Paul Arco

Harlan Jefferson

Harlan Jefferson

All Heart and Soul Harlan Jefferson has played saxophone from New Orleans to Los Angeles, but he’s most comfortable when he’s home in Rockford. “My family and friends are here,” he says. “I feel the same way Rick Nielsen (of Cheap Trick) does. I like to get out of the area and play, but there’s…

Rick Barder

Rick Barder

A Man and His Bike Rick Barder made his living in the banking business as a commercial lender. But after retiring more than a decade ago, the Beloit resident now spends his time exploring southern Wisconsin and northern Illinois on his bike. Barder was a “jock” in school but turned to biking later in life….

Tom Heflin

Tom Heflin

The Art of Success Tom Heflin never wanted to be anything but an artist.   Born in Arkansas, the well-known Rockford artist was always in trouble with his teachers for doodling in his school books when he should have been paying attention to his studies. That is, until he met Mrs. Markham, a teacher who…

Kristina Reuber

Kristina Reuber

Getting Things Done Kristina Reuber had no intention of returning home to Rockford after graduating from Loyola University in Chicago. But then she had a change of heart. “I came back with a different set of eyes and a sense of maturity,” she says. “You can get involved and progress in your career at a…