Richard Wycoff called himself a “bean counter” but he always looked at the world through a different lens and saw endless possibilities rather than constraints and barriers. He joined Maas Companies at a critical time in its development when the company was growing rapidly but founder and CEO, Michael Maas, was looking for a way to ease himself out while insuring the continued success of the company and the ongoing support of clients and financial well-being of employees.

Early in his career, Richard had served as the Vice President of Internal Audit for a highly successful, employee-owned company, SAIC, and had become an advocate of that form of corporate structure. Over long conversations and meetings, Richard and the leaders of Maas Companies explored and eventually adopted this transition path for the company.

Even though his battle with prostate cancer and several rounds of chemotherapy slowed him down, he managed to hang on through the process of working out the details of the plan. He was delighted when the final agreements were signed and everyone knew it was a go. His spirit is woven into the fabric of the new employee-owned company.

In recognition of Richard’s contribution and to honor his legacy, Maas Companies has set up a grant fund in memory of Richard Wycoff to be used to provide “inspiration grants” to high school students. The direction of Richard’s life was changed dramatically by basketball and a caring coach who took him in when he was a homeless student.

While we can’t take in homeless students, we can provide experiences such as summer camps; music, art, drama or other lessons; special equipment such as musical instruments, computers or sports equipment. Who knows what these small grants might inspire in the lives of students with difficult home lives?

We are currently applying for tax-exempt status from the IRS, so contributions may be tax deductable. If you would like to contribute to this fund, please send a check payable to The Richard Wycoff Memorial Fund and send to:

Maas Companies, Inc
P.O. Box 897
North Fork, CA 93643
Attn: RWycoff Fund