It’s truly an honor for me to be a part of this year’s San Diego Metropolitan’s 10th Annual 40 Under 40 list.

Take a look at some of the talent in this group:

New PR model: Pay-on-performance

In 2006, David Oates launched a public relations and marketing agency based on a somewhat unorthodox but appealing compensation model: pay for performance. Bucking the typical retainer structure, Oates’s Stalwart Communications charges clients only when it produces results such as positive article placement, industry awards, speaking opportunities and lead generation. Oates, 39, is an accredited member of the Public Relations Society of America and a 15-year public relations veteran who has worked with a wide range of clients in government, technology, consumer and nonprofit arenas. Rotary Club of San Diego, Club 33, named him Rotarian of the Quarter last January. For the club, he is vice chair of the military affairs committee, vice chair of the public relations committee, chair of the enlisted recognition luncheon and chair of last February’s Young Rotarians events. Oates is moderator of the Pay for Performance podcast and a frequent guest interviewer on KCEO BizTalk radio.