He is one of the most hard-working people that I have ever known . His generosity toward others , especially the education of our children , is second to none . I am proud to call him
Dad .
Bill Christopher Son
From my grandfather , I ’ ve learned the most critical life lesson that anyone could teach me : To do the right thing , every time , no matter how hard it is . With this lesson comes great expectations of accountability and ethics , but builds the most solid leadership foundation that anyone could ask for .
Ken Christopher Grandson
garlic annually and we have been able to maintain our market share .” She adds , “ It has been a great experience to be able to work with an entrepreneur who cares so much about his company and each area of the business , from the seed to the customer .”
Partner Christopher Ranch is a family business with a farming heritage that spans five generations . Don ’ s son Bill worked on the ranch from the time he was 10 years old . It was during his college years that he decided to join the family business . He notes that “ my Dad never pushed any of us to work on the Ranch , rather he let us decide what we wanted our paths to be .” Today Bill is the owner and managing partner of Christopher Ranch .
When asked what he has learned from his father , Bill says that the biggest thing is to always treat people fairly and never burn any bridges , no matter what the circumstances . He added that always standing by his word and respecting others was important to Don . “ As long as you have your integrity , you can make it through any situation ,” he adds .
Bill says he continues to learn from his father all the time , acknowledging that Don ’ s experience is extremely valuable when they are presented with problems that Don has already dealt with and learned from in his long relationship with garlic .
Bill ’ s son Ken also works at the Ranch as its Executive Vice President . “ I ’ ve always known that my place would be to join the ranks of my dad and grandfather ,” said Ken . He is proud to be part of the three generations of Christophers working in the company today and feels it gives him a unique and well-rounded education in management as each generation has their expertise and strengths . “ I can pull from the lessons of the past , and with their support , continue to make the best decisions possible ,” he notes .
Don ’ s son Rob is an attorney who , in addition to other clients , handles legal matters for the Ranch . Rob ’ s son Jason has also chosen to be part of the family enterprise , serving as Facilities Director at the Ranch .
Today When he ’ s not checking in on things at the Ranch or involved with Karen at a community event , Don spends a little time playing the stock market , reading and catching up on his favorite TV shows . There was a time when he enjoyed riding horses and moving cattle at the family ranch in San Juan Bautista , but a bad back has dictated that he slow down a bit and give up his time in the saddle . At 80 , Don is still a leader and an advocate , and he is clearly enjoying life – deservedly so . He sums it up simply ,
“ I ’ m really happy .”
Happy 80th Birthday Don
Family and friends were plentiful at Don ’ s 80th Birthday party held at their San Juan Bautista Ranch . Retired Pastor Bruce Rowlison provided words of inspiration , son Rob sang a song dedicated to Don and son , Bill commented on his father ’ s commitment to the family and community . We join them all in wishing Don many more years of good health and happy times .
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