By the early 1980s, Ray Chambers’ star had risen. As co-founder and Chairman of Wesray Capital Corporation, an early pioneer of the leveraged buyout, his ride on Wall Street had exceeded his expectations. Family, friends, health—at 40-something, he had it all.

And yet, there was a void, which Chambers found himself filling in the gym of Newark’s Boys & Girls Club. So satisfying were these hours that, by 1989, Chambers was ready to fold up Wesray and devote himself to philanthropy full-time. In recent years, this long-time rainmaker for the city of Newark has expanded his strategy globally.

More than two decades into his philanthropic career, by all measures, Chambers’ star has continued to rise, likely higher than he might have believed possible. The tuition he promised to 1000 Newark youngsters significantly increased their college enrollment. The bed nets he’s helped supply for 800 million people in malaria-affected countries are saving lives. Indeed, whatever his cause, his determined pursuit of the bottom line drives results—and a whole lot of personal satisfaction.