Running a family business hasn’t always been easy, especially not in the last few years as our family has gone from living all under one roof to being “super-regional” as we like to say. As our company has grown, our family has spread out to accommodate it, with Jason and I now splitting our time between Irvine and San Diego, and making frequent trips to Los Angeles on the side. Our son Tucker, who runs the Hughes Marino office in Irvine, has moved to OC permanently, while Star, a director in the San Diego office, holds down the fort back home. Needless to say, our new far-flung existence is quite a departure from the closeness I enjoyed for so many years as a stay-at-home mom. But despite the challenges, working with my family to build our company has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.

So, in the midst of our travels, it was a wonderful surprise to learn that Hughes Marino had been nominated for an Orange County Family Owned Business Award. We are honored to be included in the group of 50 family businesses who were recognized by the Orange County Business Journal. It was validating to receive this stamp of approval from the local business community, and it tells us that we are doing something right.

Thank you, Orange County, for the warm welcome you’ve given us, and congratulations to all of the other Family Owned Business Award nominees. We look forward to doing business with you!