From the 40 Over 40 archives from 2008. This is still one of my favorite interviews.

I recently sat down with one of the most interesting and delightful individuals I have had the honor and privilege meeting – Herb Bridge.

Herb Bridge is co-chairman of Ben Bridge Jeweler, a 91-year-old business with 71 retail locations in 11 states.

Affectionately known as “Mr. Downtown,” Bridge has received many distinctive honors for his community and business accomplishments, including induction in the National Jeweler’s Hall of Fame and the 2001 Seattle-King County First Citizen Award. His involvement and leadership have included dozens of causes, including the co-chairmanship with his son of the 2000 United Way campaign, which raised more than $93 million. He also has championed housing for low-income people and has taught Sunday school. One of the region’s more colorful community leaders, the 80+-year-young Bridge gave up his Harley Davidson and conforming to a promise to his wife Shirley, sold his Honda Gold Wing. He delivered the Honda Gold to its new owner in Idaho and on the way home had seller’s remorse – the next day he bought a new Honda Gold Wing!

A former senior admiral in the U.S. Naval Reserves, Bridge served in World War II and the Korean War and was an active reservist for more than four decades. He received two Legion of Merit awards and the Naval Unit Commendation. He also serves on the Naval Academy Foundation and the American Legion Foundation, and is Chairman Emeritus of the Puget Sound USO.

Recently the Bridge family received the honor of being named Philanthropic Family of the Year! Congratulations!

How did you earn your first dollar?

At the time the PI was a morning paper; I would wake up at 3:00 every morning and deliver papers from Kirkland to Madison Park. While in High School I had 125 collections (homes), including selling papers on the ferries. By the time I went into the Navy at 17 years old, I had saved $5,000.00.

I had to get permission from my father to enlist – my Dad had strong misgivings but finally gave me permission. My Dad didn’t trust the stock market and made me put the money into a life insurance policy before I left for the service.  Do you know how much it is worth today?

Still $5,000 dollars!

What do you appreciate about being over 40?

Freedom!

 

What or who inspired you to get where you are today?

My father and my fantastic mother. The family had one store and I had to

work in the store- it was a family obligation.

 

What advice do you have for the under 40 crowd?

Treasure your time, look forward to being over 40, it gives you freedom to

pursue all the activities you put off. So many hours working and building a business. When I was younger, I would dream about taking a Saturday off. I revel in the idea of taking a week day off now!!

 

What do you still like to achieve?

More of a mark helping people in the world.

 

What are you passionate about?

We will leave this one alone (Gina-long story but fascinating!)

 

What book is on your nightstand?.

I don’t read in bed! On my coffee table is the Chosen Solider and the

Last Man on the Moon.

 

What is in your iPod?

I have one but don’t use it. I love the music from the 40’s, it was romantic. I

use to hum to the songs while on watch in WWII.

 

What other person would you like to meet – living or dead?

My grandparents and spending more time with my parents. I didn’t get to ask

them so many questions. What were their hardships? How did they come through

those hardships?

 

What superpower do you want?

I wish I could communicate with this I have loved –and have loved me!

 

Guilty pleasure?

Often dream of what motivated my enlistment soon after WW2 began, the idea of personal

Actions that could win the wars I was in and facilitate a peaceful, loving world.

 

What is your favorite quote?

Impossible to pay back those responsible for my successes, so I must pay it forward!