Bakersfield Life

All > Community
Guys On The Green
Topics:
Anonymous user Fri Jan 18, 2008 09:57:42 PST
Viewed 468 times
0 responses 0 comments Who said guys don’t have a lot to say? Welcome to Guys on the Green, our first monthly all-male-focused community feature. Each month we’re going to introduce you to familiar faces and names from within the community. However, we’re not going to just focus on their careers! We are going to meet the men too!


Richard D. Chapman - President & CEO of Kern EDC

Matt Towery - Towery Homes, Builder/Owner

Ron Fraze - Fire Chief, Bakersfield Fire Dept.

Bryan Lynn - Assistant Chief of Police, Bakersfield Police Dept.


Q: What has been the defining moment in your career?

Richard - Being on the winning team for the Boeing 787 Dreamliner Project.  Our regional EDCs secured the next generation of aircraft production for Washington State, by crafting a $3 billion economic package for the aerospace industry.

Matt - Overseeing the construction of the Aerotest hangar in Mojave. This was a huge design/build project that we were able to bring in on time and under budget.

Bryan - Having the opportunity to test for the position of Chief.  I had always worked hard and expected that someday that opportunity would present itself.  When the opportunity came, because of the tremendous responsibility, the position and the process were both very sobering.  Finishing second in a two horse race is never what you hope for, but what I’ve learned through my current job and about myself have been invaluable. 

Ron - In 1995, I went from an Engine Company Captain at Fire Station 5 to an Arson/Prevention Captain. Going from the field to the prevention bureau opened my eyes to a completely different element of the fire service. The skills and knowledge I acquired during my tenure in that division proved to be invaluable in carrying out the duties of my current position.


Q: If you weren’t in this profession, what would you be doing?

Richard - Investment banker.  Since my undergraduate and graduate degrees are in business administration, and I’ve previously worked on Wall Street, I thought I was destined to be part of the New York City rat race.  Luckily, I’ve established a career in economic development, in a job where I can use both sides of my brain.

Matt - I’d own a surf shop off the coast of anywhere. The whole surf culture and being close to the water is a spiritual experience for me.

Bryan - Landscape Architect.  I love plants and know what looks good and grows well here.  I’d probably starve if I pursued that occupation because I like quality over quantity.

Ron - I would have to say either construction or a writer. I enjoy working with my hands and experimenting with my creative side.


Q: Who are your top personal  role models?

Richard - Richard Chapman, my grandfather, for his excellence and determination in golf.  He won the U.S. and British Amateur Championships, played in the Masters 17 times, and developed the “Chapman System” tournament format.
    Paul Allen for his dedication to innovation and regional economic development.  Allen has used his Microsoft wealth to sponsor diverse projects from aerospace (SpaceShipOne) to arts and sports (Seattle Seahawks and the Experience Music Project) to science and real estate redevelopment (Allen Institute for the Brain and Vulcan Inc.)

Matt - Norman Schwarzkopf, because he quickly cuts to the heart of the matter—when in charge, take command and always do what’s right; George Bailey, the character from “It’s a Wonderful Life,” because he illustrates that no matter how tough things are and how little value you believe you bring to the world, your life always has greater significance than you know; and lastly, Joan Knowlden, a good friend whose spiritual outlook gives me great perspective.

Bryan - Jesus Christ, our Savior, who gave his life for humanity and loves us unconditionally
Veterans and those in the Armed Services who selflessly make sacrifices for our freedom
Orel Hershiser, 1988 Dodgers
 
Ron - My Dad for teaching a strong work ethic.
My Pastor, Tom Touchstone, for his caring nature and commitment to God.
Ronald Reagan for his strong leadership and quick wit.


Q: If you could change one thing about Bakersfield, what would it be?

Richard - Outsiders’ opinions and perceptions of the city.  It really is America’s largest small town.  We have a great story to tell.

Matt - It would take several pages of explanation but in a nutshell I would say we need a strong concerted effort to bring businesses into Bakersfield. Everything grows or recedes, so I would like to see the community grow with a healthier economic outlook and a balanced real estate market.

Bryan - Have water flowing year round in the Kern River.
 
Ron - I would have to say the misconception by outside people of our community. Living here most of my life, I have witnessed many times the giving nature and caring attitudes of our community.

Q: What are some of your guilty pleasures?

Richard - Booker’s True Barrel Bourbon on the rocks.

Matt - I like to hide in my office and play my guitar or just get in the car and drive.

Bryan - Single Malt Scotch and Cigars

Ron - A good steak dinner and my favorite candy, “Junior Mints.”

Send to a Friend

Report a Violation