The family of Dick Baker presented the first Dick Baker Memorial Award last night to Fuel TV General Manager CJ Olivares in San Clemente, Calif.
Dick, the Chairman Emeritus of SIMA, former CEO of Op, and friend and mentor to many, passed away in April 2009.
Also last night, Surfing America, the national governing body for surfing in America, a group heavily supported by Dick, introduced the 2010/2011 PacSun USA Surf Team.
Bob Graff of Graffy Inc., a media agency that represents both Surfing America and PacSun, was one of the first who had the idea of uniting Surfing America and the Dick Baker Memorial Award.
Bob, also a member of SIMA’s Advisory Board, told me at the event last night that he was just following Dick’s example of bringing groups and people together.
CJ was chosen because he matched the criteria for the award: Being a loving and dedicated parent, possessing a natural willingness to mentor others, having a passion for the business of the surf industry, being dedicated to supporting charitable causes, showing respect for peers and competitors alike, living with a high standard of personal integrity, and being committed to advancing the sport.
Una Baker said CJ had “amazing similarities” to Dick, from his parenting skills to his professional success.
CJ said Dick set a standard we all should aspire to. CJ referred to the saying, “Great leaders do not create followers, they create leaders.”
That’s what Dick did, and CJ said he often felt like a student learning from a professor around Dick, who was generous with his knowledge and advice.
CJ also said surfing helped him find his way when he was a bit lost as a teenager, and still influences his world view today. Surfing taught him about character, strength, respect for others, participating in the community and stewardship of the ocean. And, surfing is probably the most fun you can legally have, he said.
CJ thanked his family, including wife, Amy, for teaching him “how to love unconditionally and for that, I love you.”
And, CJ urged the audience to rally together to protect the ocean from pollution and other threats.
The event was held at Casino San Clemente, now owned by Linda and Shaheen Sadeghi, who provided the venue at no charge for the special occasion.
