BALANCE SHEET.

A self-confessed perfectionist, Brian Ruttencutter is as serious about his work as he is about his family and leisure. He apparently has found a way to balance these life activities by combining his strong sense of purpose with a wry wit and a strong sense of humor.

Title: VP Finance and CFO 

Company: Phillips Industries, Inc.

Business/Industry: Manufacturer and distributor of parts for heavy-duty trucks for GEMs (original equipment manufacturers) and the aftermarket.

Born: June 15, 1953, Long Beach, Calif.

Spouse: Marilyn R. Ruttencutter

Children: Melissa, 10

Education: BS in Accounting, 1976, Biola University; MBA, 1983, California State University, Long Beach.

Career History: 1976-1980, accounting management, Fuller Theological Seminary, Pasadena, Calif.; 1980-1984, accounting management, AirCal, Newport Beach, Calif.; 1984-1988, Controller, 1988-1993, VPF and Administration, PBS Building Systems, Inc., Anaheim, Calif.; 19931995, VPF and CFO, For Better Living, Inc., Irvine, Calif.

FEI Chapter: Orange County; currently a Western Area Director

Leisure Pursuits: "I'm a 'gym rat,' working out 3-4 times a week, using the treadmill, weight machines and free weights. I enjoy tennis and golf (mostly miniature) and the real thing (when compelled). My family enjoys going to movies and pop and rock concerts, and watching DVDs on our surround-sound home theater, Traveling as a family, we've visited Spain, Morocco, Japan, Hawaii, California and more. I memorialize trips through scenic photography and display enlargements around our home."

Time Management Tips: "Why do today what you can put off until tomorrow? Many things that we find to be immediately important, or that others would want us to view that way, are unnecessary. If things 'sit' for a while, they often take care of themselves and end up not needing attention. Another approach is not to set unrealistic goals that can siphon away 'psychic energy' and create constant feelings of frustration and defeat."

Stress Management Advice: "I grew up a perfectionist, adhering to the philosophy that if something was worth doing, it was worth doing well. To that, I've added the concept of fun. My wife, who is physically disabled, and I have had our share of adversity; we try to add an element of fun or joy to almost everything we do. Make opportunities for simple enjoyment each day such as walking, listening to music, reading or watching a movie or TV. For stress reduction, physical activity is ideal, as are daily 'mini-vacations,' focusing briefly on a favorite activity."

Best/Worst Jobs: "I find the responsibilities of a senior financial executive to be exciting, challenging, educational, stretching, motivating and rewarding. My most fulfilling times are in environments characterized by clear vision and purpose, strong leadership at the top, integrity, openness to new ideas, mutual respect, inclusive decision-making and recognition. Without these qualities, a job can range anywhere from boring to stifling to unbearable."

Favorite Deal: "In 1983, AirCal was coming off one of its worst financial years ever. With revenues having peaked and fuel prices and interest rates skyrocketing, a huge net operating loss drove layoffs, pay cuts and other cost-reduction measures. Despite these problems, the company successfully completed an IPO. Additional capital and public visibility, combined with an upturn in the industry -- positioned the company for its successful sale to American Airlines in 1987."

Other Comments: "The media's and corporate America's over-worked emphasis on team-building sounds like bokum. Nothing could be further from the truth. Organizational strength is in the unity it achieves. This is not to say that diversity of opinions and healthy debate should be discouraged; often, through open discourse, teams jell. I've seen teams forced together against their will, others that have simply put on an air of unity and still others that have struggled to bond in up-hill battles. These scenarios are dysfunctional. With strong leadership, openness, honesty, respect and a oneness of purpose, a real team can emerge, and the proposition that 'the sum of the parts is greater than the whole' will result."