William P. Valenti

Although a self-described "overactive adult" may not seem suited for the restrained world of banking, Florida Gulf Bank founder and CEO William P. Valenti, 60, has used his penchant for shaking things up to create opportunities. A member of Junior Achievement's Lee Business Leadership Hall of Fame, he opened his own institution in 2001 in the town's historic Arcade Building. Today Florida Gulf has three locations and $90 million in assets.

Birthplace: Staten Island, N.Y.

Most notable characteristic: High energy.

Most-admired traits: Integrity, compassion and intellectual curiosity.

Guiding principle: To make a difference and enjoy doing it.

Favorite Southwest Florida spot: My back patio, barbecuing with my family.

Favorite literature: I love poetry and short stories. I envy the author's skill at compacting words while expanding ideas.

People would be surprised to learn: I spend weekends wakeboarding on the Caloosahatchee River.

Perfect day: In Italy, biking the hills above Cinque Terre and relaxing with a glass of red wine in the piazza on a clear summer evening.