THE OC BUSINESSES THAT SHAPED AMERICA
By: Peter J. Brennan
It would be difficult to find a single American who hasn’t heard about Disneyland.
The fact that a theme park in Anaheim has become internationally famous is only one example of how businesses in Orange County have had a big impact not only on America, but on the world. While Orange County is relatively youthful, our part in the American story is substantial.
OC companies have played leading roles in developing groundbreaking products like Botox and LASIK. They have invented medical devices that have prevented blindness in thousands of babies, developed heart valves that can be implanted without open-heart surgery, and created the world’s smallest medical device for treating glaucoma.
Developers have planned communities so successful that they have been replicated in regions such as China and the Middle East. They have built shopping centers that attract millions of visitors from around the world. OC firms are also nationally recognized for their expertise in mortgages, insurance, fixed income and commercial real estate.
Major tech companies have helped drive the computer revolution with semiconductors, memory products and hard drives. Over $2 trillion worth of companies now in Silicon Valley started here. They are also major players in the aerospace industry, having participated in NASA’s Apollo missions to the Moon and developing the latest drones, including one that is the No. 1 defense-based unicorn.
They are making the brains for the next wave of robots.
They have set the tone for cool products like surfing apparel and sunglasses. The country’s third-largest company by employee count is based here.
To top it off, OC is a world leader in the food industry as chain restaurants based here have had tremendous success selling billions of tacos, burritos and hamburgers.
The Business Journal is marking the 250th anniversary of the United States by highlighting OC businesses that have made significant contributions to America and the world. Their stories begin on page 1 and are spread throughout this special edition.
“Here in Orange County, that legacy lives on through the entrepreneurs, innovators, educators, and business leaders who continue to shape the future,” Jim and Kelly Mazzo told the Business Journal. “We are proud to call Orange County home and grateful to be part of a community that continues to shape the next chapter of the American story.”
Orange County’s Legacy Companies, Executives
Orange County’s history is rooted in innovation—a region that has produced businesses, brands and institutions that have helped shape modern America, from aerospace and semiconductors to healthcare, real estate, restaurants and theme parks. In the following pages, the Business Journal highlights these legacy companies and the entrepreneurs whose leadership helped define their success.
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