Full name: David G. Belanger Sr.
Title: Chief Operating Officer and Senior Vice President
Company: Community Coffee Company, L.L.C.
Age: 45
Hometown: New Orleans
Why do you do what you do?
I'm passionate about coffee, people, and winning! I've been in the coffee business for 22 years, 10 with Community Coffee Company. I was attracted to Community because we share the same values and they encourage leaders to operate as entrepreneurs which align well with my style of management.
What is your greatest professional accomplishment?
Being able to develop many young leaders and experiencing their success is where I get my job fulfillment. I'm glad I was able to make a difference in their careers and I enjoy watching their continued growth.
What was your first job?
I was 11 years old working for a local diner cleaning tables and mopping floors for eleven dollars a week. Unfortunately the diner owner didn't believe in feeding his employees so most of my earnings were spent on eating until next payday.
What is the best advice you've ever received?
Two things were said to me when I first started in management that stay with me:
--If you do the right thing day in day out, good things will happen; if you don't do the right things bad things will happen!
--You are as good as your numbers and never forget that!
Who do you most admire in the local business community and why?
I have been impressed with the Junior Acheivement Foundation. I have been active for the past 5 years and have seen great accomplishments.
If you could have any job other than your own, what would it be?
Most likely in teaching - I love mentoring and developing people.
What is the greatest personal or professional obstacle you've overcome?
Earlier in my career I've experienced what re-engineering was with a major company, better known as downsizing with a fancy name to lessen the blow. It was very difficult to separate the emotions after working 10 years with employees knowing the commitment they've displayed over their careers; many were 30+ year employees.
If you started over, what would you do differently?
Personally - I wish we would have had more children. My wife Angie and I have a son, David Jr. 22, and daughter Brittany 17. They have brought us so much joy and we're now facing the empty nest years, I'm not sure me and Angie I are quite ready for this.
Professionally - Listen better when I was younger to fully benefit from the experiences of the many talented leaders that attempted to invest in me.
What is your prescription for life?
I have good balance in my life and my prescription is:
--A relationship with God
--A loving and supportive family
--Pursue your dreams and never let anyone destroy them
Surround yourself with great people - they'll make you better!
What book are you currently reading?
The education of an accidental CEO by: David Novak - CEO of
YUM Brands.
If you could have dinner with any three living people, who would they be? (Authors? Leaders?)
Dr. Jack Van Impe, Billy Graham, Nelson Mandela
Who would play you in a movie?
If you ask my wife she'd prefer Brad Pitt, but I believe it'll be someone like Mel Gibson.
What do you do to unwind?
I love to read and spend time in the outdoors.
What is the most expensive purchase you've made for yourself?
I'm currently looking to purchase a 1970 Chevelle to restore, however, if you ask Angie she'd say a riding lawnmower qualifies.
What is your favorite weekend activity?
Crawfish boil with my entire family over.
What's your theme song?
I Did It My Way by Frank Sinatra
What's your favorite spot in Baton Rouge?
CC's Community Coffee House
How do you take your coffee/tea?
I prefer one splenda in my Community Dark Roast Coffee and two sweet-n-lows in my Community Iced Tea.
What is your favorite movie? TV show? Band?
Favorite movie - Rocky, TV show - MASH, Band - George Strait
What is your favorite gadget?
My MP3 player
What is something that you can't live without?
My morning pot of Community Coffee and Louisiana seafood
If you could change one thing about Baton Rouge, what would it be?
Proper investment in the infrastructure to support its growth and ease traffic congestion.
What is your greatest hope for Baton Rouge?
Bobby Jindal is addressing Baton Rouge and Louisiana's biggest challenge with ethic reform and I'd really like to see Baton Rouge capitalize on this initiative so we can retain and attract young leaders while restoring confidence in our government.
What is your greatest fear for Baton Rouge?
The increase in crime - I'm concerned it will affect Baton Rouge's positive reputation and cause our great families and businesses to move away.
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