Features

From the day in 1951 when brothers Art and Ray Schmidt bought a fuel oil route in Kimberly, Wisconsin, and founded Schmidt Brothers Oil Co., what’s now U.S. Venture has been supplying energy products to customers throughout the U.S. Working for U.S. Venture—a distributor of renewable and traditional energy products, lubricants, tires and more—has energized […]

As Jeff Miller’s children were growing up, he liked to ask them about their career aspirations. Not just “What do you want to be when you grow up?” but “What’s your plan to become what you want to be?” too. It’s a sage approach to help anyone understand the work and sacrifice they’ll need to […]

With its wide array of accessories and equipment, such as thermal and night vision technology, daytime optics, tripods, laser sights, flashlights and ballistic protection products, Sellmark Corp. helps hunters and outdoor enthusiasts make the most of their days spent in tree stands, out in the field or on the shooting range. To help demonstrate how […]

For over two decades Jembaa Mai has practiced law, and in the past few years she has noticed the mergers and acquisition landscape has evolved dramatically. “It has been undeniably impacted by the geopolitical environment, such as increased activity and scrutiny from government regulators in the United States and across the globe,” she tells Vanguard. […]

Julia Tat went against the grain of her family’s tradition when she became an attorney. Not only are her parents engineers, she has aunts and uncles who are, too—enough to make someone think the field is a genetic trait. Tat, who emigrated with her family from Romania more than 30 years ago, says that while […]

Renewable and clean energy sources are not a new phenomenon. American inventor Charles Fritts created the first commercial solar panels in the early 1880s. However, as people become more aware of the importance of sustainability and the positive impact of relying on clean energy resources, many companies, especially those in the energy industry, are working […]

As Hurricane Katrina roared its way toward New Orleans in late August 2005, Julien Polk’s mother had a hunch. This would not be like the year before when the city was threatened by Hurricane Ivan until the storm veered east to the Florida Panhandle. As Ivan approached, the Polk family left to ride out the […]

On a sunny afternoon in June, James Commodore was in his backyard in Schenectady, pushing his toddler son on a swing as he detailed why he loves his company’s culture. At K&A Engineering, a White Plains, New York-based engineering firm specializing in electric power, there is a strong emphasis on work-life balance, he explained. “We […]

Eight years into his legal career, Joshua Bird had met very few clients who’d even consider anything beyond a very cautious, low-risk tolerance—until he worked with the young men who started Hawkins Way Capital. Headquartered in Beverly Hills, California, the private equity real estate firm manages investments for family offices and institutions.    Bird recalls, the […]

In 2018, Jim Buckley, who had worked as a chemical engineer, an attorney and consultant, made a faith-based decision about his life and career. “I felt called to understand God’s word more deeply,” says Buckley about taking a sabbatical to earn a master’s degree in theological studies at The Master’s University. His decision required obedience […]