PORTSMOUTH – Sean Mahoney is a get-it-done kind of guy.

Here's proof: The 39-year-old Seacoast resident is one of a select hardy few to have climbed Mount Kilimanjaro. That's big — 19,331-feet-high big. But he hasn't stopped there. Mahoney has a goal to someday summit the seven tallest mountains in the world.

In the meantime, his daily challenges have him heading up Millyard Communications, Inc., the publishers of Business NH Magazine. And with the growth in the Granite State during the last decade, that, too, is no small achievement.

Sean Mahoney Age: 39 Home: Portsmouth Birthplace: Portsmouth Family: Single High school: Governor Dummer Academy College/postgrad degrees: B.A., University of Pennslyvania; MBA, Harvard Business School Current job: President, Millyard Communications Inc., publishers of Business NH Magazine Key past positions held: Owner and operator of small businesses Volunteer activities: Board of directors, Daniel Webster Council of Boy Scouts of America; board of directors, Seacoast Big Brothers Big Sisters; board of advisers, Junior Achievement of New Hampshire; co-chair, N.H. Republican Party Finance Committee Most admired person: Ronald Reagan Key current professional challenge: Growing a print media business by capturing the potential of the Internet. Last major achievement: Climbing the summits of Mt. Kilimanjaro, Mt. Rainier and Mt. Washington Biggest problem facing New Hampshire: Rising health-care costs Favorite place in New Hampshire: Lake Winnipesaukee in summer What book are you reading now? "The World Is Flat" by Thomas L. Friedman How do you relax? Run and read Web sites visited most often: theunionleader.com and espn.com Favorite musical artist: Van Morrison

Mahoney grew up in New Hampshire, spending most of his time outdoors. His family instilled in him the belief that to those to whom much is given, much is expected. That helped shape Mahoney's philosophy that one should give something back to the community.

In 2002, he ran for Congress, and in 2004, he was a delegate to the Republican National Convention. That same year, Mahoney also served on the Bush-Cheney steering committee in New Hampshire. Presently he sits on the Republican State Finance Committee.

"I learned a lot from the campaign," Mahoney says of his political pursuit. "It definitely strengthened my values. I do look forward to getting back in the fray at some point. It's always been a goal of mine, to serve."

At the same time, the Harvard Business School graduate says he wouldn't want to make politics his living because he doesn't believe in career politicians.

"I think the country is best served by people in the private sector. I like the idea of people going in, doing what they can, and getting out," Mahoney says.

And, he likes the idea of doing what he can right here at home. Mahoney says the biggest challenge facing the Granite State today is retaining what he calls the "New Hampshire advantage."

To him, that edge is partially defined through a commitment to a low tax burden, individual freedom and local governmental control. The best government is one closest to the people, he said.

"Somehow, we have to maintain the quality of life that makes New Hampshire the greatest place to work and live," Mahoney said. "We're the fastest-growing state in New England. With that growth comes change. We need to be vigilant to make sure our attributes are preserved."