Maxine Clark grew up in the decade of big dreams realized. Today, the Build-A-Bear Workshop founder is affectionately gazing back on the journey of her own realized dream.

The common wisdom is that people who love their work are those who find the most success. Here, we feature three women who prove that common wisdom right: By following their dreams, each built a business that has seen more success than most of us would dare to dream for. As John Updike once said, “The refusal to rest content—the willingness to risk excess on behalf of one’s obsessions—is what distinguishes artists from entertainers and what makes some artists adventurers on behalf of us all.”

To flourish financially into future generations, author Ellen Miley Perry says affluent families also have to thrive emotionally. A wealth adviser for 25 years and author of A Wealth of Possibilities: Navigating Family, Money and Legacy, Perry has worked with more than 150 high-net worth families throughout her career—often witnessing the same pattern. “I observed that families who flourish the most were focused on qualitative issues, not just quantitative ones,” she says. “They took time and interest in quality family relationships and raising the next generation. Far fewer families devote the same intensity, energy and commitment to human assets as they do to financial assets.”

Kim Eberlein (Volunteer Leadership)

Entrepreneur Jason Jan admits he’s a little camera-shy. “I prefer to be humble,” says Jan, a husband and father of three children—two boys, ages 5 and 8, and a 7-month-old daughter.

Why Speak?

An elderly couple transferring wealth, an entrepreneur seeking business investment advice and a three-generation family preserving a legacy—they all turned to the Commerce Family Office.

Trend section: Black & White Work Wear

Old Hollywood glamour will be front and center this week at The Sheldon for 'Notes from Hollywood,' the Jan. 14 concert featuring Maestro LEONARD SLATKIN to benefit CHAMBER MUSIC SOCIETY OF ST. LOUIS. The concert will feature an evening of chamber music from some of Hollywood’s most notable film composers like John Williams, Ennio Morricone and Leonard Bernstein. The event host committee includes honorary chair PRIS MCDONNELL and co-chairs MIRAN HALEN and MARY STRAUSS. For tickets, call the Chamber at 941-6309 or MetroTix, 534-1111.

When Doug Schukar founded DAS Acquisition, the parent company of USA Mortgage, in 2001, the firm opened its doors with 55 employees. Today, the company boasts a 475-member workforce, with a thriving concept revolving around its loan officers. “We find the ‘A players’ in the industry and build around them,” explains Schukar, the company’s president and CEO. “They have to have a keen knowledge of the business, which is forever changing; they have to be excellent communicators; and they have to be phenomenal problem-solvers.”

Chocolate Chocolate Chocolate recently celebrated the opening of its new chocolate factory by hosting a party for friends, family and residents of The Hill, where the facility is located. A portion of the retail proceeds and all proceeds from a chocolate basket raffle went to the Shriners Hospitals for Children. Pictured: Shriners' director of public and community relations Tammy Robbins, owners of Chocolate Chocolate Chocolate Dan Abel, Sr., Rosalie Abel, Dan Abel, Jr., Christina Abel and Chris Abel, and Shriner David Dieckhaus

Story: Scott has interviewed 28 candidates for a job opening with his firm, but so far isn’t pleased with what he’s seen. After all, Scott runs Legacy Letters, a company that crafts suicide notes for its clientele. He’s searching for someone with just the right combination of style and substance who can reassure customers that their last words will have meaning and impact.

A Southwest Florida executive is the second high-profile Florida entrepreneur in recent weeks to send an email to employees suggesting his company will fall on hard times if President Barack Obama is re-elected in November.

The Baldwin Report

Jon Huntsman Jr. is most widely known for his bid to become the Republican presidential candidate in this year’s primary season. However, he has spent more than a decade in public service, and during his tenure as governor of Utah, the state was named the Best Managed State in America by the Pew Center. He also has served as the U.S. ambassador to China and to Singapore. LN caught up with Huntsman just after he arrived in St. Louis this week, for his Maryville University St. Louis Speakers Series appearance.

Anationally renowned scientist, a superior court judge and a professional WNBA player are among past graduates of Ladue Horton Watkins High School. These accomplished professionals and others will be honored at the school’s 60th Anniversary Distinguished Alumni Recognition Ceremony on Sept. 21.

As the economy continues to reveal signs of recovery, some local entrepreneurs have decided that now is the time to grow and expand their businesses. We’ve spoken to three business owners whose hard work and determination are paying off.

DR. WILLIAM PECK received the Washington University Eliot Society Search Award at the annual dinner of the William Greenleaf Eliot Society? The award recognized Peck’s 36 years of leadership, vision and service to the community. Peck is the Alan A. and Edith L. Wolff Distinguished Professor of Medicine and the director of the Center for Health Policy at Washington University. Pictured: Chancellor Mark Wrighton presents Peck with the award.

Win-win! St. Louis husband-and-wife team JASON and JENNA SIEBERT emerged victorious during the most recent Cupcake Wars on the Food Network.

THE REPERTORY THEATRE OF ST. LOUIS has sent one of its own to Gambia, Africa, to teach girls there the art of live theatre. The Rep’s director of education, MARSHA COPLON, is traveling as a volunteer with Starfish International.

Tammie and Keith O’Leary of St. Louis are pleased to announce the engagement of their daughter, Lauren O’Leary, to Andrew Finefield, son of Nancy and Hal Finefield, also of St. Louis.

Earlier this month, the largest full moon of 2012 lit up the night sky. On Saturday, May 5, the moon was at its closest point in its orbit, putting it a mere 221,801 miles from Earth. Some called this perigee full moon a ‘supermoon.’ I call it this year’s biggest and brightest reminder to shine and stay relevant.

Story: George and Winifred Banks have just seen their latest nanny depart in a huff from their London household, thanks to the incorrigible behavior of their children Jane and Michael. When George writes a job description for still another domestic, mysteriously arrives one Mary Poppins, an extremely self-confident nanny who promptly takes over the child-rearing chores before George even mails his note.

You might be getting old if…Former Missouri First Lady and U.S. Senator JEAN CARNAHAN has penned a new book, A Little Help from My Friends…and Other Hilarious Tales of Graying Graciously. The book is a collection of 30-some essays that discuss everything from malls, manners and makeup to birthdays, bras and beauty secrets. One of the highlights is a list called ‘You Might Be Getting Old If…’ in which the 77-year-old author suggests that waiters automatically serving you decaf coffee and grocery clerks offering to help you carry one tiny sack are definite signs.