executive in the Capital Region, providing insight into how they get things done.
![Evan Schmidt, CEO of Valley Vision, spends about six hours a day in meetings but tries to reserve Fridays for planning time. (Photo by Wes Davis)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/ck0a8217.png?1649106588)
Work It: Evan Schmidt
A glimpse into the daily life of Valley Vision CEO Evan Schmidt
Each issue, we dig into the working habits of a top executive in the Capital Region, providing insight into how they get things done.
![(Shutterstock illustration)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/0422_feat_workplace.png?1648885261)
The Psychological Toll of Remote Work
Capital Region therapists see a sharp increase in patients during the pandemic
Over two years into the pandemic and many are beyond burnt
out and in need of support. We examine the ways we’ve
suffered and how to mediate the psychological effects of pandemic
life.
![Dr. Janine Bera in her picture-filled office in downtown Sacramento.](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/final_photo.png?1648567094)
Work It: Dr. Janine Bera
A glimpse into the daily life of the WellSpace Health chief medical officer
As an extrovert, Dr. Janine Bera thrives on connection to her team and caring for her patients. Here’s how the chief medical officer of WellSpace Health structures her days.
![CalSTRS CEO Cassandra Lichnock in her waterfront office in West Sacramento. (Photo by Wes Davis)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/final-_1_0.png?1643838687)
Work It: Cassandra Lichnock
A glimpse into the daily life of the California State Teachers’ Retirement System’s CEO
From deep analysis in the morning to the occasional hike in the evening, here’s how Cassandra Lichnock structures her days as CEO of CalSTRS.
![](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/untitled_0.png?1592245979)
Comstock’s Talks: It’s Complicated
PODCAST: After a once-in-a-century pandemic, what happens next? The Capital Region’s economic experts weigh in.
![Anthony Roost, who co-owns Vine+Grain wine and beer craft bar in Sacramento's Downtown Commons with his wife, Alyssa, had to reduce the restaurant's hours when they couldn't find qualified help to hire. (Photos by Wes Davis)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/final-_1.png?1643246898)
It’s Complicated
Business experts express optimism and concern over the Capital Region’s 2022 economic outlook
After a once-in-a-century pandemic, what happens next? The
Capital Region’s economic experts weigh in.
![Barry Broome, president and CEO of the Greater Sacramento Economic Council, has helped lure more than 75 businesses to the Capital Region since 2015.](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/final-.png?1641859830)
The Way We Work: Barry Broome
A glimpse into the daily life of the Greater Sacramento Economic Council’s president and CEO
From posing in hot yoga class to pitching new business, here’s how Barry Broome structures his days as CEO of the Greater Sacramento Economic Council.
![Kelley Cowan is the director of the Sacramento Region for XL Construction. She oversees commercial projects such as schools and offices, as well as homes.](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/lead-3.png?1638925777)
The Way We Work: Kelley Cowan
A glimpse into the daily life of Kelley Cowan, director of the Sacramento Region for XL Construction
In The Way We Work, we track the routines of local executives. Here’s how Kelley Cowan oversees multiple construction projects.
![UC Davis Chancellor Gary S. May runs a sprawling campus of 39,000 enrolled students. (Photos by Wes Davis)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/ck0a8895-edit.png?1635791276)
The Way We Work: Gary S. May
A glimpse into the daily life of the UC Davis chancellor
In The Way We Work, we track the routines of local executives. Here’s how UC Davis Chancellor Gary S. May runs a campus of 39,000 students.
![(Illustration by Mariah Quintanilla)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/image_17.png?1634662065)
Ties That Bind
Here are 10 strategies for protecting the mental health of members of your family business.
![](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/untitled_0.png?1592245979)
Comstock’s Talks: Are You Ready for the TikTok Challenge?
PODCAST: Social media can grow a business’s audience — but only if it’s done right.
![Sacramento History Museum volunteer Howard Hatch spreads ink on the museum’s 1852 press. A TikTok video of him doing that, which was suggested by museum worker Jared Jones, right, went viral. The museum now has 1.6 million TikTok followers. (Photo by Debbie Cunningham)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/0821_feat_marketing_debbiecunningham.jpg?1628873391)
Are You Ready for the TikTok Challenge?
Social media can grow a business’s audience — but only if it’s done right.
![Dina Gentry is communications director of the El Dorado County Office of Education. (Photo by Terence Duffy, mural by Lora Zombie)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/0721_feat_leadership_gentry_terenceduffy.jpg?1625595865)
On the Rise: Dina Gentry
Meet 12 young leaders who are shaping their industries and the Capital Region
Dina Gentry is the communications director for the El Dorado County Office of Education, a role that impacts thousands of students and families across 15 school districts.
![Gerardo Aceves (left) and Amit Dhugga are the cofounders of Platinum Express. (Photo by Terence Duffy, mural by David Puck, stool design by Trent Dean)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/0721_feat_leadership_aceves-dhugya_terenceduffy.jpg?1625186203)
On the Rise: Gerardo Aceves and Amit Dhugga
Meet 12 young leaders who are shaping their industries and the Capital Region
Gerardo Aceves and Amit Dhugga are CEO and president of Platinum Express, a Yuba City-based company with a fleet of 100 trucks.
![](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/untitled_0.png?1592245979)
Comstock’s Talks: The Power of Empathy
PODCAST: More companies are finding that more care brings more success.
![(Illustration by Melinda Arendt)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/feat_tech_melinda-arendt_lead.jpg?1621635214)
The Power of Empathy
More companies are finding that more care brings more success
It’s not just a matter of altruism or having a heart: Empathy is innovation’s secret sauce.
![A 65-foot Ferris wheel, installed near the waterfront in Old Sacramento in October 2020, lured 11,000 riders in its first two months, according to Michael Ault, executive director of Downtown Sacramento Partnership. (Photo by Steve Martarano)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/0221_feat_tourism_steve-marantano_lead.jpg?1613157953)
Silver Linings
The pandemic has crushed most of the tourism industry, but some businesses have defied the odds
While many small and not-so-small businesses were roiled, some
have seen a windfall with people desperate to hop in their cars
and do something, anything, besides cook another dinner at home
and watch more Netflix.
![(Shutterstock illustration)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/1120_feat_workplace_stock_lead.png?1605470779)
Where’s the Party?
Companies have to get more creative to replace familiar holiday events of yore
Employers have been scaling back their annual holiday parties for
years. What will they look like in 2020?
![(Shutterstock illustration)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/0920_feat_workplace_shutterstock_lead_1.png?1599598574)
Remote Controls
There are plenty of good — and possibly bad — aspects about so many people working away from their offices
This coronavirus pandemic could mark the biggest shift to the workplace since the adoption of computers.