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Name: James C. "Jim" Brandt

Title: President

Company: Public Affairs Research Council of Louisiana, Inc. (PAR)

Age: 62

Hometowns: Amenia, North Dakota (population 88) and Baton Rouge, LA

Why do you do what you do?



I love the challenge—and it is often a challenge—of showing that facts, data, objective research, can lead to better decision-making on public policies in state government. And I love the intersection of politics, policy research and civic engagement, particularly in Louisiana.

What is your greatest professional accomplishment? 


Still a work in progress. There is still so much to do before we can declare that "good government" has been firmly established in Louisiana.

What was your first job?



Growing up on a farm, I began work on the farm as soon as I could walk. My first real job was selling shoes at a Kinney's store in Denver, Colorado. (age 13)

What is the best advice you've ever received?

Learn to listen to people before talking and always hire people who are smarter than yourself.

Who do you most admire in the local business community and why?



Fortunately, we have so many great role models in the Baton Rouge business community that I could not begin to single out one or two. The men and women volunteers who serve on my Board of Directors typify the best we have in our business and non-profit sectors—a willingness to give generously of their time, talent and resources for the betterment of the community and the state as a whole.

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

I've always been kind of a nerd, so being a policy wonk is a perfect job fit for me. If I didn't do this type of work, I guess I wouldn't mind being a professional golfer like Tiger Woods.

What is the greatest personal or professional obstacle you've overcome?



I don't see obstacles, only challenges! I credit my father with instilling in me the positive outlook that I have.

If you started over, what would you do differently?



I can't think of anything that I would do differently except perhaps learn all of life's valuable lessons at an earlier age.

What is your prescription for life?



Always show up. Be patient and persistent. Never give up and learn from your mistakes.

What book are you currently reading?



The Starfish and the Spider: The Unstoppable Power of Leaderless Organizations. It came highly recommended by Buddy Roemer. I'm also reading Frank McCourt's autobiography, Angela's Ashes.

If you could have dinner with any three living people, who would they be?



President Barack Obama, Brian Williams (NBC anchor), and Cokie Roberts (NPR, ABC, columnist)

Who would play you in a movie?



Dustin Hoffman or Woody Allen

What do you do to unwind?



Run, preferably long distances. Also enjoy working in the yard and watching movies.

What is the most expensive purchase you've made for yourself?


Our home.

What is your favorite weekend activity?



Going out to eat at the many great restaurants we have in Baton Rouge and New Orleans.

What's your theme song? 



"Come Together," by the Beatles

What's your favorite spot in Baton Rouge?


The Lakes at LSU

How do you take your coffee/tea?



Black

What is your favorite movie? TV Show? Band?



Favorite movie: The Grapes of Wrath. TV Show(s): As a news junkie, I watch a lot of news programming and talking heads. For fun, my favorite TV programs are Weeds and 30 Rock and reruns of the West Wing. Band(s): Miles Davis, Pink Floyd, and Coldplay.

What is your favorite gadget?



I have two. The ever-present BlackBerry and my Rio MP3.

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


Make the city more pedestrian-friendly. We need more walking/running and cycling routes, paths and parkways.

What is your greatest hope for Baton Rouge?



That we would improve our public education system and that LSU would become a nationally competitive research institution that drives greater economic development opportunities for the Baton Rouge region and the state.

What is your greatest fear for Baton Rouge?


That we get mired in a status quo mindset and become more intolerant of change.