When “Family Business” Takes on Renewed Meaning

Our family has been blessed in a thousand ways. I remember people saying to my parents, how “lucky” we were as a family. My parents were married for 40 years; had 5 children and were able to share the joy of four grandchildren before Dad died in 1986. We weren’t feeling so lucky then, because he was just 65 years old – so young to us and so much missed to this day, almost 20 years later.



That same year, my Dad and brother Joris were building the office in which our corporate headquarters are located, and as I write this today, I sit in my office overlooking Mission Bay with such loving memories of their efforts. The best thing about a big family is that you have the opportunity to grow up together; to help and support each other unconditionally; and to nurture each other’s success. This is what makes the victories so sweet.

In 2002, our company was named “Small Family-Owned Business” of the year. It was an honor to be recognized by our business peers and a source of pride for us as a family. The greatest reward though, is in seeing our values as a family integrated into our values as a business. We believe in family – in soccer games and school plays; in sponsoring children’s teams and in buying candy bars and wrapping paper, not because we need it, but because the kids need our support. We keep toys under our desks just in case a little one comes to visit. We have babies being born all the time here – and the disruption to our routine pales in comparison to the joy these children bring to their parents and to all of us.

On August 15th, our blessings as a family were enriched once again. Our fourth granddaughter, Ms. Reese Marie Hanks came roaring into this world – born on her due date at the 11th hour. Her birth resembled the “race to the finish” we often experience in preparing a major event – months and months of planning. . . and then a wild and furious final few hours to curtain up. Our son Jason and his wife Christy raced to the hospital with just 60 minutes to spare – practically tossing Raegen (4 yrs. old) out the door to us as they re-enacted the Lucy and Desi comedy of years ago. It was the first frantic and exciting night of what we hope will be a wonderful life.

Family owned businesses are special – they are more personal, more emotional, more celebratory, and more human – at least that’s the way it feels to me. I wish my Dad were here to see this building standing tall 20 years later; to see his grandsons taking this business forward; to see and enjoy all the families who share our commitment and to see these four little girls “rule the kingdom.” He would savor every single minute.