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Cameron Radonich: Bring it on Home

By James Florence, Diamond Certified Resource Reporter

SAN JOSE — Aiming for a career in professional sports, Cameron Radonich was in the process of earning his master’s degree when a simple realization led to an abrupt change in direction. “I was working on a master’s in organizational leadership, with the intention of coaching professionally,” he explains. “Halfway through the program, however, I realized I wasn’t willing to take a job outside of the Bay Area.” Recognizing that this provision was incompatible with his coaching aspirations, Cameron opted to take a route that would fulfill both his personal and professional criterion: he joined his father’s business, Los Gatos Roofing. “Going to work for my father gave me an opportunity to remain in my hometown while applying my formal education in a professional capacity.”

Today, as Los Gatos Roofing’s marketing director, Cameron says he enjoys his daily interactions with co-workers and customers most of all. “My favorite part about my job is the people I work with. I like the mentality of the people who work in construction, and I also enjoy being able to work with homeowners.”

Residing in San Jose with his wife, Katie, and their daughter, Gulianna, Cameron expresses his appreciation for both the local community and the region’s topographical attributes. “There’s a highly educated population base here in the Silicon Valley, so there are always good conversations to be had,” he says. “I also love the Santa Cruz Mountains. We have a family ranch up there, and I have a lot of fond memories from spending time there during my childhood.”

Outside of work, Cameron engages in a variety of pastimes, from playing sports to winemaking. “My favorite thing to do is play baseball and softball, which I do at least once a week, whether with friends or in my local league. I’ve also become very interested in winemaking—in fact, we recently started looking into developing the land on our ranch into a vineyard.”

In his life and career, Cameron finds inspiration in a quote from 19th century American writer Ralph Waldo Emerson. “The quote I have on my wall is basically Emerson’s definition of success, which is to have left the world a better place,” he explains. “My favorite parts are where he says, ‘To laugh often and much’ and ‘to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children.’ I try to apply this in my own life by making my business a place where employees enjoy coming to work and customers feel appreciated.”

When asked the first thing he’d do if he could retire tomorrow, Cameron says he would redirect his vocational efforts and apply them toward winemaking. “I’d spend more time developing our family’s vineyard and trying to make that successful.”

Ask Me Anything!

Q: What are your favorite sports teams?
A: The Oakland A’s and the San Francisco 49ers.

Q: If you could time travel, would you go to the past or the future?
A: The past—there are parts of history I’m fascinated with and would like to see firsthand.

Q: If you could drive any car, what would it be?
A: A 1968 Ford Mustang Fastback.

Q: What do you like on your pizza?
A: Basil and tomatoes.

Q: What was your favorite toy as a child?
A: Any kind of ball—baseball, softball, tennis ball, whatever.

Q: Do you collect anything?
A: Air Jordan basketball shoes. I have about 30 pairs!