Wonder Valley Ranch Resort

What a great story of vision, family, commitment, perseverance and success. This great multigenerational, 40-year old odyssey is a grand story of risk and reward, family commitment and redirection, dogged determination and a strong focus on market and customer service. From 17 rooms and 4 employees to 53 rooms, 200 employees and $5 million in revenues, Wonder Valley is a family business wonderful success.

Left to right, Front to Back: Stan Oken, Roy Oken, Larry Oken, Nancy Oken, Dorothy Oken, Myrna Oken

I would vote for the Wonder Valley Ranch. They have such a compelling story of the risk of starting the business and the closeness of family. The children all dropped their careers to come back into the family business and grow the company. Each family member has played a crucial role in the success of this business. This company is the “poster child” for all family businesses – self-sacrifice, family unity, hard work = success for the family and the business. In addition, each member of the family has learned the value of giving back; not just by contributing money but by personally investing their love and time in other people to make a difference in the world. They are a true inspiration to the meaning of what it is to have family values imbued in the family business.

2008 Family Business Award Finalists

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• Management Recruiters of Fresno – www.mri-fresno.com
• San Joaquin Valley College – www.sjvc.edu
• Schuil & Associates Diversified Real Estate – www.schuil.com
• Wonder Valley Ranch Resort - www.wondervalley.com