I’m originally from Jackson, MS but have been in the Greater New Orleans area for 25+ years. My wife and I opened Christian Brothers Automotive – Mandeville in 2017 as the first franchised location in Louisiana. In my prior life I was a IT/Digital Recruiter working for companies like Entergy, Amazon’s AWS division, Microsoft, and Intuit, specifically their online QuickBooks product.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
My wife, Crista – Dominican & LSU alum, and I have been married for 19 years. We have 3 children. One daughter, Emma Grace, who is studying to become a professional ballerina and fraternal twin boys, Jon Paul and Luke, both in 5th grade.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
Ultimately, I like helping people and have been blessed to be able to work in fields that have focused on that.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
Pontchartrain Po-boy! The Debris Cheese Fries and Onion Rings are Yum, Yum, Yummy!
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
I’ve been in South Louisiana for 25+ years now and almost immediately began coming to the NorthShore. Then in 2016 we chose Mandeville for our business, Christian Brothers Automotive and construction began. We opened our doors in 2017 and after several false starts, we were finally able to move to the NorthShore a little over a year ago.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
I can’t narrow it to one person really since I meet so many locals at our shop. Our customers are usually engaging, interesting, and fun to talk with. I’ve heard all sorts of amazing stories from them over the years.
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
I absolutely love movies and great TV shows so, I’ve got a long list of both. However, for pure fun & entertainment I’d say Guardians of the Galaxy and Big Bang Theory.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
To focus on this most important thing in this life, which is to end up in Heaven. Accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior, then follow him. The rest is just the details.
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
Tchefuncta Ace Hardware. The smell of this old school, original family-owned hardware store reminds me of growing up, visiting family.
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?
Too many options!
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
Festivals! Boredom on the NorthShore is a choice. There is always something to do or some place to go and it’s usually outside with friends and family. ????
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Hopefully healthy and still enjoying life with family and friends.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
There was a Louisiana Festival in Southern Virginia years ago that my wife and I went to, she entered me into a Crawfish Eating contest and I de-throned the reigning multi-year Champion, a native Louisianian. And I don’t think she’s ever been prouder of me!
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
The filet at Desi Vegas’!
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My Wife & Children
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Safe, Love, Family
