John Sotoodeh

When John Sotoodeh talks about investments, he's talking about people as well as fiscal strategy.

"The minute we forget we're in a people business, we lose our competitive edge," said the Wells Fargo (NYSE: WFB) regional president, referring to both customers and employees.

"Never lose focus that this is a people business, and if you get that right, everything else happens."

As regional president, Sotoodeh oversees 163 branches and 2,700 employees, ranging from San Diego to the Inland Empire.