Some two decades of new development remains; the 40-year anniversary of the Bren years may be marked by laying the final brick on a high-rise, or the cornerstone for the last newly built home.

"We'll celebrate at that time what we built in the way of new communities, planned communities, and that that we didn't build, meaning the open space and parks," he says.

Today, the company is run by key managers who are a combination of longtime employees and youthful leaders: Vice Chairman and COO Michael McKee; Community Development President Joseph Davis; Investment Properties President Clarence Barker; Urban Planning/Design Senior Vice President Robert Elliott; Corporate Affairs Senior Vice President Monica Florian; Entitlement Senior Vice President Dan Young; and Public Affairs Senior Vice President Larry Thomas.

Businesspeople who work with The Irvine Co. use this description: It is always a tough negotiation. But builders continue to put up homes, people buy them, and companies move into the Irvine Spectrum.

"I'm particularly proud of the team of people here at The Irvine Co., the people whom I work with on a daily basis," Bren says. "They are exceptional, they face the challenge of dealing with the 20-year buildout, the balance of the master plan."

Is he one of those people who can retire at some point and still have a meaningful life?

"I'm not sure," Bren responds. "I don't think about retirement. It doesn't appeal to me as much as my work here."

By opening his own cloak of privacy a bit, Bren unveils a human touch behind the famous name while being who he is: a very powerful person who very few know well.

As Jim Doti, Chapman University president, recalls from a luncheon together: "He's not a real talkative guy, but he listens very well. I could sense that when I had something to say, he would listen, absorb it and have follow-up questions." In fact, Doti, who holds the Donald Bren Distinguished Chair of Business and Economics, believes Bren's staying clear of the limelight can do nothing but help his company.

"You look at those who really do their job for their shareholders…in this case with a major public impact…and the most successful ones are the ones who let the organization speak for itself," Doti observes. "Actions speak louder than words."