7. Steve Bowser, founder of True Profit Groups

Steve Bowser started the True Profit Groups in 1991, with the aim of providing a forum for noncompeting solution providers to network and exchange information to help them do business. The success of the group shows Bowser's foresight in providing such a forum for the channel—the groups have an almost 100 percent attendance rate.

VARs meet in various technology groups, each of which has between 10 and 13 members who discuss their business very openly and confidentially. By having strong solution provider members, Bowser and the True Profit Groups have truly enabled the growth of its members and a free-thinking business forum for the channel.