Tom Callen, co-owner of Callen Construction Inc., Muskego, looked death in the face and survived.

Kim Bassett-Heitzmann had to overcome three major challenges to get to where she is today: being a woman in a male-dominated industry, proving herself at her family’s company and changing careers midstream.

Ken Maly did not need a certified economic developer designation to get ahead. He’s already a manager at Madison-based Vierbicher Associates Inc., where he leads the planning/community development department.

People usually call Frank Kowalkowski when they’re in trouble.

It took 10 years, but Kevin Broich is finally working at Eppstein Uhen Architects Inc. in Milwaukee.

Eric Truelove can give projects sustainable-design elements without the customary high cost, but it means skipping the “wow factor” items such as wind turbines.

Christine Rahlf doesn’t mind traveling for work: She grew up a military brat, living on bases in England and Germany before returning to the U.S. for college.

To keep things in perspective, Mark Sherry likes to immerse himself in kids’ sports.

Thomas Weiher sets a model for professionalism, at least according to the National Association of the Remodeling Industry. The 64-year-old president and owner of Carmel Builders Inc., Menomonee Falls, recently won the NARI’s national professionalism award, which is presented to a member who has shown leadership, devotion, dedication and accomplishment.

“Growth” might be the best word to describe the career of Bill Bassett, chief executive of Bassett Mechanical Services Inc., Kaukauna. The mechanical contractor pulled in $1.7 million when he joined the firm in 1974. Today, Bassett Mechanical is the third-largest employer in the Kaukauna area, and, in 2008, generated $63 million.