• Hi, I'm Brad Abare

  I'm a make-it-happen guy working with big idea people. I design teams and orchestrate strategy so that great ideas I believe in get done.
  
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Note: This is a copy of a letter sent by Brad’s family in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Family & Friends,

It’s only my third letter in 28 years so it’s not as impressive as one might think. But, somehow I’ve managed to kick out three in a row which does make it look more consistent.

Oh well. Here we go with this year’s eight bytes about my favorite people.

What else can I say other than I have found a good thing - well 28 years ago I did, and like good wine she keeps getting better with age! The gap between heaven and earth is lessening because of Ann’s love for and reflection of God. She constantly amazes me and it’s because of her that I can do what I do! I’d give you her email address, but it’s usually one of the kids or me that winds up checking her email, so just call her.

All aboard! Yep, we picked up grandma (Ann’s mom) in KC and boarded Amtrak for a two week stint to New York, D.C., and Chicago. Also accompanied by family friend and professional tour guide, Rene, we visited every possible landmark known to mankind, maybe more. We suffered through torrential rain day after day in New York, agonized over great food nightly, and topped it off with no air-conditioning in our sleeper car on the way home. All in all, I am so much more educated now (I’ll never do that again)!!

I am changing up the order to avoid the ridicule I’ll face if I show any favoritism.

Brad (25) learned how to ride a bike this year - well almost. He fell this summer and hurt himself pretty good - uh bad? He continues to navigate his career between two different roles - Director of Communications for Foursquare International and president of his privately held company b-moore, inc. Both organizations seem to be doing well. I wonder where he learned to multi-task so well; Ann, of course. He and his wife of 2.5 years, Jamaica will be in Tulsa for 2 weeks at Christmas. Following in my footsteps of higher education (ha!), she will begin graduate school in January.

Craig (21) left GAP, Inc., invested six months into researching the feasibility of launching an interior design shop, and then accepted a position at OnCore. In a drastic move to become independent, he and Luke are contemplating buying a house in 2004 and moving on up to the east side, like George Jefferson did!

Joy (13) will soon move into the position she thought was hers from the day she was born - oldest child (at home). She acts as the fashion police for her mom and me. Not that I even aspire to be on Millionaire, but if I or you ever are, she would be the BEST lifeline you could have when it comes to entertainment. It boggles my mind how she can know so much. She aspires to replace me as CEO in a few years. I hope she does!

Mark (23) is enjoying the process of establishing a new home. He bought a place conveniently located four blocks from downtown Pasadena and 11 minutes from his office. It’s a great place, all 950 square feet of it with a beautiful city park out the front window. He’s Brad’s right hand man at b-moore. In his spare time he plays and referees ice hockey.

Luke (18) bought a new “ride” this year - it’s equipped with sound system, tints, nice wheels and low profile tires. Somehow, we were fortunate to snag him before he migrated west and he, too is working at OnCore in the marketing department. He still drags himself out of bed almost every morning at 5 am to work out. Like Mark, he plays, referees, and coaches ice hockey.

Paul (10) is still the coolest kid in the world and is also following in the footsteps of his bigger brother and playing ice hockey. He continues to develop his insatiable need to know along with his knack to unnerve people who influence his schedule with relentless requests for information. He’s determined, smart and competitive; three qualities that will help him leave his mark on the world!

In August, I relinquished my day to day responsibilities at OnCore to our newly appointed president. I have moved into the Chairman of the Board & CEO role and my primary responsibilities are centered on acquiring new business. Visit www.oncoregroup.com to see all of the great things that are happening - it is literally amazing to me to see the growth we are experiencing. In my spare time, I am writing a book which should release sometime in 2004. It’s a collection of real life stories for life and business.

Speaking of real life stories, I hope you are able to fully embrace and enjoy the real life story of Jesus this Christmas season with those you care for most. Would you join me in a determined effort to make this Christmas one that is full of meaning, love, and memories? We look forward to embracing all of you in the near future.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

The Abares
Broken Arrow, Oklahoma

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