Stan Gafner

Stan Gafner has only been the chief executive officer of San Diego electronics company Funkwerk Americas Inc. since Jan. 1, but he's hit the ground running in kicking off what he hopes will be a big year for the business.

"We're taking the company to the next level," Gafner said.

That "next level" means taking the company, already a leader in some European markets, into a stronger position in the United States and around the world when it comes to hands-free communications devices for cars. The company has worked in that space for years, but in 2008 it plans to discontinue all its old products and focus only on the Ego. The Bluetooth technology is designed to allow drivers to talk on the phone, and in some models listen to music and have access to GPS maps -- all without using their hands.