Michael Perry

Mike Perry is president and chief executive officer of San Diego Trust Bank, which opened in 2003.

Perry's charisma and energy was a magnet for investors and employees alike. The Valhalla High School valedictorian and San Diego State University graduate dedicated months to assembling what many consider to be one of the strongest teams ever put together under one roof. Many of San Diego's finest bankers, past and present, joined him in his quest for excellence.

"Our goal was simple: create the finest bank this town has ever seen," Perry explained. "To be the best, you need to hire the best -- it's that simple."

Of all the banks with local ties, no institution draws from local banking history quite like San Diego Trust. The board and staff combined have more than 350 years of experience in banking San Diegans, significantly more than any other bank in town.