When he was 28, Christopher Capen used a $2,000 capital investment to found a publishing company with a partner, Tom Lewis. At 39, Capen is president and publisher of Tehabi Books, a San Diego firm reporting annual sales of $10 million, more than 60 published titles and 5 million books in print.

Tehabi is named for the Hopi legend of tehabi kachina, which represents teamwork. Capen worked to build a team of writers, photographers, editors, designers and illustrators. He drew on marketing skills to develop partnerships with organizations. Tehabi produced “Thunder of America,” which celebrated NASCAR’s 50th anniversary.

Tehabi’s departments include trade, corporate and custom publishing and direct mail operations. The company has been recognized several times with the Publishers Marketing Association’s Benjamin Franklin Award. The tribute recognizes excellence in independent publishing.

Tehabi’s award-winning titles include “Lindbergh: Flight’s Enigmatic Hero,” which garnered the association’s 2003 biography award. “The Ford Century” won in the history category and the cover design award went to “Apollo: the Epic Journey to the Moon.”

“The most rewarding part of my job is working with incredibly talented people and recognizing that the products we produce have a positive impact on thousands of lives in numerous ways all around the world — and along the way, we have a lot of fun making it happen,” says Capen.

Earlier chapters in Capen’s life include graduating from Duke University, working in President George H.W. Bush’s press office, serving as an account supervisor for Stoorza, Ziegaus and Metzger and heading his own marketing firm, The Capen Group.

Capen is active in the Young Entrepreneurs Organization and College Avenue Baptist Church.

— Liz Swain