JAMES A. MARTENS
Q&A
GN: You were born in Brooklyn, New York, and now reside in Austin, Texas. Looking back over 86 years, how has that journey shaped your life?
JM: New York - Los Angeles - Austin are a good cross section of the nation with each city having its own benefits and challenges professionally and socially.
GN: You are the middle child with two sisters. How did that position in the family shape you?
JM: Siblings teach you to share and be happy for their victories. I felt protective and appreciated both of them for different reasons.
GN: You built a long career as an accountant. What originally drew you to the profession?
JM: I love rules and orderly outcomes and I was naturally numerate. As it turned out I was able to use my accounting in a variety of roles, practicing CPA, Chief Financial Officer and as a Forensic Expert.
GN: You rose to become managing partner of a large CPA firm in Southern California. What did that achievement mean to you?
JM: Responsibility for staff - clients - work product is an honor and produces a strong sense of duty.
GN: You were also respected as an expert witness. How did that chapter stand apart from your day-to-day work?
JM: The ultimate compliment is to be considered to be an Expert on any subject. I took each and every case very seriously. It was important to be honest - open and objective.
GN: Your children live in Los Angeles. What has fatherhood taught you over the years?
JM: Unconditional love is a force like no other.
GN: You’ve lived through enormous social and economic change. What stands out most to you?
JM: The potential of AI.
GN: At this stage of life, how do you define success? What would you tell your younger self?
JM: Life is all about making choices so remember not to compromise if your choice doesn’t feel “fair". The highest form of wisdom is kindness.
GN: You’ve been a lifelong #1 Dodgers fan. What has that loyalty meant to you?
JM: Years of entertainment and an appreciation for the most skilled athletes on all teams.
GN: What advice do you most often share with younger generations?
JM: Love God and Love People.
GN: To date, what are your biggest accomplishments? I’m sure we will be seeing more to come…
JM: I am loved by the people I love the most. The people whose love I couldn't be happy without.
GN: What does the term Goodnight mean to you?
JM: Charlie Goodnight is a big part of Texas History. He started a college - owned a million acre ranch - ran cattle along the Rio Grande - invented the chuck wagon………………....more ???
Photos by Kimberly Goodnight