Born in Chico, Calif., Eugene Burger and his wife, Shirley, moved to Sonoma County in 1965 to manage a large new apartment property. Four years later, he founded the Eugene Burger Management Corporation (EBMC). Today, the main office is still located in Rohnert Park and the Burgers remain the company’s sole shareholders. “In addition to EBMC, we own a bowling alley with restaurant, a day care center, a Johnny Rockets restaurant, Wally’s Pizza and Genoa Candy and Coffee, most of which are managed by family members,” says Eugene. “One of my happiest times was when my son, Stephen, and his wife, Lori, joined EBMC.”
Married 52 years, the couple also maintains a home in Gardnerville, Nev.
Do you have a big family?
Shirley and I have three daughters, one son, nine grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.
Share a proud professional moment.
One proud moment was in 1981, when I was elected national president of the Institute of Real Estate Management, which has subsequently gone international with some 18,000 members. My daughter-in-law, Lori Burger, has recently been elected secretary/treasurer.
What silly thing have you done in the name of love?
I was 32 years old when I was nearly arrested for “parking” near San Quentin prison. After a long cocktail party, Shirley and I got caught up in passion before we made it home. I discovered police get nervous when people park near such a facility at night.
What’s your favorite quote?
“A man who wants to lead the orchestra must turn his back to the crowd.” —James Crook
Do you have any pets?
Outside of the horses [that we keep in Nevada], we also have Little Joe, a two-year-old Dachshund whose personality continues to unfold.
How do you feel about your age?
I celebrated my 79th birthday just a couple of months ago, and I feel terrific.
If you could change one thing about the world, what would it be?
I’d find a way to bring the mixture of people in the Middle East together.
If you could visit one person in history, who would it be?
I find Winston Churchill to be more of a “statesman” than most modern politicians. He’s also known for his wonderful retorts, as in, when told by an angry woman, “If you were my husband, I would feed you poison.” His reply was, “Madam, if you were my wife, I would take it.” Today the reply would be, “Go %*¢#! yourself.” There’s a lot to learn from him in both areas.
What music would be absolute torture to listen to over and over?
“Doggumentary” by Snoop Dogg. I heard it played by one of my grandsons, and it may be worst thing I’ve ever heard. It’s certainly not music in my mind.
What would people be surprised to know about you?
I once owned Geno’s Monkey Penthouse, a teenage nightclub in Hayward, Calif., which closed in 1965. I worked with then KPIX-San Francisco’s “Dance Party” Host Dick Stewart on road shows as well. I had a wonderful time trying to control several hundred young people having a good time.
What’s one question you’re asking yourself these days?
How citizens of the world will remain civil to each other when there appears to be less and less “face-to-face” communication (versus the huge use of social media).
What’s your favorite or most memorable line from a movie?
Clint Eastwood in “Dirty Harry”: “Go ahead, make my day.”
If you could do any job in the world for one day, what would it be?
As Governor of California, I’d attempt to make the state much more business friendly. It’s the reason I left California [for Nevada]. Beyond talking about it, little is being done to change things.
Would you describe yourself as more of a feeler or a thinker?
Feeler. I tend to be able to grasp a sense of the core issues in any discussion and have the ability to understand where others are coming from.
What is your favorite dessert?
Bananas Foster or anything lemon.
What comes to mind when you hear the word “adventure”?
Adventure to me would include some new experience, perhaps with a touch of the unknown, and at least a small sense of not knowing what the outcome might be.
