Goal-Getter

Oftentimes, even the sharpest eye can't decode the hodgepodge of notes found on college bulletin boards. But Bob Levitt was able to cut through the clutter, which ultimately jumpstarted his career.

As an undergraduate at San Diego State University, Levitt spied an "Earn While You Learn" advertisement from a promotional products distributor in need of a campus representative. Levitt made the call—and after just nine months of employment, he launched his own company: Levitt Specialty Items. Levitt continued his work for five years before going corporate. During the next 24 years, he assumed various roles—including sales, sales management and new business development—for large national distributors.