c us t om co n t en t o c t o b e r 29, 2018
influential FAMILY-OWNED BUSINESSES i n l o s a n g e l e s
SPONSORED BY
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INFLUENTIAL FAMILY-OWNED BUSINESSES
LARGE FAMILY-OWNED BUSINESSES (250+ EMPLOYEES)
ABBYSON AMS FULFILLMENT BURKE WILLIAMS DAY SPAS DECRON PROPERTIES
ince getting its start with patriarch dvantage Media Services, Inc. (AMS) ill and Theresa created the concept of ounded by Holocaust survivor Jack Abby Rafieha in 1989, the Rafieha’s is a full-service order fulfillment the urban day spa to provide quality, Nagel in 1955, Decron Properties has Sfurniture manufacturing company, Acompany operating as a third-party Bsafe services to patrons with all the Fgrown into one of the largest privately Abbyson, has been dedicated to family. resource for order management, warehouse luxury of a European style destination spa owned real estate firms in California. In For Abby, learning the retail side of the management and fulfillment services. without having to pack a travel bag. 2017, the company posted revenues of business involved traveling the world to AMS Fulfillment sets itself apart from Burke Williams created the original $190 million, thanks to a portfolio that understand more about design and culture. others in the fulfillment industry with urban day spa in 1984, elevating the spa includes approximately 7,000 apartment By 2003, his three sons, Yavar, Doddy proactive support that strives to make its experience to a new art form. Drawing units and 1.5 million square feet of office and Rodd, began learning the business, clients successful and years of experience inspiration from world-class European day and retail centers throughout California. eventually working their way up to hold to guide their decisions. AMS supports a spas, Burke Williams Day Spas combine After initially focusing on construction positions as Abbyson’s president and CEO; variety of businesses and program types, the finest traditions with nourishing of single family homes, in his first year as executive vice president; and senior vice with a core service of providing both innovations to transport you from the CEO in 1988, David Nagel changed the president of sales, respectively. business-to-consumer and business-to- stress of everyday life. Burke Williams Day company’s focus, aggressively expanding Since its start, Abbyson has business fulfillment for an array of branded Spas are sanctuaries, places of wellness the company’s portfolio by investing in experienced tremendous growth and was consumer products. and beauty, inspiration and optimism. more than 20 multifamily, retail, and office named as one of the INC 500 “America’s The AMS team is a cohesive group Burke Williams’ dedicated, professional buildings. Fastest Growing Companies” every year of professionals with many decades of therapists will treat guests to the ultimate The majority of residential and retail from 2008 to 2012, showing 2,142 percent order fulfillment experience in both in relaxation and renewal. projects developed by Decron in the 1970s growth over that period. Abbyson has B2B and direct-to-consumer operations. and 1980s are still owned and managed by earned several prestigious awards such as The business relies upon an advanced the company. From ground up development the 2017 Andyz Awards winner for Best Technology Platform and proven operating to value-add/rehab to asset repositioning, Las Vegas Showroom as well as Top Vendor methodologies to function as a proficient Decron’s investment and business strategy awards with its Top 100 Retail partners, partner for the clients served. AMS’ is deeply anchored in value creation. and has also been previously honored by formula is simple – “give the client your Decron continues to drive its business the Los Angeles Business Journal as one of thought, energy and effort as if it were your forward through a keen understanding of the fastest growing private companies. own business, because when the client its core market, allowing the company to succeeds, we succeed!” move swiftly when opportunities arise.
NOTABLE FAMILY-OWNED BUSINESS
AMPAM PARKS MECHANICAL (LARGE COMPANY)
MPAM Parks Mechanical started in 1978 with just a father, a son GALPIN MOTORS GOTHIC LANDSCAPE and a pickup truck heading to their first plumbing construction alpin Motors was founded in 1946. othic Landscape is a family-owned Ajob. Since then, the company has grown to over 1000 employees Bert Boeckmann started as a salesman and operated company founded by with jobs all over California. Annual revenues consistently exceed $150 Gin 1953 and quickly worked his way GLouis and Judy Georgio. The name million. It’s hard for some of the Parks family to believe, but seemingly up to eventually buying Galpin. Under his “Gothic” is derived from the street in the in the blink of an eye, the company has seen success across four decades leadership, Galpin Ford grew to become San Fernando Valley where the Georgio the World’s #1 selling Ford Dealer for a family lived when the company was and is currently celebrating its 40th year anniversary. Since it was record 28 years in a row. Galpin Mazda started in 1984. Gothic now operates full- founded, AMPAM Parks Mechanical has completed over $1 billion of has also achieved the status as the largest service commercial landscape operations work to date. That young son who started the company with his father, Mazda Dealer in the United States and in 13 locations throughout California, Charles ‘Buddy’ Parks, is now the CEO and is currently running the every Galpin Dealership is ranked topped Arizona, Nevada, and Utah. The company 10 nationally. is recognized as the largest landscape company alongside his three brothers. Bert Boeckman has been honored with company in the Western United States Today, AMPAM is involved in every facet of the plumbing construction business, from design to finish. every award offered by the manufacturers and the largest privately-owned family- It boasts a large design and engineering department, pre-fab yards, and its own logistics fleet. There is a he represents including being inducted held landscape company in the nation. concentration of skill-building and training developed and taught by the company’s many plumbing experts into Ford’s Hall of Fame. As for community The company has over 2000 full-time involvement, the Boeckmann family has employees and generates over $200 million and a full-time instructor. Safety is a priority – so much so, that it has its own department and full-time supported thousands of organizations in annual revenue. staff. AMPAM is now the largest multifamily plumbing contractor in California and is ranked in the top 10 locally and abroad. Bert has been awarded The genesis of this miracle growth among plumbing contractors in the US by Contractor Magazine. countless awards for his dedication to story lies in Gothic’s goal of being “the Through good economic times and bad, AMPAM has continued to prosper and grow the business serving the community including the family you trust,” and indeed the largest while advancing state of the art design and functionality within the ever-changing world of plumbing & Fernando award, Time Magazine Dealer public development companies and of the year and countless others. As for property managers in the nation trust their mechanical contracting. Galpin Motors, Boeckmann has made it landscape needs to Gothic Landscape The company is dedicated to providing its valued customers the highest level of technology and a true family business, with his wife, sons, more than any other family-owned innovation while remaining eco-conscious and offering sustainable solutions for the future. More importantly, brother, grandson, and granddaughter all contractor. Gothic’s employees are inspired AMPAM has an unwavering commitment to education and training within its industry. As a business leader playing important roles at the company. by their mission of “creating long-term relationships, through team members in California, AMPAM is proud to raise the visibility of its field and endeavors to create skill and ingenuity committed to a culture of extraordinary within the talented employees who will advance the AMPAM organization into the next generation. service.”
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INFLUENTIAL FAMILY-OWNED BUSINESSES
FIRST LAST FIRST LAST Title Title CompanyNOTABLE FAMILY-OWNEDCompany BUSINESS
phphphp CACIQUE (LARGE COMPANY)Hhphpph
n October 1971, Jennie INTER-CON SECURITY LEWIS GROUP OF COMPANIES and Gilbert de Cardenas SYSTEMS, INC. Iimmigrated to the U.S. from s the Lewis Group of Companies Cuba. Chasing the American nter-Con Security Systems, Inc. was begins its 60th year, many long-tenured dream, Gilbert worked odds founded by retired LAPD Officer Hank Aemployees under the direction of a jobs to support his family until IHernandez in 1973 with the express second and third generation management purpose of providing security services to team continue the tradition of quality, he found his opportunity while clients whose threat profiles exceeded integrity and stability that was of shopping in a small family the capabilities of traditional guarding paramount importance to Ralph and Goldy grocery. They were sampling companies. Since then, Inter-Con has Lewis when they founded their home the grocer’s Queso Fresco and distinguished itself by consistently building firm in Claremont in 1955. Strict delivering comprehensive, yet cost- adherence to this philosophy has resulted after just one taste, Gilbert effective solutions to an expansive client in the development of more than 57,000 knew he could do better. With portfolio located in over 20 countries homes, 8,968 apartments and 14 million only $1,500 in his pocket and a big leap of faith, Gilbert beganphphphp producing hphpph his own Queso Fresco and, in on 5 continents. Additionally, in an square feet of retail, office, and industrial 1973, Cacique was born. Gilbert and his son, Gil, started selling cheese door to door in downtown Los industry dominated by private equity and space. Since 1955, the Lewis organization H institutionally-run competitors, Inter- has developed new communities in Angeles. For 18 months, Gilbert did this with just the support of his wife and children before finally hiring Con proudly remains a 100% Family and California, Nevada, Arizona, and Utah, his first employee. Minority-owned Business; a rarity in its totaling in excess of 25,000 acres and In 1973, Cacique opened its first plant in Lakewood. Over the next few years, the plant moved to financial independence and operational housing more than 100,000 families. several locations in Southern California, until ultimately ending up in the City of Industry in 1985. As the stability. The Lewis Group of Companies company grew, Cacique continued to invest in technology, including pioneering vacuum seal packages that Under the guidance of Hank’s son and continues today as one of the nation’s current Inter-Con CEO, Rick Hernandez, largest privately held real estate first allowed the brand to boast a shelf life 30 to 45 days longer than that of its competitors. To this day, Inter-Con has grown into one of the development companies. The Lewis Group Cacique’s fresh cheese continues to have the longest shelf life on the market. world’s largest security companies, with focuses on developing mixed-use planned In 2016, Cacique’s headquarters moved to Monrovia, which is in close proximity to the plant. Today, over 25,000 employees. Inter-Con is communities and residential subdivisions Cacique products are distributed to over 25,000 retailers across the U.S. and Cacique is the leading brand in now transitioning to its 3rd generation in California and Nevada, as well as of Hernandez leadership with Henry building and owning rental communities, the Mexican-style cheese, cream and sausage category. Cacique is among the largest and most recognized Hernandez (B.A. and J.D. from Harvard shopping centers, and office and industrial Hispanic food brands in the U.S. market with strong distribution from Boston to Los Angeles, and all points College and Harvard Law School) taking parks. in between. Through it all, the Cacique team maintains its dedication to the company’s values set by the the helm as President. original founders: Family, Integrity, Quality and Authenticity.
LOTUS COMMUNICATIONS CORP. MELISSA’S / WORLD VARIETY MORROW-MEADOWS PARKING COMPANY OF AMERICA PRODUCE INC. CORPORATION otus Communications Corp. was ith dedication, integrity and an established in 1962 and is one of the oday Melissa’s/World Variety Produce orrow-Meadows Corporation uncompromising commitment to Llargest privately owned radio station is a global market of tasty, creamy, (MMC) is a full service electrical Wservice, the privately held, family- groups in the United States. Lotus was Ttangy, aromatic, tart, sweet, crunchy Mcontracting company providing owned Parking Company of America founded by Howard A. Kalmenson and delectable foods. The company’s solutions to clients in a wide range is recognized as a leader an innovator with the purchase of KWKW, one of 280,000 square foot warehouse is home to of industries along the West Coast. in the Parking, Transportation, Fleet Los Angeles’ original heritage Spanish the nation’s largest distributor of specialty The company’s work ranges from large Maintenance, Customer Service and Language stations. Howard was awarded produce. Over the years, the company’s commercial and industrial projects to a Hospitality industries. Parking Company the Medallas de Cortez Lifetime Food Service Division has become a full- Special Projects Division that also includes of America was established in 1964 and is Achievement Award from Radio Ink service operation that supplies culinary a service and maintenance group. Morrow- based in Los Angeles. It is 100% minority- honoring his long record of dedication and professionals with staples, exotics and a full Meadows has been a family owned business owned company with 54 years of parking commitment to Spanish-language radio. line of organic produce. for 54 years and has always been proud management and transportation experience. James Kalmenson, son of Howard, is Joe and Sharon Hernandez founded the to remain headquartered in Los Angeles Today, Parking Company of America an Executive VP of Lotus and General business with a decade of produce industry County. has over 1400 employees primarily centered Manager of three Los Angeles radio experience in a small, rented produce As the company has grown, its services in California, with additional operations stations. He continues to fulfill the warehouse lunchroom. The original office have also. MMC has its own in house in other states such as Kansas, Wisconsin, legacy of his father and has enabled Lotus had three telephones and four chairs – no engineering department as well as a and Georgia. Parking Company of America to partner with many sports teams as one could have guessed that within a few data communications and low voltage is one of the largest minority certified their Spanish play-by-play broadcasters, short years, the company would grow to division. It also has divisions that include parking companies in the nation and including the Dodgers, Lakers, Rams, occupy its current location and state-of- solar and renewable energy as well as successfully provides superior service to Angels and Galaxy. In 2004, Jim partnered the-art CCOF/QAI Certified Organic instrumentations and controls. MMC hotels, healthcare facilities, restaurants, with ESPN, making Lotus as an affiliate of Packing Facility. The Melissa’s brand is has one of the few UL listed panel shops airports, retail establishments, the ESPN Deportes Radio, making KWKW named after Joe and Sharon’s daughter, in Southern California and is proudly entertainment industry, private events, the flagship station for ESPN Deportes who takes an active role in the company. prepared to take on any and all electrical and independent property management Radio and enabled several Lotus stations Through the years, the company has found opportunities for its customers. The companies. The company remains true to to be the ESPN Deportes affiliate stations. stable growth thanks to the support of company is a certified Woman Business its vision – to partner with clients, provide Howard and Jim remain committed to loyal customers and a close-knit family of Enterprise and is very active in the quality customer focused service, and to serving the both the Hispanic and Persian employees dedicated to customer service. minority community. add value to the lives of the people it serves communities. through the core values of integrity, safety, sustainability, technology, leadership and community service.
051-74_FOB_labj_supplement.indd 54 10/25/18 1:45 PM OCTOBER 29, 2018 CUSTOM CONTENT - LOS ANGELES BUSINESS JOURNAL 55 THANK YOU!
We’re honored that the Los Angeles Business Journal has selected Galpin Motors as one of this year’s 15 Most Notable Family Owned Businesses in Los Angeles.
Family Owned And Operated Since 1946.
800.GO.GALPIN • WWW.GALPIN.COM
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INFLUENTIAL FAMILY-OWNED BUSINESSES
RE/MAX ESTATE PROPERTIES SERVICON SYSTEMS, INC. SUNRIDER INTERNATIONAL THE WONDERFUL COMPANY
e/max Estate Properties was founded ince 1973, Servicon Systems, Inc. r. Tei-Fu Chen embodies the he Wonderful Company is the number in 1984 by Sandra Sanders with has provided flexible cleaning and “American Dream” of building a one growth leader among multibillion- Rone location and 34 agents. It now Smaintenance solutions to companies in Dsuccessful business despite being born Tdollar CPG companies and in produce. maintains 17 offices and has over 700 real aerospace, biotech, healthcare, commercial to humble circumstances in a foreign Many of the company’s iconic brands estate agents serving Los Angeles. RE/ real estate, and other industries. Servicon region. As a sickly boy, Dr. Chen ate and are ranked at the top of their respective MAX LLC ranks Sanders’ company as one started the green cleaning initiative and learned about herbs from his paternal categories: Wonderful Pistachios; Wonderful of the leaders in the nation, winning #1 continues this leadership role today. The grandfather to improve his health. He Halos (mandarin oranges); POM Wonderful Top Brokerage for overwhelming office company’s headquarters is Culver City’s then studied his grandfather’s ancient pomegranate premium juice; FIJI Water; share. It has been named Los Angeles first LEED-New Construction Platinum manuscripts on herbs and graduated with JUSTIN Wine and Teleflora. County’s Largest Independently-Owned building. a degree in Pharmacy from Kaohsiung The Wonderful Company was Real Estate Brokerage and Sanders has Servicon began as a small family-owned Medical College. founded by entrepreneurs Stewart and been named one of Swanepoel’s TOP business founded by former Air Force During college, he married Dr. Oi-Lin Lynda Resnick. With successful careers 200 influential people in the US. The officer, Richard J. Mahdesian. Although it Chen, a licensed medical doctor, and spanning over 50 years, they’ve always company was also named the 5th Largest has since experienced tremendous growth, they immigrated to the United States. balanced achievement in business with a RE/MAX Brokerage in the World. Sanders the company continues to operate on the Dr. Chen sometimes worked three jobs dedication to giving. Their nerve center was the first woman to earn the coveted belief of the care for and investment in at the same time to make barely enough behind the company is right here in Los “BROKER/OWNER of the Year” award. its most important asset: the people. This money. In 1982, after doing research and Angeles, including legal, finance and its She continues to run the day-to-day approach has spurred the development of a development for another company, Dr. in-house, full-service advertising/marketing operations of the business with her three multitude of training programs and career Chen seized the opportunity to buy that agency. The owners call LA home, and children: John, Diane and James. pathways for workers in the janitorial company and start Sunrider. The founding so do more than 750 of its most valued Community involvement is also a industry. Servicon’s “people-first” mantra, of Sunrider International brought Chinese people. The company focuses much of big part of the company’s culture. For commitment to diversity, and training- herbal tradition, steeped in thousands of its philanthropic work on education, the last five years, RE/MAX Estate focused culture has resulted in a life- years of trial and error in China, to the community development and health/ Properties has been the largest financial impacting experience for both employees United States. Sunrider International is wellness. Companywide, Wonderful Giving contributor to Children’s Hospital Los and their families. The Mahdesian family known for helping people around the world is a one-of-a-kind program donating Angeles. In addition, the company adopts extends Servicon’s mission of service to achieve a better life and financial freedom company money to charities close to eight families every Christmas providing the greater Los Angeles community. The with its rewarding business opportunity. employees’ hearts. In LA, it has supported countless gifts and food items. company partners with Hope of the Valley hundreds of nonprofits. The Resnicks are Mission, a local nonprofit organization for also major supporters of arts, healthcare the homeless. and environmental organizations in LA.
MID-SIZED FAMILY OWNED BUSINESSES (50-249 EMPLOYEES)
NOTABLE FAMILY-OWNED BUSINESS
F. GAVINA & SONS (LARGE COMPANY)
he Gaviñas are a true coffee dynasty with almost 150 years of experience as Tgrowers and roasters. When the Brothers AC MARTIN PARTNERS ART LEWIN BESPOKE José María and Ramón Gaviña left their native Basque region of Spain in 1870, they settled c Martin, one of Southern California’s rt Lewin is a second-generation in the fertile mountains of southern Cuba and oldest planning and architecture firms, clothier with over 25 years of Ais a Los Angeles based architecture, Aexperience and serves as Owner & planted the seeds of what would become planning, interior architecture and Creative Director of Executive Clothiers, Gaviña Gourmet Coffee. research firm that uses an integrated one of the nation’s premier Custom Francisco Gaviña was born on the family design approach to create enduring Clothiers. coffee estates. As a boy, he worked in the fields environments for the 21st century. CEO Today, Art Lewin Bespoke Clothiers is and chairman Christopher C. Martin is the leading custom clothier in the country. with his father, learning the secrets of growing quality coffee. He spent hours helping sow the seeds and the third generation leader of AC Martin. Lewin and his team plan, coordinate and urging the little plants to grow. In 1967, the family founded their coffee roasting business in Los Angeles. His architectural work has contributed maintain clients’ wardrobe for them so Today, the Gaviñas carry on the dream in a state-of-the-art coffee roasting facility just a few blocks from to the economic vitality of downtown they are perfectly attired for any occasion. the original building. Los Angeles, and as a civic leader he For over two decades, Art Lewin Bespoke has devoted a significant portion of his has catered to corporate stars and to some F. Gaviña & Sons is now led by Francisco’s sons, Paco, Pedro and José, and his daughter, Leonor time to critical issues facing the City and of Hollywood’s leading celebrities and Gaviña-Valls. Like their father, they grew up on the plantation and learned about coffee in the fields. The County of Los Angeles. Currently under many other industry titans. As a second- new generations still personally select beans, cup samples, and oversee the specialty coffee roasting and development is the new Wilshire Grand generation clothier, Lewin has explained production every day. Redevelopment Project in downtown that his clients tell him and his team In honor of the company’s 50th anniversary in 2017, F. Gaviña & Sons, Inc. opened its first flagship Los Angeles, where Martin Project that their workmanship, knowledge, Management (MPM) is the Owner’s attention to detail and service make it store “Don Francisco’s Coffee Casa Cubana” in downtown Los Angeles. F. Gaviña & Sons is one of the Development Manager. readily apparent why they have been able largest family-owned coffee companies in America and the nation’s largest privately-held minority roaster. As the CEO and President of MPM, to establish such a loyal following – with As an immigrant family who has achieved the American dream, the Gaviñas understand the Chris is resurrecting the role of Master an impressive 94% retention rate, no less. importance of education and assimilation. Therefore, the company offers its employees English and Architect that Albert C. Martin Jr. and Art Lewin Bespoke offers an extensive Edward J. Martin played in the creation of library of world class quality fabrics from Spanish classes, as well as acculturation and citizenship courses. the modern downtown skyline. renowned mills around the world. The Gaviñas support over 300 charities. Leonor is actively involved in several non-profit organizations and is a member of the board of directors of Alzheimer’s Los Angeles and the International Women’s Coffee Alliance
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INFLUENTIAL FAMILY-OWNED BUSINESSES
BERMAN, BERMAN, BERMAN, BRUSH RESEARCH BUILDING ELECTRONIC CONTROLS, GOLDEN STAR TECHNOLOGY INC. SCHNEIDER & LOWARY, LLP MANUFACTURING INC. (BEC) st has been in business since 1985. erman, Berman, Berman, Schneider rush Research Manufacturing (BRM) ec, Inc. is Los Angeles’ premier Alice and JP Wang started the business & Lowary, LLP (B3SL) puts its own is a third generation family-owned and fire life safety system provider for Gout of their garage in Norwalk by Bspin on the term “family law,” focusing Bfamily-operated business. The company Bcommercial projects. The company building white-box computers. Since then, not on issues such as divorce and estate was started by Steve Rands, an immigrant also provides security systems, structured they have grown to over 100 employees planning, but rather on insurance and from Canada, who in 1958 invented and low voltage cabling and network with five locations in the US and two corporate defense. In 1994, Ronald S. patented the Flex-Hone Tool that is now backbones for commercial buildings. locations overseas. Dennis Wang, the Berman, son Evan Berman and daughter distributed all over the world and used in Recent accomplishments include projects oldest son, joined the business in 2009 and Stephanie Berman Schneider formed virtually every industry. Run by the second for LAX, Wilshire Grand, Metropolis, serves as COO. Since joining, the company Berman, Berman & Berman. Today, the and third generations of family, BRM Westfield Century City, Union Station has doubled in size and revenue. firm – based in West LA with offices in has grown 40% in two years and operates and Universal Studios. Projects under The family participates in the local Riverside, Sacramento and San Diego – has three shifts, employing people from the construction include Circa Twin Towers, community through the AJ Wang a new name reflecting the contributions community and making quality products. Century Towers, Academy Museum of Foundation. The AJ Wang foundation of two additional partners (son-in-law BRM was one of the first companies to Motion Pictures, and Rams Stadium. founded by Alice and JP provides over Spencer Schneider and Mark Lowary). advocate the critical need for finer surface Formed in 1995 as a specialty electrical 50 scholarships to local higher education But, as in 1994, clients still enjoy the firm’s finishes to optimize performance. Concepts contractor providing fire detection systems students. Alice and JP have been solid reputation, intelligent litigation, and such as plateau finishing were pioneered for commercial buildings, BEC has grown recognized by many local universities cost-efficient strategies – in short, being by the founder, Steve Rands, and are now exponentially by effectively undertaking and organizations for their charity and part of a family. commonplace goals across many industries. high-profile projects throughout the community involvement. GST’s highly Local communities enjoy B3SL The Flex-Hone Tool has become the greater Los Angeles area, and opportunely consultative approach has made it a employees’ quiet but ongoing commitment premium standard that all surface finishing acquiring security and network trusted advisor to some of the world’s to social responsibility. Examples include tools are compared against. No other tool infrastructure projects to truly deliver top companies. GST’s global expertise, coaching Pop Warner football, supporting can as easily, quickly, and affordably create a Total Solution. BEC possesses a core customized solutions, commitment to Feeding America and Operation Helping the microstructure finish necessary for management team that is eager to continue customer care, and responsive execution Hands, working in food banks and thrift maximum performance and life of your BEC’s success. By providing experienced inspire confidence and serve to create stores, assisting a battered women’s shelter, products. project managers, detailed CAD operators, successful and lasting client relationships. paying rent for a woman facing eviction, and skilled technicians, BEC sets itself and covering costs for a Halloween Party apart from the competition. at LA Children’s Hospital, among other causes.
FIRST LAST FIRST LAST Title Title CompanyNOTABLE FAMILY-OWNEDCompany BUSINESS
phphphp GOLDRICH KESTH (LARGEhphpph COMPANY)
oldrich Kest is a privately owned, GREENERWAYS ORGANIC KESLOW CAMERA, INC. family-run real estate company, reenerways Organic stems from what ince 1990, Keslow Camera has Gfounded in 1957 by two entrepreneurs Mama Bella told her granddaughter, been providing camera equipment and holocaust survivors, Jona Goldrich and G“Read the labels; if there are chemicals Sfor motion picture, television and Sol Kest. or ingredients you can’t pronounce, don’t commercial productions throughout Goldrich & Kest Inc. was a recognized buy the product.” North America and around the globe. This was never more important to Headquartered in Los Angeles, the innovator in developing Southern California Jayme Bella than during her first pregnancy company also operates from locations in condominiums in the 1960s. By 1968, the in 2008. Her home was damaged by a Chicago, Santa Fe, Atlanta, Toronto, company was a pioneer developer in Marina severe storm and became insect infested. Vancouver, New Orleans and Utah. Keslow Del Rey where they built one of the first luxury apartment complexesphphphp in the hphpph marina, which was previously She realized traditional insect repellants Camera has earned a reputation among were ridden with harmful chemicals. the industry’s creative community for considered swampland. H She was fearful of what effect they could uncompromising service and innovative Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Goldrich & Kest Inc. continued adding government assisted housing to have on her unborn child. Personal need problem solving on projects of any size. their portfolio, and rapidly became one of California’s largest developers of government assisted apartments. drove Jayme Bella to create the organic The company’s tireless support of the art In the 1980s, the company expanded outside California, entering the for-sale, commercial, retail and industrial bug repellant that launched Greenerways and craft of cinematography has resulted in Organic and its expanding product line many long-standing relationships with the markets throughout the United States. of organic household and personal care world’s most talented filmmakers. In 2016, Goldrich & Kest Inc. formally changed its name to Goldrich Kest. Today, the family business products. That and the belief that our Keslow Camera is also very involved manages over 200 properties nationwide; including residential, commercial, industrial and retail projects. families deserve affordable, safe, organic with the community of Los Angeles. The company’s portfolio consists of 120 apartment buildings with 13,188 units, 5 marinas, 24 senior living products. And Jayme is no stranger to Involved in charitable donations each year facilities and more than 11 million square feet of non-residential space. working with families – her company also to include food and toy drives, 5K team features the talents of her mother, Father runs to support illness research funding and Goldrich Kest knows the importance of giving back. The company provides support to various charitable and husband in executive roles. awareness, donates gear to local schools for organizations such as the Red Cross for natural disaster relief, the Union Station Homeless Services and the educational support, provides internship Harmony Project which provides comprehensive, tuition-free music education and social support to youth across opportunities to students. Los Angeles and Southern California. Goldrich Kest is actively involved with the Culver City Chamber of Commerce and the Marina Del Rey Lessees Association. The company is a member of the National Apartment Association as well as the Apartment Association of Greater Los Angeles, and continues to support the Los Angeles Museum of the Holocaust, which was founded by Jona Goldrich.
051-74_FOB_labj_supplement.indd 58 10/25/18 1:46 PM OCTOBER 29, 2018 CUSTOM CONTENT - LOS ANGELES BUSINESS JOURNAL 59 FOR OVER 80 YEARS
Co-CEO’s Steve Roth and Bob Roth
PROUD TO BE PART OF THIS CITY
As a family owned company, we are proud of our contribution to the com- munities we serve. Our goal is to continue providing that standard of over- all excellence, ethics, and philanthropy that we are being recognized for today.
At World Oil, we deliver more than high quality, high performance products and services. We offer end-to-end solutions focused on building a better future.
®
Doing right, in everything we do®
REFINING / RECYCLING / ENVIRONMETNAL SERVICES / TRANSPORTATION / TERMINALS / FUELING STATIONS / DEVELOPMENT www.worldoilcorp.com
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INFLUENTIAL FAMILY-OWNED BUSINESSES
LINE 204 MAINTEX NEW YORK FOOD COMPANY, INC. NORTHSTAR MOVING COMPANY
ine 204 is a true family business. AINTEX has been Southern ince its beginning as a small storefront ounded in 1994 by wife and husband Founded by its CEO Alton Butler, its California’s leading chemical deli in 1979, New York Food Company team Laura McHolm and Ram Katalan, Lstaff also features Sira Butler, Director Mmanufacturer and distributor of facility Shas evolved to become Southern FLos Angeles-based NorthStar Moving of 204 Events (Alton’s wife), Tina Rosas, supplies and cleaning equipment for more California’s leading full service catering Company has redefined the moving Financial Controller (Alton’s sister), John than 55 years. A graduate chemist, Ralph and special event design firm. New York industry. It is the first to offer eco-luxury McQuay, Operations Manager (Alton’s Silverman began his career working in the Food Company evolved from a retail deli moving services, elevating basic moving and close friend since they were 13) and Jerry specialty chemical industry, and he and (for two years) to a corporate sandwich storage services to a new unparalleled level Gibbs (Vice President / Longtime family his wife Marilyn founded MAINTEX in delivery company, to a catering company, of customer service, customized care and friend from Alabama (Alton’s best friend 1960. The company offers resources for to adding venue management, a retail environmental consciousness. The company since they were four years old). research and development, and controls liquor store, private and charter jet has been honored with more awards for Line 204 started out of Alton’s garage its own manufacturing and supply chain feeding as well as a commercial bakery and service than any other moving company in Studio City in 1997 and has grown management, providing clients strict wholesale division. for corporate culture, green practices, to one of the top independent studio accountability and compliance for its The family-owned company has community outreach, and growth. and production rental companies in Los products. The company serves numerous provided catering services to over a The company’s local, long distance and Angeles. Under his leadership, Line 204 school districts, contract cleaning firms, million satisfied clients, created thousands international moving, storage services, has grown expeditiously, employing over hospitals, and municipalities. Maintex has of dream weddings and amazing events and eco-luxury packages have been 120 team members across three business expanded into larger facilities three times at hundreds of event locations, and also featured in leading magazines including entities. Line 204 often supplies charities over the years as its product lines and client manage exclusive ocean view event The Robb Report Collection and on and the production community with the base continue to grow. venues. Despite all this growth, the New multiple home and design television bandwidth to make their humanitarian Today, the second generation runs the York Food Company are committed to still shows. NorthStar Moving has proven the projects become a reality by donating company. Ralph and Marilyn’s son Stuart approaching each and every event, venue, state-of-the-art way to move is with its red rentals and stages. For example, 204 is CEO, and daughter Linda Silverman is and catering order with an eye for quality, carpet service, recommended by Coldwell donated rental furniture to A Sense of President. Stuart’s son Danny Silverman taste, detail, and uncompromised customer Banker Concierge, The Franklin Report, Home, a nonprofit that creates homes for is Director of Strategic Operations and service. MovingInsurance.com and an impressive list aged-out foster youth, fully furnishing and daughter Shaina Silverman works in the of celebrity clientele. NorthStar Moving’s decorating the very first permanent homes marketing department, representing the mission is to exceed its clients’ expectations for young adults who have emancipated third generation. The family is committed to with graceful customer care and to move from foster care. advancing Ralph’s vision, and continues to service back into what should have always expand MAINTEX’s product lines, sales and been the ultimate service industry: the distribution throughout Southern California. moving industry.
NOTABLE FAMILY-OWNED BUSINESS
SAN ANTONIO WINERY (LARGE COMPANY)
N 1910, Santo Cambianica left his home of IBerzo San Fermo, located in the northern Italian NOURMAND & ASSOCIATES P2S INC. province of Lombardia. After registering at Ellis ounded 40 years ago by Saeed rothers Kevin and Kent Peterson, Island, he arrived in New York and then traveled Nourmand, Nourmand & Associates founded P2S, a MEPT Engineering, across the country to Downtown Los Angeles. He Fis one of the last family-owned real BCommissioning and Construction quickly became well known as an honest, hard- estate brokerages in Los Angeles. Now Management company, in 1991 with three in its second generation, Nourmand employees. Today, P2S counts over 225 working and deeply devout Catholic, the very same & Associates has secured its place as a employees at four office locations. The qualities he was known for back home. It took leader in the highly competitive luxury company has gone through numerous only a few years of saving money, building his real estate space. Between economic expansions of its Long Beach headquarters, relationships, and planting his feet in the Italian- disruptions, evolving technology and the increased the scope of services we offer, cyclical nature of the real estate industry, weathered the Great Recession without American community to start his own company and Nourmand & Associates has remained significant downsizing and designed live the American Dream. In 1917, Santo founded successful and relevant through it all, due sustainable systems California’s most the San Antonio Winery on Lamar Street. largely to the strong family relationships it important projects. Today, the L.A. River is paved and the vineyards have been replaced with businesses and homes. When was founded on. Through it all, the company has held Currently led by son Michael firm in its commitment to tailored, cost- Santo Cambianica passed away in 1956, he wished for his nephew Stefano Riboli to continue the business. Nourmand, who stepped in as President in effective and energy efficient solutions for The San Antonio Winery remains the oldest and largest producing winery in Los Angeles with 100 years 2008, the company has doubled its sales every client, on every project it undertakes. of winemaking. The business is an essential component of the city’s cultural and historical landscape. In volume in the last decade and will reach P2S also ensures its staff’s wellbeing with fact, in the early 1960s, the Los Angeles Cultural Heritage Commission designated the winery Cultural a projected $1 billion in sales for the first a company culture that is widely regarded Monument Number 42. Still sitting on its original location on Lamar Street, the winery is the last vestige of time this year. Michael has grown the as one of the best in the California. P2S firm from 75 to 175 agents, who represent employees enjoy flexible schedules, top- the rich winemaking tradition of greater Los Angeles. some of the most knowledgeable realtors notch amenities at its LEED Platinum San Antonio Winery is involved with various civic organizations including the Pasadena Tournament of in the business. Few other companies have office, premium perks and benefits, Roses, The Scalabrini Order of Catholic Missionaries, American Cancer Society, Pasadena Ronald McDonald created as much talent as Nourmand & generous paid time off, and exciting House and the Lincoln Heights Neighborhood Council. Associates has – a testament to the hands- company events, in and outside the office. on training and familial atmosphere the The winery has been honored with multiple placards from council members of the City of Los Angeles. company has developed. Congressman Gil Cedillo lovingly referred to San Antonio Winery as a place of family gatherings and Sunday afternoons where Los Angeles comes to meet, enjoy its past and plan its future.
051-74_FOB_labj_supplement.indd 60 10/25/18 1:46 PM OCTOBER 29, 2018 CUSTOM CONTENT - LOS ANGELES BUSINESS JOURNAL 61 HOME IS WHERE THE FAMILY-CRAFTED COFFEE IS
WELCOME TO DON FRANCISCO’S COFFEE CASA CUBANA
Transport yourself to the warm, tropical island of Cuba. Enjoy a rich, flavorful cup of family-crafted premium coffee, order something tasty from our Cuban-style food menu. Come by any time and relax in our home in L.A., where you’re always welcome.
SPRING ARCADE BUILDING | DTLA | 213-537-0323 | © F. Gaviña & Sons, Inc. Gaviña © F.
DF1825 LA Biz Journal Ad_10-875x15_r2.indd 1 10/24/18 4:07 PM
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INFLUENTIAL FAMILY-OWNED BUSINESSES
NOTABLE FAMILY-OWNED BUSINESS
SUPER KING MARKETS (LARGE COMPANY)
UPER King Markets was founded in 1993 by the Fermanian family. Over the past 25 years, RJ’S DEMOLITION & DISPOSAL S. BRAVO SYSTEMS, INC. Sthe business has grown from one to seven J’s Demolition & Disposal was . Bravo Systems Inc., founded in stores located in Anaheim, Altadena, Claremont, started by Juan Rodriguez, a licensed 1987 by inventor Sergio Bravo, is Northridge, Los Angeles, Van Nuys and Santa Rdemolition contractor. The corporation Sa woman- and minority-owned, Ana. In 2018, the company celebrated its 25th is owned by Juan, his wife Maricela, and Los Angeles-based U.S. designer and his son Alejandro, who takes the lead manufacturer of underground secondary anniversary. in managing operations and finances for containment solutions for the petroleum Super King Markets is nationally recognized as the company. RJ’s is also an authorized industry. Leaking storage tanks can one of the highest volume grocers in the country. servicing STIHL dealer (STIHL is the pollute ground water and cause vapor It is the market’s assortment that makes the chain number one selling brand of gasoline- hazards. Sergio Bravo’s desire to protect powered handheld outdoor power the nation’s natural water and soil so unique and international in flavor. Products are equipment in America. resources from contamination led to his sourced from over 50 different countries. In 2016, the company expanded its invention of the pioneering “Bravo Box.” Super King’s customer base is as diverse as green waste recycling services. At the same It launched today’s billion-dollar secondary its offerings. At any given time you will hear six, seven, or even eight different languages being spoken time, it purchased a number of pieces of containment industry just 31 years ago and new equipment to support the recycling set the industry standard for environmental at the same time in the store. The combination of exceptional quality, great service, low prices, and an and bagging of raw material for resale, protection well in advance of EPA unbelievable assortment of domestic and international foods makes for very exciting markets. Super King is including a bagger, palletizer, stretch regulations. bringing multicultural Los Angeles together one shopping trip at a time. wrapper, screener, fork lifts and more. RJ’s Today, Sergio’s daughter, Bravo At Super King Markets, the Fermanian family and their team strive to provide excellent customer is actively involved in the community and President and CEO Paola Bravo, is the service at a multitude of store locations. This is accomplished through integrity in all of its interactions and provides quality and affordable demolition first female owner and CEO of a secondary and trash hauling services to the containment manufacturing company continuous individual improvement at all levels of the organization. The markets’ customer and employee surrounding neighborhood. Additionally, in the U.S. She has expanded Bravo’s mix is one of the most ethnically diverse on the planet and, as such, represents both an exciting challenge the company takes green waste from local presence to all 50 states. Today, Bravo’s and daily opportunity to learn. Super King Markets practices effective communication because they believe it landscapers and gardeners on a daily basis. innovative, fiberglass reinforced, resin is crucial to enjoying and benefitting from diversity. Guided by the knowledge that Super King customers and This green waste is converted into mulch, technology products meet and exceed the biomass fuel and chunks of wood at three stringent EPA requirements and are all UL employees are central to success, the markets provide the best possible shopping and work environment. different grades. 2447 listed. The Fermanian family has also been generous and active in helping other organizations and charities raise funds within the community. Super King has longstanding relationships with City of Hope, Olive Crest and Homenmen, among others.
SL FUSCO STERLING VENUE VENTURES, LLC WINSTAR PROPERTIES WORLD OIL CORP
l Fusco has been a premier industrial terling Venue Ventures is solely instar Properties owns and manages ernard “Bernie” Roth founded World distributor since the 1940s as well as a owned by Lance Sterling, one of the multi family apartment buildings Oil in 1938, when he opened his first Sfamily owned business. One element Soriginal founders of The House Of Wthroughout Los Angeles County, Bgas station on the corner of Florence that surely makes the company successful is Blues. The company, which also includes and has enhanced the apartment living and Normandie in South Central Los the dedication of its owner, the company’s Caryn Sterling (Board Member), Shelby experience within the entry level to mid Angeles. Bernie pioneered the self- president, Jerry Rosin. Every day he comes Sterling (Development Coordinator), Jake level housing market. Winstar prides service pump, and by selling high quality to work for over 50 years now and makes Sterling (GM, The Canyon Santa Clarita), itself on giving its tenants a beautiful petroleum products at lower prices, he sure his people are good to go. He has Brooke Sterling (Manager), Jackson living experience with high end finishes was able to build that empire and leave a single handedly provided a place for dozens Sterling (Manager) and Savannah Sterling one might find in a “Class A” building legacy of giving back to his community, of families to make a living and raise (Manager), produces over 700 concerts at a fraction of the cost, while providing creating jobs where they are most needed, families of their own. per year in Southern California. The housing in some of the most desirable and caring for the environment. A Fusco itself has grown to become company’s management team owns decades locations to live. savvy businessman, Bernie was also an California’s largest abrasive grain of experience in promotion, finance, Winstar’s company culture is to upstanding family man who believed in distributor in addition to other industrial marketing, and the execution of concerts promote employment talent from within, doing the right thing. supplies that keep the manufacturing performed by national headlining talent. and to always give back to the community That’s the way he lived his life and the engine running here on the West Coast. Each of Sterling’s Canyon venues has by being a significant partner of many local way he built his business, along with World The Rosin family (including Jerry, Eric, become well known throughout Southern Los Angeles charities and causes. Oil co-founder and his wife of over seven Arline and Natalie – all of whom work California as prime entertainment decades, Florence. In the 1940s, World at the company), doesn’t let any of that destinations for the 30+ demographic. Oil led the way by hiring the first African get to its heads and remains involved in Lance Sterling, who is also a chef, Americans to work in its service stations. community functions such as the local an avocado farmer, and football coach, More than 75 years later, World Oil is Cancer Walk in Downey where Fusco had envisions each of his venues as a place one of California’s largest privately held several dozen participants. not only to enjoy great live music, but companies. Bernard and Florence’s sons, also to sit and relax over dinner with Bob and Steve Roth, carry on their legacy. good friends for a great night out. The delightful ambience that fills all of the Canyon venues illustrates the SVV slogan – “Where the Music Meets the Soul.”
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INFLUENTIAL FAMILY-OWNED BUSINESSES
SL FUSCO FIRST LAST Title NOTABLE FAMILY-OWNEDl Fusco has Company BUSINESS been a premier Sindustrial CUSUMANO REALdistributor ESTATE since GROUP (MID-SIZE COMPANY) the 1940s as well as a WORTHINGTON FORD stablished in 1959, thefamily family-owned owned and family-operatedbusiness. Cusumano Real orthington Ford and Cal One element Worthington are among the most EEstate Group is the Santhat Fernando surely Wiconic figures in Southern California. makesValley’s the companyleader in apartment successful rentals, is the Everyone in LA seems to know Cal dedicationoffice leasing of its and owner, active the senior company’s living. Worthington and the Worthington family. president,The real Jerry estate Rosin. group isEvery the largest day he They’ve been selling cars in Southern comes to work for over 50 years now California for over 60 years and dominating and ownermakes of sure multifamily his people apartments are good in theto TV and radio advertising throughout that go. HeTri-Cities has singleregion ofhandedly Los Angeles. provided a period. place forThe dozens company of familieswas founded to make by the a brothers living Chuck and Rogerphphphp Cusumano. hphpph Today, the business is still Worthington has been one of the largest and ledraise by familiesChuck and of Roger, their asown. well as Chuck’s sons Mike and Charlie, and 40 experienced associates. employers and largest sales tax generators Fusco itself has grown to become H for the City of Long Beach for decades California’sCusumano largest Real Estate abrasive Group grain built its reputation on quality, value and personal service. The company has and you can’t miss their 2000 square foot distributoran unwavering in addition commitment to other to theirindustrial tenants’ needs and more than 100 years of combined experience in sign on the 405 freeway. Cal Worthington suppliesproperty that management, keep the manufacturing development, construction and brokerage. Their clients and tenants include The probably sold more cars than anyone else engineWalt running Disney Company, here on Chasethe West Bank, Coast. Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc., Universal Music Group, the State of in the country, helped pioneer television The Rosin family (including Jerry, Eric, advertising, and donated extensively to local ArlineCalifornia, and Natalie- the U.S. allGeneral of whom Services work Administration, Amgen and many others. schools and charitable causes throughout at the company),The newest projectdoesn’t of let Cusumano any of thatReal Estate Group is the completion of its 480,000 square foot the decades. Now his grandson and current get to“Talaria its heads at Burbank,” and remains a mixed-use involved project in in the heart of Burbank’s Media District. The building opened for company President, Nick Worthington, communitybusiness infunctions June 2018. such Its as241 the ultra-luxury local apartments will be completed by the end of the year. has continued that legacy, founding the CancerCusumano Walk in Downeyfamily members where continue Fusco had to play key roles in the community, providing leadership at the Southern California Children’s Endowment several dozen participants. in 2015. Nick Worthington also has been Burbank Chamber of Commerce, the Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center, Burbank Business Partners, active and serving on the boards of the Long Downtown Burbank Partnership, the Burbank Transportation Management Organization, Community Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, the Foundation of the Verdugos, The Board of Advisors of the Woodbury University School of Business, the Long Beach Police Foundation Advisory Burbank Arts For All Foundation and Leadership Burbank. Board, the Southland Motorcar Dealers’ Association Board and the board of the In 2010, the Cusumano family funded an innovative, state-of-the-art radiation oncology department in Southern California Children’s Endowment. the Roy and Patricia Disney Family Cancer Center. In 2017, the Cusumano family donated $10 million in support of the emergency and urgent care at Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center.
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INFLUENTIAL FAMILY-OWNED BUSINESSES
SMALL FAMILY-OWNED BUSINESSES (LESS THAN 50 EMPLOYEES)
THE ALBRIGHT AL BROOKS TICKETS ALLAN AIRCRAFT SUPPLY, INC. ATHENA ENGINEERING INC.
fter 35 years as Santa Monica Pier l Brooks Tickets, now in its 98th llan Aircraft Supply Company began thena Engineering, Inc. was founded Seafood, Yunnie Kim Morena took the year, was founded in downtown L.A. manufacturing hydraulic fittings in in 1984 by Richard and Jannie Chiera Ahelm of the Pier restaurant mainstay Aand is today the West’s largest and A1952 and has become one of the Aas a mechanical construction company. which her parents had opened in 1977 most influential premier ticket provider, nation’s premier producers in the field. As Jannie was pregnant with Athena at the upon emigrating to the U.S. from serving clients throughout the world. It is a fitting specialist in the business for over time, making Athena the unofficial third Korea. Yunnie and her husband, Greg best known for its ability to access tickets half a century, Allan Aircraft has the CNC employee from the company’s founding. Morena, modernized and streamlined to the most difficult-to-obtain games, machines and equipment and capability The company was initially based in Covina the look while preserving the restaurant’s performances and events. Al Brooks to handle virtually any fitting application. – specifically, in Jannie and Richard’s original atmosphere and character. Tickets is especially proud of the strong The family-owned business manufactures garage. Jannie had received a $5,000 tax The relaxed seaside setting is a perfect client and source relationships it has and stocks a wide range of Aerospace refund and said “let’s do this” … and compliment to the delicious menu that established and maintained over nearly 100 Standards and commercial and industrial Athena Engineering was born (not Athena reflects a commitment to sustainably years in business. fittings. yet, just the company). caught seafood, locally sourced ingredients, Through it all, the company is still a The company has become a local Initially incorporated as CCE Systems, as well as an extensive craft beer and family-owned business – now in its fourth manufacturer that leading companies the name was changed to Athena California wine program. generation, with Jeff Brooks, Jay Brooks, such as Space X depend upon as a primary Engineering in 1986. Athena graduated The Morenas and their team at Helen Brooks, Keven Brooks and Traci Lyn source of quality machined work. This college in 2006 and immediately joined her The Albright have been trailblazers Brooks all serving clients’ needs daily along little shop has been home for many local family in managing the business. Today, all in sustainability and greening efforts. with a staff dedicated to taking on the to the San Fernando Valley as they prove three members of the Chiera clan run the Recognized as the first sustainable business toughest requests and satisfying customers’ daily manufacturing is still alive and business together, in partnership with some on the Pier and awarded the 2016 SQA requests. The Brooks family has carved out well in California. Friday lunches for the carefully selected employees who have Award winners, The Albright faithfully a unique niche among American ticket employees and professional development become like family as well. Throughout follows the triple bottom line framework suppliers, having expanded into the arena are all important values at Allan Aircraft the company’s history, hundreds of clients and aims to help create a green movement of tour management as well. as a North Hollywood legacy continues to have trusted Athena Engineering’s skilled across all businesses on the Pier. The family grow. teams to design, construct and control believes that running sustainable businesses their environments. that also support other local businesses and vendors, engenders a sense of respect and social responsibility from the community.
NOTABLE FAMILY-OWNED BUSINESS
GEARYS (MID-SIZE COMPANY)
Gearys Beverly Hills, named after its founder, H.L. Geary, first AUTOMATION PRINTING CO. CALIFORNIA CAR COVER COMPANY opened its doors in 1930. A small utomation Printing Co., started by ounded in 1989 by Jim and Loraine art supply and gift store back Herbert Tobman, has been located DeFrank, California Car Cover Company then, the company emerged as a Ain Downtown Los Angeles since Fstarted as a small mail order company in world-renowned curator of luxury. 1949. It started as a lithoplate company Van Nuys and was primarily an opportunity that supplied film, stripping and printing for Jim and Loraine to preserve and promote Gearys Beverly Hills’ clients include plates to other printers and was one of their love of classic cars. The business has Hollywood elite, European royalty and luxury consumers. the few lithoplate companies in Los since become an industry leader in custom fit In 1953, H.L. Geary retired and sold Gearys Beverly Hills to Fred and Ruth Meyer, who decided to Angeles. Tobman soon saw the need car accessories and collectibles. offer a more focused selection of dinnerware and gifts. In the 1970s, the Meyers’ son Bruce became for cost effective, short run printing and Today, California Car Cover Company, bought a paper plate device, printing press now headquartered in Chatsworth, is still the driving force behind the launch of a hugely successful mail order business. Gearys signature brand of and cutter, which started its full printing family owned and operated. Jim and Loraine, luxury was now available nationwide. capabilities. plus their two sons, Jimmy and Tony, are In their flagship store, Bruce partnered with world-class names like Baccarat and Lalique, and Herb’s son and current President, involved in the business. The company established the business as one of the country’s preeminent destinations for luxury dinnerware and gifts. David, joined the company in 1972. is a strong supporter of classic car shows David’s son, Brandon, joined the company and NHRA drag racing events around the In 1994, the Gearys signature Gift Letter Registry was born. Since its introduction, the Gift Letter in 2008 as Vice President. In 1975 country. Members of the California Car Registry has inspired many stores to follow suit, but the Gearys Beverly Hills Gift Letter Registry remains Automation was one of the original Cover Crew can be spotted year round the original. companies to install Xerox’s first 9200 at the largest auto enthusiast events from The grandson of Ruth and Fred, Gearys CEO Thomas Blumenthal, started store partnerships with High Speed black and white copier. coast to coast. The company also hosts a Rolex and Patek Philippe. In 2009, the company opened a Rolex boutique at Westfield Century City. In Privately owned and operated by the number of car shows at its facility to generate Tobman family, the company now has a interest in classic cars and to raise funds for 2012, the newly redesigned Gearys Beverly Hills on Rodeo Drive opened its doors. full team of 19, some who have been with local charities such as Ranch San Antonio, Over the years, Gearys has given back to the community in many ways. The company has received the company for over 25 years. David Petersen Automotive Museum and the San several awards for its involvement, including the Modern Luxury and the Beverly Hills Chamber of and Brandon Tobman are proud to keep Fernando Valley Rescue Mission. Commerce’s Icons of Beverly Hills Award (2017) and the Beverly Hills Chamber of Commerce’s Best of Herb’s legacy alive by staying true to his foundation of honest management and Beverly Hills Golden Palm Legacy Award (2015). Gearys was also named the Will Rogers Best Historic innovation. Retail Business (2015) and received the Amie Karen Cancer Center for Children’s Humanitarian Award (2004).
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INFLUENTIAL FAMILY-OWNED BUSINESSES
FIRST LAST FIRST LAST Title Title CompanyNOTABLE FAMILY-OWNEDCompany BUSINESS
phphphp LOS ANGELES HCHARGERShphpph (MID-SIZE COMPANY)
or 58 years, the Chargers have stretched the imagination and given CALIFORNIA RECEIVERSHIP GROUP EARTHLY BODY fans one of the most exciting shows in football. With a history Fdefined by dramatic games, unforgettable highlights, beloved ark Adams, President and Founder of n 1996, Kevin and Mare Wachs started players, groundbreaking performances and one of the NFL’s phphphpmost iconic California Receivership Group, is the creating quality natural personal care uniforms, the Chargers returned to their Los Angeles birthplacehphpph in 2017 Mmost experienced Health and Safety Iproducts in their garage. Since then, and will move into their new LA Stadium home upon itsH completion in Receiver in the State of California. CRG, Earthly Body, which started as a respected his family business, was formed to provide family owned company, has grown into 2020. a complete, turn-key solution for properties a global leader in natural personal care The Chargers were purchased by construction leader and real estate in repeated violation of health and safety products. developer, the late Alex G. Spanos in 1984. Spanos made family part codes. When appointed over a property as In 2013, Earthly Body moved its of his formula for business success. The A.G. Spanos organization, including the Chargers, is a family-run Receiver, the team is on-site immediately, corporate headquarters into a 50,000 beginning the process of fixing the square foot building in Los Angeles operation. Alex turned over the day-to-day operations of the Chargers to his oldest son, Dean, in 1994. property’s problems. CRG eliminates any that today serves as the company’s Alex enjoyed retirement and watching his sons, Dean and Michael, along with his grandsons, A.G. and dire threats posed to the owners, occupants manufacturing and bottling facility, John, guide the Chargers as they celebrated 33 years of family ownership. and community, either by bringing in shipping warehouse, corporate offices and The Spanos family has a multi-generation commitment to community involvement, and is recognized a construction team immediately or International Education Center for all of emptying the property if necessary. its brands. This building is a testament to as one of the NFL’s most philanthropic families and one of Southern California’s most active and caring CRG is dedicated to protecting and the commitment that the Wachs family contributor to local causes. Their financial and emotional support for youth, sports, education and the preserving assets assigned to its custody and Earthly Body team have made to our brave men and women in uniform has been a hallmark of their team ownership and legacy. and control while maintaining an ever- planet’s sustainability. All aspects of their In June 2018, Dean Spanos joined with Mayor Garcetti to announce a three-year, $1.2 million present sensitivity to the human and organization reflect eco-friendly values, commitment to expand Summer Night Lights sports programming across all 32 locations. The donation social side of the work. CRG is able to from the use of recyclable packaging achieve immediate and effective results and planting trees for the future, to the provides more young people with fun and safe opportunities and includes uniforms, referees and increased by deploying a team built specially for installation of both solar panels and access to sports clinics. problem properties. This team includes electric car charging stations, the company In appreciation of the Spanos family’s donation of $250,000 to aid local wildfire relief efforts, as well attorneys, contractors, accountants, is committed to reducing their carbon as additional dollars to support victims of Hurricane Harvey, the team was named Red Cross L.A.’s 2018 receivership administration, cleanup crews, footprint. property managers, professional organizers, Humanitarian Organization of the Year. Additionally, the Chargers received the Association of Corporate ground operations managers and financiers. Growth 2018 Mayor’s Award in recognition of their impact on the Los Angeles community.
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INFLUENTIAL FAMILY-OWNED BUSINESSES
THE EVEREST GROUP FORMLA LANDSCAPING, INC. GEMELLI RESTAURANT GROUP GELT, INC.
he Everest Group provides high- ormLA Landscaping’s husband and hef Steve Samson, born to a Bolognese eith Wasserman (age 33) and Damian level executive recruiting services wife founders and owners, Kirk and mother and American father, was Langere (age 37) are Co-Founders Tto the Supply Chain, Distribution, FCassy Aoyagi founded FormLA in 1997 Cexposed to the pleasures of Italian Kand Partners of Gelt, Inc., a real Logistics and Transportation industries. as C&K Landscape Design, Inc. After food at a young age. Whether it was the estate investment and asset management The company’s 25 years of direct industry 12 years creating noteworthy landscapes experience he gained helping his mother company. Since the company’s inception experience and extensive candidate throughout Los Angeles County, the duo in the kitchen at home or annual family in 2008, Gelt has acquired nearly 8,000 network give its clients a distinct adopted the name FormLA Landscaping trips to Italy that eventually propelled apartment homes and mobile home sites advantage in conducting the most effective to better reflect its growing team, him toward a career in Italian cooking, valued in excess of $1 billion. and efficient searches and attracting commitment to sustainability, and the one thing is certain, once Samson left his Cousins Damian and Keith launched top talent. The Everest Group team’s depth of their expertise. medical school path to become a chef, Gelt in 2008 when they were in their first-hand Logistics and Transportation FormLA has built and lead a full-service he never looked back. Today, Samson is 20s. It was at the height of the recession experience and candidate network is a design and build and maintenance team the Chef/Owner of Sotto, Rossoblu and and Damian had been let go from an distinct competitive advantage in sourcing of skilled landscape architects, designers, Superfine Pizza. environmental consulting firm in Santa and recruiting the best industry talent for artisans, craftsmen, technicians, and Samson’s vivid childhood memories of Barbara. He moved to Los Angeles Fortune 50, 100, 500 and emerging growth horticulturists and have endeavored to Bologna’s outdoor festas recall a spirit of and they decided to form a real estate companies. The firm’s demonstrated track educate the public about how to create conviviality and celebration around food investment firm to buy distressed record extends to large corporations as optimally sustainable landscapes via that was lovingly made and produced by multifamily properties. They continually well as growing companies, and specializes presentations, hands-on workshops, tours, the community. The city of Bologna and show uncommon entrepreneurial in sourcing entrepreneurial talent to as well as a monthly newsletter and social its region of Emilia-Romagna serve as leadership, business acumen and creativity build and grow successful new companies, media channels. The company has also Samson’s inspiration. It is the region where as they not only successfully lead Gelt, product lines and divisions. Successful proudly contributed to LA’s understanding his mother, her parents, and countless they have launched new tech and real assignments have included placements in of the benefits of authentic landscaping generations before were born. It is also estate firms. Last year, the company sales, business development, operations, with byline articles and press outreach the place where he spent his childhood launched Happy Home Communities, transportation, warehousing, distribution, generating more than 120 recent articles. summers, fomenting a passion for Italian within its growing group of entrepreneurial information technology, finance, and Perhaps most importantly, the company food and cooking. companies. HHC focuses exclusively on human resources from C-level to mid-level has transformed more than 400 residential the acquisition and management of mobile management with clients in retail/apparel/ and 7 community gardens, replacing nearly home and RV resorts throughout the footwear, consumer products, and third 200,000 square feet of thirsty sod with Western United States. party logistics. native and sustainable landscapes.
FIRST LAST FIRST LAST Title Title CompanyNOTABLE FAMILY-OWNEDCompany BUSINESS
phphphp phphphp TASLIMI CONSTRUCTIONHhphpph (MID-SIZE COMPANY) Hhphpph
ounded in 1985, the family-owned Taslimi Construction GOOD NIGHT NATURALS HOTEL EMPORIUM, INC. Company was inspired by a passion to build and ith over 25 years of experience rom humble beginnings in an Orange Fexcellence in all things. Over the years Taslimi has providing outstanding customer County garage, this family found a need assembled a staff of dedicated and experienced individuals. Its Wservice, Good Night Naturals, led Fin an industry they had experience project management team has an impeccable reputation in the by a husband and wife team of Paul and in and developed premium products for industry. Taslimi’s strong work ethic results in hard work and Elly Hirschberger, is dedicated to being hotels. By providing the service they a resource for a safe and healthy sleep. showed as hotel managers, they served dedication. The diversity of its staff and experiences are cherished and continually developed as the Taslimi The company offers sustainable bedding other hotel managers as customers better family evolves. – free of added chemicals 100% natural than competitors and grew. Success Taslimi’s project experience includes major renovations, interior construction, and core and shell & organic ingredient mattresses, natural continued as family members gained construction. Projects include corporate offices; law firms; finance and banking; studios; entertainment; wool comforters, pillows, 100% natural degrees and outside business savvy and and organic latex mattresses, latex toppers, then took on new roles as expansion hospitality and retail; technology; healthcare; education and childcare; non-profits and institutional; cultural; cotton sheets, bedding from natures purest continued. Bringing in more talent with and residential. Taslimi has been the recipient of numerous awards and recognitions and has received the fibers and luxury linens, and even baby additional staff members and upgrading highest compliment from clients and architectural design partners in their continued business and referrals. mattresses. offices and warehousing over the years, new Projects include the remodeling of the Creative Artists Agency headquarters in Century City, the ESPN In a world filled with synthetics, partnerships and distributors developed pesticides and chemicals, Good Night worldwide. broadcasting facility in downtown Los Angeles, the KCBS and KCAL broadcasting studios in Studio City, Naturals is a springboard into natural As a result of hard work and treating Univision in Los Angeles, and the renovation of the historic Beverly Hilton Hotel. bedding with a bright and healthy future their employees right, Hotel Emporium Taslimi Construction has received the highest compliments from its clients, their representatives, and for the entire family! The commitment to has been able to make a positive impact architectural and design firms. These include the 1994 Calibre Awards for Contractor of the Year, 17 other creating a safe and healthy bedroom began on the local community and even globally. Calibre Awards, numerous Los Angeles Business Council Architectural Awards for Commercial Interiors, and in 1990 when Paul and Elly opened the Hotel Emporium is a certified minority first “eco-store” in San Francisco. Today, business as well as a community activist the AIA Merit Award. they remain committed to being a resource participating in 30+ charitable events Taslimi supports professional organizations such as the American Institute of Architecture, the International for a safe and healthy bedroom. and donations annually. An enormous Interior Design Association, the Los Angeles Business Council, the Southern California Development Forum, amount of products are donated annually UCLA Department of Architecture and Urban Design and the USC Architectural Guild. Additionally, Taslimi is around the world, in addition to the other charitable acts and monetary donations to committed to the promotion of the arts, culture and community - which it believes to be essential for the those in need. enhancement of the human spirit - as demonstrated by its involvement with the Hammer Museum, the LACMA, the MAK Center for Art and Architecture, and the Santa Monica Arts Foundation.
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INFLUENTIAL FAMILY-OWNED BUSINESSES
NOTABLE FAMILY-OWNED BUSINESS
BOBBI-TOADS (SMALL COMPANY)
obbi-Toads was literally born from a dream KOSS REAL ESTATE MB2 RACEWAY INDOOR KARTING CENTERS that founder Bob Stanley had while he was on n a time when brick-and-mortar retail B vacation with his family. In his dream, Bob was has been severely challenged, Koss Real B2 Raceway Indoor Karting Centers instructed to invent a new kind of kids’ shoe; one with IEstate’s portfolio of commercial real estate was established in January 2006. toes that could be painted with nail polish. Bob was investments in nine states has continued to MChris Brooks and Will Miller also told to give back to the charity “Our Lady of the thrive -- most notably, the world-renowned (cousins by marriage) along with their Malibu Country Mart, an upscale retail wives Martine Brooks and Stefanee Miller Angels,” a charity he had never heard of. village located in the heart of Malibu. A (cousins) started the company’s first Bob Stanley was a printer by trade and had never Los Angeles native, Michael Koss grew location and Corporate Headquarters in worked in retail or fashion, so at first he ignored up working in his father’s pizza restaurant Sylmar. Since then, the company has the dream. Upon return to his print shop he started chain and after college, opened his own personally opened four more locations in restaurant, Italy’s Little Kitchen in 1971, Thousand Oaks, Fresno, Modesto, and working on an order from a new customer, which which is currently owned and operated Lexington, Kentucky. MB2 Raceway happened to be the charity from his dream. by Michael’s son, Zane. Following this, offers racers young and old state-of-the-art All these signs led Bob to turn his dream into Michael started to acquire and develop indoor go-karting facilities at locations reality. He sketched out the designs he had visualized and filed for a patent. commercial real estate properties and across the country. It offers high-speed race in 1985, began developing the Malibu simulations with challenging and unique Since that time, Bobbi-Toads has grown with operations in Chicago and Los Angeles. The products Country Mart. indoor road courses that are fun for all skill are manufactured internationally and designed locally in Los Angeles by Bob’s daughter and co-founder The Mart has since maintained a levels and ages. The company’s customer Jacquelynn Stanley. consistent roster of upscale tenants with service is leaps and bounds above the rest, In keeping with the company’s mission of giving back, Bobbi-Toads donates 30% of its profits to sales as high as $3K per foot, even in and its high-performance electric go-karts charitable organizations. Bobbi-Toads is actively involved in philanthropic efforts across the country volatile times. The Mart’s existing tenants from Italy are designed for safety, speed, often expand their store spaces and new and fun. including Our Lady of the Angels, the Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago and the prospective tenants sit on a waiting list, a Focused on the community, MB2 Nicklaus Children’s Hospital in Miami. rarity in the current marketplace. Raceway Indoor Karting Centers Bobbi-Toads donated thousands of shoes to families in need following the hurricanes in 2017 in has donated to hundreds of different Miami, Texas and Puerto Rico. The sneakers were donated in partnership with the National Museum of organizations around Los Angeles County and surrounding areas. Puerto Rican Arts & Culture and composer Lin-Manuel Miranda.
Dennis Wang Alice Wang JP Wang
Golden Star Technology Is Proud to Be in Los Angeles for Over 33 Years
GST helps clients stay ahead End-to-End Technology Solutions & Services of the technology curve with Managed Services Worldwide Logistics a wealth of advanced IT and Systems Integration IT & AV Solutions for a Connected World AV solutions Deployment and Supply Chain Audio Visual gstes.com
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INFLUENTIAL FAMILY-OWNED BUSINESSES
MONTAGE INSURANCE SOLUTIONS THE MSM TECHNOLOGY GROUP NATHAN KIMMEL COMPANY, LLC NU-SET INC.
ontage Insurance Solutions, founded he MSM Technology Group is athan Kimmel Company, LLC, has u-Set started out with a desk and file by Danone Simpson, is an insurance a premier Computer Systems grown from its humble beginnings as cabinet. That was over 40 years ago Mconsulting agency that originally T Manufacturer and Managed Support Nan industrial supply company in Los Nin its Hong Kong office. It’s a family opened its doors in 2006 with three offices, Services company. Founded by its Angeles to the construction industry’s business, and when the Ng family decided a couple employees and a small handful President and CEO Mitchell Marcus (his number one national and international to immigrate to the US in the 1990s, of clients who were loyal to Danone from wife, Marcia Marcus also serves as VP of provider of fireproofing spray equipment, they brought Nu-Set to Los Angeles, but her previous firms. Since then the firm Finance), the MSM Technology Group tarps, hose and nozzle assemblies, premier maintained their close ties to business (with Danone’s husband Mark also serving and its sister division, the TechPower Magliner Hand Truck Distributor as well partners in Hong Kong and China. as COO) has grown to upwards of 100 Systems Group, have been providing as the local hardware store for the Arts The business has grown to the point of clients in just 12 short years and went from quality tech support to small to midsized District and beyond. Nu-Set’s need to establish a network of breaking through one, then two, then three businesses since 1981. The company is a The company was founded in 1956 by logistic points and authorized distribution walls, to taking over the whole floor, to Microsoft Certified Partner and Microsoft Nathan and Bella Kimmel, working out offices so it can extend its services to our moving to a new building for more space OEM. MSM manufactures business quality of their garage in West Los Angeles, with international customers. (and recently blew through yet another desktops and servers that go head to head their four children lending a helping hand. The company specializes in custom lock wall!) with all the major manufacturers. Each The company grew quickly and purchased boxes and its newest product the Eyecon Montage has had double-digit growth in one of MSM’s systems includes a four a small distribution facility in downtown Lock box. Nu-Set designs, assembles and 10 of its 12 years in business and regularly year warranty and on site installation on Santa Fe Ave. Like father, like tests all of its brand name products in the landed on the “Best Places to Work” list, at no additional cost. MSM is the only daughter; Carol Kimmel Schary purchased United States to ensure its customers enjoy which is an award driven by its employees’ manufacturer that uses exclusively Solid the business in 1996, following the passing the best quality products and services. love for the firm and fervor with which State Hard drives in all of its desktops. of her father, her greatest mentor. Over It owns over 30 patents and trademarks they fill in their anonymous surveys. MSM Technology Group developed the years, the company’s business grew worldwide. The Eyecon Smart Lock Box Husband and wife team Mark and Danone a unique way of helping its community by developing strategic relationships is the simplest smart lock box with the have established an amazing working school provide a computer lab for its with vendors and customers and setting highest level of security using Picture Key environment that has been a great success. students. This included teaching the up a second facility next door for the cryptographic technology. students how to build computers and manufacturing of specialty equipment actually building 17 computers from for the construction industry and their scratch in 2015 that are in daily use to “standard of the industry” tarps that are this day. made in the USA here in Los Angeles.
NOTABLE FAMILY-OWNED BUSINESS
COUTURE SALON & SPA (SMALL COMPANY)
OUTURE Salon & Spa is the first natural concept salon in Whittier Cto offer its clients naturally-based products. As the company QUALITY MATERIAL HANDLING INC. RED CAR BREWERY & RESTAURANT states, it doesn’t just create ‘pretty hair’ – the Couture Salon fter years of working for material ob Brandt’s brewing career started & Spa team is trained to bring its clients an elevated standard of handling companies and gaining when a friend gifted him a home beauty and wellness solutions, while maintaining environmental Aextensive knowledge and experience, Bbrewing set in college. After stints sustainability. Hector Pinto took a leap of faith in 1991. as a brewer at Huntington Beach Beer He and his wife Brenda decided to start Company, an investor in Newport Brewing The company’s principles are based on passion and integrity. their own material handling company right Co, and a partner at Tustin Brewing Couture Salon Founder Eileen Rodriguez wanted to stand out out of their living room. There with a small Company, Bob and his wife Laurie (who and make a difference in the beauty industry with nature-friendly folding table underneath the staircase, had seen success in the fashion and solutions. She experienced skin allergies and scalp flare-ups as a phone, pen and pad, Quality Material garment industry) started to recognize Handling was born. Hector closed sales, a major opportunity: Torrance, their reactions to harsh color chemicals and heavy cosmetic fillers. Her goal was to offer her clients safer made deliveries, visited customers, and hometown, had no breweries. alternatives that wouldn’t compromise their health and beauty. performed installations. He would stop at In 2000, Bob and Laurie acquired the Couture Salon and Spa’s philosophy is a holistic approach that strives to create beauty without gas stations to change out of work wear Red Car Brewery & Restaurant property compromise. The salon prides itself in actively listening to its clients’ concerns and taking the time to and into suits when transitioning from through the City’s Redevelopment program installations to sales calls. In his first year in Downtown Torrance. Thanks to hard understand each one’s individual personal style. Based on that, they believe they can offer the best of business, Hector grossed $127,000. It work and Red Car’s superb hand crafted treatments. was his positive energy and optimism, English-style ales and delicious food, they Couture Salon & Spa is actively engaged in the community. The salon partners with other small along with Brenda’s support, that became were able to pay off the loan a few years companies in Whittier to support each other’s businesses and cross-promote clients. The salon is a the driving force behind their success. later, but in the meantime were the first to member of Whittier Young Entrepreneurs, American Business Association and Team Referral Network. Perhaps the Pintos’ biggest victory bring craft beer to Torrance, now home to comes from fighting for his business nearly a dozen micro breweries, and to also Couture Salon & Spa is also a proud partner of My Refuge House. The company works closely through tough times. Like most businesses, serve as a catalyst for redevelopment of the with the nonprofit organization, to help restore the lives of young girls who have been victims of QMH faced extreme challenges during City’s original Downtown area. commercial sexual exploitation, human trafficking and sexual abuse. In 2015 and 2016, Couture the recession in 2009. Hector and Brenda Salon & Spa hosted women’s conferences and raised $7,000 for My Refuge House. In 2017 and pushed through with diligence and integrity, keeping the unwavering faith 2018, the salon visited the Philippines to work with the young survivors. The salon offered them free and optimism responsible for their success beauty classes and free makeovers to help rebuild their confidence. today.
051-74_FOB_labj_supplement.indd 68 10/25/18 3:39 PM OCTOBER 29, 2018 CUSTOM CONTENT – LOS ANGELES BUSINESS JOURNAL 69
INFLUENTIAL FAMILY-OWNED BUSINESSES
SOMEONE’S IN THE KITCHEN STEPP COMMERCIAL
NOTABLE FAMILY-OWNEDt all started with BUSINESStepp a fateful apple. Commercial IA fateful loaf of Sspecializes EAZYHOLD (SMALLapple COMPANY) bread, that exclusively in the is. Joann Roth- Oseary came hen Kerry Mellinfrom was cleaning a family the that RICCI’S ITALIAN DELI & RUPERT LAW GROUP barn at her ranchloved back toin 2014,entertain she RESTAURANT and she learned ounded by Angie Rupert in 2016, the Wgrabbed the broomher andskills began from to emaining family-owned throughout Rupert Law Group helps people start thesweep, best. One but her day weak some thumbs 33 years were ago,too painful she the decades, Ricci’s Deli & Italian Fbusinesses in the United States. Angie bakedto continue. a few apple As a lifelongbreads cowgirl and packaged it shocked RRestaurant offers delicious dining and wanted to start a law firm that gave back themher on to thinkapple-shaped that simply cuttingsweeping boards out her as own takeout in Bellflower. Ricci’s Italian Deli not only to Los Angeles, but to the US as a gifts. Within three weeks she had sold & Restaurant is a long-time cornerstone whole. She has helped entrepreneurs from morebarn than may 750 become to friends, a thing of and the hadpast. won She of the Bellflower community and has been around the globe as a way to grow the US thegrabbed heart of some her ductfirst tape, corporate made a client. loop across repeatedly recognized for its outstanding economy. The firm’s primary focus is on E2 Fromthe that broom’s delicious handle andbeginning, slipped her Someone’s hand Italian cuisine, excellent service and visas. Rupert Law Group strives to make in theinside. Kitchen It surprised was her born. how And effortless the itgreat felt friendly staff. sure the American Dream is alive for those word of mouth just keeps building. The family-run Italian restaurant is who want to start a company or business in havingToday, this Joann little isbit oneof support of the over top the caterers back disposition, acquisition, and exchange of known for its modern interpretation of America. Jason Insalaco, Angie’s husband, in Losof her Angeles hand, which and allowedin the business,her to maintain with control of the broommultifamily with minimal investment grip and propertiesto sweep pain-free. in the classic dishes and its insistence on only serves as the firm’s controller and director a staff ofThe 35 idea full-time was born and to create 150 part-timeEazyHold, an affordable generalgreater use Long strap Beachthat helps area people (with accomplish a 44 percent daily using high quality fresh ingredients. of marketing. employees.activities independentlyJoann has propelled despite physical Someone’s conditions or disabilitiesmarket impacting share) theirand grip in otherstrength. key Kerry sub-markets founded the Owner Leonard Barka and the entire In 2016, Angie was awarded the “Hon. in the Kitchen to become a consistent of Los Angeles including Santa Monica, team at Ricci’s are proud to promise their Benjamin Aranda III Outstanding Public membercompany of thetogether top with100 herwomen sisters owned Merrily and Wendy. Hollywood, and additional Westside areas. customers satisfaction because all dishes Service Award” for her volunteer work businessEazyHold’s in Los Angeles flexible cuffs for attachthe last securely 10 to any kind of Roberttool and andallow Kimberly children and Stepp adults founded with grip the at Ricci’s Italian Deli & Restaurant are with the LA County Bar Association years.disabilities, Every detaillimb loss, is carefullyspinal cord planned injuries and other serious firmconditions, just five to hold years eating ago utensils, and it cups,is now pens, the freshly prepared every day with premium Immigration Project. As a volunteer andtoothbrushes, executed, so art events implements, unfold musical with instruments, an toys andleading more. EazyHoldmultifamily-specialized is the first adaptive brokerage cuff that can ingredients. attorney for the LACBA Immigration effortlessbe used grace. in hospitals and schools, because it is made of 100firm percent in the hygienic Los Angelessilicone and market does not with transfer the Project, Angie has helped countless people sale of more than $1 billion in properties through immigration issues such as DACA bacteria. It is soft, flexible, hypoallergenic and latex free. since inception. applications, green card applications, Today, EazyHold supplies cuffs to over 4,000 schools, hospitalsThe andLos therapyAngeles centers; area submarketsdonates them thatto naturalization, and more. special needs foundations; and lends them to libraries. TheStepp company Commercial provided tools focuses for the itsVictoria efforts Society in for Children with Autism, The PACER Center, Easterseals andare the some Cerebral of thePalsy nation’s Foundation. most The competitive company also for apartment sales, but the firm has attends and provides adaptive tools for the No Barriers Summits,made whicha solid bring and together consistent people commitment with special needs and disabilities, who wish to learn sports. to a client-centric approach and using institutional-level marketing for every apartment property no matter how large
051-74_FOB_labj_supplement.indd 69 10/25/18 1:51 PM 70 LOS ANGELES BUSINESS JOURNAL – CUSTOM CONTENT OCTOBER 29, 2018
INFLUENTIAL FAMILY-OWNED BUSINESSES
FIRST LAST FIRST LAST Title Title CompanyNOTABLE FAMILY-OWNEDCompany BUSINESS
phphphp phphphp KING NUTRONICSHhphpph CORPORATION (SMALL COMPANY) Hhphpph
ing Nutronics Corporation is the industry leader in pressure, temperature, torque and force measurement for defense, aircraft, avionic, SOMEONE’S IN THE KITCHEN STEPP COMMERCIAL Kpetrochemical and utility industries. The company is known worldwide t all started with a fateful apple. A fateful tepp Commercial specializes for the accuracy and durability of its systems. loaf of apple bread, that is. Joann Roth- exclusively in the disposition, Founded by J. Robert King in his garage in 1959, his daughter, Leslie IOseary came from a family that loved to Sacquisition, and exchange of King, and her husband, Robert Welther, continue the company. The 21,000 entertain and she learned her skills from multifamily investment properties in the the best. One day some 33 years ago, she greater Long Beach area (with a 44 percent square-foot headquarters and manufacturing facility is based in Woodland Hills baked a few apple breads and packaged market share) and in other key sub-markets and houses a climate controlled calibration laboratory. them on apple-shaped cutting boards as of Los Angeles including Santa Monica, King Nutronics has been a solution provider for the U.S. Department gifts. Within three weeks she had sold Hollywood, and additional Westside areas. of Defense, foreign military, aerospace, pharma, and oil and gas industries more than 750 to friends, and had won the Robert and Kimberly Stepp founded the heart of her first corporate client. From firm just five years ago and it is now the for almost 60 years. Other clients include the United States Armed Forces, NASA and multiple companies that delicious beginning, Someone’s in the leading multifamily-specialized brokerage worldwide. Kitchen was born. And the great word of firm in the Los Angeles market with the King Nutronics is renowned for the ongoing customer support and service of its products. The company mouth just keeps building. sale of more than $1 billion in properties stocks replacement parts and supplies for all of the instruments manufactured. King Nutronics’ dedicated Today, Joann is one of the top caterers since inception. in Los Angeles and in the business, with The Los Angeles area submarkets that sales and support staff will ensure that any problem that arises will be resolved quickly, efficiently and with a a staff of 35 full-time and 150 part-time Stepp Commercial focuses its efforts in minimum amount of downtime. employees. Joann has propelled Someone’s are some of the nation’s most competitive The company also specializes on individual client’s needs that cannot be met with off-the-shelf products. in the Kitchen to become a consistent for apartment sales, but the firm has King Nutronics’ experienced staff of engineers can design and manufacture custom test and measurement member of the top 100 women owned made a solid and consistent commitment instruments for specialized applications, and adapt the company’s existing instruments and systems to meet business in Los Angeles for the last 10 to a client-centric approach and using years. Every detail is carefully planned institutional-level marketing for every their customer’s unique requirements. and executed, so events unfold with an apartment property no matter how large King Nutronics has always been philanthropically involved and supports Pacific Lodge Youth Services, effortless grace. or small. This is unique because every Optimist Youth Homes & Family Services and the National Children’s Chorus. property the firm puts on the market Leslie King is a member of the Women’s Leadership Council and ACG Women. She was honored at the benefits from world-class marketing, powerful messaging and compelling images Optimist Youth Homes & Family Services’ Mentor Awards Gala 2018. Leslie also served as chair of the Pacific in carefully chosen media outlets. Lodge Youth Services’ Board of Directors, before she moved on to the position of vice president.
NOTABLE FAMILY-OWNED BUSINESS
RISING REALTY PARTNERS (SMALL COMPANY)
ising Realty Partners was founded in 2011 by father and son Nelson SWEET CHERRIES DINER VROMAGE and Christopher Rising, both perennial LA 500 members. Rising Realty weet Cherries Diner is a small local or years, people have sought out a RPartners is one of Los Angeles’ most important real estate investment restaurant in the Sunland area that dairy-free alternative to a staple in and operating platforms, specialized in creating world-class commercial Shas become the meeting spot for Fthe human diet: cheese. The finest properties. The company is renowned for developing some of California’s many employees of the local businesses chesses are of course, cultivated and signature projects and communities including Playa Vista, Mission Bay in and service organizations. Run by crafted, fermented and perfected. And Desi Guijarro, his wife Ludy, and sons now, finally, there is a cheese that’s as San Francisco and the U.S. Bank Tower in Los Angeles. Ismael and Rudy, the diner features all good for you as it is for the animals. Since Rising Realty Partners has also been a key figure in the recent revitalization the all-American staples and sides, like Vromage first opened the doors to its of Downtown Los Angeles. The company acquired and turned around several hamburgers, fries, milkshakes and broad quaint West Hollywood store in 2014, the large-scale historic properties including PacMutual, The CalEdison DTLA and The Trust Building. These properties have selection of local favorite breakfast options, artisans’ gourmet vegan cheese shop has among all the other staples of a classic, made a splash in LA’s dairy-free, vegan attracted transformational retail and creative companies to Downtown, fueling the region’s recent urban renaissance timeless diner restaurant for all ages. cheese scene. Hospitals, doctors, lactose and improving the neighborhood and community. The company also acquired and operates one of Downtown’s most The team at the small family owned intolerants, nutritionists, dietitians, chefs, successful skyscrapers, the One Cal Plaza. and operated company puts in long hours cooks, celebrity vegans, and non-vegans Rising Realty Partners is deeply involved with professional and community organizations. The company’s and provides some of the best home cooked have all become great supporters and meals in town. They are the type of customers on a regular basis. founders and executives serve on board positions or are otherwise active members in the Building Owners company that is the backbone of America Vromage founder, Youssef Fakhouri and Managers Association Los Angeles, the Urban Land Institute, the Commercial Real Estate Development in that they are a hard-working success has been refining his product since he Association NAIOP, LABBC, PREA, the networking coalition CREW-LA, and the UCLA Ziman Center Real Estate story – working long hours but always first began at le Vegan in Los Angeles Alumni Group. providing great food at affordable prices in 2009. After years of passionate Rising Realty Partners’ founders serve on the Board of Directors of some of California’s most important and featuring superb and friendly service. persistence, his product has evolved into the uniquely diverse masterpiece that it nonprofit and cultural organizations, such as California Institute of Technology, The Los Angeles Philharmonic, is today. Vromage offers superior-quality River LA, and Loyola Law School. The company also partners with The People Concern and is a stakeholder in artisan cheeses made from nuts and aged the Downtown Center Business Improvement District and Historic Core BID. to perfection. They are arguably the best In short, Rising Realty Partners is a great example of a family-owned business, and as Los-Angeles based, substitutes for dairy cheese available. vertically-integrated real estate investment and operating platform, it continues to specialize in creating world- class commercial properties.
051-74_FOB_labj_supplement.indd 70 10/25/18 1:52 PM OCTOBER 29, 2018 CUSTOM CONTENT – LOS ANGELES BUSINESS JOURNAL 71
INFLUENTIAL FAMILY-OWNED BUSINESSES How to Effectively Run a Family Business
By DR. BETTY URIBE
wning a business is not easy, especially if it’s a family business. When I think ‘Family businesses and entrepreneurship play a Oof a family business, the expectations significant role in our American culture. One of for a relative are different from those of an employee. Dealing with relatives in the most important things parents business can be tough, as delicate work can teach their children is a sense of values, issues can easily cross over to family matters. which can come from working together and In my experience, clients tend to “brush issues under the rug,” rather than confront a establishing a shared sense of goals, a strong family member with a critical business issue, work ethic, and so much more.’ thereby shortchanging the business.
Family businesses and entrepreneurship play a significant role in our American culture. One of the most important things parents can teach their children is a sense To alleviate missteps when transferring a expected of them. Don’t assume roles and of values, which can come from working family business from one generation to the responsibilities will take care of themselves. together and establishing a shared sense next, a succession plan needs to be created Make them clear and defined so there is an of goals, a strong work ethic, and so much and executed. expectation of who is in charge of what. more. I know this from personal experience, Once roles are declared, make them official both as a banker dealing with clients and Here are three steps family business owners and create a description of each role to share their family business, and as a recipient of a use to effectively run their business: with all of those involved and create a sense family business. of accountability. This is a good document generation, etc. A formal succession plan 1. Create a board of advisors. This to review with board members to make sure should be reviewed a minimum of annually, Statistics show that 95% of business consists of non-family members such as your everyone is pulling their weight for best as circumstances change, and possible heirs owners do not have a succession plan. lawyer, accountant, banker and any business business practices. change their mind from time to time. That means only 5% of those of you reading owner whom you may know and respect. this article have a documented succession Meet at least annually to review how the 3. Legally document the succession A family business can not only be a source plan for your business. This was the case business is being run and discuss family roles plan. If the business or family experiences of great satisfaction, it can also help teach in the transportation business I inherited as part of the succession plan. This is an a loss, nothing is more important than a financial literacy, the value of a dollar, how to from my father. This is when I personally effective way to get invaluable outside advice documented succession plan to honor the work together and reminds us to think about developed a passion for educating my clients on critical decisions. This will also provide founder’s wishes. It is good practice to something greater than ourselves. Now those and loved ones, so they would not have to outside expertise in areas that may prove consult with a succession planning specialist are values any family can get behind! go through what I went through. Visiting beneficial to the growth of the company. for your business. Have these conversations vendors and employees while growing up early in the business, this will allow you to Dr. Betty Uribe is Executive Vice President of was just not enough to prepare me for what 2. Identify roles and responsibilities. investigate all options, including selling the California Bank & Trust. For more information, was to come. Every employee should know what is business, liquidating, passing on to the next contact Dr. Uribe via [email protected].
Family Businesses in 2018 Focus on Head Count Increases and Technology Investments
University. admitting there is more to be done when it than 5%. In the US alone, this would outpace EY survey looks at how family- In response to threats caused by disruption, comes to using their homegrown talent — the the U.S. family businesses plan to scale their first generations that grew up alongside the The hiring plans for family businesses are owned businesses around the investments in technology and innovation digital revolution. Change and disruption grounded in their optimism for the world world are responding to industry over the next three years. According to the were a natural part of their life cycle — and economy in 2018, with 59% predicting growth survey, the top areas identified by family these generations may be well-suited to work in their local economies and a mere 7% disruption businesses where they plan to invest in during in a digital landscape that affects every area of predicting a contraction. this period include new products and services business. Marnix van Rij, EY Global Family Business oday’s family businesses are creating (59%), IT systems and controls (57%), human Dr. Joseph Astrachan, Professor Emeritus, Leader, said, “It’s good news for the global cultures for innovation that are nimble, capital (53%) and production capacity (48%). Kennesaw State University, said, “Family economy that family businesses have plans in Tfoster growth and reward fresh thinking. Carrie Hall, EY Americas Family Business cohesiveness is a key ingredient in generating place to continue embracing change into 2018 According to the EY global family business Leader, said, “It is not surprising that family better financial returns for family business. and beyond. They are the world’s economic survey 2018, family businesses from top global businesses are planning today to protect The next generation grew up with the digital backbone – not to mention job creators. markets believe they are entrepreneurial tomorrow’s businesses from disruption. An revolution and is used to change. It has a More than half of all family businesses intend (68%), foster agility and change (67%) and eye on opportunity and a focus on long-term role to play when it comes to identifying to create jobs this year. They appear to be allow for failure in the pursuit of improvement strategy — as well as an enviable agility disruptive threats or trends that could reshape uniquely positioned to thrive in disruptive (61%). to move forward — have long set family the marketplace. Younger family members times.” What’s more, global family businesses are businesses apart from their non-family are digital natives and ready to rethink The EY Family Business Survey 2018 also using social media (68%), incorporating counterparts.” everything. They can make a real contribution is based on results gathered from 589 of big data (65%) and employing robotic to enhancing the innovation agenda. the world’s largest family businesses in process automation (50%). But in spite of FAMILY BUSINESSES TURNING Engaging them early can support continuity 23 top global markets Valid Research, an utilizing what many class as disrupters in the TO THE NEXT GENERATION and increase family cohesion, which are independent research institute in Germany, marketplace, the survey finds that only 12% of Many respondents in the survey recognize related to superior performance.” used a questionnaire and conducted phone global family businesses identify themselves as the role that their family’s next generation can interviews in the specific country language disrupters. play when it comes to identifying disruptive FAMILY BUSINESSES REMAIN with senior ranking family business leaders. The survey data comes from 589 global threats. Thirty percent of respondents CATALYSTS FOR JOB GROWTH Based on the number of companies contacted family businesses from 23 global markets who note that they are utilizing younger family Family businesses recognize the need for to achieve the desired sample size, a 17.1% each have an average of 9,100 employees and members’ talents “a lot” today. But only 15% talent, both inside and outside the family, to response rate was achieved. an average annual revenue of $3.4 billion. indicate they rely on the next generation “a be nurtured – and retained. The EY survey The EY Global Family Business Survey great deal” for help identifying trends that points out that roughly 50% of all global Information for this article was provided by EY, was co-authored by Dr. Joseph Astrachan, could reshape the marketplace. family businesses intend to create jobs in a global leader in assurance, tax, transaction and Professor Emeritus, Kennesaw State Still, that leaves the majority (55%) 2018, with 10% expecting increases of greater advisory services. Learn more at ey.com
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INFLUENTIAL FAMILY-OWNED BUSINESSES
and Senior Concerns among others. AMS Fulfillment: Upholding In addition, the AMS executive branch has established working relationships with many organizations in the community. A partial list includes: Veteran Services Collaborative; ‘Best for the World’ Standards the SCV Sherriff’s Department; the Youth Activity League; SCV Search & Rescue; First Responders; Goodwill Industries; Pleasant- dvantage Media Services, Inc. (AMS) is ities, individuals that are homeless, persons nized the ‘Green Team’ that monitors recycling, view Industries; the Mayor’s Committee on a privately owned full-service bi-coastal affected by ageism, persons reentering society reduction of plastic use, and packaging to avoid Employment of Individuals with Disabilities; Aorder fulfillment company headquartered in after having been justice-involved and single waste. LA County and the Department of Workforce Valencia, CA. Majority-owned by AMS exec- parents. Many individuals in the community The company has consistently supported Development, Department of Rehabilitation, utives Ken Wiseman and Jay Catlin, the com- who face obstacles in being hired have come to charitable and social causes over the years, with Aging and Community Service (WDACS); pany’s 16-year history is filled with decisions AMS and successfully improved their lives. executives directly participating. These include Los Angeles Mayor›s Office of Economic and undertakings that respect and benefit the AMS began as a Green corporation, and the Sheriff’s Youth Activity League, Search & Opportunity, Office of Reentry; Single Mothers community. As a Certified B Corporation, the over the years has continuously been taking Rescue Team and Sheriff’s Foundation; Green Outreach; Human Ummah Foundation and the company is ideologically committed to uphold steps to reduce its impact on the environ- Santa Clarita, Five Key Charter Schools, Single Earth Day Organization. “best for the world” standards with regard to the ment. This past year a group of employees orga- Mother’s Outreach, the LA Cancer Challenge AMS administration and associates also step community and the environment. up during the holidays to support organizations AMS lists numerous achievements as a job that provide meals and gifts to individuals in provider. Partnering with a local community the community who are in need. Giving back college, College of the Canyons, AMS has to the community is a very big part of the created and culture at AMS, and the entire company takes begun a Nation- great pride in this ‘giving’ culture. FAMILY-OWNED BUSINESS ally Certified The professional association that AMS is SPOTLIGHT Apprenticeship most proud to be a part of is the B-Corporation Program in community. As a B-Corp (Social Enterprise), Logistics, which AMS joins with some of the most admired is a groundbreaking first in the US. Logistics businesses in the US. These are businesses that is one of the fastest-growing fields in the US, seek to prove, through the way they do busi- and AMS is proud to have played a role in ness, that a company can be both profitable originating this apprenticeship program, which and good for the world. is offered free of charge to its employees. The Dedication to the wellbeing of all is a big company has also begun a pre-apprentice pro- part of working at AMS. For AMS manage- gram and established free adult education class- Jay Catling (left) ment and associates, working is not just a job, es for its employees on campus. serves as President/ but an opportunity to advance and grow, gain For years AMS has made it possible for Managing Partner and education and training and lift up family and underserved populations in the community Ken Wiseman as CEO/ community. to find work. This includes youth from at Managing Partner. risk environments, individuals with disabil- For more information, visit AMSFulfillment.com
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LABUSINESSJOURNAL.COM LOS ANGELES BUSINESS JOURNAL Vol. 39, No. 5 THE COMMUNITY OF BUSINESS™ January 30 – February 5, 2017 • $5.00 Ringer Makes D Series Noise Green TECHNOLOGY: Bot Home’s $109 million feeds IPO buzz.
By GARRETT REIM Staff Reporter
Bot Home Automation In Bag Inc., maker of a video cam- era-rigged doorbell called Ring, last week raised a $109 million Series D round and said it is aiming for an initial public of- fering before the end of the year. The Santa Monica firm has Siminoff come a long way since Chief Executive Jamie Siminoff pitched the product on ABC reality TV contest “Shark Tank” and subsequently rejected a tight-fisted investment deal from one of the show’s
Please see TECHNOLOGY page 12 New Roots: Dante Cardenas at E.D. Produce in Vernon. RINGO H.W. CHIU/LABJ Arts District industrial property owners sold on big paydays
By DAINA BETH SOLOMON that I can leave for the future, perhaps to “The location became challenging,” said Staff Reporter my children,” Cardenas said in Spanish. Jae Yoo, a senior vice president at CBRE “Now, I have no thoughts of moving. We’re who marketed Cardenas’ warehouse. “It’s ante Cardenas packages his doing very well here.” not only because the trucks have to compete oregano, sage, beets, and radishes The property value is not likely to mul- against people walking on the streets, which Din Vernon, but just a few years ago tiply as it did in the Arts District, but there becomes a danger and a liability. What he ran his business, E.D. Produce Inc., are other benefits to fleeing the hubbub they’re doing is thinking about the future.” out of a low-slung warehouse in the Arts of the fast-developing downtown neigh- As property owners look ahead, many LARRY BUSACCA/GETTY IMAGES District. He sold the 9,900-square-foot borhood, with its apartments, offices, and are landing fat paychecks from developers Targeted Tech: Snap Inc.’s Evan Spiegel. space in 2014, once he realized its value had eateries. His was among several companies keen on razing or redeveloping old ware- quadrupled over the $1 million dollars he that have taken flight to industrial centers houses, while lessees are finding themselves paid for it just a few years previously. in Vernon, Commerce, the City of Industry, Snap Decisions “It’s better for me to have something and South Los Angeles. Please see REAL ESTATE page 51 INVESTMENT: Will tech giant fight suits to clear IPO path? Firm’s Data Storage Plan Out of This World By HENRY MEIER Staff Reporter INTERNET: Startups look to tion out of reach by Cloud Constellation is projecting it will be able As Snap Inc. moves closer to an expected initial storing it on servers to launch its constellation of 14 low Earth-or- public offering this spring, the Venice photo-shar- satellites for higher security. within satellites or- $5,000 biting satellites by the first quarter of 2019. ing company is going through a rite of passage: de- biting the Earth. Monthly cost “The advantage (of our system) is that the fending itself against a slew of legal actions. By GARRETT REIM Staff Reporter While its system to store 3 terabytes data that you are transmitting has no relationship Lawsuits filed in the last sixth months include has yet to leave the of data in space. or no exposure to the public networks,” said Cliff an array of complaints targeting the company be- Cloud Constellation Corp. has a far- ground, the compa- Beek, the company’s president. “There are leaks hind the popular Snapchat app, including claims flung idea. ny received a boost last month from Palo Alto inside the network that we call the internet.” that parts of the tech unicorn’s underlying product As businesses and governments consid- commercial satellite manufacturer SSL, which Cloud Constellation is not alone in its infringe on patent holders’ intellectual property as er ways to protect data in light of increased has agreed to build Cloud Constellation’s sat- pursuit of a space-based data storage and well as allegations from a former executive that cyberattacks and surveillance, the startup is ellites and invested, along with other backers, offering them a chance to put their informa- an undisclosed sum in the Westwood company. Please see INTERNET page 51 Please see INVESTMENT page 52
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INFLUENTIAL FAMILY-OWNED BUSINESSES Galpin Motors: A Legacy of Forward-Looking Excellence
alpin Motors has been a family owned directions. Among them was the notion of first woman to be so recognized), which is the business since Frank Galpin opened it in dealer level customization, ultimately coined Galpin was the first highest civilian award for volunteerism and G1946. Bert Boeckmann started working as Galpinizing. Of course, custom shops and philanthropy in the San Fernando Valley, sup- as a salesman at Galpin Motors – at age 23, in custom builders had operated in Southern dealership to create ported by the Valley Chambers of Commerce, August of 1953. Fortunately, it was a meeting of California, but Galpinizing gave customers the custom conversion vans civic and philanthropic organizations, entre- like minds as Galpin and Boeckmann agreed on opportunity to make their new cars truly theirs preneurs and corporations located in the San how business should be conducted and how cus- with all manner of custom paint treatments, and sell them to the Fernando Valley. tomers should be treated, taking fresh and inno- special wheels, specially trimmed interiors, public, virtually creating Several of the Boeckmanns’ children, niec- vative approach- and performance options. Boeckmann and es, nephews, grandchildren, and other family es to automotive various Galpin teams used this innovative a whole new segment members are taking ever more active roles in FAMILY-OWNED BUSINESS retailing and ser- approach to commercialize the growing con- of the R.V. business and their various business interests. Son Beau, who vice. Bert quick- version van – one being known as the “Surfer literally and figuratively grew up at Galpin SPOTLIGHT ly rose through Van.” Galpin was the first dealership to create recreational vehicle Square, has taken active and important manage- the ranks at Gal- custom conversion vans and sell them to the movement of the ment roles at the company, currently President pin becoming top salesman at Galpin Motors in public, virtually creating a whole new segment 1960s and 70s. and Chief Operating Officer of Galpin Motors. 1954, manager at Galpin the following year and of the R.V. business and recreational vehicle Beau has brought fresh thought and innovation eventually became Galpin’s sole owner in 1964. movement of the 1960s and 70s. These vans to the company in many ways, and has been the About this time, Galpin and Boeckmann were equipped with beds, carpet, linoleum, catalyst for the addition of many new vehicle divined that the business and its potential were bathrooms, custom cabinets and even raised dio Rentals and a substantial commercial truck brand lines to the Galpin stable. His taste for somewhat limited by the size and location of the roofs. Galpin also was the first dealership to sell leasing division. Galpin Ford is #1 in the world and interest in dealer level customizing, and original San Fernando Road dealership prop- 4x4 customized off road trucks with wenches, in Ford sales for 28 years in a row! Listing the the continuation and expansion of the original erties, and began developing their idea of an gun racks, spotlights, hoists and body lifts. The many government, civic, and service awards Galpinizing philosophy led to the birth of the “automotive department store.” This dealership Galpin Square properties were so attractive and recognizing their considerable community, faith Galpin Auto Sports (GAS) custom/restoration would feature dazzling architecture, comfortable customer friendly that they appeared in many based, and political achievements would fill shop and parts and accessories showroom at spaces, elegant showrooms and offices, a state Ford advertisements and television commer- many more pages. Bert is particularly proud of Galpin Square; The younger Boeckmann was of the art service facility, room for a massive cials. the many top sales and service awards he and also one of the hosts and prime movers during inventory, plus a quality comfortable restaurant Bert married his elegant and accomplished Galpin have been recognized with over the past the Pimp My Ride television show’s filming and as a highly innovative customer service amenity. wife Jane in 1966, and together they are the eight decades. Bert enjoyed a successful 16-plus production tenure at Galpin. Property was secured “on Roscoe Boulevard, just proud parents of 5 children, and so far, 12 grand- year tenure as a Los Angeles Police Department The Boeckmanns clearly have no immediate off the 405” freeway in a more northern and fast children. Galpin Motors has grown to become Commissioner, and was inducted as an honored plans to retire, freely admitting that everything growing part of the Valley. Planning and con- one of the most successful and influential trans- member of the Horatio Alger Association of they do is too much fun to give up in exchange struction began in 1965 for what would become portation dealership groups in the world, now Distinguished Americans in 1995, being the for the proverbial rocking chairs. “Galpin Square.” numbering more than ten premium automotive first automobile dealer to earn this distinction. This new, larger, multifaceted property brands with dealerships in the San Fernando He and Jane have each, and individually, been Learn more about Galpin Motors by allowed Galpin Motors to expand in many and Santa Clarita valleys, plus Hollywood Stu- bestowed the Fernando award (Jane being the visiting galpin.com
F. Gaviña & Sons: Los Angeles’ Own Coffee Roaster
or the Gaviña family, coffee might quite literally run through their veins. The fourth Fgeneration coffee family behind the Don ‘As proud Angelenos, Francisco’s Coffee brand has a legacy to uphold DTLA was our first that dates back almost 150 years to the rich cof- fee-bearing soil of Cuba, where patriarch Don and only choice for Francisco Gaviña honed his skills as a coffee the café.’ producer. In 1967, he established F. Gaviña & Sons, Inc. in Los Angeles, and today, the third and fourth gen- es and our environment for future generations of eration honor our family and yours is a top priority.” FAMILY-OWNED BUSINESS his name and While their focus has shifted over the years SPOTLIGHT coffee tradition from growers to roasters and wholesale distribu- right out of their tion, for the Gaviña’s the end goal has remained state-of-the-art, the same: creating a great cup of coffee. And 240,000 sq. ft. roasting plant in Vernon. on any given day, you will see Francisco’s sons, F. Gaviña & Sons, Inc. – L.A.’s own coffee Paco, Pedro and José, and his daughter, Leonor roaster – has grown from its humble beginnings Gaviña-Valls, along with many of their chil- to become one of the largest family-owned dren, personally involved in every step of the coffee companies in the United States and the process – from sourcing and selecting the finest nation’s largest privately-held minority roaster. 100% Arabica beans, cupping samples as they Aside from making its iconic premium brand arrive, to overseeing the roasting and produc- Don Francisco’s Coffee, it also makes: Gaviña tion, and even using multiple Q Graders (akin Gourmet Coffee, Jose’s Gourmet Coffee, and to wine sommeliers but for coffee) to ensure the Cafe La Llave Espresso. And last year, to coin- consistent quality of their coffee. cide with their 50th anniversary, the company “It’s rare to find a company today that’s man- opened Don Francisco’s Coffee Casa Cubana, we knew we’d be not only be growing the local impact of the business: Energy, water, waste, aged by people born and raised in an artful pro- their first ever flagship café in DTLA’s historic economy, but also contributing to the revitaliza- transportation, pollution prevention, and cli- fession, who remain as passionate as ever about Spring Arcade building. tion of DTLA.” mate protection. The program achieved 100% their product. We are fortunate that our family “For us, Don Francisco’s Coffee Casa Cubana In fact, the Gaviña family is very commit- zero waste to landfill last year. and our brand have stood the test of time, but is an extension of the Don Francisco’s brand and ted to all the communities where they work, “We want people to feel good about drinking the story is far from over,” said Leonor Gaviña- of our home, and it also provides a more direct live, and source from. They support over 300 our coffee, not only because it tastes good, but Valls, Vice President of Marketing for F. Gaviña way for our family to interact with consumers local and regional charities and are particularly also because it does good, and that commitment & Sons, Inc. “We look forward to our children and share coffee drinks and dishes inspired by proud of their corporate sustainability efforts, influences every business decision we make,” and future generations of Gaviñas making us our Cuban/Spanish roots,” said Lisette Gaviña which are organized under the company’s Direct said Michael Gaviña, the company’s Director just as proud by continuing the tradition begun Lopez, Sr. Marketing Director for F. Gaviña & Impact Initiative. The initiative focuses on six of Procurement. “Respecting people and giving by my father many decades ago. Sons, Inc. “As proud Angelenos, DTLA was core areas to continually improve operational back to the community is a cornerstone of our our first and only choice for the café because efficiencies and minimize the environmental family tradition, and preserving natural resourc- Learn more about F. Gavina & Sons at gavina.com
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INFLUENTIAL FAMILY-OWNED BUSINESSES Family-Owned Businesses Outperform Peers in Every Region and Sector
lead author said, “Family-owned businesses generation family-owned companies generated Credit Suisse Research Institute are outperforming their peers in every region, higher risk-adjusted returns than older peers publishes its third report on every sector, whatever their size. Our research ‘Our research seems to during the past 10 years. The report does not see seems to suggest that investors are not too this to be due to succession related challenges family-owned companies concerned about the level of ownership but suggest that investors but a reflection of business maturity. The report rather how involved the family owners are are not too concerned illustrates that younger family-owned companies he Credit Suisse Research Institute (CSRI) in the daily running of the business. This tend to be small cap growth stocks, which has report reviews the investment case for fam- seems to be at the core of the success of fami- about the level of been a strong performing style during the past Tily-owned companies and reveals that they ly-owned companies, in our view.” ownership but rather 10 years. have outperformed broader equity markets in how involved the every region and sector by an annual average KEY FINDINGS: Governance slightly weaker but does it of around 400 basis points per year since 2006. Family-owned companies outperform. family owners are in really matter? The financial performance of family-owned Since the start of 2006 the family-owned the daily running of The HOLT governance scorecard (HOLT companies is also superior to non-family-owned companies basket generated a cumulative is a Credit Suisse platform that provides invest- peers. Furthermore, family businesses appear return of 126% thereby outperforming the the business.’ ment analysis) suggests that family-owned to focus more on long-term growth and their MSCI AC World index by 55%. This implies companies score slightly lower than non-fami- share price returns have been stronger than an annual average ‘alpha’ of 392bps. ly-owned companies. While a strong corporate their peers. governance structure can help identify whether Family-run businesses boast superior a firm is correctly incentivizing its management, The CSRI has researched the characteristics growth and profitability. through organic cash flows or equity whereas it is not the only mechanism through which and the benefits of family-owned companies for The financial performance of family-owned more than 90% of companies believe they have companies can generate superior cash flow almost a decade. The report “The CS Family companies is superior to that of non-fami- greater focus on quality, long-term growth than returns. 1000,” deepens the understanding of this topic ly-owned businesses. Revenue and EBITDA non-family-owned peers. through an analysis of close to 1,000 fami- growth is stronger, EBITDA margins are higher, The Credit Suisse Research Institute is Credit ly-owned, publicly-listed companies by region, cash flow returns are better and momentum in Valuation is not too much of a concern. Suisse’s in-house think tank. The Institute was sector and size (small cap, mid cap and large gearing is more moderate. On a sector-adjusted P/E basis the report established in the aftermath of the 2008 financial cap). In addition, a survey of more than 100 found that family-owned companies trade on a crisis with the objective of studying long-term eco- family-owned companies was conducted to test Family-owned companies have a longer 2% premium to non-family-owned companies, nomic developments, which have – or promise to the conclusions from the analysis. term and conservative focus. much less than the historical average of 12%. have – a global impact within and beyond the finan- The surveyed family-owned companies cial services. Further information about the Credit Eugène Klerk, Head Analyst of Thematic show a strong preference for conservative Succession risk may be overstated. Suisse Research Institute can be found at Investments at Credit Suisse and the report’s growth. New investments are largely financed The report showed that first and second credit-suisse.com/researchinstitute.
We thank our valued employees, loyal clients and our community for our success as a family-owned business. AMS Fulfillment is honored to be acknowledged, along with the other successful family-owned businesses in Los Angeles.
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