Biltmore and other establishments before opening Buster’s Restaurant in Flagstaff in 1983. The Firths journeyed to Tucson in 1985, where he opened Keaton’s Restaurant in Foothills Mall. At one point, Keaton’s was one of only five tenants, but it was popular, known for its seafood and diverse menu. He went on to open Buddy’s Grill as well as a restaurant at the ArizonaSonora Desert Museum, among others. Susan worked part-time as a teacher, allowing her to be home with the boys. “It was an unbelievable blessing,” Firth said. “She really carried the ball.” She has been involved in the business end of the restaurants and opened the Hacienda del Sol gift shop. While putting in long hours, Firth worked his schedule to be with his family. “I would leave in the afternoons when the kids had a soccer game or tee ball,” he recalled. He has been involved in Casas Adobes Rotary Club since 1989. “Rotary has been a blessing for our family. We have had three exchange students over the years and they became part of our
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family.” He is on the board of Metropolitan Tucson Convention & Visitors Bureau, and through his businesses, he supports dozens of Tucson nonprofits. Firth is excited to raise funds for type 1 diabetes research through Father’s Day Council. “Without research, we are not going to find a cure for such a debilitating illness,” he said. Biz MIKE HAMMOND continued from page 110 Hammond, one of 10 children in an Irish Catholic family, was born in Panama. The military family crisscrossed the country during his childhood. He received a degree in forestry at the University of Washington, and was drafted into the Army. Following his military service, Hammond and his wife of 41 years, Leslie, spent six years in Europe. “We planned to stay just long enough to bicycle through Spain,” Hammond recalled. He got a job selling insurance to Americans living overseas, including a six-month stint in Tehran, Iran. “I found out I had a knack for selling in-
surance,” he said. When they were expecting their first child, the Hammonds moved back to the United States and settled in Tucson. In 1978, Hammond made the switch from insurance to commercial real estate, and went out on his own in 1985, opening PICOR. As his business grew, so did his family. He and Leslie are parents of Reneé Gregg, 36, Paul Hammond, 30, and Matthew Hammond, 26. They have one granddaughter, Morgan, and one grandson, Rayder. Under Hammond’s direction, PICOR has incorporated in northern Mexico. “I am passionate about Mexico. I think I was a Mexican in my previous life.” He helps U.S. companies expand into Mexico, and aids Mexican companies in setting up operations here. He is a devout student of Spanish. Hammond is actively involved in the Tucson community. He chairs the Southern Arizona Leadership Council and is on the board of Tucson Regional Economic Opportunities. He chairs the Business Development Finance Corp. continued on page 116 >>>
Spring 2013
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