For the first time in 21 Decembers, the Register is giving you, our readers, the chance to select the Holiday Spirit: an Orange County business owner who best exhibit kindness, generosity and good will 365 days a year.
This year, you nominated more than 60 business owners. Now you vote for the top honoree and two finalists from these 10 semi-finalists.
First, read about these spirit-filled folks then cast your ballot in the poll at the end. The nominations have been shortened.
Results will run online and in the Orange County Register on Dec. 25.
DAVID WILSON, Wilson Automotive Group including Toyota of Orange; submitted by employees
Since coming to Orange in 1982, David has been a benefactor to virtually every school, hospital or charitable organization in one way or another. He has been known to make payment or underwrite a loan to keep an employee or friend from losing their homes.
In 1986 during an unusual cold spell, many children at Orangewood Children’s home had colds and flu. David bought 20 humidifiers, personally delivered and installed them at the home. In the early 1990s, Orangewood was in deep financial trouble. David donated $100,000 to keep it open, a fact not known even to the board for a long time.
He personally hands each of his 1,600 employees a $100 bill at Christmas so that he has personal contact with each one.
ELIZABETH AND OLI KOLAR, Kolar and Associates law firm, Santa Ana, by Lissa Vital
Oli runs the office; Elizabeth is the lead attorney in an all-female (except for Oli) office. They go out of their way year ’round to make the office more like an extended family rather than a workplace. They encourage staff to decorate or dress up for the various holidays and even sponsor prizes.
The entire staff participated in the Choc Walk with the Kolars making matching contributions and purchasing team shirts. They sponsored employees and families to watch an Angels’ baseball game from a luxury suite and rented the Spirit of Newport yacht for the first night of the Newport boat parade for the company Christmas party.
One cute perq: Oli stocks the company refrigerator with soda, water and V8 juice.
HENRY WALKER, Farmers & Merchants Bank, 12 O.C. branches, by Robyn Williams
Farmers & Merchants Bank is known as one of the most philanthropic organization in Southern California, donating approximately $1 million to various charities every year.
Henry, the fourth generation CEO, is passionate about taking time to reach out to those in need. During a mission trip to Peru with Mariners Church last summer, he coordinated crowds at medical clinics, retrieved water for the thirsty and assembled a wheelchair, supplied by Free Wheelchair Mission, for a disabled 26-year-old.
He and his children have shopped and delivered needed items for the Village of Hope. He promotes cancer awareness for Orange County’s Susan G. Komen for the Cure and serves on the boards for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Orange County, Pacific Symphony and other groups.
COLLEEN EDWARDS, PowerMark, San Juan Capistrano, by Rachel Katz
Colleen Edwards is known as a community activist and was the 2008 chairman of the Committee to Preserve Open Space that supported a $30 million bond measure in San Juan Capistrano.
She is on the board of the Orange County Venture Group, which encourages local entrepreneurs, teaches marketing for UC Irvine and financially supports causes including American Cancer Society, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and St. Edward Church’s Christian Service Ministry. She is a member of Legatus, an organization for executives who are ambassadors for Christ in the marketplace and the world.
As a boss, she promotes from within, gives special awards and bonuses to team members, sponsors continuing education for team members, provides moral support and flexible hours when family members are ill. She has financially helped terminally ill children who are related to employees.
DAN WILLIAMSON and GEOF GARTH, Aspen Medical Products, Irvine, by Sherry Domerego
Although Aspen has fewer than 100 employees, the company is the title sponsor of the Challenged Athletes Association annual triathlon in La Jolla, which raises money to benefit amputee children and adult athletes. Dan and Geof personally participate in the triathlon, raise additional money for the group and encourage employees to volunteer to work at the event. Dan and Geof paid for a nice dinner and hotel room for the volunteers.
These generous gentlemen offer us an incredible workplace. It is a pleasure to come to work each day. Employee activites are held at least twice a month and involve contests with gift cards for winners. The company sponsors breakfasts, barbeques, summer picnics, bagel and donut Thursdays and bowling parties.
Both owners have open doors and are available at all times to all employees. When an employee died in an accident a few years ago, Dan and Geof set up a college fund for his children.
GORDON BAIR, Marbleworks, Huntington Beach, by employees
We employees all agree that Gordon Bair is by far the best person we have ever worked for. He is more than just a boss. He is a hard worker, a humanitarian and a friend. He believes in building on his employees’ strengths rather than criticizing their weaknesses.
The last two office managers have, with Gordon’s support and encouragement, earned their college degrees while working at Marbleworks. When an employee had difficulty with passing his U.S. citizenship test earlier this year, Gordon arranged for him to be helped by a writing tutor.
He is involved in charity work for which he never expects recognition and he encouraged recycling and other environmentally friendly action both in and outside the workplace.
ALLEN WARD, Russ Ward Auto Body, Anaheim, by “Elesha”
The business was started by Allen’s dad in 1957 and Allen started working in the business at the age of 12. Allen took over the business when Russ died in 1998.
Allen is always smiling and treats everyone as if they are special, no matter how big or small the job is. He always goes ut of his way to make sure you are totally satisfied.
He is also very generous to the people in the neighborhood, not just his customers. he helps out the homeless and feeds them and makes sure they have clothes and anything else they need all year long. Allen is a very humble man and does not think twice about doing anything for anyone.
JOHN PATTERSON,Tustin Mazda and Huntington Beach Mazda, by Lori Houts
John is passionate about his faith, his family, his customers, his employees and extremely passionate to the commitment of growing his business. He is the only owner I have ever heard of who introduces himself to every customer in his showroom.
His charitable contributions reach out to many diverse organizations, and he does them all year long, not just at holidays. He is involved with CHOC, O.C Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, Junior Lifeguards, Light House Ministry, countless elementary schools, Huntington Beach Youth Shelter and American Red Cross.
For his employees he has provided everything from counselors, temporary housing, financial assistance and encouragement to granting second chances to some members of his team.
GRACE CHANG, VIP Cleaners, Lake Forest, by customer Susan Tarney
Normally I hate running errands before or after work, but I love to drop by to pick up or drop off my dry cleaning. Grace is always so friendly and personable. She begins to turn the clothing carousel as soon as she sees my car drive up and has the clothes hanging at the counter when I walk in. Who gives that kind of service anymore?
In all the years I have been relying on their perfect pressing and cleaning, I have never had to stand and wait. Year ’round Grace and her husband have a sunny smile waiting for you.
LAVERNE FRIEDMANN, Friedmann & Friedman Insurance Services, Newport Beach, by Margaret Bayston, executive director of Laura’s House
Laverne has been a wonderful ambassador for Laura’s House mission and vision. She has financially supported the agency and was the first person to underwrite our Buy A Tile, Make A Smile project. She also has generously donated a large amount of gently used suits and professional clothing. She also supports the needs of our shelter staff. This year she purchased personal alarms for each staff members.
She also has involved her family, working with her son and daughter-in-law to update the shelter’s garden with plants and vegetables. Her son regularly helps with electrical and household repairs.
Laverne also supports the Orange County Performing Arts Center and Surfrider Foundation, is active in professional organizations and is a trustee of the Laguna Beach Playhouse.
Now that you’ve read about the nominees, click here to cast your ballot.
This is so subjective and pointless. Can’t the OCR pay people to actually write something useful?
John Patterson, President of OC Mazda was recently made aware that his employees, of both Tustin Mazda and Huntington Beach Mazda, were less than satisfied with their health benefits. In less time than it takes Santa to make all his rounds, John, his Controller, Don Osborn and his Business Manager, Nicole Bergner, had much better and more cost efficient pre-taxed health benefits, and company paid life insurance, in both locations for his staff! The speed in which this was accomplished was impressive. Christmas came early for the employees at OC Mazda!
The Kolars have been great to me and thats one of the main reasons I’ve been with Kolar and Associates for 4 years and plan to stay until I retire. Elizabeth has inspired me to attend law school so that I can hopefully one day be a great trial attorney like her.
I’ve worked for John Patterson for almost five years and it’s been great! Every year he makes sure that the entire staff and their spouses are able to enjoy a night out at the holiday party. John even provides babysitting for the kids during the party. Family has always been and always will be the top priority within John’s organization.
Some people can’t seem to have fun I think this is a fun and nice idea to let the readers share there opinion’s of there local business. Keep up the good work OCR!
We nominate Beach Blvd. Pet Hospital’s Eric Lizardo, DVM and Paige Hashimoto, DVM for the Kindest Business Owner of the Year 2008 Award. Their first concern is providing the best medical care and quality of life for every pet who enters their hospital. This compassionate and caring attitude is reflected by their staff who go out of their way to make every client - two or four legged - feel special 6 days a week, 50 weeks a year.
Thanks Larry & Dawn, but nominations closed last week. More than 60 business owners were nominated; the ones described briefly above are the finalists.
Voting ends Wednesday, Dec. 17. The Holiday Spirit Award will be announced - on this blog and in the Orange County Register print edition - on Dec. 25
How about nominating Eric and Paige for the 22nd Annual Holiday Spirit Award in 2009?
Thanks,
Jan Norman
I write this blog
I nominate the vet who can fix my dogs skin disorder for free.
btw Mazdanomincs 4-Door gurus helping CHOC is a great worthy cause. Not to belittle anyone elses kindness, sounds like some wondeful management out there.
Nina should have signed off Bah Hum bug!
All in jest, I thought this was a wonderful piece Jan Norman! Thank you again for the opportunity.
Gordon Blair has our vote. He has always been a kind, generous, and humble man that we have had the pleasure to work with for years.
I have worked for Gordon Bair for over 5 years, and during that time I have been able to earn a BA, and I have almost completed an MA. None of this would have been possible without his flexibility and all of the encouragement he has given me. I don’t know of any other place of employment that would allow me to take a semester abroad and return to my job. I am actually sad to be almost done with school because it means I will have to move on soon. Like everyone else here, I work really hard because I love Gordon and want to do a good job for him so that he knows how much he is apreciated.
I think it’s great to promote kindness all year round! It’s just the thing that we need as a community especially during these hard times…
I vote for David Wilson. That’s a man it would be an honor to work for!
I love John Patterson’s Business Model “Treat everyone like a guest in your home and make sure your home is a place people want to be”.
I vote for Gorden Bair.
There are so many honorable and extraordinary people on this list. It is heartwarming to see these business owners step up and serve their community. Laverne Friedmann is near and dear to my heart. She is a role model for other women entrepreneurs, a treasure to her family and friends, and a lifeline to so many charities. She is one of those quiet, humble people who deliver holiday spirit all year long.
All of these employers are great small employers who bless the lives of the handful of lucky employees.
Meanwhile, there are no medium or large employers in this country who care one whit for their employees.
Next year, I suspect the only surviving “great” employers will be in legal and medical services, the rest will be destroyed by the coming wave of lay-offs, inflation and economic collapse when the next 40% of property owners have resets or find themselves walking away from another underwater property.
Maybe a more appropriate story would be a listing of great souplines or uncrowded Goodwill stores to shop at!
Gordon Blair has my vote! I have not had to opportunity to meet Gordon yet, however, I have heard that he is a wonderful employer and touches the hearts of all who come in contact with him.
David and his wife Holly are wonderful people who have gone way beyond kindness in their helping of others and their employees.
I vote for Laverne Friedmann. Boy Scout Eagle projects have also supported Laura’s House and I appreciate all her hard work.
I vote for LaVerne, my mother, as she treats everyone like family. You know it’s true when she walks a client’s production floor and receiveds hugs from many, including the former female gang member with spider tatoos on her neck as well as the CEO.
I vote for Dr John Bergman in Huntington Beach. Every week he holds a free health class at his clinic from 6pm - 6:30pm on Tuesdays to teach those interested in taking better care of themselves. He also runs canned food drives and toy drives for the needy. Recently, I was in such great pain from back spasms so severe that it felt like lightning striking. Doc was most concerned with stopping the storm that was taking place in my back first. His concern for the well being of those that come into his presence whether they choose to become his patients or not is refreshing. I am late in nominating this man for the spirit award, because I just naturally presumed that many of the other folks that have been blessed by him would have already nominated him, so I just came to this website to vote for him.
Nina it’s about Holiday Spirit which is generosity and giving. Yes it’s subjective but who cares? These people help others. They give of their time and their money and I’m glad the OCR pays people to recognize them.
I vote for David Wilson. He is truly a kind man who has helped me. I’m not from the OC or CA, but IA and lend my support in anyway to get him the recognition he deserves.
my vote goes to ALLEN WARD i met allen through having a finder binder . he drove to my work just to look at the problem. Allen Ward fixed my car in the parking lot of my job and never asked for a dime. he is one nice man and I would send all my friends to his work ” RUSS WARDS AUTO BODY ” because now a days you can’t find a nicer and more honest person. THANKS ALLEN Lori Worthley
David Wilson demonstrates the epitome of kindness and generosity.
I’m sure all of the above mentioned employers are outstanding based on the comments provided. Mr. WIlson’s contributions and care for his community and employees are exceptionally generous, warm and sincere.
DAVID WILSON, Since 1976 he has been my auto dealer for both my husband and I, in 1997 I became a widow and he has made my life better for being the honest man he is,along with alll his employees. Mr.Wilson has been a benefactor to Orangewood Children’s home for a long time.
He personally hands each of his employees a $100 bill at Christmas so that he has personal contact with each one.
For all of you who have been kind enough to comment and vote, I thought you might like to know how the Holiday Spirit Award started. I had only been writing the It’s Your Business column a few months when I came up with the idea. Here’s what I wrote at the time (12-24-1988 — it’s not online anywhere else that I know of)
When I drive, the last think I look at is the temperature gauge on the dashboard. Imagine my shock one hot July morning to notice the needle past ‘hot’ on the dial. And not a gas station in sight.
Imagine my skepticism when a truck driver stopped at my steaming radiator and offered to help. He handed me his bright yellow business card. “Thomas R. Martin, Traveling Mechanic.”
Imagine my amazement when Martin spotted a loose hose, refilled the radiator and declined any payment.
“Just tell your friends about me when they need a good mechanic,” he said.
We all tend to remember that crotchety clerk or inept repairman and take the Thomas Martins of the world for granted.
But in this season of good will, It’s Your Business asked you to forget the clerk and remember those small-business owners who spread good will to their customers in every season.
Thanks for keeping up the tradition.
Nina Says:
December 13th, 2008 at 11:27 am
This is so subjective and pointless. Can’t the OCR pay people to actually write something useful?
LOL. I Agree, There are far too many business in OC to make this in anyway fair or authoritative. Why not narrow it down by type of bussiness and do it every month? Either that or just go pick a business YOU think is worthy and write an indepth on it.
Either that or replace this column with weather radar!!!!! Why doesnt OC Register have doppler radar link?
I wish I had a nice, kind boss.
My boss is very mean and I can’t look for a better job because it’s too hard right now. I am glad however, that I do have a job. I wish he would read this and get the message to be nice, that’s all it takes, just be NICE.
He screams, cusses, yells and of course, it’s ALWAYS my fault.
He has tons of money, lives in HB in a very nice home he built, with a beautiful pool. He has a large boat and travels to Hawaii and other places in the world.
I on the other hand, live in a 1 bedroom apt, hardly have enough to eat, no nice clothes and pray every night things will get better.
I work very hard for this man. I come in ever day with the upmost respect and get treated like crud. He does this to everyone.
I get no vacation, sick or holidays off with pay.
I haven’t had a raise in over 2 years.
Next year I will be looking for a better job, only because I am sick and tired of working for mean people.
All of you who work for nice considerate people, you are so very lucky!
Merry Christmas to you all!
All I know is who I WON’T be voting for!
ME TOO!
I would nominate Mr. Paul Fang owner of Costa Mesa Lincoln Mercury. Even with the tough times we are having he has managed to once again take care of his employees throught the whole year. He is by far the kindest person I have ever worked for. I hope that he can keep his dealership open for many more years. God bless all of the bosses out there like Mr. Fang we need more like him to make our country a brighter place to live in these dark times of corprate greed and not show contempt for their employees that is starting to become the norm in this society of profits at any cost.
For Kevin,
Register science writer Gary Robbins has doppler radar on his blog today here: http://sciencedude.freedomblogging.com/2008/12/16/soaking-oc-foothills-took-in-storm-appears-in-new-chart/11226/
It’s not dynamic or permanent, but you can lobby him at ocregister.com/sciencedude!
Jan Norman
Can I nominate myself lol, Don’t know these other guys.
Nina, Nina, Nina. ; (
David Wilson is a phenomenal man. In my opinion, earning this recognition would only echo what we (his employees) already know to be true.
Thank you for all that you’ve done for us, David. You are truly an inspiration.
Colleen Edwards ranks at the top in my books for outstanding integrity and work ethic. And she’s a pure pleasure to work with. Glad to see her recognized here.
susan is right, grace chang & her husband are great folks , its nice to do bussiness with vip cleaners. they are always on time and i think everyone in lake forest should use them,
I would voteo for my boss Dennis Pollman but his name is not here. Every year I have nominated him. He gives to his employees, clients and his community all year round. He goes above and beyond and beyond and helps those in the community needing help due to the present economy. He helped one family from not being evicted from there home two weeks ago. He gave one employee airplane tickets to go to New Orleans as there was a serious sickness in the family. No matter the reason Dennis is there to help his fellow businessman, community and also his employees. His give an give all the time…
I have worked for John Patterson for two years now and I must say It has been both an honor and a blessing. I have never felt so much warmth in a work place before. He has treated myself and my family like we were his own. I recently had a baby boy And his kindness and concern was amazing! I look forward to sharing this Holiday With my Mazda family and Our amazing Leader that makes it shine a little brighter.
Happy Holidays!
Cassey Willingham
Zoom Zoom
I vote for Geof Garth and Dan Williamson. Their kindness and generosity is present every single day of the year.