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Archive for May, 2025

On this Memorial Day weekend we honor our Fallen Heroes who Serve and Protect.

Along with our Military who have served in war time, we have First Responders who have fallen in 9/11, Fires, Natural Disasters, etc.

As a Director of the Kentfield Fire District, I look to Honor those First Responders, Fire-Police-EMT-Doctors-Nurses, etc. along with our miliary.

On 9/11 our son called from Israel at 6:10 am our time and told us about what was happening in NYC.  Along with the rest of the country and world, we watched in horror as the Twin Towers fell.  To this day, I still remember and see the image of those brave Fire Fighters climbing the steps of the World Trade Center.   The looks on their faces told the whole story.  They knew they were walking into Harms Way, yet like all those committed to Serve and Protect, they proceeded onward.

As a Director of KFD, I see the bravery, commitment, concern for the individual in our Firehouse, like all Firehouses.  Like the men and woman of 9/11, the First Responders entered Harms Way with the recent California and National Wild Fires Disasters over the past years.  

As a former Officer in the US Army and Director of KFD, I always make it a point to say “thank you for your service” when I see these brave men and woman.

So on this day, I say “thank you” and ask all of you to remember and never forget what they do.

With Respect, With Honor for them 

Steven R. Gerbsman

Director Kentfield Fire District

Please see Firefighter’s Prayer below and you will understand who they are


   Firefighter’s Prayer

When I am called to duty, God wherever flames may rage,

give me strength to save a life, whatever be its age.

Help me to embrace a little child before it’s too late,

or save an older person from the horror of that fate.

Enable me to be alert to hear the weakest shout,

and quickly and efficiently to put the fire out.

I want to fill my calling and to give the best in me,

to guard my neighbor and protect his property.

And if according to your will I have to lose my life,

bless with your protecting hand my loving family from strife. Amen

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Good afternoon

After 50 years in business the adage of ‘the more things change the more they remain the same” is still true. The same business disciplines for cash, financials, leadership, knowing how to communicate and having “ethics and integrity” continue to be the basic discipline for success.

As a “Mentor” at Stanford University’s annual MBA competitions, I have tried to instill in entrepreneurs, who are the hope for our future the knowledge I have gained over the years. Please see below a talk I delivered at the Stanford Tech Ventures Program on “why companies succeed and why companies fail”.

Identifying the early warning signs and maximizing value of under-performing and distressed portfolio companies

Stanford Tech Ventures Program

Stanford Tech Ventures Program

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