Keith Christopherson is co-founder, with his wife Brenda, of Santa Rosa-based Christopherson Homes, Inc. (CHI). Since the late 1970s, CHI has built more than 4,000 homes in nearly 40 communities throughout Sonoma, Napa, Solano and Sacramento counties. In January of this year, Keith and Brenda established a Board of Directors for the company and appointed George E. Casey president and CEO. Keith is now chairman of the board, and Brenda is a board member/community adviser. In June, the couple was inducted into the California Building Industry Hall of Fame.
“I love putting a roof over people’s heads. Building them a place where they can love, ache and experience their lives,” he says.
In addition to personal success, Keith and Brenda also have long-standing professional ties, including involvement with the Home Builders Association, Sonoma County Alliance and Sonoma County Housing Coalition. Keith was a member of the Sutter Hospital Site Advisory Board and the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) Board. In 2002, he received BSA’s Distinguished Citizen Award.
Growing up, did you have any family rules that seemed unfair to you?
I had to sit at the table until all my vegetables were eaten. Brussels sprouts? Yuck!
Do you have a lifelong dream or ambition?
Pretty simple: to be a great husband, father, grandfather and friend.
Do you play a sport?
I played softball until I was 53, sometimes on a couple of teams simultaneously. Now I play golf—but less than I would like.
Have you ever broken a bad habit?
Smoking was the worst. I started at 15 and quit just after my 21st birthday. I just decided enough was enough, threw them all in the trash and never smoked again.
If you could go back in time, what year would you visit?
I’ve often thought I would have loved the early 1900s. They were simpler times. I believe people had better values basing their lives then, and it was the beginning of a time of incredible technological leaps.
If you were stuck on a deserted island and could only have one thing with you, what would it be?
Brenda (my bride).
What’s the stupidest thing you did in college?
I didn’t go to college. That’s the stupidest thing.
What’s the hardest thing you’ve ever had to do?
Bury both my parents within 90 days.
What’s your favorite piece of art?
Washington Crossing the Delaware River.
What’s your favorite TV show?
I watch very little TV, but if I do, it’s A&E, the History Channel or a movie (and, of course, 49ers and Giants).
What kind of movies do you most enjoy and why?
I really like movies that have a powerful personal values theme and speak to simplifying your life and focusing on what really matters. My favorite is “The Natural.” I just saw “Cars,” and that movie carries a very powerful message if you pay attention.
Who is your favorite singer or band?
George Strait
What was your favorite childhood snack or candy?
Vinaterta, an Icelandic pastry my grandmother used to make. I know I blew the spelling! [Editor’s note: his spelling is correct!]
What would people be surprised to know about you?
Maybe that I really enjoy building and working on old 1940s and 1950s hot rods.
What’s one book you’ve recommended to friends and why?
Built to Last by Jerry Porras and Jim Collins. It really speaks to identifying who you and your company are, keeping that vision consistent generation after generation and how that forms the foundation for a successful organization.
What’s the oddest piece of clothing in your closet?
Converse tennies with flames on them.
What’s your strongest skill as a manager? What’s your weak point or challenge as a manager?
I think I’m a good strategic thinker and communicate with people fairly well. I suppose my weakest trait is that I take on too many things and am very hard on myself when I can’t meet those self-imposed obligations.
When was the last time you gave a speech or presentation? How did it go?
On June 20th, Brenda and I were inducted into the California Building Industry Hall of Fame, and we both had to give speeches. Hers was wonderful; mine was OK. It’s tough speaking to several hundred of your peers!
What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned in life and who taught it to you?
Once when I was young and sassed my mother, my Uncle Roy smacked me so hard I went over the rail on the front porch and down into the shrubs. If he were with us today, I would thank him because he taught me respect—clearly a value one needs to function in society, much less to be successful.
