Robert Harman

In a nation where a growing number of people seem to cherish the welfare of their household pets just as much as -- if not more than -- their fellow human beings, Vet-Stem CEO Robert "Bob" Harman sees endless potential for his company.

Nearly six years ago, the 58-year-old veterinarian-by-training, statistician and biotechnology entrepreneur teamed up with business partner Mike Dale to found Vet-Stem, a Poway-based firm that specializes in regenerative stem-cell therapy for horses, dogs and cats that suffer from arthritis and tendon, ligament and joint injuries.