Thirty-two years ago, Gene Benedetti founded Clover Stornetta Farms in his hometown of Petaluma. Today, his grandson Marcus serves as company president, and six members of the Benedetti family (both second- and third-generation) work there. “It can be a challenge making sure everyone understands their roles and responsibilities,” says Marcus of running a family business, “but there’s joy in seeing the people you love on a daily basis.”
A St. Vincent High School (class of 1993) and University of Alaska alum (business administration), Marcus is a dedicated family man and outdoorsman who, though born with the right name, had to put in some time on the lower rungs, including, he remembers, “scooping ice cream for Clover at local fairs before graduating up to Clo the Cow.” Mooovin’ on up…
If you could do something daring without fear, what would you do?
Run for public office. It’s pretty scary, though. I really admire those who’re willing to put themselves up to scrutiny for what they believe. Truly leading isn’t an easy endeavor.
How competitive are you?
I think I fall fairly high on the competitive scale. I drive friends a little crazy by doing audits of their refrigerator while at their house for dinner. After counting up all the Clover products versus competitors, they get a pass/fail grade. I knew one of my friends was on to me when I noticed one of her Clover milk cartons had expired three months earlier and was filled with water—a mere prop!
What do you do when you want to relax?
Two scenarios are dancing through my head. In the first, I’m in Alaska, standing chest-deep in an icy river. Suddenly, a fish rips off 20 feet of my fly line and jumps with wild acrobatics before succumbing to my angling prowess. This happens repeatedly. So many times, in fact, that the nearby grizzly gives me a thumbs-up and an Osprey swoops down to take a closer look. Then I wake up. Second scenario is just me, my high school football and Brett Favre on TV.
What animals scare you the most?
Great white sharks! I really enjoy abalone diving, but always think this would just be my luck.
What big challenge have you taken on recently?
We had our third child, built a home, sold a home, moved our family and tried to keep pace with all the work-related challenges, all within the same year. Oh yeah, things were too quiet, so we added a dog.
What does you car look like on the inside?
The floor is an eclectic mix of aged Cheerios, pirate bootie, stickers and Legos, courtesy of Jack and Henry; dried milk pools, courtesy of Maeve; three-inch, course blonde hair with a hint of musk, courtesy of Nika (the dog); and a splash here and there of nonfat, half-chocolate, single-shot mocha, courtesy of Mary Beth. Rounding it off is the occasional fish scale from yours truly. Car washes are for spring.
Describe an embarrassing life moment.
Beating the garbage truck early one morning by running the cans out in my t-shirt and underwear only to have to say good morning to several neighbors!
What’s been the greatest scientific breakthrough to date?
The successful mapping of the human genome. I’ve read enough about it to know that it gives wonder in potentially unlocking the mysteries of who we are…not to mention the incredible opportunity for medical breakthroughs on an unprecedented scale.
What movies have you watched over and over again?
“A Few Good Men,” “Tombstone” and “Lions for Lambs.” The first two because I love reciting every line in them, and the last because it gives me hope that people in my generation and next are still willing to make sacrifices for ideals beyond self.
What time do you usually wake up in the morning? Do you need an alarm?
At 5:15 a.m., my alarm clock is a very endearing (if not slightly grouchy) Henry, who wakes me by squeezing my nose.
What’s the oddest piece of clothing in your closet?
Bunny Boots. I used to live in Alaska, and these are old Air Force-issue boots for the arctic. They look like something out of a sci-fi movie, but they keep your feet warm at 30 degrees below.
Growing up, what was the most important value emphasized in your home?
Manners and nutrition. At the time, it was hard to appreciate Mom’s organic garden, carob-instead-of-chocolate, fruit-instead-of-sweets routine, but we sure thank her now. Sitting down as a family at dinner and having real conversations made our family so close in no small way.
