# Robert Young

> Robert Young co-founded Motivational Systems, Inc. with Steve Scott in a San Diego garage in February 1975 and remains its founder and chief executive officer. Originally responsible for selling the concepts and Scott’s graphic expertise, he helped build the National City environmental graphics business alongside specialists in models, interiors, fabrication and operations. His brother Tony is president, and his daughter Jenna Young-Christensen is senior vice president.

- **Role:** Founder / Chief Executive Officer at Motivational Systems, Inc.
- **Organizations:** Motivational Systems, Inc., Mission Valley YMCA (former board member)
- **Known for:** Co-founded MSI in 1975 and remains listed as founder and CEO., Business Person of the Year, Rotary Club of National City (year not specified)., 2004 Small Business Person of the Year, United States Small Business Administration, as listed in MSI’s biography; geographic award scope is not specified.

## Career timeline

- **1975-02** — Co-founded MSI with graphic artist Steve Scott in a San Diego garage; Young sold the concepts and Scott’s expertise.
- **1975-05** — MSI moved operations to a Sorrento Valley business park.
- **1976** — MSI incorporated in California; added scale and architectural model work when Larry Bradford joined.
- **1978** — Young and partners Dave Cowan and Neil Hardy bought a building in National City.
- **1980** — MSI hired its first interior designer, Sue Colburn.
- **1984** — Young offered to sell his stake to Dave Cowan; Cowan instead sold his stake to Young.
- **2001** — Daughter Jenna Young joined MSI as an interior design assistant.
- **2004** — MSI’s biography records Small Business Person of the Year recognition from the United States Small Business Administration.
- **2014-11** — Brother Tony Young became MSI president; Jenna Young-Christensen became secretary of the board.
- **2025** — MSI marked its 50th anniversary.

## Achievements

- Co-founded MSI in 1975 and remains listed as founder and CEO.
- Business Person of the Year, Rotary Club of National City (year not specified).
- 2004 Small Business Person of the Year, United States Small Business Administration, as listed in MSI’s biography; geographic award scope is not specified.
- Former board member, Mission Valley YMCA.

## Latest updates

- **2025-01** — MSI shared an archival photograph of Young with former partner Mike Traxler and colleagues as part of its fiftieth-anniversary retrospective.
- **2025-01** — MSI’s January 8 company article described 2025 as its fiftieth-anniversary year.

## Links

- Website: https://motivational.com/bio/robert-young/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-young-20571242

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Profile page: https://yespress.io/robert-young
Published by YesPress — https://yespress.io
Last updated: 2026-10-22