In the month Chuck Martin learned he had cancer, he started writing “Orange County, Inc., — The Evolution of an Economic Powerhouse.”
He wrote profiles on the founders and chief executives of dozens of OC’s most successful companies, such as Donald Bren of Irvine Co., Miles Edwards of Edwards Laboratories and Arnold Beckman of Beckman Instruments. The following were unsolicited comments about the coffee table-size book, which was published last year at 404 pages and weighing in at seven pounds.
“This book is extraordinary. It’s a true reflection of his scholarly temperament. This book reflected more research than you will find in the average PhD dissertation.”
—Howard Gillman, UCI chancellor
“When you’ve had the success like Chuck has, why would you interview business leaders? Who does that at that stage of his life? He really enjoyed hearing about the success of others. He cared enough about Orange County that he wanted the story told. I don’t know any other successful business leader who does that late in life.”
—Michael Kaye, founder, ClearLight Partners, where Martin was a partner
“Chuck asked me for a little story about myself, and he was nice enough to include it in his book. He put that entire book together in a year’s time while he was fighting cancer.
“I was blown away by the amount of research. His desire was for others to understand how Orange County came to be. It is a remarkable book.”
—Carl McLarand, chairman, MVE & Partners
“He wrote a great book on the history of Orange County. He interviewed a lot of us and created a great historical document.”
—Don Beall, a CEO of the former Rockwell International
“Remarkable book … Chuck brought together all the elements and the people that have made Orange County such an extraordinary place.”
—Daniele Struppa, Chapman University president
“Not too long ago, I heard him make a presentation on his book … In the audience were many of the true movers and shakers of OC—a real who’s who of the men and women who created much of the wealth and the economic vitality of this amazing place.
Although physically weakened by his illness, Chuck’s mind was as sharp as ever—he offered a wide range of engaging stories that kept the audience at rapt attention for well over an hour. It was a masterful presentation by a master storyteller, shaped by a keen business mind.”
—Bob Bassett, Dodge College of Film and Media Arts, Chapman University
“The book was a labor of love for Chuck, and also a final victory tour. I emceed his last presentation on Feb. 16 at the Newport Beach Public Library.
“Most of us were aware time might be running short, so while Chuck was there to celebrate Orange County, we were there to celebrate Chuck, too. Organizers had considered canceling the event, but Chuck would have none of it. Although he appeared tired, once he began speaking, adrenaline kicked in. Chuck lit up and gave a tour de force, and he even spent a long time afterwards signing books and chatting it up.”
— Business Journal Editor-at-Large Rick Reiff
