Edward Kashian, 96, makes his way to the stage to accept his Leon S. Peters Award presented by the Fresno Chamber of Commerce at its 42nd Valley Business Awards. Photo by Mariano Friginal for Fresno Chamber

Fresno’s preeminent developer hit the stage at Pardini’s on Friday to accept the prestigious Leon S. Peters Award, drawing two standing ovations and laughs at his no-nonsense business style.

Edward Kashian, 96, behind the landmark River Park shopping center and now Fancher Creek in Southeast Fresno, was presented the award during the 42^nd Valley Business Awards hosted by the Fresno Chamber of Commerce.

Kashian and a slate of distinguished local business owners were honored during the program. The other winners were Jasmine Ruiz of Cry Baby Cookies for Student Entrepreneur of the Year; Community Champion of the Year California Teaching Fellows Foundation; Child-Friendly Business of the Year Art of Comfort and Harold Zinkin Entrepreneur of the Year Liz McIlvaine of Total Concept Enterprises.

 

The son of Armenian immigrants, Kashian moved to Fresno in 1946. A Navy veteran of the Korean conflict, he returned home to care for his parents, married his wife Jeanne and founded Lance Kashian & Company in 1964, transforming Fresno through major real estate developments.

John Kashian, Edward’s son and development partner, shared in an awards video that his father was a prolific writer of notes. One day he was summoned to his dad’s office and presented with a note that had the acronym “YCSRESOYA.” Confused about what it meant, John was enlightened by the response: “You can’t sell real estate sitting on your ass.”

 

The Kashians are noted philanthropists. Pastor DJ Criner of Saint Rest Baptist Church said he has known Edward Kashian for 13 years, both in a business capacity and as a community advocate. Criner said Kashian has been a major supporter of young people, and was pivotal in an effort to find homes for 100 foster children with the most challenging cases.

Fresno County District Attorney Lisa Smittcamp went to San Joaquin Memorial High School with Kashian’s four children — sons John and Robert and daughters Jennifer and Jeremy — but she didn’t have a chance to get to know him until talks began on the district attorney’s 2021 office relocation to the Downtown Fresno’s Rowell Building, which Kashian renovated.

 

“He’s really a man who just loves Fresno,” Smittcamp said.

Kashian’s awards video drew tributes from some of the highest levels of government, including Maine Sen. Susan Collins, South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott, retired Utah Sen. and presidential candidate Mitt Romney and former Speaker of the House Paul Ryan.