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This article originally appeared in winter 2009 Harker Quarterly.
William Jarvis ’97 graduated from Santa Clara University in molecular biology in 2006, and in 2011 will receive an M.B.A. from Stanford, where he currently lives. A science experiment Jarvis began as an eighth grade boarding student at Harker has recently been released by his family’s winery as “Will Jarvis’ Science Project,” and was given 93 points by the Beverage Testing Institute and 92 points by Wine Spectator.
Bruce Jones, PAMA ‘71, attended Culver Military Academy, Trinity University, St. Mary’s University and the University of Washington. He makes his home in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, where he is the CEO of U.S. Submarines, Inc., Poseidon Undersea Resorts LLC and Triton Submarines LLC.
Q: When you were at Harker, did you dream of doing what you do now?
A: William Jarvis: I always knew, even at an early age, that I wanted to attend a graduate business program and eventually run my own business. After finishing my undergraduate education I worked for three years doing research and development at a biotech company called Codexis. My work experience helped me gain admittance to the Stanford Graduate School of Business, where I am currently enrolled as a first-year M.B.A. student.
A: L. Bruce Jones: I learned to dive the summer of my sixth grade year at PAMA [Palo Alto Military Academy], and that was the start of a lifelong fascination with being underwater.
Q: What do you find most exciting about your career or current project?
A: WJ: An M.B.A. is exciting because it opens lots of doors and presents you with educational and career opportunities you would not have access to otherwise.
A: LBJ: We’re currently building the world’s first sea floor resort and the very first permanent, one- atmosphere undersea residence. It’s the culmination of a dream for me.
Q: What personal traits make you successful at what you’re doing?
A: WJ: I have a good sense of what my priorities are and I focus my time and energy accordingly. I do not let myself get sidetracked by the non-essential.
A: LBJ: Hard work and perseverance.
Q: What in your life so far took you the longest time to learn?
A: WJ: Developing effective leadership skills is a lifelong process and this is an area where I continually seek improvement.
A: LBJ: Balancing work with family and leisure.
Q: What’s on the top of your personal and professional “lists” right now?
A: WJ: I am in the middle of the “on campus recruiting” process at Stanford, looking for an appropriate summer internship. I believe that work experience outside of the family business will allow me to contribute in a more meaningful way to the winery.
A: LBJ: Teaching my wife and teenage boys to fly in preparation for an around the world journey in a small plane in two years. Continuing to grow the submarine and the undersea resort companies.
Q: Tell us something surprising about yourself.
A: WJ: I bought a Japanese sports bike (motorcycle) when I was 20 years old and I have been riding ever since.
A: LBJ: I won the 1977 Collegiate National Skydiving Championships when in college.
Q: What advice do you have for current Harker students?
A: WJ: Focus on your academics and take advantage of all the opportunities that are available through Harker, but also put some time aside for your personal development. It is important to develop a sense of perspective and see yourself and your aspirations in a broader context than what you are accustomed to. If you have the opportunity, traveling can be a great way to expand your horizons.
A: LBJ: Do what you love and don’t give up when it’s difficult. When the time comes, find a mate that supports you and your career choice.