Alex Bellehumeur, 82
Title: Self-employed inventor; developer, Long Beach
Background: Alex Bellehumeur has been a real estate developer, and continues to invent different products and systems. Born in Connecticut, Bellehumeur of Long Beach has founded and owned several companies, including real estate development company Statewide Developers Inc., and has developed roughly 14 patented products. He actively served Long Beach as a member of the Port of Long Beach Harbor Commission from 1990 to 1996; as chair of the Long Beach Airport Commission and on various hospital and university boards. Bellehumeur also drove the effort to elect Long Beach’s first full-time mayor in 1988. Currently, Bellehumeur is developing an aerial tram system to extend from the Long Beach Aquarium to the Queen Mary, and a 40-foot shipping container that automatically collapses to reduce truck and train traffic.
How many hours a week do you work?
50, including Saturday.
Why not retire?
I did – in 1993, but only from my development business, and after 32 years. I’ve since been busier than ever. Retiring was like creating a vacuum that sucked in so many things of interest, civic, business and political.
Have your work habits changed much since you approached, and then passed, retirement age?
No, except they’ve become somewhat refined. Due to the multitude of enterprises I am involved with, I did have to increase my ability to structure my time, and develop a simple procedure that allows me to focus on the chosen priorities.
How do you go about learning new technologies, and is that necessary for your work?
For new technologies that relate to my activities – I seek help by research, and the aid of interns when needed. Also, I depend much on developing “teams” of individuals who are experts in the projects, with oversight to assure timely progress.
Do co-workers seek out your experience and knowledge?
Yes, as it relates to goals, setting agendas, chairing meetings and assuring that priorities and time criteria are maintained.
How do you keep the work you do fresh and interesting?
My activities require projects that are challenging and will have a significant effect on others – i.e., the collapsing shipping container, the aerial tram, and civic involvement. Also, it is vital that I enjoy working with my “team” members.
What are the biggest changes you’ve observed in your workplace environment across your career, and what are key aspects that have never changed?
Closing my offsite offices after nearly 50 years, opening my home office, diverting energy to non-developer activities, the use of computers, and enjoying a wonderful (34 year) marriage. What has not changed is my desire for civic contributions, and to take on what I believe are meaningful challenges.
Are there advantages to working at your age? If so, what are they?
My activities are not “work,” as commonly referred to, but projects that I enjoy. This keeps me from burning out, and maintains a degree of vitality that I believe keeps me fit, and looking forward to the next day. Working past 80 also keeps my interest level vibrant, which in turn delays my physical and mental decay.
What do you do for fun?
Share time with friends and four children, 10 grandchildren, three great grandchildren and a new great, great-grandchild. Also, golf and travel.
