Local innovators push the boundaries and bring big ideas to execution. Get an inside look at the individuals whose work is shaping San Diego, all of whom contribute to our thriving ecosystem.
Shaping San Diego 2019
Photo by Lauren Radack
Shaping Medical Spa / Cosmetic Surgery
Reza Tirgari, MD
FounderAvalon Laser
Avalon Laser is a premier medical spa specializing in customized anti-aging and cosmetic procedures for healthy and beautiful skin. Dr. Reza Tirgari and his highly trained staff provide expert laser hair removal, Botox, dermal fillers, and a full range of laser treatments to target signs of aging, sun damage, pigmentation, spider veins, scars, acne, and cellulite. They also provide cutting-edge treatments for conditions such as melasma and hair loss using lasers and platelet-rich plasma, which avoid the need for surgery. Their aesthetic treatments also include peels, micro-needling and custom facials.
Most of the staff are also clinical educators, with experience treating all ages and skin types. Avalon focuses on providing subtle, natural results that last. Visit our San Diego and Carlsbad locations for a complimentary consultation on treatments and financing options.
2445 Fifth Avenue, Suite 220 | 800-896-1138 | @avalonlaser | avalon-laser.com
Shaping San Diego 2019
Photo by Lauren Radack
Shaping Energy
Mike Teresso
PresidentBaker Electric Home Energy
Baker Electric Home Energy is built on 80 years of electrical contracting experience, the trust of more than 10,000 homeowners, and rock-solid, award-winning business ethics. President Mike Teresso has leveraged his wealth of business and management experience to make Baker Electric Home Energy one of the fastest growing privately held companies in San Diego. “At Baker, we pride ourselves on conducting business ‘The Baker Way,’” he says. “This requires earning our customers’ trust with a confident demonstration of honesty, responsiveness, and extraordinary levels of expertise.”
As a response to homeowner demand, Baker Electric Home Energy has recently expanded its capabilities. By partnering with respected companies like LG, Panasonic, Nest and Carrier, Mike and his team are delivering world-class energy solutions, from solar and home batteries to HVAC and smart home systems. These solutions are designed to give homeowners the ability to generate, manage, and optimize the use of their energy while creating a lifestyle perfect for their families.
2140 Enterprise Street | 877-578-8080 | bakerhomeenergy.com
Shaping San Diego 2019
Photo by Becca Batista
Shaping Banking
Rob Lake
Senior Vice PresidentLife Sciences
Bridge Bank had already established a solid reputation in the tech industry when inspiration and opportunity prompted an expansion into the life sciences industry. “We provide growth and working capital and commercial banking services to early-stage life sciences companies, along with guidance on how to properly capitalize the business, especially ahead of a major inflection point,” explains Senior Vice President Rob Lake.
Rob and his team are industry experts, with more than 50 years combined experience. But what really sets them apart is they absolutely love what they do.
“This is not only a job and a career, it’s philanthropic,” Rob says. “It feels good to be able to help life sciences companies with their financial and banking needs in a concerted effort to save and improve peoples’ lives.”
When not helping clients compete in the marketplace, Rob enjoys impromptu picnics and San Diego’s myriad scenic views.
Bridge Bank, a division of Western Alliance Bank. Member FDIC.
12220 El Camino Real, Suite 100 | 858-523-4686
Shaping San Diego 2019
NIGEL COOK
Shaping Law and Community
Cameron Gharabiklou
Founder and Principal Attorney at The CA Law Firm
When Cameron Gharabiklou opened his law firm 10 years ago, he never imagined he’d find himself in a bid for lieutenant governor of California. As a plaintiffs’ attorney, his drive to fight for his clients’ rights fueled his yearning to advocate for all Californians through elected office. After visiting communities across California in a competitive race—all with his closest supporter by his side, his dog Raleigh—Gharabiklou emerged with a new perspective on life and law.
Gharabiklou is now back to practicing law at his newly rebranded firm, The CA Law Firm. Still representing individuals (employees, physically injured, etc.), he’s also expanded his business/real estate law practice. A five-time distinguished SuperLawyers award recipient, Gharabiklou is representing clients and loving it, but we anticipate (and hope) he will throw his hat in the ring for elected office again in the future.
530 B Street, Suite 1530 | 858-412-0019 | thecafirm.com
Shaping San Diego 2019
Photo by Lauren Radack
Shaping Public Relations
ChicExecs
Kailynn BowlingNikki Carlson
Nikki Carlson and Kailynn Bowling founded ChicExecs PR & Retail Strategy Firm as a result of their own success in building a brand. By garnering exposure in the biggest media publications and placements in major retailers like Nordstrom and Target, they had a bird’s-eye view into what it takes to appeal to buyers and the media. “Think Outside the Suit” isn’t just a tagline, it’s the way of life at ChicExecs. By creating a cohesive strategy for brands with PR, social media, and retail strategy, the team of more than 50 employees brainstorms innovative ways to get retail sell-through and brand awareness. ChicExecs creates a PR and social plan to support in-store and online sales by executing on both regional and national levels. ChicExecs knows what it takes to turn a napkin idea into a household name.
820 Los Vallecitos Boulevard A-C | 760-992-9113 | chicexecs.com
Shaping San Diego 2019
Shaping Cosmetic Surgery
Roy David, MD & Michael Rossi, MD
DavidRossi Cosmetic Surgery
David and Rossi Cosmetic Surgery is a cutting-edge plastic surgery practice offering first-class surgical and medical spa services delivered by world-class surgeons and staff located in the bustling UTC section of La Jolla. The partnership of Dr. Roy David, a renowned facial plastic surgeon with over a decade of experience, and Dr. Michael Rossi, a rising star in the field of breast and body cosmetic surgery, created what all patients deserve: a plastic surgery practice catering to each patient’s specific aesthetic needs. Unique to the San Diego area, at David and Rossi Cosmetic Surgery you’ll be seen by a plastic surgeon specializing in either plastic surgery of the face, or plastic surgery of the breast and body. In addition to two highly-trained surgeons utilizing the most advanced techniques, equipment and safety measures, the practice has its own in-house surgery center and medical spa. Rest assured your private aesthetic experience is stress-free.
3252 Holiday Court #206 | 858-658-0595 | davidandrossi.com
Shaping San Diego 2019
Photo by Becca Batista
Shaping Finance
Taylor R. Schulte, CFP
FounderWealth AdvisorDefine Financial
Award-winning financial planner Taylor Schulte worked with large wealth management firms for more than half his career. “I found them spending more time talking about how to make the firm more money than how to make clients more money,” he says. “I wanted to change that.”
In 2014, Schulte launched Define Financial, a commission-free firm that is required by law to put clients’ interests first. “Our team helps high-earning professionals and retirees reduce taxes, invest smarter, and ensure they never run out of money.”
When Schulte isn’t perfecting his clients’ financial plans, you can find him traveling with his wife and kids, searching for the next best carne asada burrito, or trying to master Adam Scott’s golf swing.
12526 High Bluff Drive, Suite 238 | 619-577-4002 | definefinancial.com | taylor.schulte@definefinancial.com
Shaping San Diego 2019
Photo by Lauren Radack
Shaping Fitness
Orangetheory Fitness
Starting on January 21, Orangetheory Fitness San Diego is hosting an eight-week Transformation Challenge to kick-start your New Year and get you in the best shape of your life! This fitness challenge is the perfect opportunity to see your body and mind change in ways you’ve never imagined. Get stronger, faster, happier, and healthier. Get the most out of your life—and the chance to win over $2,500 in cash and other prizes while you’re at it! Registration is open now at any of our 14 San Diego locations. orangetheoryfitness.com
Orangetheory Fitness is a one-hour, full-body workout focused on training endurance, strength, and power.
14 San Diego locations | 619-363-4040 | orangetheoryfitness.com
Shaping San Diego 2019
Photo by Lauren Radack
Shaping Energy
Rick Sander
CEORhombus Energy Solutions
Rhombus Energy Solutions is a fast-growing company focused on the renewable energy sector. “Our expertise in power conversion and energy management provides solutions for several markets, including microgrids, energy storage, fast charging for electric vehicle fleets, and regenerative test equipment. Our technical team is one of the most experienced in the nation,” says CEO Rick Sander. Given the ever-increasing demand for energy, Sander says that finding solutions without destroying the planet is the most important problem to solve in the next 20 years. “Humankind’s survival depends on clean energy. Rhombus plays a small but critical role in this grand-scale endeavor.” Sander’s passion for energy conversion problem solving runs deep. He began working in the energy industry at the age of nine and later put himself through engineering school while working as a journeyman power lineman.
12245 World Trade Drive G | 888-978-6564 | rhombusenergysolutions.com
Shaping San Diego 2019
Lauren Radack
Shaping Plastic Surgery
Sirius K. Yoo, MD
Founder and President of SKY Facial Plastic Surgery
Some say the secret to success is confidence, and Dr. Sirius K. Yoo believes confidence starts with a positive self-image. “People say I’m in the beauty industry, but I find that very limiting,” says Dr. Yoo. “My patients want to look on the outside as young and vibrant as they feel on the inside and that’s what I help them do. I love seeing my patients feel more confident in their everyday lives.”
A double board-certified facial plastic surgeon, Dr. Yoo is also among a select number of surgeons who have completed a prestigious fellowship in facial plastic surgery at Stanford University. Dr. Yoo focuses only on the face and neck and offers customized treatments that often combine surgery —such as a facelift, fat transfer, blepharoplasty, or rhinoplasty —with lasers and injectables for impressive results that look natural.
Dr. Yoo’s unique approach has won him several awards, including Best Facial Plastic Surgeon for the past four years by Ranch & Coast Magazine. But it’s the success stories from patients that keep him going. As one recent rhinoplasty patient shared, “Coming from someone who was bullied as a kid, I just know I’ll never be able to repay him for what he did for me.”
16918 Dove Canyon Road #208 | 858-381-4801 | hello@skyfps.com | skyfacialplasticsurgery.com
Shaping San Diego 2019
Photo by Lauren Radack
Shaping Law
Mark A. Krasner, Esq.
Founding Partner of Blanchard, Krasner & French
For more than 35 years, BKF founding partner Mark Krasner, an attorney and CPA, has brought the highest ethical standards to his practice. Cultivating lifelong relationships with clients and earned respect of his peers is evident through his many honors and awards, including a nomination by the American Institute of Family Law Attorneys as one of the 10 best family law attorneys in California. Mark believes in giving back to the community and is frequently involved in events benefiting groups like domestic violence survivors and underprivileged children.
800 Silverado Street, Second Floor | 858-551-2440 | bkflaw.com
Shaping San Diego 2019
Photo by Sergio Fernandez
Shaping Digital Dentistry
Armin Hage, DDS, MIADI
FounderUniversity Dental
A Master In Dental Implantology, Dr. Armin Hage has enjoyed treating generations of families who trust him with all of their oral health needs. With an emphasis on digital dentistry, Dr. Hage performs minimally invasive implant surgeries resulting in much less post-surgery discomfort and bleeding and faster healing. Prosthetics are also made by digital planning and 3D printing technology. “We’re unique among dental implant practices because we focus on finding creative solutions,” Dr. Hage says. “For me, it’s about fixing the problem rather than profiting from the situation.”
6324 University Avenue | 619-582-4224 | universitydentalsandiego.com
Shaping San Diego 2019
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