Peterson Partners was part of the first group of investors in JetBlue, investing $2.5 million. Neeleman's high character, solid business judgement and strong work ethic were convincing qualities that have carried JetBlue as it has become one of the nation's premier airlines, Peterson said.

The payoff for Peterson Partners has been more than money. Neeleman has joined the firm as one of seven limited partners, and he returns the praise.

"Early on in JetBlue's history, Peterson Partners played an important role in making sure this company succeeded, and they are one of the reasons why JetBlue is where it is today," Neeleman said in an e-mail statement to the Deseret Morning News. "Today, Peterson Partners continues to make a big difference in many companies throughout the country, and it is because of their genuine desire to help companies succeed that they have been so successful over the years."

As a buyout fund, Peterson Partners targets companies in high-growth industries with strong margins on products and services, having revenues of $10 million or more. It then takes those companies to the next level.

The firm's other two partners are Richard Durham, the former chief financial officer for Huntsman Corp. and chief executive officer of Pliant Corp., and Rick Stratford, who formerly worked for Arthur Andersen and Hewlett-Packard.

Peterson Partners' largest single investment has been a $12.5 million stake in EnergySolutions, formerly Envirocare, which operates a low-level radioactive waste disposal facility in Tooele County.

With skyrocketing energy prices, Peterson Partners may soon find itself in an enviable position as attention again shifts to nuclear power to help meet the nation's energy needs.

According to a report released last week by the U.S. Energy Information Administration, higher fossil fuel prices and concerns about security of energy supplies are expected to improve prospects for nuclear power capacity through 2030, with many countries projected to build new nuclear power plants. World nuclear capacity is projected to rise from 361 gigawatts in 2003 to 438 gigawatts in 2030. A gigawatt is enough electricity to power roughly 500,000 homes.

Earlier this year 40 firms, including EnergySolutions, expressed interest in operating a pilot plant to recycle nuclear waste for the Department of Energy. EnergySolutions said the plant would not be located in Utah.

"The company that we're building through EnergySolutions will not be focused on bringing more waste into Utah," Clements said. "Rather, we're focused on providing a full array of engineering and other waste management services at the site where the waste is generated. Nuclear energy is coming back in a huge way worldwide as a means of meeting the great demands for energy."

The firm also has invested in a number of smaller companies.