Anthony is a values based and purpose driven leader and entrepreneur. He is the former owner and CEO of California Closets, a high-end custom storage and franchise company that he joined in 1987 when he first came to the United States from South Africa. Along with a financial partner, he acquired the company from Williams Sonoma in 1994 at which time he assumed the position of CEO. The company eventually became the largest custom home storage business in the United States and the business grew to over 100 franchises operating in markets throughout North America as well as in six other countries. Under his leadership, the small home improvement company evolved from a losing proposition when he acquired it, to becoming a market leader and an internationally known brand. The company prized itself on its forward looking brand leadership, its beautiful products and designs, its outstanding people and a customer experience that was truly exceptional. He is most proud of the company culture which was based upon strong principles and beliefs that were embodied in the company’s value system. This fostered a great relationship between franchisor and franchisee as well as amongst employees, customers and suppliers.Since selling California Closets, Anthony has served on boards in a variety of industries. He is also an active member and serves on the board of his YPO Gold Chapter in San Francisco where he heads up the chapter's mentorship program. Anthony has been in franchising for over 30 years and has been, and remains, an equity partner, board member and an advisor to selected companies. He is presently the owner and President of a company called The Paradise Group, Inc. that specializes in advising small businesses on strategy, branding and core values as a vital means for a company to deliver on its brand promises in an authentic manner. Anthony does presentations from time to time to businesses and organizations on business related topics as well as on his personal story. His story incapsulates his journey from immigrating with a law degree in South Africa to buying a failing franchise company in the US and leading it to becoming a highly respected national brand and a household name in the home storage industry.