Nikesh Patel, 39

Nikesh Patel might be the best candidate to win the fictional and unofficial, yet vitally important “Bill Belichick Prize,” based on one of the NFL head coach’s most famous phrases: “Do your job!”

Patel is a city engineer for Sarasota, and frankly, local government could use more people like him. After 17 successful years with the Florida Department of Transportation, during which time he helped complete projects like widening the interstate from Manatee County to Alligator Alley and improving the interchange at Interstate 75 and University Parkway, Patel joined a training program for his current role, where, say several people in the city, he excels at doing his job. 

Photo by Mark Wemple