Jamie Sorcher

Most 18-year-olds grapple with the usual burning questions, like what to do after college graduation, what career path to follow, or even where to live. But college drop-out Gurbaksh “G” Chahal, an Internet entrepreneur (founder of BlueLithium and ClickAgents), already had several million dollars in the bank by that time. He was also on his way to even greater success. In the last year, he signed a book deal, and releases his memoir, The Dream.

Former jazz musician and big-band arranger/composer Dave Schulz isn't too far from his passion these days. His stage now is the store he opened 7 years ago, Audio Video Synergy (908-213-0001).

Like many other A/V stores, California Soundworks (californiasoundworks.com, 661-945-0971) started out as a home stereo store selling gear to audiophiles. That was back in 1979.

Kids will be kids - except when it comes to technology. Just like their moms and dads, who traded big boxy TVs for flat panels, children can free up some space in their bedrooms with an LCD TV from Disney ($300, disneyelectronics.com) - such as the Pirates of the Caribbean version shown at right.