Full name: Thomas H. Olinde
Title: President
Company: Olinde Hardware & Supply Co., Inc. (d/b/a Olinde’s)
Age: 51
Hometown: Baton Rouge, LA
Why do you do what you do?
It’s a people business and it is exciting to build an organization.
What is your greatest professional accomplishment?
Helping grow our business in a very competitive environment.
What was your first job?
Feeding and caring for prize Hereford cattle for P. B. Lecates.
What is the best advice you've ever received?
Persistence pays.
Who do you most admire in the local business community and why?
My father – J. B. Olinde Sr. – he is ethical and consistent.
If you could have any job other than your own, what would it be?
Centerfielder for the Yankees.
What is the greatest personal or professional obstacle you've overcome?
Always adapting to changing markets.
If you started over, what would you do differently?
I would work several years for an out-of-state retailer.
What is your prescription for life?
Be true to yourself and try to have balance.
What book are you currently reading?
Barchester Towers by Anthony Trollope
If you could have dinner with any three people, who would they be? (Authors? Leaders?)
Jesus Christ, Leonardo DaVinci, Benjamin Franklin
Who would play you in a movie?
Tom Hanks
What do you do to unwind?
Spend time with my wife and daughters.
What is the most expensive purchase you've made for yourself?
Sony 42" flat screen TV
What is your favorite weekend activity?
Spending time with my family.
What's your theme song?
Don’t Worry, Be Happy
What's your favorite spot in Baton Rouge?
LSU campus
How do you take your coffee/tea?
With cream and sugar
What is your favorite movie? TV show? Band?
Movie – Gone With the Wind; Charades
TV Show – Baseball Tonight
Band – Blood, Sweat & Tears
What is your favorite gadget?
None
What is something that you can't live without?
Faith
If you could change one thing about Baton Rouge, what would it be?
Traffic
What is your greatest hope for Baton Rouge?
That it will grow gracefully and become a great progressive city.
What is your greatest fear for Baton Rouge?
That political infighting and a poor public education system will deny Baton Rouge its destiny.
Comments
Posted by Taylor on August 20, 2007 at 1:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I work for three very dynamic and amazing people at Remson-Haley-Herpin Architects. Is your "People in Business" feature a nominated spot? If so, could you please let me know the information you'd need to interview one of them? Thanks, Taylor
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