Jonathan Alpert.

• Author: Heffes, Ellen
• Position: BalanceSHEET

On track to follow in the footsteps of his grandfather, father and two older brothers, Jon Alpert thought he'd be a doctor. Instead, he's taken the route of finance and marketing executive, and has spent most of his career in beverages--first alcohol (developing a love of fine wines)--and the past 12 years helping transform a fruit juice company.

Goes by: Jon

Title: Chief Financial Officer

Company: Apple & Eve LLC, manufacturer and marketer of 100 percent juice products

Born: Boston, Mass., March 14, 1952

Spouse: Laura, for 22 years

Children: Hali, age 18

Education: BA, Johns Hopkins University, 1974; MBA, Wharton Graduate School of Business, 1976

Career Summary: Drexel Burnham Lambert, New York, 1976-78, AVP-Financial Analysis (built one of the first budget systems on Wall Street); Jos. E. Seagram & Sons, New York, 1978-87, various roles: Senior Financial Analyst, 1978-79; Browne Vintners Co., Financial Planning Manager 1979-82; The Seagram Wine Co., Budget Manager, 1982-83; Manager, Specialty Brand; National Product Manager, Paul Mason Wines, New York; Vintners International Co. Inc., New York, Vice-President-Finance & Planning, 1987-91 (the 3rd largest U.S. wine company, created by a 1987 leverage buyout); JA & Associates, Mountainside, N.J., 1991-93; Apple & Eve, LLC, Port Washington, N.Y., CFO, 1993-present.

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FEI Chapter: New Jersey Chapter; member since 1993; Career Services Manager, 2001-present. FEI's Career Services was my lifeline and network when I was in transition, so I'm now helping others as I was helped. The goal is to sharpen members' networking and communications skills so that they can successfully work the job-search process and carry improved skills into their next job.

Leisure Activities: Tennis, golf, softball, skiing, travel and wandering road trips.

Time Management: Get in early before the phones and meetings swamp your day.

Stress Management: Books-on-tape on the commute home to unwind the mind. Sports--such as golf, skiing, softball or tennis--work well to completely focus the brain on something other than work.

Recently-read Book: Islam, by Karen Armstrong. With globalization and the uncertainties of the geopolitical environment, it is critical to understand the forces driving the fundamentalist Muslims in their political impact in the Middle East and the world. This book has given me a better understanding of the historical differences between Sunni and Shiites, Muslims and Christians in...