While Gregory was away at school, the firm was bought by Peter Riechers and Alan Spence and renamed. “Upon hearing of my graduation in the last part of 1998, Peter and Alan wooed me back to Napa,” recalls Gregory. “As a kid growing up, I didn’t expect to come back to Napa—but I’m glad I did, since Napa and the North Bay is a perfect place to raise a family.”
At Riechers Spence, Gregory quickly ascended from design engineer to project manager. In 2006, he and two other engineers bought the company, where he’s now a principal and vice president.
What do you love to do outside of work?
I was a very avid mountain bike racer back in college—and I still ride and race occasionally—but now I mix in road biking, which I became fond of after moving back to Napa. I like to treat myself to a few century rides each year and will be doing the Death Ride again this year for the third time (130 miles, 5 mountain passes, 15,000 vertical feet of climbing). My wife and I also enjoy backpacking and camping. We took a break when we had kids, but now the girls are old enough (ages 10 and 8). This was our third summer backpacking with them. The first year was rough with lots of complaining, and then there were the kids….
How involved are you in the Napa community?
By far, the thing that takes up most my free time is stuff I do around the community. I enjoy being a part of something bigger than myself. A quick list includes Leadership Napa Valley, Napa Engineers Society, Kiwanis Club of Napa, Napa Chamber of Commerce, Community Action Napa Valley, Brother Can You Spare a Dime (which takes kids to Giants games), Napa Housing Element Update, City Green Building Ordinance, Downtown Specific Plan Steering and Vine Trail. The goodwill and “karma points” are good for life and business.
Describe one of your proudest moments.
My eldest daughter just competed in a geography bee at school. She was really excited about it, but worried and anxious. During the first round, she carefully thought through and delivered her answer…and it was wrong. And she graciously walked off the stage dejected but relieved. I haven’t been more proud in a while.
What’s your favorite musician or band?
Wilco, Radiohead and Elvis Costello. The magic of their music is often buried in a song and doesn’t emerge until after several listens. I like that they make me work for it.
Describe the worst thing you ever had to wear to school.
Big, giant, horrible eyeglasses in the fifth grade. Funny thing is, I picked them myself to spite my mom for forcing me to get glasses. Joke was on me.
Do you have a phobia?
Spiders. I have to get my wife or kids to kill them for me.
Do you play a sport?
These days, I just play fantasy sports.
How much poetry have you written in your life?
I used to write some pretty cute love notes to my wife, some of which included little poems. For a company holiday party several years ago, I composed some comments about my staff in the form of a poem (thanks to “rhyme” tools found online).
What’s your favorite sport and sports team?
I love baseball; it’s the purest game left in popular American sports. The Giants are my team. I was able to attend all the playoff games of the 2010 season, including treating my daughters to games 1 and 2 of the World Series—it was an experience they’ll remember forever.
What person from history would you turn to for advice if you could?
Abraham Lincoln worked hard and accomplished his goals while sticking to his beliefs amid intense adversity. My family and I recently visited the Gettysburg Museum and the location where the Gettysburg Address was delivered. What a powerful experience.
If you could accomplish only one thing for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Raising my kids to be successful and happy adults.
