OC Business Journal

Family-Owned Business

A Street Partners, Newport Beach

Blaine Annett, Partner

Colby Annett, Partner

A Street Partners (or A Street), is a commercial real estate services company. They are committed to maximizing value and providing superior service to customers and team members. A Street provides a wide range of services including asset management, leasing, investment sales, property management, construction management, and accounting services. A Street has the unique ability to uncover and bring acquisition and development opportunities for office, industrial, and retail product types to its clients. A Street was founded in 2017 by two brothers, Blaine Annett and Colby Annett. The team has quickly grown and now services clients in Orange County, Los Angeles County and the Inland Empire. A Street Partners is known in the market for their exceptional customer service, superior market knowledge, and for having a know-how for getting work done.

Alexander’s Mobility Services, Tustin

Don Hill, CEO

Rhonda Hill, Driver Relations, Comdata & Accounting

The Hill family purchased Alexander’s in the early 80’s from its founder, Stanley Alexander. The company has been a fixture in southern California since 1953. Milt Hill, the patriarch of the current owners, drove trucks for Mr. Alexander before buying the company himself. Under the guidance of the Hill family, Alexander’s has grown to nine locations positioned across the United States. We provide an array of moving and storage services to corporate, government and individual clients. We are Atlas Van Lines’ most decorated quality agent and a leading revenue producer and hauling agency. The Hill family and Don Hill have guided Alexander’s to its current position as an industry leader. The company employs nearly 300 team members, many of whom have been with Alexander’s for ten years or more. Alexander’s has nine locations and more than 800,000 square feet of warehouse space. Alexander’s is a leading quality and revenue producing multi-agency for Atlas Van Lines providing a wide variety of moving, warehousing and storage services.

Anderson Seafoods, Anaheim

Dennis Anderson – Founder & President

Leean Anderson – Founder & President

Todd Anderson - Vice President

Josh Anderson - 3rd generation

Terry Anderson - 3rd employee of the company

Established in 1979 Anderson Seafoods has always been a part of the Orange County community. Their logo is a Marlin jumping out of an Orange, and that Orange represents Orange County. Starting with a lease in 1979, Dennis now owns three facilities on the same street in Anaheim. Anderson Seafoods has evolved into a full-scale, state-of-the-art operation and is recognized as a leading authority in the seafood industry. Core services include importing, processing, portioning and distribution of all varieties of fresh, frozen and live seafood products. Their facilities are USDC (United States Department of Commerce) inspected and are HACCP approved.

Aura Accounting Solutions, Newport Beach

Brandon Kordower, CEO Derek Kordower, COO

During COVID-19 Aura was instrumental in assisting their clients use their accounting to strategize for both business’ survival and for assisting with government-led programs such as PPP and EIDL. Aura maintained 96% of their existing clientele through COVID19, and grew by 15% during the pandemic. The business has grown by 400% since Q1 2018. Brandon is a finance expert who found his calling in accounting. Brandon graduated from Cal State, Fullerton, with a BA in Business Finance. Prior to founding Aura, Brandon was the director of an accounting firm in Newport Beach, CA, where he developed the fractional controller and CFO department. After spending 20+ years in the risk management/insurance industry, Derek is head of all business and HR aspects of Aura. Derek is a six-sigma green belt and is focused on continuous improvement and providing an exceptional customer experience.

Blue Buoy Swim School, Tustin

Johnny Johnson, Owner Cindy Johnson, Co-Owner

Eric Johnson, Operations Manager

Jennifer Johnson, Office Manager

Turner Johnson, Instructor & Guard

Rachael Johnson, Instructor

Emma Johnson, Guard & Instructor in Training

Dave Johnson, IT & previous Instructor

Ryann Johnson, Previous Instructor

Ethan Johnson, Special Events

Chad Johnson,

Special Events Dina Johnson,

Marketing Marlin Clark, Special Events

Yvonne Clark, Special Events

Blue Buoy Family Swim School was founded in 1956 by Mel and Doris Maxwell with the dream of teaching children to swim and be safer in the water by building a foundation for future success. Sixty-five years and thousands of children later, the dream continues with owners Cindy and Johnny Johnson and their family. The Johnson family journey reaches back to Johnny joining their swim team in 1959, becoming a teacher in 1967, he and Cindy becoming partners in 1977, and sole owners in 2007. Johnny still loves being in the pool with their son Eric—in his 30th year of teaching—and their grandchildren. Hundreds of 2nd and 3rd generation families, and many swim teachers who were former students, help carry on the Blue Buoy legacy.

Blue Buoy has helped develop 10 Olympians/World Record Holders and countless others achieve their goals. Blue Buoy has received recognition from numerous national and international organizations for its contributions to swimming, drowning prevention and support of the local schools and nonprofits who help the underserved within the community.

Chamberlain Backhoe Service, Placentia

Nick Long, Director of Operations

Tony Long, CFO

Tyler Long, Service Manager

Chamberlain Backhoe Service was originally founded in 1957, during an era where the “backhoe” was just emerging in US markets. As decades passed, the backhoe has evolved into a coveted, multi-functional machine and CBS has been there throughout the process. The family-owned company has been passed on from generation to generation with the current owner, Tony Long, taking over the reins from his father over 25 years ago. Tony has three sons, Nick, Tyler and Jordan, who all play a key role in the company. Located in Placentia, CA, CBS has a variety of equipment available including: Backhoes, Mini Excavators, Skid Steers, 10 Wheel and Bobtail Dump Trucks as well as a wide range of buckets and attachments such as Augers, Breakers, Forks and Wheel Compactors. With the aid of an in-house mechanic, CBS can keep their machines running in top shape throughout the work week. The majority of the operators that make up the CBS team have been with the company for many years, some for over two decades, giving them the knowledge and experience to handle any job they face. Their loyalty to not only the company, but more importantly to the customer, is what helps CBS stay atop the backhoe rental industry.

Concrete Collaborative, San Clemente

Kate Balsis- Sales & Marketing

Chad Balsis- Architect

Hailey Weller- Finance/Logistics and Inventory

Ryan Weller- Technical Lead & Factory Operations

Sally Smithwick, Sales & Presentation

It is hard to imagine New York City, known for its grit and shades of gray, without layers of concrete. The multifaceted material, used widely since ancient times, permeates every corner, surface, and sidewalk throughout the five boroughs. Naturally, a company fueled by the creation of artisanal concrete and terrazzo surfaces—Concrete Collaborative—got its start in a Brooklyn garage more than 10 years ago, around the time industrial design was gaining mainstream appeal. Concrete Collaborative’s founders—sisters Kate Balsis, Hailey Weller, and Sally Smithwick, who grew up in Australia, and their spouses—never felt quite at home in New York’s densely populated urban landscape. The sisters longed for Australia’s sun and surf, leading them to venture west and relocate their families, and the family business, to a beach town reminiscent of home near San Diego. Since then, the innovative company, founded in 2007, has grown from a five-person operation to a team of nearly 60 people with a factory in California, and a flagship store in New York.

Costa Contemporary Kitchen, Costa Mesa

Kahroba “Kay” Ayazi, Co-Owner

Jose Gutierrez, Co-Owner

Costa has been an amazing welcome addition to OC, and Costa Mesa. It brings

together world class flair and fine dining, while remaining accessible to the community— everyone is welcome and special at Costa. It is also part of the core fabric of the Arts Center and South Coast Plaza extended community—a place for all occasions. It has survived the pandemic and risen from the ashes over and over again—finally welcoming the community back for good in the last several months. Co-Owners Jose and Kay are members and residents of OC, are affiliates of the South Coast Plaza Restaurant Group and are thrilled to welcome you to Costa Contemporary Kitchen!

Crisp Imaging, Corona Del Mar

Gary Crisp, Founder, CEO & President Julie Crisp, Executive Vice President Carter Crisp, Vice President of Marketing

Crisp Imaging had humble beginnings as a single Copy Club shop in Orange, California which opened in early 2001. After 22 years, 11 moves, and three kids in the corporate world, Gary and his wife Julie decided they wanted to live in Southern California for the rest of their lives, raise their children, and become entrepreneurs. A few months after Copy Club had opened its doors, customers kept asking them if they could print reprographics. They realized that they had opened a digital services business in the hotbed of architects, engineers and construction companies that is Southern California. They switched gears to serve the market and create real vendor choice, deciding to de-franchise and created their own name, C2 Reprographics, named after Gary and his wife Julie. With the reprographics industry’s shift toward less printing, more technology, and increased digital solutions, in 2014 C2 Reprographics changed its name to C2 Imaging. In the spirit of personal customer service, on the eve of their 15-year anniversary in 2017 Gary and Julie decided to change the company name to Crisp Imaging. Crisp Imaging currently has 13 (soon to be 17 locations) West Coast locations, over 150 employees, and over 50 cars to serve its customers. Crisp Imaging’s “Customer Driven Culture” always makes customer service its #1 priority by understanding needs and exceeding expectations.

DUEx (Dry Utility Experts), Tustin

Ian Sanchez, Founder Alvin Alvarez, Co-Founder

Dry Utility Experts is a consulting firm specializing in dry utility management with the emphasis on urban development planning and design. With over 17 years of experience and involvement in over 300+ current projects, they provide a unique service to meet the needs of each client, and seamlessly navigate every phase of the project regardless of the scope. Their deep expertise in construction and design standards aid in the management between the development team and utility agencies. Throughout the Los Angeles area, they have collaborated and managed numerous commercial, residential, multi-family buildings, and everything in between. With over 17 years of experience, Ian Sanchez has been in the dry utility design and management industry since 2004. Ian Sanchez has an abundant amount of knowledge of construction and design standards to aid in the management of plans between the development team and utility agencies. Co-Founder of DUEx and more than 15 years in the business, Alvin is a premium resource for design knowledge and utility processes. Alvin has worked closely with LADWP and Southern California Edison over the years and has a complete understanding of all design and construction standards, while building meaningful relationships with the development team and utility agencies they collaborate with.

Elite Connections International, Newport Beach

Tammi Pickle, Vice President Sherri Murphy, President & Founder

Elite Connections International is a private & exclusive matchmaking service. The founder Sherri Murphy met her husband through a matchmaker, that is how she got started in the dating business. They have an extraordinary international clientele and Tammi and Sherri have attended client weddings all over the world. They have worked together for 20 years.

Eustress and Demeter, Huntington Beach

Monica Challingsworth, CEO Darlene Erich, COO

Eustress and Demeter is a full-service restaurant consulting firm specializing in building sales programs for multi-unit restaurants and independent operators.

Monica and Darlene started Eustress and Demeter in December of 2017 to fill a void in the restaurant industry. With an ever-changing landscape they knew there was an opportunity to help brands of all sizes build profitable incremental revenue programs. They have worked with some of the top names in hospitality and private equity along. When the COVID pandemic hit in 2020, they dedicated themselves to pro bono work and ensuring any brand who needed help could have access to them. Eustress and Demeter is a fully woman owned, and woman ran company who believes we all rise together. They have hosted many Women’s Mastermind networking groups and are building a Women’s Entrepreneurial Scholarship Fund. They have been speakers for Women’s Business Counsels and with an investment into a Japanese skincare brand, their core focus is to build confidence from within.

Fairmont Private Schools, Anaheim

David Jackson, Chairman & CEO Chad Jackson, President

Fairmont was one of the first OC schools to re-open for in-person learning this fall. The school applied for and was granted waivers to reopen—offering both inperson learning and a remote program that leveraged live-stream synchronous instruction. The school maintained strict COVID protocols and was able to keep its campuses open all year. Test scores showed that Fairmont students did not suffer from learning loss as a result of COVID-19. Fairmont Preparatory Academy’s Class of 2021 includes 139 seniors who have distinguished themselves by their leadership, service to the community, academic achievements, and artistic and athletic talents. In one of the most competitive years ever in college admissions, Fairmont graduates received 540 unique offers of admissions. Ninety-seven percent of students who applied to a Top 100 college or university were admitted. Last May, Fairmont purchased its fifth campus—Fairmont San Juan Capistrano, a P-12 school. The school has been well received in South OC and is growing quickly.

Golden State Wealth Management, Santa Ana

Daniel Catone, Founder & CEO

Patrick Catone, Founder and Chief Compliance Officer Matthew Catone, Executive VP, Business Strategy John Nahas, Founder and President

Jennifer Nahas, Chief Marketing Officer

In 2013, Daniel R. Catone founded the Golden State family of companies, investment advisers registered with the SEC. Over the last year, Golden State has more than doubled its AUM and increased its advisor count by fifty percent. One quarter of the firm’s advisors are women of whom manage nearly one-half of the firm’s AUM. As a Southern California based registered investment adviser, Golden State has expanded into seven new states in the last year and is on track to continue increasing its national footprint. With a focus on the future of investing, Golden State creates and supports efficient business practices for its advisors. These include a turnkey asset management program, brokerage general agent and a robo-advisor. Golden State is also recognized as one of Orange County’s largest RIAs. With 60 advisors, the firm is committed to managing the financial dreams and futures of the individuals, companies and foundations within their communities around them.

Halcyon Health Direct Primary Care, Irvine

James Gaor, CEO Emilie Scott, MD

Halcyon Health Direct Primary Care, was established in 2016 by a husband and wife team who wanted to redefine how primary care is delivered. They believe that a trusting relationship between you and your doctor is the key to better healthcare. Communication is at the center of care, not drugs or tests. The direct primary care model allows us to do what we love, and do it well: listen. The better we know you the better care we can give you. They are proud of their

ability to provide care to the Orange County community for the past five years. They have grown from one doctor to three and from no patients to 1100 patients over the course of five years. Emilie Scott trained at the Mount Sinai Beth Israel Residency in Urban Family Medicine in New York, NY. She completed a fellowship in Integrative Medicine with Dr. Andrew Weil. She loves to teach and is an assistant professor at UCI, having won the teaching award in 2010. James Gaor, MD was born and raised in California, but ventured out to the East Coast to become board certified in Emergency Medicine after training at Albert Einstein College of Medicine in Bronx, NY.

High Park Tap House, Mission Viejo

Valorie Green, Primary Owner John Green, Co-Owner Michael Green, General Manager

Valorie Green has helped turn High Park Tap House from a sports bar restaurant to a combination of sport bar foods and healthy foods, and great networking restaurant for the community. Green partnered with Mission Viejo Chamber to host the “Daybreakers networking breakfast meeting- became one of the highly attended networking meetings of the Chambers. Another partnership Green has established was with the Wellness Choice Center company which is a healthy weight loss company. The owner designed a menu for her restaurant that allows those who are in the program to enjoy the meals at her restaurant while maintaining their weight loss goals. Customers can choose a diverse menu pairing with their favorite beverages to a healthy menu for those who are watching the calorie intake and yet would like to enjoy eating out. Her restaurant has become a favorite place for people connecting with family and friends over food and drinks while making fun memories together.

HomeQuest Sales, Yorba Linda

Jim Joffe, President

Shane Joffe, Partner & General Manager

Founded 23 years ago, Yorba Linda-based HomeQuest Sales has become the largest retailer of manufactured homes in the Western United States. The company is transforming the manufactured housing industry and home buying experience by providing the technology for customers to shop and order a home online. This saves home buyers both time and money, while offering an unprecedented number of floor plans and features from a variety of manufacturers. HomeQuest Sales launched its new platform this year, which is changing the way home buyers shop and custom-build their ideal manufactured home, from backyard Tiny Homes and ADUs to larger homes used for a weekend getaway or primary residence. HomeQuest Sales provides more than 60 floor plans, photos, and virtual tours of manufactured homes from seven different manufacturers, with more to be added in the coming months. In the last 12 months, HomeQuest has had a sales increase of over 300%, which General Manager Shane Joffe attributes not only to the growing popularity of ADUs in this hot real estate market, but also to the company’s new, user-friendly home shopping platform.

Hosa Technology Inc., Buena Park

Mayumi Allison, Chief Executive Officer Sho Sato, President & Founder

Hosa is synonymous with audio connectivity solutions. Since its inception in 1984 when the company was founded by Sho Sato, Hosa has partnered with professional musicians and enthusiasts to generate adaptors, interconnects, and multi-channel snakes to electrify the industry. At Hosa, all employees exemplify the company’s purpose statement: Connecting what moves the world. While Hosa’s top-of-the-line products provide unparalleled connectivity solutions for musicians and professionals across the globe, it’s their team’s sense of community that truly sets them apart. After three decades of hard work and dedication, Sato has passed the torch of leadership to his daughter, Mayumi Allison. Under the leadership of CEO Mayumi Allison, Hosa partners and sponsors creative organizations that enrich the lives of those within the arts and music community.

Image Options, Foothill Ranch

Tim Bennett, Founder & Chairman Debbie Bennett, Office Manager Thomas Bennett, Accounting Manager

Founded in 1999, Image Options is a leader in the printing, surface imaging, display and visual communications industry. From initial conception to production, from design and fabrication to installation, Image Options delivers provocative and effective visual communication solutions for retail, tradeshows, events, corporate environments and more. From what started as a five-person start-up grew (pre-pandemic) to 180 employees in Orange County and San Jose. The Bennett’s developed three lines of business— Experiential Graphic Design (architectural), Trade Show & Events, and Retail servicing top-tier clients in each such as; Gensler, AI (Architectural Interiors), LinkedIn, Adobe, DreamForce, Oracle Open World, Dior, Oakley, LVMH brands, IKEA, Skechers. Image Options is the first certified Sustainable Green Print (SGPPartnership) in the West.

Impact Wealth Management, Irvine

Mark Delp, Branch Manager Dina Delp, CPA. Director of Finance

Mark Delp opened his wealth management practice in 2009 and ended that year with three employees and under $500,000 in sales. Fast forward to 2021. He now has three locations, 23 employees and advises on over $1.2 billion of client assets. That growth was fast enough to make Inc. Magazine’s list of the 500 fastest growing companies in the nation. Exponential growth is impressive but growing that far, that fast while keeping employees engaged and happy is even more impressive. Fortune Magazine named Mark’s practice as one of the Best Small Companies to Work For in the nation two years in a row. The Financial Times recognized Mark as one of the top 401 retirement plan advisors in the nation in 2019 and 2020. The Orange County Business Journal twice honored the practice as one of the 100 most community minded companies in Orange County. The National Diversity Council honored Mark as one of 15 Latino Leaders in the nation in 2019 for his work in improving diversity in his industry.

InterCommunicationsInc., Newport Beach

Toni Alexander, President & Creative Director

Tyler Strateman, VP of Client Services and Development

Wyatt Strateman, Director of Environmental Sign Design & Account Executive

Regarded by many as the original destination storytellers, InterCom® has thrived in Newport Beach for over 38 years. Since acquiring the company in 1984, Toni Alexander has brought her knowledge, creativity and tireless enthusiasm to her position of president/creative director, and has worked to mentor and grow her employees. A true family affair, Toni’s eldest son, Tyler, joined the company in 2007. Holding a Masters in Real Estate Development from USC, Tyler has become an integral part of InterCom, as the VP of Client Services and Development. Wyatt, Toni’s youngest son, joined the company in 2011. Wyatt holds an undergraduate degree from USC, from the school of Policy Planning & Development, and contributes his knowledge and experience to InterCom as the director of environmental sign designs/account executive. InterCom has received 200+ industry awards, and it has been especially gratifying for Toni to celebrate them with her sons. Toni has served on the board at UCI, in the School of Arts, for over 10 years—and on the boards of the Newport Beach Art Museum and the Laguna Playhouse. In prior years, InterCom provided promotional community services for the Taste of Newport and designed a marketing campaign for the Newport Beach Visitor and Conference Bureau.

Jacqueline Thompson Group, Newport Beach

Jacqueline Thompson, Founder & Realtor Bill Thompson, Chief Operating Officer

Realtor Jacqueline Thompson founded The Jacqueline Thompson Group in 2008, serving discerning clientele from Canyon to Coast. Alongside husband Bill Thompson, she has forged one of the most successful luxury residential real estate practices in Orange County. She has earned a reputation for excellence, setting records, and achieving over $1.3 + billion in career transactions. Specializing in estates within Shady Canyon, Newport Coast, Newport Beach and Laguna Beach, Jacqueline and her team are known for their unparalleled market knowledge and unsurpassed first class service. Influential and respected, Jacqueline and Bill are passionate about giving back and regularly support organizations such as CHOC, UNICEF, Mercy Ship, Saddleback Church, Mariners Church, and the Jewish Community Center. As a fellow family-owned business, Jacqueline and Bill are committed to supporting other family-owned organizations that are also having a positive impact on our incredible community.

Justice HQ, Santa Ana

Brad Simon, Founder

Robert Simon, Founder Nicole Prince, CEO

Julie Gossett, Membership Director

RJ Gossett, Director of Operations

Brandon Simon, Board Member

Justice HQ has been the most disruptive force in the legal arena in the past century. The Simon Brothers and their marketing director, Teresa Diep, started the movement in 2020, and it has grown exponentially. The community provides an exclusive network to help consumer advocate attorneys grow their own solo practices, all while giving their power back and inspiring them to invest in their own cases and lives, rather than the stodgy brick-and-mortar law firms that paralyze progress. With Justice HQ and The Simon Law Group, one of the bestknown law firms in the country, the brothers combined their fantastic trial results with the muscle of genius marketing, and the altruistic goal of spreading around their secret sauce: podcasts, technology, conferences, videos, mentoring — all for free. By adding other legal specialists and influencers to their platform, hundreds of attorneys are coached into starting their own firm, doing it the right way, being efficient with tech solutions and showing off their new lawyer lifestyle. No more will clients absorb the costly overhead decisions of the days of old. With one monthly membership that costs less than fixed trophy office space, approved lawyers get access to several office spaces, mentorship, virtual solutions, mail uploads, the clarity of collective media, case collaboration with some of the top legal minds in the industry, and the freedom to bid on work through their custom member-tomember exchange. Not a bad trade for an industry that was in dire need of a system upgrade.

King’s Seafood Company, Costa Mesa

Sam King, Founder & CEO

Jan King

Michael King, Real Estate Acquisition & Restaurant Development

Stephen King

KC King

King’s Seafood Company (KSC) has evolved through 76 years of family restaurant business experience. In 1945, Lou and Mickey King, Jeff and Sam King’s respective fathers, began to build King’s Restaurants throughout Southern California. Sam and Jeff expanded upon the family legacy, and their passion and dedication is evident through the continued success of KSC. The company now operates seven different restaurant concepts. There are 12 King’s Fish House restaurants throughout California, Nevada and Arizona. Water Grill has five locations in California and Nevada, with two new restaurants opening soon in Colorado and Washington. They have three different steakhouse concepts: Meat on Ocean in Santa Monica, 555 East in Long Beach, and Lou & Mickey’s in San Diego’s Gaslamp District. They also operate two fast casual restaurants: Pier Burger on the Santa Monica Pier, and Fish Camp in Huntington Beach. In 2008, the company built King’s Seafood Distribution, a 15,000 sq ft processing and distribution center in Santa Ana, CA, which exclusively caters to the company’s growing stable of restaurants, and allows KSC to offer the freshest and most seasonal seafood to its guests.

McClain Cellars, Laguna Beach

Jason McClain, Proprietor

Sofia McClain, Proprietor

After spending over 20 years in the dot-com world and over 30 years running a business Jason found himself on a true mission and a search for one thing: To create the finest wine from the best soils in California that would truly bring about an emotion to the one who enjoyed it. Since 2016 McClain Cellars has produced numerous award-winning and 90+ pont wines, and has grown to two locations with two more opening in 2021. As a mentor, coach and 30-year entrepreneur, Jason has sought to help people find their true passion in both business and life. He has had the privilege of employing hundreds of employees throughout the U.S., UK and other countries as well. He has built and sold more than a dozen companies over his career and in 2015 alone Jason’s online efforts earned more than $10 Million.

Miguel’s Restaurants, Corona

Javier Vasquez, President & CEO

Silvia Vasquez, Vice President Mary’s Kitchen & Production

Mary Vasquez, Founder & Chief Recipe Officer

Mike and Mary Vasquez founded Miguel’s California Mexican Cocina in 1973. The restaurant was named in honor of Mike’s grandfather and serves Mary’s original mouthwatering homestyle Mexican cuisine inspired by her childhood in Central Mexico. In 1975, the Vasquez family opened a premium quick-service concept, Miguel’s Jr. down the street. Miguel’s Jr. was an immediate success and has grown to 21 locations throughout Orange County and the Inland Empire. Today, Miguel’s Jr. boasts annual unit volumes above best in class brands in the QSR and fast casual category and is led by Javier Vasquez, CEO and president of Miguel’s Restaurants and son of founders Mike and Mary Vasquez. Throughout its nearly 50 years in business, Miguel’s Restaurants and the Vasquez Family have been awarded for their business achievements and craveable, homestyle Mexican food. CEO Javier Vasquez was named the Family Business Entrepreneur of the year by the Spirit of the Entrepreneur award in 2007.

Montessori Preschool, Irvine & Lake Forest

Dr. Seema Choudhary, Founder

Dharmendra Pal, Co-Owner

Montessori Preschool Irvine & Lake

Forest aids in the development of the whole child, not just academics, with a structured program to develop a socially confident & independent child. Montessori Preschool embodies grace and courtesy, engaging with respect, patience and kindness. The school has a mixed age classroom where the younger kids are encouraged to learn from the older kids thereby providing an opportunity for the older kids to show their leadership prowess. The students are taught organizational skills apart from politeness, grace, courtesy, respect, patience and kindness to ensure success in the future. They also incorporate appreciation of Mother Nature’s bounty with opportunities like caring for plants and gardens.

Mr. Cabinet Care, Anaheim

Saed Jaridly, CEO

Mo Jaridly, Founder

Sam Jaridly

AJ Jaridly

Established in 1987, The

Original Mr. Cabinet Care has become one of the largest and most trusted kitchen remodeling companies in Southern California. The family owned and operated company started in a modest 1,500 square foot shop in Santa Ana, CA. Their facilities have grown from 3,000 to 7,500 square feet before settling into their current 24,000 square foot factory in Anaheim, CA. The Original Mr. Cabinet Care is owned and operated by the Jaridly Family. Over the years the father Moe and three sons Sam, Sid and AJ have been committed to enhancing the lives of their clients, team members and partners. Their staff includes only the finest design consultants, five star certified installers and in-house engineers to assure quality control each step of the way. The company’s success has been based on constantly improving and perfecting all of their business systems. Mr. Cabinet Care’s commitment to the industry, quality products, exceptional design, and dedication to customer satisfaction has led to a remarkable 96% client referral rate, one of the highest in the industry!

Mutt’s, Newport Beach

Alex Murray, Co-Owner

Meghan Murray, Co-Owner

Gail Lynch, Consultant

Dan Lynch, Consultant

Owned by husband-and-wife locals Alex and Meghan Murray, Mutt’s in Newport Beach celebrates eclectic Americana while serving as a central gathering place for the community, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner in a family-friendly, convivial atmosphere. Located in the Eastnbluff Village Center, Mutt’s exudes the same character and charm as its sister concept, Mutt Lynch’s, but through a refined, family-friendly environment. At 2675 square feet, the restaurant offers plenty of indoor seating and a spacious patio. Its inviting vibe and at-home atmosphere are brought to life through furniture, art, and decor custommade in-house. The Mutt’s menu features approachable American eclectic dishes and a craft cocktail menu highlighting spirits from artisan distilleries across the United States. Meghan’s parents, Gail and Dan Lynch founded Mutt Lynch’s in 1976; as experienced restaurateurs, they have played an important role in the opening of Mutt’s. The Murrays plan to build and operate additional Mutt’s locations throughout the United States. Each location will celebrate its respective community with distinct decor and menu items that reflect unique elements of the town and its history.

New American Funding

Rick Arvielo, CEO

Patty Arvielo, President

Tom Briggs, Branch Manager

Rob Briggs, Sales Manager

Jim Golay, Facilities Manager

Marcia Gregorio, Production Manager

Tara Briggs, Loan Consultant

Drew Haberl, Loan Consultant

New American Funding is a family-owned business, dedicated to helping other families and individuals improve their quality of living. The company is a Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and Ginnie Mae direct lender, seller, and servicer. Even though they have thousands of employees, Rick and Patty Arvielo welcome every employee as family. Founded in 2003 by the Arvielos, the company is licensed in 49 states across the nation and maintains a servicing portfolio of $51.4 billion. New American Funding currently has over 180+ nationwide locations and about 4,800 employees nationwide. The Arvielos remain active in the housing industry and community, fulfilling their passion of advocating for homeowners and underserved communities. They are active in the Mortgage Bankers Association, the National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals, and other organizations in the housing industry. They serve their community through a variety of philanthropic initiatives, including sponsoring community involvement among employees with their in-house Lending a Helping Hand program.

OEM Materials & Supplies Inc., Santa Ana

Wendy King, CEO

Brandy Murad

OEM Materials operates out of a brick and mortar facility located in the heart of Orange County. The company was founded in 2005 by Wendy King, a single mother of two daughters. Wendy believed that there was a need for personalized service in the supply industry and the rest is history. Over the years her company “OEM” has received a number of Awards for being the fastest growing small business in OC, Top Minority, and Top Woman-owned Business. Knowing the need for support, OEM proudly contributes to Olive Crest Children’s Home, Kidworks, Teen Challenge, and Girls Inc. Wendy’s philosophy is that being in business is not just about successfully filling orders, it’s about touching people’s lives in a meaningful way. OEM has become a leading packaging supplier in Aerospace winning long term agreements with many of the top names in the industry. The company received a Letter of Recognition from OC District Attorney’s Office regarding OEM’s efforts in being a trust-worthy source of PPE supplies during the pandemic.

Oggi’s Sports Brewhouse Pizza, San Clemente

George Hadjis, Founder

John Hadjis, President

Dora Hadjis, CFO

Estella Ferrera, Vice President

Tommy Hadjis, General Manager

Shawn Hadjis, Operations Manager

The Oggi franchise was created by two brothers, George and John Hadjis, who began serving their own pizzaria experience in August of 1991. The family-owned pizza concept has defined craft brewing, fresh pizza, and brewpub favorites in a sports-themed atmosphere, has 16 locations in Southern California and Arizona. Oggi’s is currently the official pizza of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim and specific Oggi’s menu items are also available at the professional team stadium. Throughout the years they have been the official pizza of multiple professional teams including but not limited to the Padres, The Ducks, The Coyotes, etc.

Osmond Marketing, San Clemente

Amy Cook, CEO

Jeff Cook, CFO

Emily Woll, COO

Jason Osmond, Director of Business Development

Sarah Hilton, Director of Advisory Services of Skilled Nursing

Maia Bingham, Intern

Dr. Amy Osmond Cook received her Ph.D. from the University of Utah in Communication. She is the CEO of Osmond

Marketing, founder of the Divorce Support Center, and a health/wellness columnist for the Orange County Register, Daily Herald, Family Share, and Cupid’s Pulse. Amy has worked as an instructor at Arizona State University, Brigham Young University, and the University of Utah intermittently for the past 15 years. Osmond Marketing is a woman-owned, full-service content marketing organization specifically designed to meet the needs of small businesses and healthcare companies. Our innovative model allows companies to operate on retainer but with the oversight to have all contracted hours available for their perusal at all times. With our unsurpassed quality and customer service, Osmond Marketing experienced 148% growth in 2015 and is on track to experience the same levels of growth this year. She has been featured in publications such as People and USA Today and on television shows such as Good Morning America.

OTACA, Aliso Viejo

Anthony Accetta, Co-Founder

Nicole Accetta, Co-Founder

OTACA Tequila, a new-to-market agave spirits company, launched in Spring 2021 throughout Southern California. Founded by Anthony and Nicole Accetta, a husband-and-wife duo with a shared passion for entrepreneurship, artistry, and the endless pursuit of the ultimate sipping tequila. After years of researching and tasting the world’s finest tequilas and traversing Mexico’s most-treasured agave plantations, the Dana Point duo embarked on a mission to create their own ultra-premium tequila that would be ‘Once Tried, Always Craved Agave.’ OTACA Tequila is a boutique agave spirits brand made from 100% Blue Weber agave piñas grown in the lowlands in the town of El Arenal - Mexico’s gateway to the blue agave region of the Jaliscan Lowlands. Each hand-selected agave piña is harvested once it reaches its optimum maturity after eight years and then fermented, twice filtered, and twice distilled through a proprietary chilling process. The result is a pristine, ultra-smooth sipping tequila presenting the purest expression of agave’s natural flavors.

Pacific Rheumatology Medical Center, Tustin

Behnam Khaleghi, President, MD

Nazila Khaleghi, CEO, CFO

Dr. Khaleghi and Pacific Rheumatology Medical Center has been treating and servicing over 13000 patients in Orange County over the past 10 years. Passionately helping medical students get experience onsite by involving and training them, helping meet internship requirement hours. Students include Physician Assistants, Nurse Practitioners and Medical Assistants. Dr. K. has tripled the size of the practice, even after the challenging year of 2020, and has continued to service the community during the pandemic with no interruptions. Pacific Rheumatology Medical Center currently operates two offices in Orange County, Tustin and Laguna Woods.

Pence Wealth Management, Newport Beach

Laila Pence, President, LPL Registered Principal

Dryden Pence, Chief Investment Officer

When Laila Pence, president of Pence Wealth Management, entered the financial services industry, as a woman over 30 years ago, her family and peers were skeptical. Women in finance were extremely rare. Today, she and her husband, Dryden Pence, chief investment officer of Pence Wealth Management, are proud to lead a financial services firm with $1.7 billion in assets under advisement. There has been a great deal of learning on the job and she and her husband is fortunate to have been able to build a team that is 54% female. Laila serves on the Board of Trustees for the Claremont Graduate University and is very passionate about outreach and giving back to her community. As an immigrant from Egypt, Laila worked hard from a very humble beginning in order to achieve her own American dream. She feels it is very important to stay connected with her Egyptian heritage. In 2017, Egyptian President Sisi honored Laila and 30 other Egyptian-American women who found success abroad with distinguished skills and experiences at the ‘Egyptian Women Can’ conference.

Platinum Container, La Habra

Christine Sheffield, President Peter Sheffield, CEO

Nate Sheffield, Structural & Graphic Designer

Anthony Arenas, Production Staff

Platinum Container started to thrive from the start but then hit the 2008, 2009 recessionary period which slowed things down a bit before ramping up again. They provide high quality, eco-friendly retail and industrial boxes. Platinum Container has grown a company the last 15 years that has included capital

equipment purchases, a building purchase, adding additional employees with a desire to add more very shortly. Their biggest accomplishment is that they get to gainfully employee team members that become a part of our family, creating a culture that encourages collaboration and a sense of pride for all that they do.

Precision Wallcovering and Painting, San Juan Capistrano

Allan Horn, President

Lauren Horn, Secretary

Chad Horn, COO & CFO

Jett Horn, Director

Precision Wallcovering & Painting has been providing professional interior and exterior wall finishes to the entire Southern California area since 1979. They were founded in 1979 by Allan Horn as a young student working his way through college. Specializing in the hospitality industry, medical facilities, retirement communities, and government projects and commercial spaces, we have earned the highest reputation in our industry by providing top workmanship, expediting tight timelines, and providing high-end service with a competitive price on all types of projects.

Primary Freight Services Inc., Buena Park

John Brown, CEO

Kathy Hogan, President

Haley Brown, Warehouse Customer Service Rep.

Christopher Figueroa, Account Executive

Karana Brown, Accounting

CJ Thomas, Truck Load

Christina Brier, Pricing

Established in 1998, Primary Freight Services, Inc. is a brother and sister family owned, professionally run Integrated Logistics Company. The company started as a pure freight forwarder focusing on ocean and air freight and over time became a strong 3PL service provider. They opened their own warehouse facilities which has allowed them to grow into a strong fulfillment, distribution and last mile delivery company. This has all been possible through consistent investment in technology and listening to customer’s needs. The key to their success is putting people first- whether it’s customers or their employees. Their company culture emphasizes support and respect and therefore, their employees feel encouraged and motivated to do the best job. They also recognize the importance to give back to their community by supporting local vendors, volunteering at local shelters and giving charity to those in need. Furthermore, they have always placed an emphasis on consistent, personalized service, which has set them apart from their competitors and have earned recognition from customers, partners, and global network associations.

Reborn Cabinets, Anaheim

Vincent (Vinny) Nardolillo, Founder

Brenda Nardolillo, Founder

Vincent (Vince) Nardolillo, President

Anthony Nardolillo, CFO

Seth Nardo, General Manager

In 1974, Vinny and Brenda Nardo packed their two young sons and all of their possessions into their green station wagon and a 22-foot trailer. The young family set out across the country in search of a better life. The Nardo sons, Vince, five, and Anthony, three, slept in bunk beds in the family trailer while Vinny took on odd jobs, specializing in woodworking, here and there. Six months later, the Nardos arrived in California and settled in a trailer park across the street from Disneyland. Initially, Vinny took jobs at local cabinetry companies and brought a “new” method of cabinetry to these companies: Refacing. Refacing was, and remains to be, a faster and more-affordable way to restore cabinets. This new technique was so exciting and very profitable for the companies that Vinny worked for. The couple saw an opportunity, so Vinny and Brenda decided to try to make a go of running a cabinetry company of their own.Reborn Cabinets was founded in 1983 with a $300 table saw and a 1,200 square foot office. Today, Reborn is still completely family owned and operated…and thriving! In addition to the leadership of Vinny and Brenda, Vince Nardo (President), Anthony Nardo (CFO) and now, 3rd generation, Seth Nardo (Gen. Manager), have expanded Reborn Cabinets to seven locations, including their 40,000 foot Anaheim Showroom and manufacturing center.

Russell Fischer Partnership, Huntington Beach

Chase Russell, President Jeanie Russell, Partner

Russell Fischer was founded in 1987 by Ric Russell, who attacked each day with a smile and with the knowledge that it would be better than the last. With Ric’s vision, the company became the first to combine oil change, fuel, and car wash services, ultimately creating the Car Care Center model. Today, managed by mom and son duo Chase and Jeanie Russell, the company continues to grow and focus on providing the highest quality of services and does not stop at cars. That same dedication extends to the community Russell Fischer has called home for over 30 years. Since 2010 Russell Fischer has doubled in size and now provides car care services to more than 500,000 cars each year at six locations across Orange County and is the longest standing car wash chain in Southern California.

Savage Search Associates, Lake Forest

Isabel Savage, CEO & President

Jacob Savage, Recruiting Partner

Kristina Savage, Associate Recruiting Partner

Isabel “Lina” Savage has over three decades of experience in the recruiting and search space with a successful track record building highperformance teams. She has incredible passion and relentless determination to always deliver excellence. Also known as a Training Expert in the Recruitment/Search industry, Lina developed and created full-proof modules used by organizations throughout my career and currently used by our Powerhouse Team. Savage Search Associates was a vision created after working for one of the most distinguished search/staffing firms in the Southern California market, Abigail Abbott Staffing. Here Lina learned that delivering a unique personal experience is prevalent when being entrusted with clients’ and candidates’ changing job search needs. Lina is a Certified Personnel Consultant (CPC) and a longtime member of Pinnacle Society, the nation’s premier consortium of top recruiters within the permanent placement and search industry.

Scarlet Kitchen & Lounge, Rancho Mission Viejo

Paige Riordan, Executive Chef & Owner Matt Riordan, Co-Owner & General Manager Marty Manley, Co-Owner & Chef de Cuisine Anne Manley, Co-Owner & Human Resources

Since its opening in January 2020, Scarlet Kitchen & Lounge has delighted the Orange County community.

Executive Chef/Owner Paige Riordan’s menu focuses on time-honored family recipes and East Coast classics brought to life with the finesse and flair of West Coast farm-to-table cuisine.

Scarlet Kitchen & Lounge is a familyowned business in every sense of the word. Riordan’s husband, mother, and father are all involved in the day-to-day operations at the restaurant. Riordan is joined in the kitchen by her father Marty Manley, a former East Coast commercial fishing captain, who attended culinary school at the Art Institute of Orange County. The father-daughter duo attended their respective culinary schools simultaneously, and much like the menu at Scarlet itself creates a convergence of East Coast meets West Coast. Her husband Matt Riordan, a former finance executive, runs front-of-house operations as the restaurant’s general manager; and her mother, Anne Manley co-owner and CFO of a family-owned business on the East Coast will manage business operations including HR and financials.

Seven Gables Real Estate, Tustin

Mike Hickman, CEO & President

Michael R. Hickman, General Counsel & Huntington Harbour Branch Manager

Brett Hickman, Photographer & Videographer

Lauren McKee, Senior Production Analyst

Jen Hickman, Senior Production Analyst

Adriana Hickman, Real Estate Agent

Founded in 1976, Seven Gables Real Estate was established to provide a culture for its associates to work and thrive within at an extreme level of competence, care, and innovation for the benefit of its customers. The company believes deeply that their collective belief in the established values that adorn the walls not only guide them, but provide a constant reminder of their “why.” Seven Gables’ vision of “Helping Our People Maximize Their Potential” is embedded in every aspect of the

company. Through Hickman’s direction and leadership, Seven Gables’ image, brand, and reputation continue to be expertly cultivated and thoughtfully preserved. Having conducted business in the heart of OC for 45 years, Seven Gables has grown to become one of OC’s largest real estate brokerage firms and a luxury market leading brokerage in its primary markets. Seven Gables is nationally recognized for innovation by Inman News, Leading Real Estate Companies of the World®, RISMedia, and REAL Trends. As a company that sees its local focus as one of its strongest assets, Seven Gables naturally strives to maintain a high level of community involvement.

Sugar ‘n Spice, Balboa Island

Courtney Alovis, Owner

Will Alovis, Owner

Sugar ‘n Spice is celebrating its 76th anniversary as the original frozen banana and Balboa Bar shop on Balboa Island. Proudly serving both locals and vacationers alike since 1945, the brand also includes a catering truck that offers contactless delivery for patrons who prefer to enjoy their favorite sweet treats at home. In 2021, they also started shipping their iconic treats to customers nationwide via Goldbelly. Led by Will and Courtney Alovis, the iconic brand loves nothing more than being able to deliver smiles to the various generations of patrons who get their sweet tooth fix from a dose of Sugar ‘n Spice and being Goodwill Ambassadors for Balboa Island through their nationwide shipping.

Tait & Associates Inc., Santa Ana

Trevor Tait, Managing Director

Tom Tait, CEO

Rich Tait, President

Dr. Kenneth E. Tait, Chairman Emeritus

Founded in 1964 by Dr. Kenneth E. Tait, TAIT & Associates is a third generation family-owned Engineering, Environmental, and Land Development company headquartered in Santa Ana, CA. The company has offices throughout the Western United States.

TAIT promotes a culture of Kindness, and has been named a Top Workplace by OC Register five years in a row. They are an ACG finalist for Sustainable company of the Year. The company consistently ranks in local and national publications including the OCBJ top Engineering and Environmental Lists, as well as the ENR Top Engineering Firms. TAIT Development is the master developer of the 375-acre Newport Coast Property at the former Coyote Canyon Landfill.

The Amin Law Group (TALG), Irvine

Ismail Amin, Founder & Owner

Tenny Amin, Co-Owner

The Amin Law Group was founded in 2005 by Ismail Amin, fulfilling a lifelong dream of owning his own firm. While at Pepperdine School of Law, Ismail was a part of the Palmer Center for Entrepreneurship and the Law, a prestigious Center which prepares students to fulfill the overlapping roles of lawyer and entrepreneur. Upon graduation from Pepperdine School of Law, Ismail worked for a few law firms before putting his legal and entrepreneurial knowledge to work and created The Amin Law Group to focus on business and intellectual property law. His wife, Tenny Amin, an established lawyer in her own right, joined the firm one year later, bringing a family law practice area to the firm. Over the past 16 years, The Amin Law Group has grown to four offices in Irvine, CA; Las Vegas, NV; Dallas, TX; and Raleigh, NC; the firm has provided high-quality legal services to clients across the country and world, obtaining numerous judgments and settlements in favor of their clients, while serving as a resource to the community.

The Cliff Restaurant Laguna Beach, Laguna Beach

Sharon Haron, Owner

Kathy Gibson, Owner

Hilary Haron, HR

Charles Haron, Bar Manager

Erika Gibson, Director of Culinary Operations

Sharon and Kathy, a teacher and an attorney respectively, opened The Cliff Restaurant in Laguna Beach in 2006. It is nestled into a small artist village called Laguna Village Arts & Flowers. In 1980, their parents, Edward and Dorothy Olson began work on this village, and soon welcomed artist tenants to the coast side shopping area. Sharon and Kathy had spent much of their youth traveling to Laguna Beach with their parents who also had an art gallery in town. When the opportunity to open a restaurant there came up, they jumped at the opportunity. The view is one of a kind - there is truly nothing like it in the world. Three of their children, Chip Haron, Hilary Haron and Erika Gibson, now work in the business with them. Since opening the business in 2006 they have been awarded the Best of Laguna Beach and the Best of Orange County.

The Joseph Company International Inc., Irvine

Mitchell Joseph, CEO

Matteo Joseph, Chief Technology Officer

Mitchell J. Joseph is the founder of the Joseph Company International and is the 4th generation of The Joseph Family, dating back to 1921 with the bottling and distribution of Dad’s Old Fashioned Root Beer & Squirt, to dedicate himself to the beverage business. The Joseph Company International, based in Irvine, California, is the developer, manufacturer, and patent holder of the world’s first and only commercially viable self-chilling beverage can, known as the Chill-Can®. The Joseph Company intends to rapidly commercialize the self-chilling beverage can and associated self-chilling and nonchilling beverage packaging containers through private labels and the licensing of the technology to the beverage world.

The Rand Group, Newport Beach

Paul Rand, Managing Director & Partner

Joel Rand, Managing Director & Partner

The Rand Group is a family-owned, concierge-style wealth management firm founded by brothers, Paul and Joel Rand, and their partner, Sarah Minakary. After 15 years of working together at a major wall street investment company, in 2016 The Rand Group came to the conclusion that they could better serve their clients in a fiduciary role by forming an independent firm. Today, The Rand Group is a nationally recognized firm with offices located in Newport Beach, CA and Maui, HI, dedicated to helping families, small business owners, and corporate executives navigate strategic financial decisions and help guide them through life transitions. With a client-centric focus, The Rand Group has successfully led clients and their families through personal milestones, and through dynamic economic challenges. Paul, Joel and their team serve as the ultimate command center for their clients, centralizing and coordinating all aspects of their lives from investment management, to tax and estate planning, to business succession planning.

Theodore Robins Ford, Costa Mesa

Jim Robins, Co-Owner

David Robins, Co-Owner

Ashley Robins Farrell, Employee

Nicole Robins Boukather, Employee

Theodore Robins Ford has been family owned and operated for four generations with two of Robins’ grandchildren now employed at the dealership, one of the oldest family owned and operated Ford dealerships in America. They are celebrating their 100year anniversary of business. Theodore Robins Sr. started the business in 1921 in Balboa CA. Theodore Robins Jr. carried on the ownership. Jim Robins & David Robins are the current owners with the four generation working in the business.

Thermal-Vac Technology, Orange

Steve Driscol, Visionary Founder Heather Falcone, CEO

Sean Driscol, COO

Shane Driscol, Sales Representative

Shannon Driscol, Division Operations Manager

Founded in 1985 by Steve Driscol and based in Orange, CA, Thermal-Vac Technology (TVT) is southern California’s premier brazing, heat-treating, and finishing facility offering first-class services to a wide customer base, including some of the most demanding in the industry. For 35 years TVT has been sought out by customers who require the most innovative solutions for challenging project needs, effectively helping to secure a position as a leader in the industry. Thermal-Vac is a family-owned business with second generation family leaders heading the business since 2012. The team is comprised of many familyoriented relationships with over 25% of employees being related to each other in some way. The core of the business lies in heat treating and brazing. Highly technical, exacting, and high-profile projects are TVT’s specialty and include missile defense, deep space exploration, commercial and space heavy payload launch vehicles, medical devices, oil exploration, and many others.

West Coast Arborist Inc., Anaheim

Patrick Mahoney, President

Richard Mahoney, Vice President

Rose Mahoney Epperson, Vice President

A family-owned business in Anaheim has grown to over $100 million in annual revenues and a proud union-based employer (Laborers International Union of North America/AFL-CIO). Pat Mahoney is an industry leader and advisor to the CA Department of Forestry and Fire Protection and the state union council. West Coast Arborists, Inc. (WCA, Inc.) was established in 1972. Today, the family-owned company is providing professional tree maintenance and management services for over 330 municipalities and public agencies throughout California and Arizona.

WMBC, Irvine

Scott Coles, Founder

David Coles, President

Evan Coles, Director of Creative & Wellbeing

WMBC was founded by Scott Coles, who has dedicated over 40 years to his career in wealth management. David Coles, WMBC’s president and Evan Coles, director of creative and wellbeing, have developed and brought to market a proprietary approach to wealth planning called Human Wealth planning. Their signature approach is available to all WMBC clients and was developed from scientific research alongside human behavior studies. As a team, they have witnessed the transformation Human Wealth planning has had on their clientele, allowing them to live more meaningful and more fulfilling lives by design. Located in Irvine, the firm is looking forward to bringing the Human Wealth experience to more and more people by expanding their team of esteemed professionals. Collectively, the Coles team shares a passion for service driven work. They have been devoted to giving back to their community, and to organizations they feel are making a dynamic impact.

Word & Brown, Orange

John M. Word III, Co-Founder

Edward J. “Rusty” Brown, Jr. Co-Founder

Jessica Word, Pres., Word & Brown

General Agency Edward J. (Eddie) Brown III, VP, California Rx

The Word & Brown Companies trace their roots to the 1980s. Today, they include the Word & Brown General Agency, CHOICE Administrators (the parent organization of the CaliforniaChoice private health insurance exchange and the ChoiceBuilder ancillary benefits exchange), as well as a prescription drug discount division that offers two no-cost Rx discount cards (the California Rx Card and Nevada Drug Card). However, it was the formation of Word & Brown General Agency by John M. Word III and Edward J. “Rusty” Brown, Jr., in 1985, that started it all. Their invention was Quot-O-Matic®, an innovative software solution that accurately consolidated insurance rates and benefits directly from each carrier to allow brokers to easily assemble quotes for client presentations. Very similar to websites we know and use today – Priceline, Amazon, and eHealth – John and Rusty developed this technology first, more than 30 years ago, forever changing the way insurance brokers worked with carriers and simplifying the quoting process. This technology revolutionized the role of health insurance brokers in California, leading to tremendous growth for the Word & Brown General Agency and recognition for the firm as one of the nation’s most successful independent insurance distributors in 1986.

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2021-07-19T07:00:00.0000000Z

https://ocbusinessjournal.pressreader.com/article/282071984913934

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