As a rule, Bruce Allen never puts an I in team: "the accomplishments most significant in my life were preceded and succeeded by strong personal relationships," he says. Named partner at Arthur Andersen in 1998, Allen provided career opportunities for a dozen consultants in KC within four years. When Andersen met its fate, Allen was at the center of a leadership team who fought to keep the company's former clients and employees. Had these execs gone their separate ways, rosy prospects surely awaited them individually. But several former Andersen folks stuck together and created forty new jobs by founding MarketSphere Consulting, which offers its business consulting services exclusively to companies in the local market.

Allen served as director of Children's Bible Fellowship at Holmeswood Baptist Church. He received the Boy Scouts' Award of Merit for Volunteerism after organizing outdoor activities with historical themes--he was just proud to furnish an outlet where young men could grow to become better citizens.

Still, Allen believes his most honorable accomplishment was cultivated by the relationship he has with wife Sandy. Knowing she'll be by his side and the happiness their three children bring makes him stronger.

He started as a 24-year-old intern for the city's administrative offices. Last month, Doug Bach was named Deputy County Administrator for the Unified Government of Wyandotte County/Kansas City, Kansas: thirteen years of service and counting. Bach left his biggest mark as project manager for the 400-acre Village West development, KCK's major tourism and entertainment venture courtesy of the Kansas Speedway. "Working on a project which is leading the revitalization of Wyandotte County is not only professionally rewarding, but personally makes me feel good about what I'm doing for my community," he says.

When he's not providing direct management to public safety and finance departments for the Unified Government, Bach works to lead his sons' sports teams to winning seasons. He coaches basketball, soccer and baseball; no need for an off-season. Staying active in the lives of family and friends is most important to him. This extended network, along with wife Martha and their three boys "make me who I am," says Bach.

Frazier Bell's favorite Words to Live By: "Do what you say you are going to do." He is managing principal at the Kansas City office of the largest commercial real estate brokerage provider in the Central United States. Named Colliers Turley Martin Tucker Realty's Top Producer in 2000, he's sealed deals such as the 2.5 million-square-foot Sears Catalog Distribution Center sale to the U.S. Postal Service. Bell helped bring Lackman Business Park's occupancy to 94% in a little over a year. Last June, he had a hand in selling the former AGCO Corp. property in Independence that stood unused since the plant closed in 2000. Two professional designations trail his name--SIOR, Society of Industrial & Office Realtors, and CCIM, Certified Commercial Investment Member.

But on Wednesday nights, the title of husband edges out the former two, as this time is reserved for "date night" with his wife Mary. He has a passion for family life, allowing Bell to teach his fifteen year old how to drive while potty training his two year old. His hobbies include golfing and traveling in the pursuit of sunshine.

Working to balance his investments is what Bradley Berger, a Vice President of Hillcrest Bank, does best. His largest contribution is an investment of self: Berger energizes the community through his work, his teaching, and as president of The Dream Factory of Greater Kansas City.

Berger is a lender in the commercial real estate division of Hillcrest Bank, and has been recognized as a market leader in providing construction and rehabilitation loans for revitalization initiatives in the Downtown area. As a part-time faculty member at Baker University, Berger teaches corporate strategy to MBA students, where he admits the role of instructor is "both personally and intellectually rewarding." Juggling in a third leadership role at the Dream Factory, Berger helps to realize big dreams for children who suffer from life-threatening illnesses. These children are role models to Berger, who believes their courage and determination help him understand what is trivial and what is truly meaningful.

His two sons and wife Beth Ann--"the best Mom on the Planet"--back his investments, as they continually inspire Berger to strive to be a better person.