I was new to Rancho Bernardo when I started my own Farmers Insurance Agency in February 2011. I joined a networking group in order to build my business.  It was in this networking group that I met Steve Redd.  Steve was in the automobile sales business.   
 
I had a few people invite me to join their Rotary club.  I went to a few different meetings and realized their crowd wasn't "my type."  The clubs I visited didn't seem at all interested in me and the members didn't look like they were interested in someone my age.
 
 
A friend of mine mentioned to me that his daughter needed a car for college. Because I knew Steve was in the automobile business, I referred this friend to Steve.  Within days, my friend's daughter had a great car for college.  Steve called me to thank me for the referral and suggested that we meet for a beer.  I accepted his offer.
 
When Steve and I met shortly thereafter, he discussed the wonderful opportunity of becoming a Rotarian.  I was quick to dismiss his invitation as I assumed he was a member of one of the clubs I had already visited.  Steve didn't take no for an answer.  When he pressed me about the clubs I had visited, he quickly assured me that his club was different . He encouraged me to come to one meeting and check out his club.
 
I came to that one meeting back in October 2012 and have been a member ever since.  Joining Rotary has been a great decision.  I can now give back to the community that has given so much to me already.
 
Steve unfortunately passed away a few months ago.  I will always be grateful to him for his persistence in persuading me to just check out the Rancho Bernardo Sunrise Rotary Club. I am now co-treasurer of RB Sunrise Rotary and have been involved with the club's projects that make a difference in the local community and in the world.
 
If you want to be involved with great people who are working to make the world a better place, come to a meeting like I did.  RB Sunrise Rotary meets at the Country Club of Rancho Bernardo every Tuesday at 7:00 am.