Blog of Intellectual Capital

Mark – good morning

I have been reflecting on my 14 years as a Director of the Kentfield Fire District and would like to say “thank you” to you and the “team” for allowing me to be part of the “family”

It has been a very enjoyable experience for me and I trust that I have provided good and thoughtful advice and guidance over the years.

When I talk to people about KFD, I always focus on the high quality of the people, their commitment to “serve and protect” and their compassion to insure the health and welfare of the community.

As you and the team know, Marlene and I very thankful and grateful for the immediate response when she had a stroke in January.  They were key to saving her life and she and I will always remember the support.  I will also never forget your support of me in the hospital.  You stayed there with me for 3 hours, held my hand, comforted and supported me.  A tough night made a little bitter easier by your thoughtfulness and compassion.

When people ask me about First Responders, I always say “you don’t need them, till you need them” and they are always there when you need them.  So I always encourage all to support, respect and say “thank you” to First Responders and Fire Fighters.

It has also been my great pleasure to work with, support and watch the KFD team grow over the years.  As said above, I am in awe of their total commitment to their profession. 

Please pass along to the entire team my best wishes for continued success, good health to be safe as they perform their duties.

I have passed along to friends, family and business acquaintances the “Fireman’s Prayer” below and every time I read it, it puts into perspective the importance “duty, service and honor”.

With much respect

Steve Gerbsman

Director – Kentfield Fire District

Firefighter’s Prayer

When I am called to duty, God, whenever flames may rage;

Give me the strength to save some life, whatever be its age.
Help me 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 and hear the weakest shout,
And quickly and efficiently to put the fire out.
I want to fill my calling to give the best in me,
To guard my every neighbor and protect their property.
And if, according to my fate, I am to lose my life;
Please bless with your protecting hand my children and my wife.

Good afternoon

Recently I was reviewing some old files when I came upon this article (attached and below), written in July 1997, by Tom Peters in Fast Forward, his weekly update.   Tom Peters is a futurist and notable author.

In the mid 1980’s to 2001, my primary focus was an internationally recognized Crisis/Turnaround CEO, brought into challenging company situations by equity and senior lenders.  Since 2001 Gerbsman Partners has also focused on “maximizing enterprise and shareholder value” for under performing and distressed Intellectual Property, as well as providing “crisis consulting”.

Tom Peters was seeking insight into “what are the early warning signs for underperforming/distressed companies” and what do you need to do to fix them.

After reading the article again, it has always amazed me is that the same challenges faced in 1997 are the same challenges faced by companies today in 2025.

As outlined in the third paragraph from the bottom the “red alerts are”:

1. Lack of focus by management and the Board on the monitoring, preservation, control and forecasting of CASH;

2. Changes in the marketplace that are not met with adequate communication and quick adjustments to the new situation;

3. A heavy debt load that is not being alleviated.

Tom Peters outline below is an accurate portrayal of life as a Crisis/Turnaround CEO – “Hired Gun”.

So, if ever appropriate, Ken Hardesty and I are available to strategize and develop action plans for maximizing and monetizing value.

Best

Steve

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