Week 431

Positive Post Sunday, June 1, 2025…. Week 431.  After 43 years of being “Glad to be of Service,” today marks the effective day of my retirement from SoCalGas and the beginning of a new chapter in my life.

It has been an incredible journey serving over 23 million customers across Southern California safely, efficiently, and with pride at SoCalGas. Many have asked me what I plan to do in retirement, and my answer is simple: I will begin my next chapter the way I have lived throughout my career, with gratitude and faith. Tomorrow morning, the first day I would normally go to work, the very first thing I will do is attend daily Mass. I can’t think of a better place than church to 1) Celebrate the years of hard work and service, 2) Thank God for His abundant blessings, 3) Pray for all the incredible individuals I have had the privilege to work alongside, both past and present, and 4) Ask for His guidance as I transition into retirement.

Reflecting on my years of service at SoCalGas, I am deeply honored to have worked with colleagues with some of the brightest minds in the energy industry, but more than anything, I cherish the friendships I’ve built along the way. Leadership is not just about guiding a company, it’s about making an impact, fostering growth, and standing for values that matter. I have been blessed with the opportunity to lead some amazing people throughout my career, and I sincerely hope that my efforts have, in some way, opened doors and inspired others to follow their passion and carve their own unique paths.

A career that aligns with one’s values is a rare gift these days, and I am grateful for every opportunity I’ve had to learn, grow, and mentor future leaders. I have often written about The Triangle of Life and my guiding passions: Faith, Family, and Fitness. I have been blessed that they have always been deeply intertwined with the principles at Sempra: Do the Right Thing, Champion People, and Shape the Future.  This has allowed me to stay true to my beliefs and values in both my personal and professional life.

To my colleagues who continue to carry the SoCalGas mission forward: I have complete confidence in you. Just as I am stepping into a new phase of life, you are entering an era of transformation and opportunity. With your leadership, I know the company will not only persevere but thrive. If I’ve left you any legacy, I hope it is in advancing our health and safety culture and fostering the next generation of leaders.

To my colleagues who are also retiring, congratulations!  I wish you the very best and pray for your health and happiness.  I encourage you to read the book, “Purposeful Retirement” by Hyrum W. Smith.  This is an excellent book on how to bring happiness and meaning to our retirement.    

As for retirement, my wife Michele and I have spent years preparing for this moment, putting family second only to our faith, practicing financial discipline, living within our means, and embracing the mindset that fulfillment is found not in material things but in meaningful experiences. I am filled with excitement in anticipation of spending more quality time with my family, serving in my community and yes, riding my bike.  Although I will miss many of my colleagues, I can’t wait to see what God has planned for me during this next chapter of my life.  Whatever His plan is, I know we will face it together with love and faith.

How have you been blessed throughout your career? Are you pursuing something that fills you with passion and purpose?

How are you preparing for the next chapter of your life, whichever chapter that is?