Interview with the Morse family..

[duffysmom]

If you don't get the Villages Vmail here it is. The video interview with the Morse family is revealing.
The Villages Vmail - October 2012 - Home (http://www.thevillages.com/newsletter/201210/)

[gomoho]

Revealing doesn't exactly explain how you felt about the interview. Personally I was very impressed with the kids and think they have their eye on the ball. Spoke with my doctor today, who rents space in the professional area near LSL and he said since the Morse family turned over the management of the property to an outside company things are not going as well. The Morse's bent over backwards to their clients, apparently the management company only cares about the bottom line.

[Mikeod]

I was impressed by the obvious effort to instill a good work ethic all through the family. There are some who begrudge them the money they made and are making with TV. They didn't start out rich. They mentioned that things got really tight up north and they had to scramble to keep things going. The kids went to school and then worked at the restaurant and shop, starting with some pretty menial jobs and learning the business from the bottom up.

They have created a unique, well-planned community for almost 100K residents that attracts people from all over the country and overseas. They are still actively involved in the process even though their accumulated wealth may have allowed them to sit back and rake it in without lifting a finger. That, to me, shows the concern they have that their vision is realized exactly as they want.

[Lbmb24101]

Completely agree w mikeod
That video was impressive
Only in America!
And to continue the family business...
I had a wealthy uncle that once he passed away, his children destroyed the business he had established w so much hard work as a Cuban exile in the 1960's so the Morses are blessed in that way as well!

[keithwand]

I spent summers on Torch Lake about 300 yds from Brownwood Acres. My wife wore her Brownwood Acres T shirt yesterday at the opening.
Realize that Central Lake, MI (Brownwood Acres and where he was a quarterback) is a small town of less than 1,000 people.
Morses did well and hats off to them.

[bkcunningham1]

The Morse "children" look so young. I wonder how old they were when they were working for the family in Michigan.

[Barefoot]

Congratulations to the Morse family for a great job! Live long and prosper. :beer3:

[graciegirl]

The Morse "children" look so young. I wonder how old they were when they were working for the family in Michigan.

Gary Morse is reportedly 76.

The kids are probably in their early fifties.

Most of the huge growth to The Villages has happened in the last ten-15 years it seems, if you check the ages of the villages just south west of Spanish Springs as that is when the "new" development started.

Grandfather Harold Schwartz was the "glad hand" guy with a good idea and son Gary seems to have been the fellow who moved the ideas forward. Gary named our town "The Villages" in 1992 according to this article in Wikipedia.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Villages,_Florida#History

[Bogie Shooter]

The Morse "children" look so young. I wonder how old they were when they were working for the family in Michigan.

IN the video he said he was eight when he started washing dishes.

[downeaster]

Gary Morse is reportedly 76.

The kids are probably in their early fifties.

Most of the huge growth to The Villages has happened in the last ten-15 years it seems, if you check the ages of the villages just south west of Spanish Springs as that is when the "new" development started.

Grandfather Harold Schwartz was the "glad hand" guy with a good idea and son Gary seems to have been the fellow who moved the ideas forward.

Just what year did Gary join his dad in business? When did Harold Schwartz pass away?

Gary join his dad in business? 1983

When did Harold Schwartz pass away? December 2003

[duffysmom]

It must be an amazing feeling to see the happiness of the residents and to know that you had a hand in creating this paradise. Life is so much more than monetary rewards and they appear to have a clear understanding of that. I also enjoyed the obvious respect they have for one another and the banter between them. It appears that they have wonderful childhood memories of Brownwood and want to share them with this community. God Bless them.

[cathyw]

Gary Morse is reportedly 76.

The kids are probably in their early fifties.

Most of the huge growth to The Villages has happened in the last ten-15 years it seems, if you check the ages of the villages just south west of Spanish Springs as that is when the "new" development started.

Grandfather Harold Schwartz was the "glad hand" guy with a good idea and son Gary seems to have been the fellow who moved the ideas forward. Gary named our town "The Villages" in 1992 according to this article in Wikipedia.

The Villages, Florida - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Villages,_Florida#History)

I did an internet search and it says Tracy is 54, Mark is 52 and Jennifer is 49.

[ilovetv]

They personify the American Dream along with all the rest of us who got here by working and living within our means.

They've built a place that makes most of us feel "rich", not monetarily, but with happiness and being outdoors and active most of the time.

[NotGolfer]

The Free Enterprise system is "alive and well" here....AND....we ALL get to enjoy it!! I'm so grateful for the Schwartz/Morse family for their work ethic, their vision and what seems to be a humble spirit as well. I've heard many stories about Mr. Schwartz going down to the square and meeting and chatting with the folks. Wish I could have met him!! If I knew where to send it....I'd drop off a "thank you" note for the Morse family!!

[Challenger]

"you can't please all of the people , all of the time " but The Family has put a good try on it. Without the "profit motive" I don't think this wonderland would exist. The American dream is still alive and we also are its beneficiaries.

[swrinfla]

I visited Brownwood this morning and, once again, the family appears to have gotten it completey right!

Yes, some folks have issues with "greed" and other negative things, but the bottom line is: "Where else in the entire world are you going to have such a wonderful lifestyle?"

SWR
:beer3:

[gatherer47]

We all owe our wonderful lifestyle to this family.May they continue to prosper.

[Posh 08]

The Morses are a hard working family. It was good to learn of the younger years and the food service experience.

[Mack184]

I visited Brownwood this morning and, once again, the family appears to have gotten it completey right!

Yes, some folks have issues with "greed"

SWR
:beer3:
You can be poor as a church mouse and be greedy. You can be extremely wealthy and be humble and charitable. Greed has more to do with the heart than the wallet. My family was friends with a wonderful man (now long passed away) who for a time was IBM's oldest living retiree. He had a 3rd grade education and had worked all his life at IBM when it dated back to the Bundy Time Recording Company. He believed in that company and bought it's stock. When he reitred, he was a millionaire many, many times over. He bought our home church a marvelous pipe organ, gave away much of his money to various church and charitable organizations. He lived out the last years of his life at Shell Point Village outside of Fort Myers where he bought them a huge bus to drive people to town who couldn't drive anymore. He was a rich, rich man, and I would say there wasn't a greedy bone in his body.

It's too bad that many in this country have come to the dishonest conclusion that to be successful and accumulate wealth is all about greed and stepping on others.

[NotGolfer]

You can be poor as a church mouse and be greedy. You can be extremely wealthy and be humble and charitable. Greed has more to do with the heart than the wallet. My family was friends with a wonderful man (now long passed away) who for a time was IBM's oldest living retiree. He had a 3rd grade education and had worked all his life at IBM when it dated back to the Bundy Time Recording Company. He believed in that company and bought it's stock. When he reitred, he was a millionaire many, many times over. He bought our home church a marvelous pipe organ, gave away much of his money to various church and charitable organizations. He lived out the last years of his life at Shell Point Village outside of Fort Myers where he bought them a huge bus to drive people to town who couldn't drive anymore. He was a rich, rich man, and I would say there wasn't a greedy bone in his body.

It's too bad that many in this country have come to the dishonest conclusion that to be successful and accumulate wealth is all about greed and stepping on others.

A wonderful story!!!! What you said is well put!! There will always be those folks who think there's got to be an angle to something...or that "it's" too good to be true! We love it here and feel very blessed for the privilege to live in such a gorgeous spot. It "is" a privilege too, by the way! We are extremely blessed in this country (without being political). Did you know in many parts of the world that "if" you have shoes or even a 2nd change of clothing you're considered well off, or rich??

[duffysmom]

You can be poor as a church mouse and be greedy. You can be extremely wealthy and be humble and charitable. Greed has more to do with the heart than the wallet. My family was friends with a wonderful man (now long passed away) who for a time was IBM's oldest living retiree. He had a 3rd grade education and had worked all his life at IBM when it dated back to the Bundy Time Recording Company. He believed in that company and bought it's stock. When he reitred, he was a millionaire many, many times over. He bought our home church a marvelous pipe organ, gave away much of his money to various church and charitable organizations. He lived out the last years of his life at Shell Point Village outside of Fort Myers where he bought them a huge bus to drive people to town who couldn't drive anymore. He was a rich, rich man, and I would say there wasn't a greedy bone in his body.

It's too bad that many in this country have come to the dishonest conclusion that to be successful and accumulate wealth is all about greed and stepping on others.

:mademyday: Beautifully said...

[Mack184]

One small aside to my story...My grandmother told me that for the last 25 years of his life (he lived to be 105) the IRS audited him every single year because they refused to believe that he gave away as much money as he said he did. Ain't it great???

[ssmith]

I also enjoyed the video but loved the interaction between the siblings. They seem to have a close and enjoyable relationship and I am sure that relationship has been put to the test with all the hard times as well as the money. I am sure it is not all smiles and getting along all of the time though.

Loved knowing their work ethic and how that continues today! and how the family instilled such values in them. And loved seeing the old pictures and how the times have changed. One of them was a cocktail waitress at a very early age. Love seeing the old advertisements too.

It also sounded to me, like they lived in Chicago at first, went bankrupt so Dad moved them permanantly to Brownwood. They worked 24/7 in the Restaurant and entertainment business. All lessons that have made them uniquely qualified to use their experiences to create TV!

I am looking forward to more of the story next month!

[GolfandSun]

If you don't get the Villages Vmail here it is. The video interview with the Morse family is revealing.
The Villages Vmail - October 2012 - Home (http://www.thevillages.com/newsletter/201210/)

Im excited about the new Brownwood. The feeling of classic old west blended with our current technology shows where we were, how far we've come, and theres no limit to where we can go. So exciting. I love it. Thank you for the video. Really great.

[2BNTV]

Reminded me of my family's business where you were required to work at the earliest age possible. Long hours needed to be filled by all hands on deck. I was happy to see they had a good relationship to one another as long hours, trials and tribulations will always be there. I found it interesting the family had gone bankrupt and them saying it was the best thing that happened to them. I guess they found the good in that situation and moved forward.

I think it's wonderful their hard work has come to fruition in the building of TV.
GOD bless them as they deserve everything they have worked for and still put in long hours. Thank you Morse family for making such a wonderful place.

TV is the place to be!!!!!!!!!!!

[graciegirl]

Reminded me of my family's business where you were required to work at the earliest age possible. Long hours needed to be filled by all hands on deck. I was happy to see they had a good relationship to one another as long hours, trials and tribulations will always be there. I found it interesting the family had gone bankrupt and them saying it was the best thing that happened to them. I guess they found the good in that situation and moved forward.

I think it's wonderful their hard work has come to fruition in the building of TV.
GOD bless them as they deserve everything they have worked for and still put in long hours. Thank you Morse family for making such a wonderful place.

TV is the place to be!!!!!!!!!!!

AND many of your friends are waiting for you to B here ...2B...and even prayin'. and it is hard to type with my fingers crossed. I did find a new pair of sandals that fit my crossed toes. ;)

There will be a huge party when your dream comes true, 2B.

[2BNTV]

AND many of your friends are waiting for you to B here ...2B...and even prayin'. and it is hard to type with my fingers crossed. I did find a new pair of sandals that fit my crossed toes. ;)

There will be a huge party when your dream comes true, 2B.

Thanks for your well wishes. Someone came by today so I am hoping for the best.

Hugs to you and yours,

Joe

[Paticak1]

I have read that there is going to be a mall. I am assuming across (same side) from Brownwood. Does anyone know what stores are going in there? Hope it is better than Paddock Mall in Ocala.

[graciegirl]

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2y55DyDh0gk/TsQw9VHCd5I/AAAAAAAABdc/mF5o3M2inXY/s400/the-great-and-powerful-oz-revealed-4+pay+no+attention+to+that+man+behind+the+curtain. jpg

[NotGolfer]

A bit of a distract from the OP...but addressing how financial difficulties can bring a family closer together. We didn't go bankrupt (could have maybe) back when our kids were teens, but close to it. We all had to work to make our situation work. Our t.v. went on the fritz with no money to replace it, our kids didn't wear the clothes their peers were having and we couldn't eat out. That being said...today we all would say that those years were some of the best! It taught "work ethic" to our kids and that "name brands" don't make a person. "Man tends to look at the outward appearance, while God looks at the heart". This quote could refer to many statements on this site, if you think about it!

[Bogie Shooter]

I have read that there is going to be a mall. I am assuming across (same side) from Brownwood. Does anyone know what stores are going in there? Hope it is better than Paddock Mall in Ocala.

I doubt it will anywhere near the size of Paddock Mall in Ocala.

[eweissenbach]

Mark laughed about his football success and remarked it was "a long time ago - thirty five years. Assuming he was 18 as a senior, that would make him 53 or 54. There are wealthy people who have taken advantage of people and hoarded their money and there are wealthy people who have made others lives better. While the Morses have probably wasted some opportunities, they have MOST CERTAINLY MADE OTHERS LIVES BETTER. Harold had an idea and some foresight, but it took his son Gary, to really make the dreams a reality, and Gary's kids have continued to build on that dream. The thing that I am reminded of all the time I am in TV is the quality of the amenities they provide for the residents. They could probably cut some corners and save some of their investment, but they always do it FIRST CLASS. The family has made life better for some 90,000 people, many of whom could have never afforded, or if they could, have never found a place with the lifestyle opportunities of The Villages. I hope the Morse family continues to make money hand over fist if they continue to help people enjoy the advantages available here.

[Challenger]

:agree:Mark laughed about his football success and remarked it was "a long time ago - thirty five years. Assuming he was 18 as a senior, that would make him 53 or 54. There are wealthy people who have taken advantage of people and hoarded their money and there are wealthy people who have made others lives better. While the Morses have probably wasted some opportunities, they have MOST CERTAINLY MADE OTHERS LIVES BETTER. Harold had an idea and some foresight, but it took his son Gary, to really make the dreams a reality, and Gary's kids have continued to build on that dream. The thing that I am reminded of all the time I am in TV is the quality of the amenities they provide for the residents. They could probably cut some corners and save some of their investment, but they always do it FIRST CLASS. The family has made life better for some 90,000 people, many of whom could have never afforded, or if they could, have never found a place with the lifestyle opportunities of The Villages. I hope the Morse family continues to make money hand over fist if they continue to help people enjoy the advantages available here.

:agree:

[justjim]

[/B]

Gary join his dad in business? 1983

When did Harold Schwartz pass away? December 2003

We paid our first visit to TV in 1995 and were fortunate to have met Harold Schwartz. He was in the Sales Office greeting potential buyers. At that time we were still a few years away from retirement. Ha! At first we thought he was like a walMart greeter or something like that! What a personal nice man! I enjoyed this months V-mail and the family did a wonderful sincere interview. Brownwood---IMPRESSIVE! And we can look forward to more from Brownwood.

[Schaumburger]

Thanks for your well wishes. Someone came by today so I am hoping for the best.

Hugs to you and yours,

Joe

2BNTV, I echo Graciegirl's sentiments. May you get to be a frog very soon! :wave: