Tri-Valley Native Hopes To Grow Local Business, Honor Family Legacy

LIVERMORE, CA — When people visit the SF Premium Outlets and the Shops at Livermore, mom-and-pop shop probably isn’t the first thought that comes to mind. But in reality, that’s exactly how it all started.

The 200-acre-property used to be a cattle ranch, owned by Reynold C. Johnson. Robert Himsl started developing the outlets in the early 2000’s. Now his daughter Emma Himsl, a 24 year old of Pleasanton, is the latest member of the family to continue the legacy, launching her own boutique commercial real estate brokerage at the age of 24.

“I am a 5th generation small business owner in my family. I never got to meet my great grandfather but he would love to know that we have turned his cattle ranch into something so successful that employs people from all parts of the Bay Area,” she said.

Himsl opened her business in March and is already off to a fast start, working with larger companies like Crate and Barrel and Dust Bowl Brewing Company and locals like Kumon of Livermore and Wow Wow Hawaiian Lemonade just to name a few.

“I love that I've had the opportunity both with some corporations and local businesses. It's just really nice to have the opportunity to be that person to help somebody realize their dreams of owning a business whether they are big or small,” she said.

Helping hopeful entrepreneurs in the Tri-Valley accomplish their dream is a top priority for Himsl and she says that’s always been part of the family’s business model.

“One of the special things at the Shops at Livermore in particular is that where we’re located is kind of at the pinnacle of the Tri-Valley and you can bring people together from all those areas and that's pretty special,” she said.

Although Livermore continues to grow, Himsl thinks people still believe in a small-town feel and want that in local businesses. She hopes to bring that to the city and make her family proud along the way.

“I feel like I know my great grandfather through the way my dad does business and the way my grandfather did business — treat everyone with respect. I hope to pay homage to them and emanate that in my business,” she said. “There's a home for everybody here. This is a project of the community.”