Patrick Balthrop was the winner of a Stevie Award for Best Executive in the 2008 American Business Awards.

What book are you currently reading?
I typically read a few books simultaneously. At the moment I am rereading two books that I find very provocative: Just Six Numbers: The Deep Forces That Shape The Universe by Martin Rees, about six mathematical constants that govern the size, shape, and very existence of our universe; and The God Delusion by Richard Dawkins.  I also read crime suspense novels when I need some time to relax.

What was the last movie you saw, and would you recommend it?
The last movie I saw was Milk, and I highly recommend it. Sean Penn plays the lead of Harvey Milk, the first openly gay elected politician in America, who, along with Mayor Richard Moscone, was murdered by another San Francisco city councilman. The movie and cast—especially Sean Penn­—were very, very good.

What is your favorite sport or hobby?
My favorite hobby is sport fishing (tag and release only for me). Last fall, my two brothers and I fished in a big-game-fishing tournament in Cabo San Lucas and finished second in the tournament. My favorite sport is football, which I played a lot when I was young. I believe it is the ultimate team sport, where the only way to win is by playing together as unit.

Who is your favorite historical figure?
I have always admired Thomas Jefferson for his vision, intellect, and versatility. I also admire Charles Darwin and Martin Luther King, Jr., for seeing what was obvious to the rest of humankind, realizing that a new and better explanation was possible, and then bringing it to life.

Who is your favorite living person?
My favorite living person is the love of my life and wife of over thirty years, Mariterese. She is incredibly wise and insightful, and she is my biggest fan. I also have three wonderful children, who are all adults now. They are my joy.

If you could choose another profession, what would it be?
I really enjoy what I do, so I don’t have a desire to do anything else.  But I would like to think that down the road I may have something to provide in a business school or university setting to teach younger people about the importance of integrity and leadership in business.

What do you think is the worst bad habit to have at work?
The single worst habits to have at work are also the worst habits to have in life: A lack of personal integrity, and the unwillingness to be held accountable or to accept responsibility.

What quality or qualities do you most value in your business associates?
Personal integrity, a constant dissatisfaction with the current state, and the ability and willingness to communicate plainly and openly.

Is there anything you'd like to improve about your own work practices?
Wow—quite a bit. I am constantly working on my interpersonal skills, because I am naturally very shy. I also need to be warmer and more approachable.

As someone at the top of your profession, what keeps you inspired or makes you hit the ground running in the morning?
I wake up every day dissatisfied, and just a little angry, at what I, personally, and my company have not yet achieved. I live in a constant state of professional dissatisfaction, and I strive to make progress every single day.

What do you consider has been your greatest achievement in business?
My single greatest achievement in business is that I have been fortunate to have built a successful career while also having a loving marriage and a great relationship with my three children.

What advice or useful tip would you give to someone who is just starting out in business?
Several things: You are expected to deliver results; trying hard doesn’t count.  There is no substitute for hard work.  Never make the mistake of thinking that education and pedigree matter more than experience and results.  The person who succeeds is not the person with the best gear or the biggest boat, it is the person who lands the fish. Get the fish on the boat.

About Patrick J. Balthrop
Patrick J. Balthrop has a track record of achievements and a diverse background as an innovator, product developer, and transformational business leader that spans a thirty-year career in the healthcare industry. Mr. Balthrop’s experience ranges from relations with government agencies and regulators worldwide, to research and development, and implementation of unique corporate governance initiatives. He has directed the commercialization of revolutionary products that save healthcare costs while enhancing patient outcomes.

Mr. Balthrop joined Luminex Corporation as president and CEO in May 2004. In his tenure at the company, he has overseen the development and execution of a dynamic growth strategy centered on strategic partnerships, aggressive internal innovation and product development, and groundbreaking acquisitions and technologies. These changes have led to industry-leading results for which Luminex and Mr. Balthrop have been recognized through numerous awards. Prior to joining Luminex, Mr. Balthrop served as President of Fisher HealthCare, a Fisher Scientific International company. From 1981-2002, he held a number of leadership positions at Abbott Laboratories, including head of worldwide commercial diagnostics operations for Abbott's Diagnostics Division.

Mr. Balthrop holds an MBA from Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management and a Bachelor of Science degree in biology from Spring Hill College. In addition to his Luminex responsibilities, he serves on the Board of Directors of Howard Brown Health Center in Chicago.

About Luminex Corporation
Luminex Corporation develops, manufactures, and markets proprietary biological testing technologies with applications throughout the diagnostic and life sciences industries. The Company’s xMAP® multiplex solutions include an open-architecture, multi-analyte technology platform that delivers fast, accurate, and cost-effective bioassay results to markets as diverse as pharmaceutical drug discovery, clinical diagnostics, and biomedical research, including the genomics and proteomics markets. The Company’s xMAP Technology is sold worldwide and is already in use in leading clinical laboratories as well as major pharmaceutical, diagnostic, and biotechnology companies. Further information on Luminex Corporation or xMAP Technology can be obtained at www.luminexcorp.com.

Fireman's Fund Insurance Company of Novato, California, won a Stevie Award for Best Corporate Social Responsibility Program in the 2008 American Business Awards.

Fireman’s Fund Insurance Company (FFIC) was founded in 1863 with a mission to support the fire service. Over the course of some 140 years, that commitment has evolved as the needs of the fire service have changed. In the past five years, Fireman’s Fund Insurance Company has donated more than $21 million to over 1,100 different fire departments across the country. The equipment purchased through those donations has saved an untold number of lives. Thousands of firefighters are better equipped to respond to emergencies, and a number of local communities are safer because of it.

"We are honored to receive this award," said Mike LaRocco, president and CEO of Fireman's Fund Insurance Company, on receiving the Stevie Award for Best Corporate Social Responsibility Program. "Our entire organization, from employees to agents, is committed to helping make local communities safer, and this program does just that."

Fireman's Fund Heritage Program
America’s firefighters are asked to do more with less. Budgets are shrinking while equipment costs continue to rise. According to the U.S. Fire Administration, an estimated 65 percent of fire departments across the United States do not have enough portable radios to equip all emergency responders. Roughly 60 percent do not have enough air tanks. And the list goes on.

The Fireman’s Fund Heritage Program was launched in 2004. It is a nationwide program designed by FFIC to support firefighters and to make communities safer. It provides grants to fire departments for new equipment and creates initiatives that raise attention to the needs of the fire service.

During 2007-8, the period covered by the award, FFIC awarded grants totaling $7,016,662 to 468 fire departments across the country. This money helped purchase new thermal imaging cameras, “Jaws of Life” auto extrication sets, fire hoses, fire engines, personal protective gear, air tanks, fire safety houses to educate local youth, and much more.

Into the Fire
Also in 2007 the critically acclaimed documentary “Into the Fire” was aired on The History Channel®.  FFIC funded and presented the 70-minute film in an effort to raise the nation’s awareness about challenges faced by firefighters. The documentary captures amazing stories told firsthand by men and women firefighters who describe life on the job in America’s firehouses.

FFIC partnered with the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation to donate the more than $90,000 in proceeds from “Into the Fire.”  A nationwide contest was held that received applications from 1,249 fire departments. Eleven were chosen to receive new equipment, primarily thermal imaging cameras.

Maximizing Grant Dollars
FFIC forged an alliance with Bullard, the nation’s leading manufacturer of thermal imaging cameras. This partnership enabled the company to purchase cameras at a discount in order maximize the grant dollars. For every four thermal imagers bought in the past, FFIC can now purchase five for local fire departments.

Recognized by Congress
The United States Congress awarded the “Senator Paul S. Sarbanes Fire Service Safety Leadership Award” to FFIC in 2007, recognizing the company’s outstanding contributions to firefighter health and safety.

Far-reaching Results
Stories about the Fireman’s Fund Heritage Program reached millions of people across the country. Nationwide, there were 787 news stories featuring the Heritage Program, the grants awarded, and the need for increased funding at local firehouses. In total, those stories garnered 97,788,063 impressions with a base ad equivalency value of $1,350,013.

While the publicity value is important, there is clear evidence this program does something more meaningful: It saves lives.

In just one of many examples, the Holly Hill Fire Department in Florida was presented with a brand-new auto extrication set in 2007. Literally, within hours of the equipment being installed on the engine, they received a call to a serious car crash. Firefighters on the scene said the driver would not have survived without the new gear that enabled them to quickly rescue him.

About Michael LaRocco
Michael LaRocco is president and CEO of Fireman's Fund Insurance Company. He joined the company in March 2008. An insurance executive with nearly thirty years of property and casualty experience, LaRocco previously served as president and chief operating officer of Seattle-based Safeco. Prior to Safeco, he held various leadership and management roles at Geico Corporation, including running Geico's Northeast region. He also held positions at Superior Insurance and Progressive Corporation.

LaRocco earned his bachelor's degree in marketing from Ohio State University and an M.B.A. from the University of Tampa.

About Fireman’s Fund
Fireman’s Fund Insurance Company is a premier property and casualty insurance company providing personal, commercial, and specialty insurance products nationwide.  It is rated 'AA-' by Standard & Poor’s Rating Services.  Founded in 1863 with a mission to support firefighters, Fireman’s Fund continues this effort today through it national philanthropic efforts. Fireman’s Fund is a member of the Allianz Group (NYSE: AZ), one of the world’s largest providers of insurance and other financial services. For more information, visit www.firemansfund.com.

Blogs, or web logs, are all the rage these days. Each month in this space we'll point you to several blogs and web sites that we think might be of interest to you.

The Mediavore : A site that aims to search public media to "discover interesting and thoughtful content for you to explore."
Planet Money : NPR's useful blog covering the global economy.
Global Neighborhoods : A blog that follows social media wherever it leads.
Mavericks at Work : Author Bill Taylor's blog.