Matthew Lehrer says he’s a “social worker disguised as a businessman.” That might be why the president and CEO of Teamwork Athletic Apparel in San Marcos operates an office environment that provides such amenities as on-the-clock English proficiency training for native Spanish speakers.

Lehrer, 35, is a people person who uses his so-called “people-centric model” in business, as well as in the rest of his life.

Since he was named to the top position in 1998, Teamwork has continued to grow and garner attention under Lehrer’s direction. A company that started with his parents in 25,000 square feet, is now in its “fifth location of operations since 1991,” a two-story building with 110,000 square feet, and competes with athletic apparel titans such as Champion, Russell and Majestic.

Lehrer’s innovative business model has accrued awards such as the 2002 Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year, and acceptance to the MIT/Inc. Birthing of Giants executive education program.

His concern for people is apparent with his own family — his wife of eight years and two young children, one 4 years old and the other a year old. “Ninety-nine percent of my life is made up of business and family,” says Lehrer. “I’m a family man.” He wants his employees to have the same concerns. “I’d expect an employee to take care of their sick kid, to leave work early if they had to,” he says.

In time not spent at work or with family, Lehrer may be involved with the Brandeis-Bardin Institute, a Jewish educational outreach resource near Simi Valley.

— Sam Schramski