ExecutiveProfile

sanfrancisco.bizjournals.com
SF BUSINESS TIMES | SEPTEMBER 10-16, 2004
9
ExecutiveProfile: FRED DE GROSZ
BUSINESS PHILOSOPHY
Essential business philosophy: Underpromise and
overdeliver.
Best way to keep competitive edge: Stay out of the
office and in front of clients.
Guiding principle: It might sound trite, but it•s the
golden rule: Treat people as you would like to be
treated, evaluate people as you would like to be
evaluated.
Yardstick of success: I like the happiness quotient,
both for family and spirituality; a balance between
focusing on building a business, raising children,
being there for grandchildren. Having a balance in
your life.
Goal yet to be achieved: Doing something significant
for others, and I would emphasize the word
"significant."
JUDGMENT CALLS
RÉSUMÉ
Name: Fred de Grosz.
Title: President and CEO.
Company: ABD Insurance and Financial Services
Inc.
Background: Named CEO in 1990. From 1972 to
1990, served as founder, president and CEO of
Alburger/de Grosz Insurance Services Inc.
Between 1967 and 1972, held various sales and
management positions with General Foods Corp.
Education: Bachelor of science degree from the
University of California at Berkeley; M.B.A. from
San Francisco State University.
Residence: Woodside.
Best business decision: That's easy: Picking great
partners. We started the business in 1971 with one
employee, partnering with Doug Alburger. We
merged with Bruce Basso in 1990, and brought in Dan
Francis in 1997 and Jim Hall in 1999. Today, we have
in excess of 675 employees.
Worst business decision: Taking too long to pick great
partners. We could have accelerated what we've
accomplished.
Toughest business decision: Pulling the plug (in
personnel issues), based on poor performance or bad
behavior; drawing a line and acting, when you have to,
regarding people. Making the decision it's no longer
acceptable.
Biggest missed opportunity: Not being able to put
together a major deal with a big brokerage firm in the
Southeast to build a truly national and international
brokerage firm.
Mentor: My dad. He showed me how to handle
difficult times with grace, style and dignity.
The San Francisco Business Times Volume 19, No. 5
Word that best describes you: If I can break away from
the rules for a minute: Passionate and committed.
TRUE CONFESSIONS
Like best about job: Selling and developing future
leadership.
Like least about job: Internal nonsense.
Pet peeve:People who overpromise and under-deliver.
Most important lesson learned: Always have fun.
Person most interested in meeting: I would love to meet
John Wooden (former UCLA basketball coach) and
Hall of Famer.
Most-respected competitor: Marsh & McLennan Cos.
Inc., the world's largest broker. It•s fun and
challenging to compete and win against them.
Three greatest passions: Family, life and ABD.
First choice for a new career:
Honest to God, a repeat.
If I had to, a movie director or producer.
PREDILECTIONS
Favorite quote: "Ninety percent of winning is showing
up."
Favorite cause: Multiple sclerosis and UC Berkeley.
Most influential book: "Trinity," by Leon Uris, which
got him out of the Middle East, where he has some
prejudices. It gave me a recognition that there are
some things you can't change.
Favorite status symbol: One wife.
Favorite movie: "A Thousand Clowns."
Favorite restaurant: Village Pub, in Woodside. It's
warm, intimate, close to home, has excellent food, and
is run by a charming owner.
Favorite vacation spot: Anywhere in Europe.
Favorite way to spend free time: Reading, walking on
the beach.
Automobile: 1996 Porsche Carrera C4S
- Chris Rauber