Our History

Our Beginnings

Foster Investment Corporation and Carleton Management, Inc.'s San Diego roots date back to the 1920s, when Isaac Ratner, a cap manufacturer, moved his wife and family of six children from New York City to San Diego.

Isaac Ratner reestablished his cap business in San Diego, and two of his sons, Abe and Nate, joined him as salesmen. During World War II, Ratner Clothing Corp. manufactured naval uniforms and officers' caps. After the War, Ratner Clothing added men’s pants and suits to its manufacturing portfolio.

By 1970, Abe Ratner's son-in-law, Stanley Foster, took over management of the business. In the 1980s, the company bought the licensing rights to the Hang Ten apparel trademark and licensed the popular brand worldwide.

The Current Chapter

Foster Investment / Carleton Management has been a leader in philanthropy in San Diego since its inception. Stan Foster and his wife, Pauline, set a high standard for leadership and philanthropy in the secular and non-secular communities for many decades, which has been continued by their family. After Stan's passing in 2001, his son-in-law, Jeff Silberman, became president and chief executive officer in 2004. Philanthropy and improving communities where they develop continues to be a core company value.