After 25 years with Regions Bank, most recently as Panama City bank president, Rick Dye took a buyout in 2009 and has transitioned from bank president to social entrepreneur.

With the help of volunteers and two non-profits he established — Faithworks Interfaith Ministries Network and Restore North Florida — he's turning the 19 stone cottages of Pensacola's 70-year-old Town & Country Motel into affordable housing for the poor and disabled. "We're looking for other motels to convert," he says.

Dye has also organized Willing Workers, a program for unemployed construction workers seeking odd jobs, and Members Tool Club, where workers can rent big outdoor tools by the day — both designed to help people become self-sustaining.

"It's hard to sit back and not do something," says Dye, "when you know in your cell phone you have the resources to help."