top entrepreneurs under 40: Chris Wilbratte, 36, The

D Magazine, Jan 01, 2004 by McGahey, Marion, Slonecker, Troy

Chris Wilbratte, 36

Quantum Pension Services

At 24, Chris Wilbratte was a long way from retirement when he founded Quantum Pension Services, a company that specializes in retirement options for educators. Since then, Wilbratte has overcome hardships and sped ahead. In 1995, Quantum's sales manager walked out with a significant number of staff and client files. Soon afterward, the company battled a statewide bill that would have forced Quantum to become a nonprofit organization. Wilbratte joined his competition in a letter-writing campaign and a series of meetings with local politicians. The collaboration paid off, and the bill was amended. Quantum is now looking at expanding into Oklahoma and Louisiana, and Wilbratte recently co-founded the real estate venture New Urban Renewal.