This Year's Class

rank Moss wanted to be an astronaut. David Orfao thought he would join the military. And Jim Rose dreamed of one day tackling the role of Green Bay Packers general manager.

Boys with dreams. But they're boys no longer. They are this year's 20 To Watch executives.

Any one of them could attest to the quickfire pace of innovation in their markets. Many stand at the helm of ambitious start-ups or fledgling companies coming into their own. Half lead firms that are less than five years old.

Jim Rose, the youngest of the group, was only a teenager when the Internet became a household word in the 1990s. Today he heads MobShop, an online exchange focused on the government market. Anthony Tjan, too, capitalized on his youthful energy and all-around smarts to launch a company. The 29-year-old is co-founder and executive vice president of Zefer, a Web integration company based in Boston.

But no matter their ages, this year's up-and-coming executives have grasped the importance of the Web and woven it into their business models..

	Michele Pepe and Pedro Pereira

Motorcycle-riding Michael Orr is building Tarantella's reputation as an application broker that makes legacy applications available over the Net. Counterpane's self-described math geek, Bruce Schneier, is putting into practice what he theorizes in his latest book about digital security in a networked world. And SingleSourceIT's Randy Wilcox, who might have been a barber had he heeded the results of a high school career-counseling test, is helping re-engineer the logistics of procuring product online.

Even well-established companies such as distributor Ingram Micro and software developer Computer Associates recognize the Web for what it is: the battleground that will make or break a company in the new economy.

But lest you mistake them for "all work, no play" types, these executives know how to have a good time.

Arbortext's Jim Sterken plays paddleball with as much gusto as he devotes to his job. SiteSmith's Mark Spagnolo enjoys time in the cigar room of his house. Zefer's Tjan enjoys life's luxuries: designer clothes, fine wine and getaways to Europe and Asia. Geoff Tate of Rambus rides a mountain bike, and Crosspoint's John Mumford collects antique cars.

The executives featured in this year's 20 To Watch epitomize tenacity, intelligence and charisma. Such qualities have earned them the respect and admiration of their peers. And now, others outside that circle will get to know them a little better.

So turn the page and let us introduce you to this year's up-and-coming high-tech leaders.