By all accounts, Orrin Thiessen is a happy man—and why not? Personally, Thiessen’s a dedicated husband and father who enjoys family activities with Teri, his wife of 21 years, and their five children, aged from 11 to 18. He coaches soccer and basketball and loves spending time outdoors.
Professionally, he’s made a name for himself as the leading proponent of smart urban growth in Sonoma County, beginning with his revamp of downtown Graton in the 1990s and continuing through his high-profile development of the Town Green Village in Windsor. “I believe dense development can be livable, economical and environmentally friendly,” he says.
Future plans include development projects in Cotati, Forestville and Occidental. He’s also donating both land and time to build a hiring hall for Graton’s day laborers in conjunction with a few local nonprofits.
Describe your dream home
I’m lucky enough to live in it. Our present home—the last of eight I’ve built for us—is Craftsman style and has views from every room.
Did you ever have a nickname?
When I was about 12 years old, my friends called me “Pepsodent” because I smiled all the time. And when I was a high school basketball player I got called “Big O” sometimes.
How did you meet your spouse?
Teri and I met on a blind date. I’d say it was instant chemistry for me, but I think it probably took her a little longer to come around.
If your children could change one thing about you, what would it be?
They’d like me to be able to sing nicely. I can’t.
Is there anything unusual in your briefcase?
My briefcase itself is unusual. I use a cardboard title company folder.
What do you do to get yourself out of a bad mood?
I go for a walk in the forest or around Town Green Village.
What has been the greatest scientific breakthrough to date?
Unlocking the secrets of DNA. If you thought the information age was amazing, get ready. The bio age is just starting.
What’s one of your favorite spots to relax in the North Bay?
My back patio.
What is the most important value you try to instill in your children?
Kindness—and to be polite, even to unkind people.
What is your favorite thing to do on a rainy day?
Hike in the forest and watch the water rush downstream.
What items do you currently have stored in the trunk of your car?
Basketballs. I coach year-round.
What spells adventure to you?
White water rafting and kayaking. We have kayaks in a lake on our property, which is fun, but we don’t do it as often as I’d like. But every few years we take a rafting trip, and that’s really great. Last time we went down the Rogue River [in southern Oregon], and I think we’ll do that again this summer.
What TV programs did you love as a child?
I watched The Wonderful World of Disney every Sunday night.
What was the best compliment you ever received?
One of my homebuyers said he wanted to buy a home in every one of my developments.
What’s something you regret having sold, lost or given away?
A little octagon house I built entirely from recycled materials for my senior project at Sonoma State. It’s on a piece of property along with another house we sold around 1980—but it’s still standing.
When you’re alone at home, do you wear shoes, socks or go barefoot?
I wear fluffy, bright blue wool slippers my friend Chris knitted for me.
Which bad habit irritates you most in other people?
Not taking responsibility. I wish people knew how powerful words like “thank you” and “I’m sorry” can be.
