Santa Rosa native James Andersen (pictured here with grandson Jack) has a practical side and a fun-loving side. “Trying to be practical and realizing that I had a great math mind, accounting seemed like a good choice,” says the founder of Andersen & Company, which today boasts nine partners and a total staff of 40. Now here’s the fun-loving second half of that comment: “However, I’ve had a lifetime love affair with the Giants and 49ers and their great announcers, Russ Hodges and Lon Simmons. I originally thought I wanted to be a sports announcer.”
Let’s try that again. Practical: “I love my job and hope to be able to work into my 80s.” Fun-loving: “Friday is my favorite day of the week, particularly from noon on. I try to be on the golf course and take my bad game to a lower level!”
One more. “Vince Lombardi, former head coach of the Green Bay Packers, coined the phrase, ‘Winning isn’t everything, it is the only thing.’ I live by this philosophy—trying to be the best I can be at everything while knowing that it’s not always achievable. …But I always give it a college try!”
OK, that one works for both.
What’s the first thing you do every morning?
I go to Peet’s and get a four-shot latte to get my motor running.
Have you ever helped a total stranger?
Last year I helped a non-English speaking young woman find her foster parents at a golf match in Arizona. I had to talk to them on her telephone and have them describe where they were and then walk the young lady to them.
If you could be a contestant on any game show, which would you choose?
“Jeopardy.” I love trivia. The problem is, I’d get killed on religion and art topics.
If you could live anywhere else in the world, where would it be?
Chico, California. They retired my beer stein in Bidwell Park when I graduated from college. Seriously, though, Chico is one of California’s best kept secrets as far as gorgeous communities.
What kind of movies do you enjoy most and why?
I love inspirational sports movies. It’s a three-way tie for my favorite between “The Natural” with Robert Redford, “Hoosiers” with Gene Hackman and “Remember the Titans” with Denzel Washington.
Describe your favorite pair of shoes.
I have a pair of fire-engine red tennis shoes that drive everyone crazy.
What have you done in your life that required the most courage?
Always making sure that I’m a stand-up guy. Admitting when I’m wrong and having the courage to move on and get over it.
What’s one book you’ve recommended to your friends and why?
Winning by Jack and Suzy Welch. I love it. It deals with tough business issues and what it takes to be an ultimate leader.
What television show from the past would you like to see back on television and why?
“Leave it to Beaver.” I miss Eddie Haskell, and the Cleaver residence looks like my family home.
What’s something you intended to do today but didn’t?
Develop a new “to-do” list. I didn’t make it a priority. Shame on me!
Do you remember your dreams?
Absolutely! But they’re X-rated, so I can’t discuss them.
When do you find yourself singing? What’s the song?
I always sing in the shower. “Oh What a Night” by Frankie Valli & the Four Seasons.
What is one of your happiest moments?
I’ve had many happy moments. I feel blessed to have grown up in a wonderful city like Santa Rosa and to have a loving wife, four super kids and four wonderful grandsons. However, one moment that will always be very special was when I gave my daughter Courtney away at her wedding. It was a real emotional highlight in my life.
