Joe Massman

Joe Massman, 37, joined freightquote.com just over six years ago, at a shaky time for Internet startups. “Back in 2000, it wasn’t clear that we were going to survive,” he says. “There were hundreds of dot-coms out there, all trying to make a go at it. But our model made the most sense. We did the best job of adding value to customers over time.” His wager paid off; the company has prospered during his tenure as CFO. Freightquote.com provides instant price comparisons for freight carriers, or in Massman’s words, “simplifies the freight shipping process for customers by using technology.” Outside of work, he chairs the sponsorship committee of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, and serves on the finance committees of Visitation Church and Cristo Rey Kansas City. “I am lucky to be able to help on these boards, and I try to balance that out with my work and home life,” he says. “My greatest accomplishment is being a part of the growth of freightquote.com while still being able to make time available for charitable organizations and my family.”

David Miles

David Miles’s philanthropic leadership began in college, when he worked for the Mizzou Annual Fund while a student at the University of Missouri. At 30 years old, he was named president of the H&R Block Foundation in 2002. As foundation president, he guides a six-person board of directors and ensures compliance with laws and regulations, all while managing a $3.3 million annual budget and $63 million in assets. Established in 1974, the foundation recognizes community service of H&R Block employees and improves the lives of community members through grants supporting health, education, community development and the arts. Now 35, Miles sees a promising future for the foundation. “We have continued to grow. I see us continuing to play an active role in making Kansas City a better place to live and work.” Miles is engaged in charitable work outside of the foundation; he and his wife Jennifer created a partnership between the Kearney School District and the University of Missouri–Columbia College of Education to develop classroom teaching techniques.

Jeff Morris

If not for an injury in high school, Jeff Morris, 38, might have been a star student athlete. Instead, he became a star attorney. “I got hurt and I couldn’t participate in sports, so I went out for the debate team. I really took to it. My debate coach was enthusiastic about me thinking about law.” After earning his J.D. at the University of Kansas, Morris started his career in private practice and later, in 2001, became a partner at Berkowitz Oliver Williams Shaw & Eisenbrandt. He defends clients against claims of banking and securities fraud, Internet fraud and environmental crime. Criminal litigation is “very complex with the highest of stakes,” he explains. Looking back, he feels his hard work during his first years as a lawyer was key to his current success. “When you start practicing, it is all very new, so you spend a great deal of energy achieving a level of competence,” he says. “Then you use that competence to make a difference.” Morris makes a difference outside of work, as well; he gives his time to Impact KC and the Children’s Connection.

Richard Napper

Richard Napper, 36, was enjoying a lively real estate career in Arizona when the birth of his son prompted him to make a change. “My wife and I decided to make a break and come back to the Midwest as soon as we could,” he recalls. “One day we literally packed up our car and drove back to Kansas City. We didn’t see the rest of our belongings until they were shipped to us.” A native of Stanley, Kansas, Napper graduated from Southern Methodist University with a degree in finance, real estate and urban land economics. He began his career at State Savings Bank and later worked for Artemis Realty Group, both in greater Phoenix. Upon his return, he joined Merrill Companies as senior vice president. Executive vice president since 2005, he leads the overall management of the company; he works with architects, engineers and contractors in handling negotiations in lease structures with tenants, handles all debt and equity negotiations and structures debt and equity for all projects. Thrilled to be back in town, he volunteers at his son’s school, and coaches football, soccer and baseball. “Young kids will emulate what they see, whether it be a parent or a coach,” he says. “We are fortunate to live in such a family oriented community.”