BusinessReport.com

Full name: John Collier Thornton Sr.

Title: Broker/owner

Company: Thornton Harvison and Rhodes Real Estate

Age: 33

Hometown: Shreveport

Why do you do what you do?

I got into commercial real estate by total accident. I had mutual friends from Shreveport (Beau Box and Sinclair Kouns) that vouched for me for a part time position at Latter and Blum. Ben Johnson, the manager at the time, took a chance on a 22 year old with no experience for a full time position and the rest is history. It is actually a standing joke in our family that once I booked the interview with Latter and Blum, I had to not only figure out what commercial real estate even was, I had to get directions to Sherwood Forest Boulevard; an exit off of I-12.

What is your greatest professional accomplishment?

Without a doubt, starting THR at the age of 25. With just three years of real estate experience and no experience of even running a company, that was definitely the hardest thing I have ever had to tackle.

What was your first job?

My Dad owned an Industrial Supply warehouse in Shreveport. Starting at the age of 14, for every summer and holiday, Dad would put me in the warehouse and pipe yard doing various tasks. I would work with people in their 50’s and 60’s doing very tough manual labor projects. It was that experience that made me not only appreciate how tough it was to make a living but also the fact that I wanted an air-conditioned job when I got older.

What is the best advice you ever received?

The best business advice would probably be either “Take care of the client and the money will come” – Ben Johnson OR “Just hit singles” – Edward Rotenberg. So many times in this industry or many others people get too consumed with the money or instant gratification or instant wealth, which will lead to only short term success.

The best advise for life I have been given is “Do the right thing even when no one else is looking” – Blocker Thornton (father).

Who do you admire most in the business community?

My wife and I have been attending Healing Place Church now for close to 8 years. Dino Rizzo, the pastor, has become a very close friend and mentor. I have admired him over the years for his passion and heart. He is someone that has made a tremendous difference in not only the local community but also the world as well. I can say, without a doubt, he is the person I admire the most in the local community.

If you could have any other job, what would it be?

A high school football coach. I have always loved football and love teaching/coaching. If money weren’t a factor, I would love to retire and become a coach.

Greatest Professional obstacle I have overcome?

Graduating from Accounting from LSU. I have always been a numbers guy and thought accounting would be easy and boy was I wrong. I stayed lost from the beginning in addition to not liking the curriculum at all. By the time I thought about a change of majors, I was too far into it. I will never forget walking out of my last final at CEBA with the greatest sense of accomplishment.

If you started over, what would you do differently?

I can honestly say, I don’t have any regrets. There is not much I would change about my path. I guess if I could change one thing, it would be to have children earlier. I have three boys and they are my life. I missed out on 1-2 years of joy that I would like to have back.

What is your prescription for life?

Go through life with people you enjoy being around. Surround yourself with good friends and learn how to become a good friend. Have convictions but live life to the fullest; enjoy everyday because it could be your last.

What book are you currently reading?

Bringing up Boys by James Dobson.

If you could have dinner with three people, who would it be?

George W. Bush, Tiger Woods and Billy Graham. I admire Bush for his integrity and fortitude. I think he has made some mistakes but he is a man of great character in my opinion. I admire Tiger Woods for what he has achieved in the sport of golf. I would love to hear first hand how his work ethic and mental toughness has transformed him into the most dominant athlete to ever play a sport. I admire Billy Graham for the man of God that he is. For the lives he has touched, for his commitment to his cause and the legacy he will leave behind.

Who would you play in a movie?

This is a tough one for me. I am not a huge movie guy. The few times I go, I like to laugh out loud.

I guess though, although I don’t have any daughters, I could see myself playing Steve Martin in “Father of the Bride”.

What do you do to unwind?

With three boys under 4 years old, there is not much unwinding in our house. During the week, when I have had a really stressful day, I will go straight to the shower after work, turn the water as hot as it will go and sit there until it runs out. That 10-15 minutes can be a life saver sometimes.

To truly unwind, when time permits, I love being in a boat on the water. For some reason that is always one of the most peaceful and stress removing settings I can be in.

What is the most expensive purchase you have ever done for yourself?

My wife and I just built a new home which was huge commitment. That is really her house though so I can’t use that. A purchase that was strictly for me would have to be my Rolex watch. It took me 3 years to build up the nerve to pay that much for a watch and I am glad I did. I have worn it every day since then.

What is your favorite weekend activity?

We have a 3 year old, a 2 year old and a 4 month old at home so currently weekends are dedicated to watching them while my runs the errands she cant during the week. Outside of that, I am a huge LSU football fan and love Saturday night in Death Valley.

What is your favorite song?

Probably the song that means the most to me is “True Companion” by Mark Cohn. I heard it years ago and have loved the lyrics ever sense. My wife and I danced to it on our wedding night.

What is your favorite spot in BR?

Probably Tiger Stadium or some other LSU sporting event arena

How do you like your coffee/tea?

Coffee, strong and straight out of the pot

What is your favorite Movie, band, TV Show?

I like all types of music, especially country. Some bands I like are George Straight (80’s 90’s), Doug Stone, Hank Williams, Fleetwood Mac, James Taylor, Hillsongs (HPC music).

As far as TV shows, from my response you will see I am all over the board too. My wife got me hooked on American Idol a few years ago. On Tuesday nights, we are glued to the TV when it is on. I also love to watch the UFC. I guess I like the fact that I can watch and not participate. I thought there was something wrong with me until I found out numerous of my buddies also watch it.

What is your favorite gadget?

I love to cook and eat good food. My wife bought me a Green Egg for Father’s Day this year. If that qualifies as a gadget, then I would have to say that is my favorite gadget.

What is something you can’t live without?

Sounds hokey but hands down, my family. They are my support, foundation and reason I work as hard as I do.

If you could change one thing about Baton Rouge, what would it be?

Traffic, traffic, traffic. I am from Shreveport where you can get anywhere in 15 minutes. We have the same issues with the Red River and even a lake in the middle of town (Cross Lake), yet they had the vision for loops and bridges years ago. I have always said that if you take Shreveport’s infrastructure and place it in Baton Rouge, the growth would be staggering.

What is your greatest hope for Baton Rouge?

That we take advantage of the opportunities at hand. I think with some infrastructure correction and an overhaul of the public school system, Baton Rouge could become one of the larger and most desirable cities to live in the southeast. It is going to take some vision and leadership to change it though.

What is your greatest fear for Baton Rouge?

The above doesn’t happen. We remain status quo. We let a tremendous opportunity pass us by. We continue to make excuses instead of seizing the opportunity at hand.