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In San Diego, business is booming. In health care, finance, law, wellness, tech, and more, the region’s business leaders are turning dreams into reality and bringing ideas to life.
In San Diego, business is booming. The people behind the city’s businesses use their expertise to elevate their respective fields and drive their industries forward. In health care, finance, law, wellness, tech, and more, the region’s business leaders are turning dreams into reality and bringing ideas to life. They’re influencers, strategists, entrepreneurs, creators, and innovators, and, above all, they’re invaluable assets to San Diego. Professionals like the ones features in the following pages are core to the business community. They are San Diego Magazine’s 2023 Icons of Business—and business is good.
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President/CEO, Copia Wealth Management and Insurance Services
Highlight: Named Financial Adviser of the Year twice; recently published her second book, Retirement By Design.
Elisabeth Dawson’s mission, passion, and purpose is helping people discover financial freedom and confidence. As a comprehensive financial advisor for 24 years, she is the founder of Copia Wealth Management and Insurance Services. Dawson is known for creating personalized solutions that bring lasting results, and one of her unique and powerful tools is a “Retirement Income for Life Blueprint,” which clearly outlines your income for the rest of your life. This blueprint pinpoints potential problems and illustrates how certain decisions today can impact your finances for years to come. “We help our clients understand possibilities they never knew could be within reach. By building a plan around their wish list, they can live their ‘dream financial life’ and protect their families without the fear of running out of money.”
Copia Wealth Management and Insurance Services
2333 Camino Del Rio South, Suite 240 San Diego, CA 92108
619-640-2622
CA LIC #0C72164, #0G81294
Investment advice offered through Copia Wealth Management Advisors, Inc.
Copia Wealth Management Advisors, Inc. is a registered investment adviser.
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Highlight: Chosen by his peers as one of San Diego Magazine’s Top Lawyers for over 10 years
Eric Gritz has earned a reputation for aggressive advocacy on behalf of injured workers as well as victims of negligence and their families. He has been the lead counsel in over 500 trials before the Worker’s Compensation Appeals Board, Social Security Administration, and Superior Courts and has recovered millions in workers’ compensation, social security, and personal injury cases. Mr. Gritz successfully defended the case of Brown v. Qualcomm before the California Supreme Court. He’s a guest speaker at local and regional workers’ compensation conventions and routinely speaks at seminars for attorneys earning continuing education credits. He has also acted as a judge pro tem with the Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board and has achieved the Martindale-Hubbell’s highest peer review rating of AV—preeminent, distinguished, and notable with very high legal ability and ethical standards.
Eric Gritz Law
7777 Alvarado Road Suite 720 La Mesa, CA 91942
619-826-8701
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Medical Director/Owner of Eros Beauty and Wellness
Highlight: Co-owner of Metro Family Physicians, a member of the SHARP Community Medical Group
Eros Beauty and Wellness offers a full scope of aesthetic services, ranging from skin rejuvenation to individually catered weight loss programs. Trained at the UCSD School of Medicine, founder Dr. Christine Eros is a practicing family physician who integrates innovative aesthetic medicine into her practice. With over 23 years of experience, Dr. Eros understands that just like medicine, cosmetic wellness requires deeply individualized care; she takes pride in treating the whole person. EBW’s list of services is extensive and includes laser therapies, Botox, fillers, permanent hair removal, and body contouring from EMSculpt. An active part of the Point Loma community, Dr. Eros cares deeply about her neighbors, and the prices offered at Eros Beauty and Wellness reflect her desire to make cosmetic treatments as widely available as possible.
Eros Beauty and Wellness
3689 Midway Drive #E, San Diego, CA 92110
619-481-4651
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Sunnen Law
Highlight: Since its inception, Sunnen Law has felt that every Family Law problem has a solution, and always works to find the right solution for each client.
Since dispute resolution rarely happens overnight, Certified Family Law Specialist Christopher J. Sunnen, founder of Sunnen Law knows that his clients need a trust and zealous advocate to help them navigate the complex and emotional process of family law issues. With over fifteen years of experience, Mr. Sunnen is first a specialist in Family Law, as well as a party who has taken many high conflict matters through trial. In addition, all of the attorneys at Sunnen Law also serve as “Minor’s Counsel” for the Court, which provides them with added perspective in complicated child custody matters. The entire staff at Sunnen Law know firsthand how complicated and emotionally traumatizing divorce and family law matters can be and are always present to support their clients throughout the process. Similarly, when not working for their clients, the staff of Sunnen Law is active in the community working to assist the public.
Call 619-255-9551 or e-mail us at [email protected] to speak with Mr. Sunnen, or one of his associates, and mention San Diego Magazine for a free consultation.
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At Vi at La Jolla Village, residents don't have to choose between security and adventure, connection and independence. They get all of it.
Today’s seniors are more connected than ever, with a renewed focus on retirement as a time of discovery and enriching experiences. The ultimate reward for a retirement well-earned is the wisdom to appreciate it all, and what better place to enjoy that unique perspective than Vi at La Jolla Village, in the heart of San Diego.
All-access pass to good living.
As a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC), Vi provides access to a connected and fulfilling community while making it easy to plan for future care, should the need ever arise. With a care plan in place, residents enjoy greater financial predictability and long-term value, freeing them to focus on making the most out of retirement.
Resort-style amenities at the epicenter of a cultural hub like San Diego offer a retirement experience unlike any other. Paired with exceptional dining, spacious accommodations and dedicated staff, the best of maintenance-free living is all around. And with the introduction of Vista 360 Well-Being, Vi’s panoramic approach to wellness, there are more ways than ever for residents to access it all.
The harmony of mind, body and community.

The key to longevity is striking the right balance in maintaining an active lifestyle with an active mind in a fulfilling community. With newly renovated community spaces and restaurants, Vista brings a variety of opportunities for residents to elevate their well-being through Vi-exclusive “Signature Experiences.”
Vista Enrich takes an evidence-based approach to brain vitality, keeping residents at the forefront of cognitive health through exergaming (exercising + gaming), nutritional plans and informative workshops. It is also home to The Brain Vitality Studio, an innovative facility dedicated to cognitive fitness that has garnered national recognition.
Vista Discover invites residents into stimulating educational experiences, from chef-led cooking demos and guided wine tastings to lectures at local universities and intimate lectures following cultural outings.
While Vista Enrich focuses on brain health and Vista Discover engages residents intellectually, Vista Explore cultivates a sense of adventure through curated travel and local excursions. But broadening one’s horizons doesn’t always require a plane ticket. One recent event brought a taste of the world right to the community: an onsite “jazz cruise” featuring live music and global cuisine served at a series of themed “ports” all within the community’s own ballroom.
“Location, location, location”

One of the biggest perks of life at Vi at La Jolla Village is its proximity to just about everything. With easy access to transportation and local attractions just steps away, residents can explore and engage with their community at their own pace.
“There are trolley and bus stops within a 5-minute walk that will get you to the beach, UCSD Campus, medical appointments, downtown La Jolla or San Diego, et cetera. We rarely use our car,” said resident Tom Yager.
With the best of San Diego just steps away, residents don’t just live in the city, they live within reach of everything that makes it special.
The best of all worlds.

At Vi at La Jolla Village, retirement isn’t a chapter to slow down; it’s an invitation to discover more. Tailored community experiences created by Vista, paired with the vibrant pulse of San Diego just outside the door, mean that residents don’t have to choose between security and adventure, connection and independence. They get all of it.
This is what an all-access pass to good living looks like: the comforts of an elevated lifestyle, a community built for growth and a city made for discovery – all in one place.
To learn more about Vi at La Jolla Village or for details on available floor plans, visit ViatLaJollaVillage.com/SDM.
Meet San Diego’s leading healthcare professionals, delivering exceptional medical and dental care through innovation, expertise, and dedication to patients.
At Sutra Dental Spa in La Mesa and Coronado Dental Group, dentistry feels less like an appointment and more like a self-care day. Led by nationally recognized cosmetic dentist Jimmy C. Wu, DDS, both practices combine advanced dental technology with a relaxing space.
“Our top priorities are safety, comfort, effective treatment, and results that look and feel natural,” says Dr. Wu, founder of Sutra Dental Spa and cosmetic dentist for over 25 years. “We’re proud to offer the most advanced dental technologies and techniques available in a calming, even meditative, environment.”
Patients can turn to both practices for everything from routine dental care to cosmetic services such as porcelain veneers and teeth whitening, as well as full mouth reconstruction and single-visit smile makeovers and crowns. At Sutra Dental Spa, the experience goes a step further, with Asian-inspired art, a Zen oxygen bar, aromatherapy pillows, and even in-appointment massage therapy.
“Dentistry has always been thought of as something you have to do versus something you want to do,” says Dr. Wu. “My goal is to change that perception for everyone.”
Visit
Sutra Dental Spa
7851 University Avenue, Suite 206, La Mesa, California 91942 | 619-589-6060
sutrads.com
Coronado Dental Group
1301 Ynez Place, Coronado, California 92118 | 619-435-6227
coronadodentalgroup.com
Meet San Diego’s leading healthcare professionals, delivering exceptional medical and dental care through innovation, expertise, and dedication to patients.
At Spine and Brain Institute of San Diego, every patient gets innovative, advanced care.
Dr. Ramin Raiszadeh, president and co-owner, is a board-certified orthopedic spinal surgeon who specializes in disc-replacement surgery. Co-owner Dr. Paul D. Kim handles complex disorders across the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine, leaning on nonsurgical and minimally invasive techniques. He’s known for being upfront with patients. Dr. Sunil Jeswani brings a thoughtful, hands-on approach to complex cranial and spinal conditions, from brain tumors and cerebral aneurysms to arteriovenous malformations and spinal deformities. Dr. Sabareesh Natarajan is one of few neurosurgeons in Southern California with dual board certification in neurosurgery and neurointerventional surgery—an expert in vascular disease and brain tumors. Dr. Evan Nigh, a board-eligible orthopaedic spine surgeon, has published research in peer-reviewed journals and presented at national conferences.
“Sharp Grossmont Hospital has become the epicenter for spine surgery in this country,” says Dr. Raiszadeh. “Here, the nation’s most talented neurosurgeons and spine surgeons perform the entire spectrum of neural axis surgeries, setting the gold standard for care.”
Visit
6719 Alvarado Rd, Suite 308, San Diego, CA
1671 West Main St, Suite A, El Centro, CA
2125 Citracado Parkway, Suite 310, Escondido, CA
6260 El Camino Real, Suite 201 Carlsbad, CA
619-265-7912 | sbiosd.com
Meet San Diego’s leading healthcare professionals, delivering exceptional medical and dental care through innovation, expertise, and dedication to patients.
True luxury lies in mastery. At San Diego Eyelid Specialists, Dr. Srinivas Iyengar has devoted his career to a single pursuit: the artistry of eyelid surgery, elevated to its most refined form.
A fellowship-trained oculoplastic surgeon, Dr. Iyengar belongs to a rarefied tier of his field. He serves as a board examiner for the American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery—the credential by which other surgeons are measured—and holds dual Top Doctor recognition for over 10 years from his physician peers in both ophthalmology and plastic surgery. His expertise has taken him around the world, teaching advanced techniques through ORBIS International and the Flying Eye Hospital.
His signature philosophy, Volumetric Harmony, reflects a discerning eye for proportion and balance, restoring youthful elegance while honoring the individuality of every face.
From his boutique offices in Encinitas and La Jolla, Dr. Iyengar offers a bespoke surgical experience for those who accept nothing less than exceptional. For the eyes, there is no substitute for a true eyelid expert.
Visit
8950 Villa La Jolla Drive, B206, La Jolla, California 92037
477 North El Camino Real, A304, Encinitas, California 92024
858-432-2700 | @eyelidmd | sandiegoeyelids.com
Meet San Diego’s leading healthcare professionals, delivering exceptional medical and dental care through innovation, expertise, and dedication to patients.
San Diego Cardiac Center provides truly comprehensive cardiovascular care, from prevention to heart transplantation. This year, 12 of their physicians were recognized as Top Doctors, including Dr. Brian Jaski, a heart failure and heart transplant specialist who has been in practice for 41 years. During that time, he oversaw San Diego’s first heart transplantation and has been voted a Top Doctor by his peers in 21 of the past 23 years.
With affiliations across the Sharp and Scripps hospital systems, San Diego Cardiac Center provides care at locations in Kearny Mesa, El Cajon, and Chula Vista. Their physicians specialize in preventive cardiology, electrophysiology, interventional cardiology, advanced heart failure, structural heart disease, peripheral arterial disease, venous disease, cardiovascular diagnostics, and clinical research.
As one of San Diego’s longest-standing private medical groups, they’re committed to one goal: helping our patients feel better and live longer.
San Diego Cardiac Center’s Vein Clinic provides comprehensive evaluation and treatment for superficial and deep vein conditions, including specialized care for venous insufficiency, DVT and pulmonary embolism. Diagnostic testing, procedures, and follow-up care are provided in-house, with personalized treatment plans ranging from conservative management to minimally invasive options.
Visit
3131 Berger Avenue, San Diego, CA 92123
300 S. Pierce St, Suite 102, El Cajon, CA 92020
750 Medical Center Ct, Suite 10, Chula Vista, CA 91911
sdcardiac.com
Meet San Diego’s leading healthcare professionals, delivering exceptional medical and dental care through innovation, expertise, and dedication to patients.
Seated (left to right): Namrata Kapoor, MD* (Treasurer); Ruchira Densert, MD (Secretary); Reema Batra, MD* (Member); Preeti Soni, MD (BOT Member); Farris Sandhu, MD VIP* (BOT Chair); Smitha Reddy, MD (President); Puja Chitkara, MD (BOT Member); Sanjana Chaturvedi, MD*; Hetal Hosalkar, MD*.
Standing (left to right): Asim Guha Roy, MD*; Vimal Nanavati, MD*; Ashish Wadhwa, MD*; Paritosh Khanna, MD*; Vijay Venkatesh, MD (Vice President); Harish Hosalkar, MD*; Aman Savani, MD*; Ajay Sandhu, MD*.
* Designates a 2026 Top Doctor.
The San Diego Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (SAPI) is proud to celebrate its physicians recognized as San Diego Top Doctors. This recognition reflects their clinical excellence, dedication to patient care, leadership within their specialties, and contributions to the San Diego community.
SAPI is a nonprofit professional organization bringing together physicians and healthcare professionals of Indian origin throughout the San Diego region. Through continuing medical education, professional networking, mentorship, community service, and cultural engagement, SAPI provides a collaborative platform for physicians at every stage of their careers.
The accomplishments of SAPI’s Top Doctors reflect our values of excellence, compassion, integrity, service, and leadership. We congratulate all of our honorees and celebrate the collective impact of SAPI physicians across numerous medical and surgical specialties.
“Our goal is to strengthen connections among physicians while expanding opportunities for education, mentorship, networking, leadership, and community service,” says SAPI President Dr. Smitha C. Reddy and Dr. Farris Sandhu, SAPI Chair, both among the physicians recognized as a San Diego Top Doctor. “We warmly invite physicians and healthcare professionals throughout San Diego to become involved and join our growing organization. Together, we can strengthen our professional community and continue building a lasting legacy of excellence in healthcare.”
Visit
sapisd.org