When I reflect on the lessons that have guided me throughout my life and career, one figure stands out above all others: my father. He wasn’t just a parent—he was a teacher, a mentor, and an example of what it means to work hard, take responsibility, and prioritize family. The values he instilled in me have shaped the person I am today, the entrepreneur I’ve become, and the legacy I hope to leave behind.
Growing Up Under His Influence
I was born in 1962 in Beaumont, Texas, into a family that knew the meaning of hard work. My father grew up in a dirt-poor farming family in East Texas, living off the land and learning the value of labor from an early age. He joined the military during World War II when he was just sixteen—a bold move, made possible only by a county clerk helping him fudge his birth certificate.
Even after his military service, my father remained a man defined by discipline, determination, and a strong moral compass. He brought that same ethic into raising my brother and me, teaching us through both words and example that hard work, honesty, and perseverance were the keys to a meaningful life.
Lessons in Hard Work
Some of my earliest memories involve working alongside my father on our property in Beaumont. Before I was ten, we built a barn together on our land. I carried lumber, hammered nails, and helped with construction in any way I could. I was small, inexperienced, and often more of a hindrance than a help, but my dad never made me feel unimportant.
Through projects like that, I learned that hard work isn’t just about physical labor—it’s about dedication, consistency, and pride in a job well done. My father showed me that effort matters, that seeing a project through from start to finish is more rewarding than any shortcut, and that discipline is a trait that carries into every aspect of life, whether it’s building a barn, a home, or a business.
Responsibility and Initiative
Another lesson I carry from my father is the importance of taking initiative and responsibility. I still remember the first time I “sold” vegetables from the back of his old white step-side pickup truck. After a long day working on his sharecropped farm in Silsbee, Texas, I offered produce to neighbors, made up prices on the spot, and collected the money. When my dad came out, he was first shocked, then amused, and eventually proud.
That small experience taught me that opportunities often present themselves in unexpected ways. You have to step up, take responsibility, and act—even if you’re not entirely sure what you’re doing. That lesson has carried through my career in real estate, hospitality, and entertainment: success comes to those who are willing to seize the moment and see it through.
Balancing Work and Family
My father also taught me the importance of family. Even with long days on the farm or at construction projects, he made time for us. We fished with family members, went camping with my aunts, and enjoyed simple joys together. I learned that work is vital, but so is the balance that keeps life meaningful.
That balance influenced how I lead today. I believe in building businesses that are successful, yes, but also in creating environments that support and respect the people who make them possible. Just as my father nurtured our family while maintaining his work ethic, I strive to build organizations that value both dedication and humanity.
Learning Through Example
One of the most powerful lessons my father imparted wasn’t through instructions—it was through observation. Watching him approach challenges, manage responsibilities, and treat people with respect left a lasting imprint. He never shied away from hard work, never cut corners, and always treated others fairly.
Whether we were working on a home improvement project, tending crops, or navigating everyday life, I saw firsthand how integrity and effort shape outcomes. That example became a blueprint for my own life and career. It reminded me that leadership isn’t just about decisions—it’s about character, consistency, and the daily choices that define who you are.
Carrying the Lessons Forward
Today, as I lead Big Easy Entertainment and reflect on decades in real estate, development, and hospitality, I carry my father’s lessons with me in everything I do. Every project I oversee, every decision I make, and every team I lead is influenced by the values he instilled: hard work, responsibility, initiative, and the unwavering importance of family.
Even small moments remind me of him—the satisfaction of seeing a project completed, the joy of mentoring someone young, or the pride of watching a team succeed. Those are the echoes of my father’s influence, and they remind me daily that his work ethic and values continue to shape not just my life, but the lives of those around me.
The power of family and work ethic is something I carry with me every day. My father taught me that hard work, integrity, and love for family aren’t mutually exclusive—they complement one another. He showed me that success isn’t just measured by what you achieve, but by how you achieve it, and how your actions impact the people around you.
I hope to pass these lessons forward—not only through my family, but also through the businesses, communities, and people I touch. The legacy my father left me isn’t just about the skills he taught—it’s about the values he lived by. And those values continue to guide me, inspire me, and remind me of what truly matters in life.