THE HISTORY OF EBMC

It may be surprising to most to learn that it was Shirley Burger, Eugene’s wife, that was the first to enter the field of property management. As a young woman, she assisted an owner of an apartment building in exchange for rent. Soon after Eugene entered the property management field and became a successful entrepreneur.

EBMC formally began its operations in Sausalito, California in 1968 when the firm was known as Barcelon-Burger. The company specialized in the management of market rate and affordable apartment communities, commercial properties, condominiums and cooperatives as it does similarly today.

In 1979, Eugene Burger and Theodore Barcelon realized they had different business styles and goals and chose to divide up the properties and go their separate ways. At that time there were approximately 75 properties. Eugene Burger retained the original charter for the corporation and retained approximately 35 employees and 35 properties. Theodore Barcelon established a new property management company, Barlcelon Associates Management and the company continues to provide management services in northern California.

EBMC is blessed to have people
with spirit throughout
the Corporate Family.

During the fall out of partnership syndications in the early 1980’s EBMC was elected as successor as General Partner of twenty-six (26) HUD insured properties scattered throughout California, Nevada and Arizona. EBMC to this day remains the General Partner of a number of these properties. In the mid 1980’s EBMC was elected successor General Partner to some twenty-two (22) properties consisting of twenty (20) conventional apartment communities and two office buildings.

The business of property management grew at a fast pace and Mr. Burger was faced with having to find adequate space to accommodate the growth. True to his vision for EBMC’s future and his penchant for his historical preservation in late 1982 he put together a group of investors to purchase and renovate a Mormon Church in the heart of Marin County retaining the majesty of the building while creating a stunning corporate headquarters that served EBMC and the community well for twenty-two (22) years.

By 2004, EBMC maintained eight office locations in two states, three of which were located in the Marin & Sonoma areas. To maximize efficiency, Mr. Burger decided to consolidate the Marin and Sonoma offices into one location. Once again, he chose a landmark building and purchased the old Rohnert Park Library at 6600 Hunter Drive in Rohnert Park, California and commenced a $1.8 million renovation.

Over the years, EBMC acquired a number of small management companies to expand and compliment its operations. Most of these acquisitions occurred as a result of industry relationships established over many years. In this way, EBMC has built and continues to build a team of trusted, valued staff. EBMC fosters relationships with property management professionals across the U.S. and Japan and has been honored on several occasions with visits from our good friends from Japan Property Management Association (JPMA), Meikai University and Osaka City University.

Forty (40) years later, Eugene and his wife Shirley continue to be the sole owners of the corporation and their son Stephen Burger serves as its President. Stephen has served as President since 1998 and is responsible for the daily operations of the firm which includes nearly 500 employees serving 30,000 units with ten office locations.

Eugene and Shirley have many memorable experiences that have filled their lives as a result of this long journey. Owning and managing EBMC has proved to be very rewarding. It would be difficult find more interesting and lively stories to tell than can be found while from running a management company for 40 years.

If you ever have the opportunity to sit and chat with either of them, which rarely presents itself since they are constantly on the go visiting staff at various locations you might ask that they share a story with you. You could ask about the horse trailer in the apartment parking lot with the hay trail into the apartment, the time their home was picketed or simply who possesses the EBMC baseball trophy, EBMC north or south.

When a question was asked to our staff, what makes EBMC different from the competition? An employee remarked, “Legendary Service Provided by Exceptional People”.

We believe it and our staff does too. We invite you to join us on the journey.

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The EBMC Spirit

From time to time we, the people of EBMC, need to revisit and emphasize what it is that shapes the Corporate Family Character.

Certainly any examination of character will require an inventory of the qualities which makes or helps anything be what it is. In our interaction with each other and with the clients we serve, the agencies with which we must comply, there are certain attributes that are more desirable than others. Those that I believe to be high on the desired list would be the following:

Demeanor: The ability to conduct oneself in a civil, professional and pleasant way. This includes a person’s working relationship with all those whom they come in contact with on a daily basis.

Responsible: Being capable of making ethical and moral decisions and being able to answer for one’s behavior. Responsibility implies a characteristic enabling a person to meet obligations, duty and trust.

In my mind, one of the major flaws in the character of the general American public today is the inability to accept responsibility. Today, more and more people obsess about who may have caused their problems, rather than accept the responsibility for their own actions. Even large mistakes or errors can be mitigated, to some degree, if we accept responsibility rather than spend time and effort blaming others. Take the hit and move on!

Attitude: The perception of others about your manner or actions toward people and situations. In general, a negative attitude projection will instigate a like attitude back to you.

The sum total of the qualities which make up human character is:

Spirit: The conscious life and vital principle in all of us. Spirit is the soul or heart of feelings or sentiment. Spirit is that driving force which enables us to achieve throughout life.

We want to reward that spirit and foster its growth to each and everyone of us.

One of those whose spirit has shown us the way was our late Executive Vice President, Joe Guth. Joe’s can-do attitude was always on display. It was evident in his responsibility and demeanor throughout his life.

Prior to his work with EBMC, Joe was an Air Force fighter pilot. Joe’s love of flying was nearly as strong as his love of golf. In his Air Force life, Joe was able to excel in many ways and in many areas. He earned the prestigious title of “Top Gun” and, for a time, held the coast-to-coast speed record.

While detached to a Marine flying squadron, Joe became proficient at aircraft carrier landings and takeoff s. But, along with these achievements, Joe also had to overcome the loss of many close flying companions over the years.

While with EBMC, Joe was instrumental in the transition from Barcelon-Burger Management Corporation to Eugene Burger Management Corporation, and the rebuilding of the split corporate client portfolio. Joe also aided in the development of the Larkfield Self Storage facility and the financing of the Greenbrae Corporate office.

Since Joe’s passing in 1998, his sons have held an annual memorial golf outing for friends and family.

The top achievement in that event is the awarding of the “Joe Guth Indomitable Spirit Award.” It is this legacy of spirit that continues to inspire EBMC and which we intend to have continue throughout the EBMC Corporate Family. It can be done and we can do it.

In memory of Joe, EBMC is adding to this list of awards, the “Joe Guth Indomitable Spirit Award,” in addition to the existing “EBMC Plus Award.”

Eugene J. Burger, Chairman and CEO