Measure of success.

• Position: Accomplishments of chief executive officers of North Carolina's 100 largest private companies

Predictably, a lot of top executives on the North Carolina 100 see starting their companies, building their businesses or remaining debt free as their major accomplishments. And why not? It takes a certain single-mindedness to survive and thrive, especially in the chilly climate of recent years. But look for a lot more than business on the priorities list of some CEOs.

"Building Worth |Chemical Corp.~, raising two gentlemen and staying married," says Philip M. Segal of Greensboro, adding: "(not in priority order)."

With so many family businesses on the list, it's not surprising that quite a few CEOs listed their biggest accomplishment as "my family."

Others waxed philosophical. "To capsulize the philosophy of William Penn," wrote Herman Blumenthal of Charlotte-based Radiator Specialty Co.: "Any good that I can do, or any kindness that I can show, let me do it now. Let me not defer or neglect it. For I shall not pass this way again."

"Being elected potentate of the Oasis Shrine Temple in Charlotte (1965)," was Harry M. Bryant's response. The CEO of...