Summit Electric, Inc. was founded in 1968 by Richard Dashiell, who ran the company until his unexpected death in 1986, when the mantle was passed to his son. Over the years, Larry Dashiell has branched out beyond the original company focus to include several independent divisions. In 2006, the company was restructured as Summit Technology Group, Inc., a multi-faceted business offering expertise in cutting-edge technologies.
Born and raised in Santa Rosa, Dashiell has been married to his wife, Jade, for 13 years. The couple has three sons, ages 11, 8 and 3.
What did you think you were going to be when you were in college?
I didn’t go to college. I was racing professional motocross when my dad was killed in a plane accident and I had to take over the business. Before that, I always believed I’d be in some sort of racing sport.
Do you believe in destiny?
I believe we make our own destiny. I’m not a very religious person, but I do believe in something. I’ve always believed that, if you live an honest life and take care of yourself, you can shape your destiny.
Are you more of a rule breaker or a rule keeper?
I’m always looking for a better way to do things, and this causes me to break even my own rules.
What hobby or activity takes up most of your time outside of work?
Right now, it’s coaching my son’s little league team. I really enjoy watching the kids grow and learn. They light up when they make a great play or get a hit. I also really enjoy motor sports and started to do some go-kart racing at Infineon, but having three boys has put this on hold.
Do you have a pet?
We have a rat terrier mix. My wife bought her at the Hanna Boys’ Center golf tournament.
Do you live by any motto or rule?
I quote this a lot, so I live by it: “It’s always easier to remember the truth than a lie.”
If you had the opportunity to travel into space, would you go?
I want to see one of the OGLE catalog exoplanets. I want to see what else is out there! There has to be more. [Editor’s Note: The Optical Gravitational Lensing Experiment, or OGLE, is a Polish astronomical project based at the University of Warsaw that’s chiefly concerned with discovering dark matter using the microlensing technique. Since the project began in 1992, it’s discovered several extrasolar planets.]
What’s frustrated you in the recent past?
Politics. The vast majority of politicians have no clue what an honest day’s work is. They’re so spoon-fed and insulated from reality that they can’t do the people’s work. They’re more interested in their own career than in doing what’s right.
What possession or item in your office has special significance for you?
I have a picture of me with George W. Bush when he was president. I doesn’t matter your political affiliation—meeting the president was pretty cool.
What’s your favorite book?
Fiction: The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett. Business: Execution: The Discipline of Getting Things Done by Larry Bossidy.
What’s your favorite holiday tradition?
Getting together with my entire family on Easter at my grandmother’s home.
What’s your greatest extravagance?
I love really good wine.
What would your dream vacation be?
Riding motorcycles in the Costa Rican rainforest.
Which living person do you admire most and why?
Joe Stinnette has been a mentor to me and has taught me more about business than I could have ever read in any books.
Who’s your favorite singer or band? What’s your favorite song?
Nickelback, “If Today Was Your Last Day.”
If you could change one thing about the world right now, what would you alter?
Educate everyone so they can make their own choices. I believe ignorance is what causes the wars and unrest in our world.
What does “success” mean to you?
Living a good, honest life and, when I’m gone, having my friends say, “He was a good dad and businessperson.”
What’s one thing you know for sure?
We only get one life, and it’s short.
