Bakersfield Life

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Steve Illingworth - Vice President and General manager, Urners

Lou Barbich - Shareholder, Barbich, Looncrier, Hooper and King

Milan R. Shah, M.D. - C.E.O. Beautolgie Medi Spa

What do you feel has been the defining moment in your career?

Milan - Throughout my life I have had many struggles and many inspirational moments. I attribute all of them to molding me to what I am today. I can truly say I would do it all over again if I had to. So no, there wasn’t just any one defining moment but a continuing series of them. And I look forward to many more defining moments in my life to come.

Lou - The decision to enter into partnership with Mike Hooper, Geoff King and Wayne Longcrier in our CPA practice. All three are CSUB graduates, by the way. We now have eight partners and almost 100 total people in three offices: Bakersfield, San Luis Obispo and Santa Maria.

Steve - My career and success have been defined by the quality and integrity of the Urner’s staff. They are very customer centric and very results oriented. I attribute Urner’s rapid sales growth largely to relocating our company to our current location. This location allowed us to offer unequaled selection and unbeatable prices and improved economies of scale.

What is your favorite community event?

Milan - The American Red Heart Association dinner – they help raise funds for a really important cause.

Lou – The Beautiful Bakersfield Awards. I’m always amazed at the good deeds done by ordinary people. I’m pleasantly surprised at the talent we have in Bakersfield. It enforces the reasons I live in Bakersfield.

Steve - High school athletics. They are great for building character and citizenship.

What are some of your guilty pleasures?

Milan - Dark chocolate and red wine. There is nothing like topping off a great dinner with something to sweeten the palate.

Lou - I sneak off and hit a bucket of golf balls during the day, either at noon time, or on the way back from a client’s office.

Steve - Dewar’s ice cream and key lime pie. I just can’t say no to either of them.

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

Milan – I would be doing humanitarian work in underprivileged areas or disaster-stricken regions. This is probably the most self-fulfilling work someone can do. I am actually planning on taking some time off to perform a few months of volunteer medical aid to underprivileged areas within the next few years.

Lou - I was brought up on a farm growing table grapes. I would be farming instead of being a CPA, if the opportunity would have presented itself when I was making a career decision. Sheryl and I have some small investments in farming with 40 acres of table grapes and 35 acres of potatoes.

Steve - I enjoy the sales profession and meeting new people. I think being an investment advisor would be a rewarding career.

Is there anything you really like, but would hate to admit?

Milan – OK, OK, reruns of “Little House on the Prairie,” “Miami Vice” and Hostess lemon pies.

Lou – Not telling (no answer).

Steve - Yes, I love mayonnaise on asparagus and artichokes. I also love the movie “Rudy.”


Where do you like to take vacation?

Milan - Anywhere in Europe! So much to see, so many different tastes, so much culture, so much history. You can never go wrong!

Lou - We travel to experience new things and to learn about the history and culture of people in other countries. For example, one of our favorite trips was to Turkey.

Steve - I enjoy camping the most. There is much more family interaction without the TV, Internet and cell phones.

What are your thoughts on global warming and eco-friendly living?

Milan - Global warming is a serious matter and we should do what we can to help preserve our planet so our children and future generations have a better place to grow up.

Lou - We should all strive to reduce negative impact on the environment in our own way. Governments should do their part on a global basis.

Steve - Unfortunately we tend to receive only one view of the global warming debate. There are many other theories and scientific research that dispute the conclusions represented by America’s mainstream media. I especially resent the perspective that the U.S. is almost the sole contributor to the global warming theory. Most emerging and third world countries have been given a free pass when it comes to pollution emissions and compliance, which only exacerbates the worldwide ecological conditions.
      I am a proponent of eco-friendly living. The earth is a magnificent creation and according to scripture, God has appointed man as its steward. We must all do our part to preserve its wealth and beauty for future generations.

If you were granted three wishes, what would they be?

Milan – 1. More time in the day to spend with my kids, wife and family!
2. To travel the world so that I can expand my knowledge and understanding of other cultures and lifestyles.
3. For my family and I to be in the best of health so that I can enjoy my first two wishes. And if I had a fourth: WORLD PEACE!! I know, very pageantry!

Lou – Stabilize, democratize and increase the standard of living in Africa and the Middle East. Granting a wish is the only easy way to accomplish that task.

Steve -  1. Grandchildren beause we have none yet.
2. To be completely debt free. I’m tired of mortgage and college payments.
3. More wisdom, understanding and patience. These virtues are necessary in building stronger family relationships and friendships. Fortunately, God isn’t through with me yet.