The Catlins are local philanthropists who have long supported the New West Symphony and its programs. David is an active member of the New West Symphony League. He got his love for classical music from his High School Music Director in South Dakota, where David was an all-state trombone player and his family is still to this day ranchers. After graduating with honors from South Dakota State University, he became a commercial banker in Minneapolis, but changed careers after 5 years to join K-TEL International. He remained there for 13 years while running their operations in Brazil and heading their U.S. division. During this time, David was raising two sons alone. In 1984 David moved to Los Angeles and started his own company which licensed and produced music videos. This company evolved into a successful brand that built a library of 3,000 CDs and 3,000 different DVDs.
Linda graduated from UCLA with an honors degree in early childhood education and taught elementary school students for 13 years, while raising her two sons on her own. She later ran a program for gifted children at the Warner Avenue School in Westwood. Following her profession in education, she became a successful real estate broker specializing in new luxury homes for 35 years. Linda and David have been married for over thirty years and live in Westlake Village. In addition to their four sons, they have eight grandchildren, and support many other local charities including Senior Concerns, Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Conejo Valley, and Casa Pacifica.