I have my dream job as the Mayor of my hometown of Mandeville, LA although my real dream job is being a husband to my beautiful wife Emily and dad to Charlotte 10, Louise 7 and Bo 3.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
Emily and I have been married for 13 years and we have 3 amazing children. Charlotte is 10 and in competitive dance. Louise is 7 and plays soccer and the violin. Bo is 3 and plays ninja turtles and watches Paw Patrol until sundown! We like to travel when we are not consumed with activities.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I spent many years as a lobbyist in Baton Rouge, a commercial lender at a bank, and a salesman for an office equipment company where I set records in my territory. I ran for Mandeville City Councilman-at-Large in 2012 after being encouraged to do so by a few of my Leadership St. Tammany Class classmates. I was re-elected in 2016 and in 2020 I ran for Mayor after much encouragement from constituents.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
I eat at all the restaurants in the area as the Mayor. I like Pat Gallagher’s 527 for a date night. We like Trey Yuen of course. My kid’s favorite is Mi Mamacitas!
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
I am a Mandeville native; MHS Class of 1998. After graduating from LSU and working in Baton Rouge, I returned to Mandeville in 2009.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
Dan Schnieder-The Pharmacist. I admire his passion in educating people about substance abuse.
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
The Karate Kid 1984, Seinfeld, of course!
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Travel when you are young. Begin reading professional and personal development books when you are young. It may take 4-5 but sooner or later you are going to have a breakthrough that will change your life!
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
I really miss Roma’s Pizza!
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?
I would love to take our new Governor, Jeff Landry to Trey Yeun.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
The Dew Drop
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Here in Mandeville enjoying watching my kids grow up and being present for their highlight moments.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I have a strong desire to write a book one day.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
My wife.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
All three of my children.
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Peace. Food. Love.