Welcome to this inaugural issue of NorthBay biz—People & Perspectives! California is well known as the Golden State, named during the Gold Rush in 1849 and noted for its fields of golden poppies that bloom each spring. The state is the world’s fifth-largest economy and the land of celebrities, big ideas and innovative disruption. As for the North Bay, it’s often leading the way to change. This edition of NorthBay biz features a number of influential voices and perspectives of people, driven by passion and purpose, who live and work in the North Bay.
Our cover story this month is all about Sammy Hagar. “The Business of Sammy,” written by Bill Meagher, profiles this soon-to-be 75-year-old business dynamo, who is a longtime resident of Marin County, and shows no signs of slowing down. From music to tequila to hotels and even to penning books, this entrepreneurial California native talks about what feeds his creativity, how he approaches a myriad of business interests, and he speaks candidly about his take on partnerships. Meagher’s article takes us from Sammy’s humble upbringing in the Salinas Valley to the heights of rock-‘n’-roll fame from Montrose to Van Halen. This quiet philanthropist opens up about what motivates him, who inspires him and dishes a little along the way.
In “The Queen of Green,” by Jean Saylor Doppenberg you’ll learn that Karissa Kruse’s agrarian roots run deep. This Wharton Business school grad grew up watching her Midwestern grandparents work on their farm and her folks debating which state in the heart of the U.S. had more fertile farmland. Karissa’s educational path led her to several high-profile marketing positions with big-name companies like General Mills and Universal Studios. But what really inspired Karissa was her family’s roots as farmers. Turn to page 30 to learn how Karissa brought her marketing know-how and love of the land to Sonoma County Winegrowers.
In “The Challenge of a Lifetime,” Judith M. Wilson profiles Dr. Sundari Mase, Sonoma County’s top health official who stepped into this high-level job just one day prior to the World Health Organization declaring COVID 19 a pandemic. Taking on the mantle of this position immediately thrust her into the spotlight. Dr. Mase has her fair share of supporters (and detractors) based on her leadership decisions both on—and off—the clock. Reading this story makes me wonder: how much do we deserve or need to know about our public officials’ private lives?
The feature “Changing the Game” is a story about Sonoma Clean Power and innovative disruption. Did you know that electric water heaters used to be the industry standard during the 1970s? Turns out that electricity is a much more economical way to heat that hot shower or bath. I learned this and a lot more reading this story by Jessie De La O. North Bay residents can get a hands-on experience in downtown Santa Rosa on converting everyday home appliances to more eco-friendly electric versions at Sonoma Clean Power’s Advanced Energy Center (AEC). And if you haven’t heard of induction cooking, be sure to head there for a hands-on demonstration of this cooking method, which is safer than using a gas stove. Beyond interactive demos, the AEC also helps consumers find reliable energy-saving products, and contractors and offers 0% financing to convert from fossil fuels and natural gas to renewable energy.
On a lighter note, if you’re itching for a weekend getaway, be sure to read the story, “50 Years of Making Memories.” In 1972, Ellis and Katherine Alden set their professional careers aside and invested their life savings in a small lodge in Bodega Bay. Recently, it was renovated and renamed, The Lodge at Bodega Bay. A family-run enterprise with 50 years of experience, today The Woodside Hotel Group also includes two properties in Napa County—Napa Valley Lodge and Harvest Inn St. Helena. Each property features artwork that sets a sense of place and is a tranquil oasis away from the hustle and bustle. Second-generation proprietor Greg Alden details how his parents ventured from their day jobs—as a lawyer and computer programmer—into the hospitality industry. Bo Kearns’ article begins on page 38.
And finally, “Beyond the Boardroom” is one of our most popular features in the magazine. This month, get to know Sonoma Clean Power’s CEO Geof Syphers. Outside of helming Sonoma Clean Power, Syphers shares his earliest childhood memory, what keeps him up at night and how he spends his free time. You might be surprised what this green advocate’s culinary choices are and what recharges him.
That’s it for now. I hope you enjoy this month’s issue. In the meantime, keep in touch. Write anytime. You can reach me at Lawrence@NorthBaybiz.com.
