I am an avid traveler, craft beer and wine enthusiast, mediocre golfer, and a big fan of local sports teams, especially the San Diego Padres and SDSU Aztecs. I was born and raised in Chula Vista and graduated with a business degree from San Diego State, Class of 1985. I thought I was going to be a programmer, but an internship during my senior year cured me of that notion. I ended up running my own sales and marketing company in the K-12 education market for over 25 years, and now I am a financial advisor with Edward Jones, with my own branch office in Tierrasanta. I’ve always loved helping people, and I feel like I am in the perfect role.
About Robert Farwell
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I have been married to my wife, Lisa, for over 36 years. We have two amazing daughters, Elyse and Lauren, who have both lived internationally (Elyse in Ecuador and Lauren, currently in Paris). We’ve been traveling together as a family since they were both very young, and we continue to do so, whenever we can. At home, we have a 3-year-old mixed breed named Sierra, who is the most loving dog we’ve ever known.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I’ve always been interested in technology, and even though I was trained as a programmer in college, I was always more interested in running my own business. I started my career in sales at a local computer store, back when Apple IIs were the latest technology. I launched my own independent sales organization in the early ’90s, representing a variety of educational products and services companies, and selling to schools and districts throughout the west coast. It was a fantastic career that allowed me and my family to travel whenever schools were on break. Several years ago, I was contacted by an Edward Jones recruiter about becoming a financial advisor. I wish I had learned about this opportunity at least ten years ago. I’ve really enjoyed the opportunity to get to know so many wonderful people and to help them reach their goals and dreams in retirement. There’s no better feeling than knowing you were able to help them reach those goals.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Don’t wait for “someday”. If you want to do something, go do it. If you want to go somewhere, book the trip. You never know what tomorrow brings, so make today count.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Probably right where I am, today! I love living in San Diego, being close to family and lifelong friends, and taking the time to visit bucket list destinations, whenever I can.
Robert Farwell & Our Community
Q: What are a few of your favorite restaurants in our community?
In Tierrasanta, where my office is located, I am a big fan of Gaetano’s for pizza. In San Diego, there are way too many good ones to narrow down to just a few. Some of our regular spots include Village Vino, a small wine shop in Kensington with a fantastic chef; Cucina Urbana in Banker’s Hill; and Point Loma Seafood.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
I’ve worked in Tierrasanta since October of 2022. I’ve lived in San Diego (Mission Valley) since 2013, after an 18-year stint in Washington state. Other than that, Chula Vista and San Diego have been home for most of my life.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
As an SDSU graduate, I’d have to say Steve Fisher. What he’s done to elevate the SDSU basketball team’s presence nationally is nothing short of remarkable. What a fantastic program he created!
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
Any of the local taco shops (Roberto’s, Alberto’s…). There’s nothing that reminds me of San Diego more than an order of rolled tacos and a carne asada burrito, with authentic guacamole.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
It has to be the people. Anyone I’ve run into who lives in Tierrasanta just absolutely loves their community. After working here for the past year, I can see why.
Q: If you could choose anyone alive today and not a relative, with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would you meet for this lunch?
Elon Musk. With all of the companies that he has created and currently running, I’m fascinated to learn more about how he comes up with his ideas and his thoughts about the future. I think we’d meet at any one of our great local craft breweries, and we have lots to choose from.
For Fun
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
Movie: Young Frankenstein, by Mel Brooks. Silly, ridiculous, immature humor, but it’s still funny decades later. TV show: Seinfeld. A show about nothing that still makes me laugh.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I won a steering contest on a Navy ship, while on a Tiger cruise from Oahu to Alameda, CA, when I was 18. That was after being seasick for the first two days of the week-long journey.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
Spending a summer day on Lake Tahoe.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My family.
Q: What community organizations and/or local nonprofits do you admire/support?
I support the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce, and I’m a Board Chair of the Chula Vista Community Foundation.
Q: What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
You have two ears and one mouth; use them in proportion.
Q: What Neighborhood do you live in?
Mission Valley
What I love about my Neighborhood:
I’m within 5-10 minutes walking distance from my front door to our season ticket seats for SDSU football at SnapDragon Stadium.
Please describe your ideal San Diego weekend:
Friday: Happy hour at any craft brewery; Saturday, breakfast at Breakfast Republic at Liberty Station. Afterward, take the dog for a walk around Liberty Station. Next, head over to Pt. Loma Seafood for lunch, and then walk over to Eppig Brewing and hang out for a couple of hours watching the boats come in and out of the marina. In the evening, watch the Padres (hopefully) win a game at Petco Park. Sunday, enjoy a leisurely morning at home, sipping coffee with my wife. In the early afternoon, go visit some of the great local wineries in Highland Valley or Ramona. Finish the weekend by grilling a nice steak and enjoying a quiet evening at home.
Q: Finally, what three words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Family, Love, Comfortable.
