I’m an Alabama native and U.S. Coast Guard veteran who moved to Louisiana right after Hurricane Katrina to work in News Talk radio. I was here for a few years and moved to the U.K. to work in major media but something pulled me back to Louisiana… my then girlfriend (and now wife) likes to say it was HER, and she’s probably right! I started a public relations and political consulting business here about 10 years ago working out of the local CC’s in Baton Rouge. Today we have one of the highest winning percentages of any firm in America and represent over 50 political and corporate clients at the highest levels of government and business. My wife and two sons moved to the Northshore about three months ago and it’s been the second best decision I’ve made since moving to Louisiana!
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I’m married to Ashley Rainey of Alexandria and have two wild, beautiful boys, 4 and 8 years old.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I served as a law enforcement and search and rescue specialist in the U.S. Coast Guard. I own and operate LR3 Consulting, a political consulting and corporate PR firm. We primarily run campaigns and work on corporate crisis management and comunications.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
The Pizza Man!
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
Three months
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
Parish President Mike Cooper! He’s one of the most genuine and caring politicians I’ve ever met.
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
True Romance – greatest movie of all time; directed by Tony Scott and written by Quentin Tarantino. It stars Christian Slater, Patricia Arquette, Dennis Hopper, Val Kilmer, Gary Oldman, Brad Pitt, and Christopher Walken. If you’ve never seen it, you’re missing out.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Ignore the haters and never, ever, ever give up.
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
Downtown Covington reminds me of my hometown Greenville, Alabama. I didn’t think I would ever find that again.
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
Jordan Peterson – I think he’s one of the smartest people alive and someone who could help me be better as a person and better at my job.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
I honestly like everything about it. It feels like I’m living on vacation.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Here – hanging out with my wife and kids, winning political races.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I’m a really good painter.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
Boating on the Tchfuncte River with my family, watching Alabama football, and playing golf. Completely full on all three.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My wife – I’m lucky like that.
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Ashley, Lionel and Asher.
