Love comes when you least expect it. For John Markulis, “love came walking in” one day at Fat Cat Burgers, the restaurant that he owned for a decade nestled in the Peninsula Center. Little did he know that this fateful encounter would change his life.

“One thing led to another and we started dating,” shares John. “We got married on February 3, 1992.” He remembers the day fondly, recalling their 31 years of marriage, three grown children and one granddaughter.

Stacy, who is originally from North Dakota, moved to Palos Verdes at the age of 18. As for John, he was born in San Pedro and moved to the Peninsula in middle school. His father, known as “The Bread Man,” started working for Puritan Bakery and partnered with Tom Grimes shortly after.  John followed in his father’s footsteps, making a lot of dough in the process. The family’s 85-year-wholesale bakery has stood the test of time, serving restaurants in California, Arizona, and Las Vegas. With three facilities, including one in Dallas, Texas, John and his family serve many restaurants.

“We were the original bakery for In and Out Burgers,” explains John, who is the owner and partner. “We also serve Habit Burger, Islands, Fat Burger, NORMS and many other multiple and single unit restaurants.” John and Stacy’s son, Chris Markulis, also works in the bakery business as the third generation, excelling as the managing director.

As for Stacy, she is an avid volunteer. As a trusted past Girl Scout leader, Art at Your Fingertips volunteer, National Charity League volunteer, and team mom for the high school baseball team, she has put in her fair share of volunteer hours through the years. Now she faithfully volunteers at Rolling Hills Country Club and is serving on the board of the Women’s Community Club of Rolling Hills (WCCRH). Ladies, be sure to save the date for the WCCRH’s Ladies’ Tea on September 24 from 1-3 p.m. at Stacy and John’s beautiful home.

Stacy and John couldn’t be prouder of their children. Chris, 30, married his college sweetheart, Mariana and became a father recently. “We just had our first grandbaby, Gemma Lucine, who is 3 months old,” smiles Stacy. She and John are very excited about their new arrival. “It’s fun to see the family expanding.”

Alexandra, their daughter, lives in Santa Monica. Currently, she works as a senior wealth strategist for Amaral Wealth at UBS and is a yoga instructor. She loves to travel and just 

returned from Antigua where their church group worked to help families and youth in need. James, 24, is their youngest. “He lives at home after graduating college and works locally. This outdoor enthusiast likes camping, hiking the trails of Rolling Hills and biking around the Peninsula.

Stacy and John also share a deep love and appreciation for their two furry friends, Maximus and Theo, both Golden Retrievers. With the no leash law in Rolling Hills, these two 100-pound canine companions have so much fun, roaming until their hearts are content, chasing off coyotes and securing the property.

Stacy and John love living in Rolling Hills, where they moved 3 years ago.  They remodeled their home in record time, taking it down to the studs.  Stacy enjoyed managing and designing their construction project and being on sight almost every day. “If you want your project to move quickly, you must be organized, ready to go, and present,” adds Stacy.  “I love everything about Rolling Hills,” raves John, “from our home, to the trails to the serenity to the kind neighbors, it is the perfect place to be.”

Once John enters the gates, he feels like he is another world, one distant from the cares and concerns of life. “You feel like you are in a different place with the trees, ocean and city views and white fences. It really is magical.”

“I love the fact that we have a lot of open space back here,” adds Stacy. With her green thumb, she loves gardening and being outdoors. She also likes swimming laps in their pool, hiking with the dogs and friends, and playing golf, which suits her to a tee.

John concludes, “We’re very blessed.” He and Stacy wouldn’t have it any other way. From a fateful meeting at Fat Cat Burgers to living their best lives in Rolling Hills, this happy couple has a heart of gratitude for their wonderful lives.