MIKE BROWN
At 35, Mike Brown applies a simple rule to the governance of his life: "God first, family second and then everything else." Starting from the beginning, Mike is an active member of the Catholic Church, particularly with his parish, Holy Trinity in Lenexa. As to family, he's the proud father of Laura age 9 and Michael age 7, and the devoted husband of Kimm. His family, says Mike, is "without fail or doubt, the center of my universe." As to everything else, Mike is the general managing partner of Brown Midwest LC, a family-owned and operated homebuilding and land development company located in Olathe. He also serves as chairman of the Kansas Council of the Homebuilder's Association of Kansas City. In his community life, Mike serves on the board of the REACH Foundation, which provides healthcare access for at-risk members. "This foundation," says Mike, "will have a huge positive impact that will far outlive me."
JEFF BOERGER
When it comes to business, Jeff Boerger is on the right track. As president of Kansas Speedway, Boerger personally ensures that the more than 600,000 people who annually attend events at Kansas City's motorsports Mecca want to keep coming back. No job is too big--or too small--for this 39-year-old Kansan, whether it's parking cars or directing traffic or leading tours for national leaders. "I'm a Kansas guy," said Jeff who grew up in Topeka and graduated from KU. "I'm pleased to be able to continue to stay here." The business side of motorsports is where Boerger excels, and the reason International Speedway Corporation entrusted him with the speedway's top job five years ago. That business savvy was cultivated during his four-year tenure at Kansas City Area Development Council where he worked on bringing major corporations to the area including Harley-Davidson. Jeff also serves on the Greater Kansas City Sports Commission and the Kansas City, Kansas Chamber of Commerce. He and wife Beth have two lovely daughters, Kate and Jane.
FARUK CAPAN
In 1990, after completing his studies in his native Istanbul, Turkey, Faruk Capan, now 36, came to the U.S. to complete a Master's Degree in information technology. After completing his Master's, Faruk chose to stay in the U.S, accepting a new position at Marion Merrell Dow. "I have been grateful," says Faruk, "for the opportunities I have had every step of the way." As Information Systems Manager of Teva Marion Partners, Faruk pioneered the use of online support technology for people suffering from chronic disease. Driven by this idea, Faruk formed Intouch Solutions in 1999, which now has more than 25 full-time associates. In 2003, he also launched Affinity Medical Communications to help pharmaceutical companies identify and respond to physicians' needs. Though a long way from Istanbul, Faruk is proud to call Kansas City home. The area, says Faruk, "has provided a great environment for me to both operate my business and raise my family." He and his wife Elaiza have two children, Melisa 6, and Demir, 2.
MARK CHAMPA
Mark Champa, 38, has dedicated himself "to improving the lives of young people and making the Kansas City community a better place to live." He's completed the Chamber's Centurion program, served as board member of Spirit Fest and volunteered for Children's Mercy Hospital and Youth Friends organization. Mark is also involved with the children's ministry program at Hillcrest Covenant Church Sunday School program. Professionally, as director of sales and marketing at Hyatt Regency Crown Center, Mark has been instrumental in the success of many charitable and civic events. He's also in charge of organizing two Hyatt fundraisers annually--the World's Largest Office Party and the Chocolate Breakfast that have raised more than $100,000 in the last six years for local charities. Recently Champa's responsibilities have expanded to oversee operations at Milano, Crayola Cafe and Golden Harvest Bakery in Crown Center. Mark somehow finds the time to coach baseball and soccer teams in Johnson County. He and his wife Carol have three children: Connor, 9; Madeline, 6; and Isaac, 4.
