Bob Corwin, 26 FEBRUARY 2007


I have now been working at Cisco Systems for ten years. I have been very fortunate in my career in that I have had the opportunity to spend extended time with two companies that ranked among the "Best Companies to work for in America". Since I have also worked for a couple of the "never rans" the difference is amazingly clear. The culture, quality of people, integrity, and values really shine and can drive a real sense of pride.

Living in Silicon Valley I have also had my spin at a couple of start ups. I will truly take the certainty of working for a medium to large company over the stress of coming in each day to see if there will be a company tomorrow.

Denise and I have now been married 16 years. I met a woman from Lancaster, PA out here in the valley. On occasion, I have suggested that I could take a move to Raleigh, N.C. with Cisco, we could buy a huge house in an executive ghetto, for what our house out here is worth, and she could stop working. She consistently says have a nice trip!

Our daughter, Samantha is 14, a freshman in high school and on the high school Frosh Soccer team, and plays competitive club soccer. She has way too many friends who are all good kids, and she has a 3.7GPA. Thank goodness we got something right. Everyone says she looks like Denise, and I am sure you will all agree, that's much better than looking like me. Our son Jeff is in fifth grade. Jeff is a challenge, and I am sure that what goes around comes around and I am being treated to the same behaviors and attitudes I gave my parents. No wonder my mother was so neurotic!

I have done community work by participating on the board of the local educational foundation, referring AYSO soccer, and helping out as a girls softball umpire.

We all ski/ snowboard avidly, and are now (March 2007) really happy to see some snow in the Sierras. The last week finally brought about five feet after no snow since early January.

Our best from rainy California!