About the Honorees

Ron Conway

A native of the Bay Area, Ron Conway is one of the most prolific angel investors in the country, having been one of the earliest investors in internet giants like Google, Facebook and Twitter. He was named #6 on Forbes' Midas list of "top tech dealmakers" and has been called "the most influential and best-connected angel investor in Silicon Valley" by the Los Angeles Times.

Howard Lester

Howard Lester purchased Williams-Sonoma in 1978 when it was just four stores and a catalog. He grew the company into one of the largest specialty retailers in the world and the best-known kitchenwares store in the country. He retired from his role as Chairman and CEO this year, but remains with the company in an advisory role as Chairman Emeritus. Lester actively supports education, medical research, youth programs, and the arts and created the Lester Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation within the Haas School of Business at the University at California, Berkeley.

Harold "Max" Messmer

Harold "Max" Messmer has led Robert Half International's expansion from $7 million in annual revenues in 1986 to $3 billion in 2009, becoming the world's largest specialized staffing firm. One of the country's leading experts on staffing and employment issues, he has written several books including Motivating Employees for Dummies and Job Hunting for Dummies. Messmer served for two years on President Reagan's Advisory Committee on Trade Negotiations.