Richard Kato:  

Update - November 2010 Been traveling the country for a couple of years now, interviewing Franchisor's in the restaurant industry. Looks like I may be opening a store in Orange County with plans to expand into multiple locations and multiple concepts on the West Coast in the future. It's a great opportunity to combine my commercial real estate experience with my love for food. Have been in San Diego, the Slilcon Valley and the Greater Seattle areas scouting locations. Quick service and fast casual restaurants are some of the few businesses growing during tough economic times. Excited about bulding out a restaurant and learning the operations side. Hope to have more to share by the second quarter of 2011. Update - July 2009 I live and have an office in the City of Corona, CA. Recently purchased a new home and I'm in the process of landscaping the whole enchilada. Still in the commercial/investment real estate business; now for 29 years. I am beginning to phase out of the Realtor trade Association volunteer stuff after 23 years but may look to become involved in the financial planning trades. I still remain as a Director for the Realtors Commercial Alliance of Orange County and remain active on National committees as well. Still single (open to change) still exchange barbs with my good old friends from school (Jeff Stone has remained a best buddy). Every 4 years (like 2008) I hear from friends from the past because I was born on leap year, February 29 (easy for folks to remember)! I've traded in the convertible for a coupe and a SUV. I enjoy the same activities and recreation. I am an avid Angel season ticket holder and regular visitor to the Laguna Beach Pageant of the Masters. My latest venture is in financial planning. I founded the Kato Consulting Group and IRA Watchdog education group. We are focused on Retirement Distribution Education, rollover of pension plans and IRA's. In...Expand for more