Our Story

Celebrating 60 Years of Legacy 

This year, Vanir celebrates a momentous milestone in our history – our 60^th anniversary. For six decades, Vanir has continued to be at the forefront of innovation, transforming and enhancing communities across the United States.

Vanir was founded in San Bernardino, California in 1964 by H. Frank Dominguez, a 25-year-old visionary entrepreneur with a desire for making this world a better place through economic empowerment and  a strong philosophy of giving back to his community. Widely recognized for his business acumen, entrepreneurial spirit and community leadership, H. Frank Dominguez came from humble beginnings. As a native of San Bernardino, he attended Burbank Elementary School and graduated from Colton Union High School. H. Frank Dominguez attended San Bernardino Valley College from 1957 to 1958 before joining the U.S. Army. He was stationed in Germany, where he met his wife of 42 years, Gisela. He later returned to San Bernardino where he brought to life his vision of a creating a successful company that would do purposeful work that enhanced and uplifted communities. Under his leadership, Vanir completed more than $6 billion in real estate development; design-build lease; and program, project and construction management (PMCM) services.

In addition to leading Vanir, H. Frank Dominguez was also:

• Selected as Hispanic Businessman of the Year by the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
• Appointed to the California Commission for Economic Development by the Governor of California
• Served on advisory councils and committees for various U.S. presidents
• Served as a two-term board member for the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund
• A founding board member for the New America Alliance (NAA)

H. Frank Dominguez possessed a business and personal philosophy that placed philanthropy and giving back at the forefront of everything Vanir did. He was personally involved in a number of community activities and projects, many of which placed special emphasis on assisting disadvantaged schools and underprivileged youth through scholarships, work programs and financial support.

Posthumously, in June of 2004, the NAA honored H. Frank Dominguez by awarding him their Lifetime Achievement Award in Philanthropy. The NAA also renamed their annual award recognizing philanthropy “The H. Frank Dominguez Philanthropist of the Year Award” in honor of their founding board member.

H. Frank Dominguez’s philanthropic efforts were also recognized by numerous publications and organizations through personal letters and formal resolutions, most notably by former President George W. Bush, former Lieutenant Governor of California Cruz M. Bustamante and the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors.