Arnold Hansmann:  

I had a dream and it came true. I thought I could see the world even though I started in "the Hood"(born in Compton and early years in the Crenshaw District.) After UNR I joined the Army, basic training at Ft Dix and then Ft Benning "school for boys. I had seen Viet Nam in 1967, 1968,and 1969 and a bit of Japan and met my mate, Barb. She was an Air Force brat and used to travel. After 5 years in Chicago, I had banking experience and an MBA from Kellogg. Barb had finished Dental Hygiene school at Northwestern. Jason was born in May 1974 and we moved August 1 to Paris, France where I worked for one of the "Big 8", learned French, took a bus to work each day and had a daughter, Vanessa March 1976. Three years later we returned to Chicago. In 1984, I left public accounting and joined a small Investment Banking group, Polaris Capital, as one of 4 principals. We moved to San Diego. In 1986, after a unanimous family vote, we moved back to Chicago and I joined McDonald's Corp (my former audit client) as International Controller. That's when I really started seeing the world as we grew from about 30 countries and 20% of operating income to 100 countries and more than 50%. In many locations I was able to spend quality time and get to know the culture a bit. Back at Kellogg I had studied under Edward T. Hall (author of the Silent Language) and it really helped. After a stint at Development through acquisitions (Aroma Cafes in London, Burghy's in Italy, Chipotle in the U.S., etc.), I retired from McDonald's early 2000. I have done some consulting since, including deals in France, England, Poland, Belgium, Germany, Mexico and others, mostly for a technology company based in Europe involved in GPS mapping. That pretty much ended in 2010.. As you can see from above, I have been blessed to realize a dream. I try to give back and volunteered many years with the Multiple Sclerosis Society in Chicago, serving in a number of Board positions. Our two children are healthy, one married (Vanessa) and one not (Jason). Vanessa lives nearby, so we see our five grandchild regularly. Barb plays bridge regularly and I golf, but not well. We did a couples trip to Ireland years ago which was great, and loaded with historic pubs and golf courses. My mom is passed at 98 and still active and sharp. She kept walking 3-5 miles a day after retiring until early eighties. She also advocated fresh carrot juice daily. No dementia here. She had a hip replaced at 87. Dad passed at 91 so he benefited from the carrot juice too. Focus now is on grandchildren. They are 5 minutes away. They are ages 13, 11, 9, 7, and 3.. This should keep us busy for awhile, then who knows. Watch this space for something new, probably a 10-20 year project or endeavor of some sort. It would be longer but I haven't gotten into daily carrot juice!!! (I do exercise though!!!) Barbara and Arnie: Barb is still proving on a regular basis she's a master cook. Of late, she¿s taken on child care with no less success, as Nicholas will attest (once he starts talking). She still has time for Bridge and belongs to several groups, both here and in Arizona. And, of course, many benefit from the various pieces...Expand for more