Liz Van Denburg and Ryan Kernan, the founders of Renaissance Licensing, have been working with the McQueen family for nearly 15 years. Many major partnerships, from Barbour International and Persol to TAG Heuer were brokered by Liz and her team at her previous employer, and Renaissance has recently signed several new partnerships across a range of categories. Celebrating and enhancing the legacy of the King of Cool is, of course, a focus for Renaissance, but was does that mean to the McQueen family? Liz and Ryan sat down with Chase and Madi McQueen, children of Chad McQueen, Steve McQueen’s only son and surviving child, to chat about what it’s like to grow up knowing that your grandfather was one of the most famous men in the world, and how they continue to celebrate his life today.

When did you first realize that your grandfather was special?

Madi: My dad always emphasized the importance of recognizing and understanding the impact our grandfather had on the world, highlighting not just his remarkable character but also the lasting legacy he left behind. I’m not sure that’s a conversation most kids have about their grandfather.

Chase: Growing up, I always heard all these great stories about him. I think I realized pretty early on that he was special, and he touched a lot of people’s lives.

What’s the first McQueen film you remember watching growing up?

Chase: Le Mans.

Madi: That’s the first that left an impression on me too. It truly resonated with me because it showcased the deep-rooted passion for racing that my grandfather had.

What’s your favorite story about Steve that your father has told you?

Madi: One of my favorite stories is about my grandpa ordering extra clothes, razors, shaving cream, and other supplies for every film he worked on to donate to the Boys Republic which he was a student at before his rise to fame.

Chase: I’d have to say the same thing: all the philanthropic work he did with the Boys Republic. He never looked for notoriety or press from it. He was at the height of his career and never forgot where he came from. That really stuck with me.

What is important to you, and the family, that people remember about Steve?

Madi: It’s important that people remember my grandfather not just as an actor and race car driver, but also as a loving father and compassionate individual. He was also a marine, and was proud to serve the country that he loved.

Chase: I think it’s important people remember that he was a true original who always stood for what he believed in and what was right, and that his kids, Chad and Terry, meant more to him than anything.

What’s one thing that you’d like the world to know about your grandfather that hasn’t been shared?

Madi: Hmm. That’s a good one. What do you think, Chase?

Chase: I think it’s been shared, but I don’t think it’s been talked about enough: my grandfather through Solar Plastics and Engineering invented an improved bucket seat that was eventually granted a patent in 1969 the seats were even used in the filming of Bullitt and in the Baja Boot.

This last question is for Madi. Now that you’re a parent, have you thought about how you’ll introduce your son to his great-grandfather?

Madi: Absolutely, it is incredibly important to me to introduce my son to his great grandfather. We’ll do this through his films, of course, but also through the countless stories my dad shares and the treasure trove of photo albums we have. Keeping my grandpa’s legacy alive through generations is a priority, and I am committed to passing on the McQueen legacy to my son.