Forever Pioneers

This decade has brought continued growth, progress and innovation for the Wylys — and their companies and philanthropic interests. In 2001, Michaels expanded to more than 600 stores.

Also in 2001 and 2002, Sam ran two proxy fights charging the incumbent management and directors at CA (formerly Computer Associates) with abuse of employees, customers and shareholders. His efforts have been widely recognized as having earned a victory for CA shareholders and Wall Street.

Over the next few years, Sam launched a series of lawsuits against many of CA's former and current officers and directors — taking aim at directors and officers who benefited at the expense of shareholders by obtaining more than $1 billion in ill-gotten gains. This became one of the most high-profile corporate governance matters in recent memory, earning attention from media outlets such as Forbes, the Associated Press, The Wall Street Journal, Newsday and The Dallas Morning News. Sam is widely recognized as the leading cause of accounting reform at CA, and the successful efforts to bring some former company executives to justice. In the wake of the CA scandal, he is credited by many as the person most responsible for the restitution being paid to shareholders.

Today, Michaels continues to be a trendsetter in the arts and crafts business. The company now boasts record profits, and employs more than 12,700 employees in 800 stores. In 2006, the company was sold for $6 billion. Green Mountain Energy continues to successfully promote its business and commitment to clean electricity.

Both Charles and Sam continue to dedicate their time and financial resources to a variety of worthwhile causes and community interests. Charles continues to serve as the chairman of the board of the Communities Foundation of Texas. Sam and his wife, Cheryl, recently purchased the Explore Bookstore and Bistro, an Aspen business and famed local treasure.