Thwarting terrorism and helping create the next generation Mars Rover are all part of a day’s work for Hany Girgis, 34. He is CEO of SkillStorm Inc., a company he built that has gone from zero to 500 employees in four years.

Born in Egypt, Girgis made his way to San Diego through Florida. He moved here with his wife, Summer, in 1997 while working for another company.

SkillStorm Inc. is a technical and professional services firm made up of four divisions: government contracting, commercial work, administrative services and permanent placement services. The company in 2006 was voted the 13th fastest growing company by Entrepreneur Magazine.

“I’m a risk taker,” Girgis says. “I’m not satisfied with 15 percent growth each year. I’m dedicated to hiring the best people out there and giving them the best tools and training.”

He is happy when helping others. He and his wife opened their second home for several months to house two families displaced after Hurricane Katrina. “We were going to remodel and it was just sitting there while we were going through the permit process,” he says. “We figured we’d put it to good use.”

During the holidays, the couple has filled the wish lists for about six other families. “It was just to give back,” he said. “We’ve got a passion for helping underprivileged kids. So we wanted to do something for others.”

In addition to his contributions, Girgis has encouraged his employees to take part in the San Diego community by participating in School Career Days and The Fosters Foundation.