Name: Richard L. Preis
Title: Managing Director
Company: Morgan Keegan Co. Inc.
Title: President
Company: Maxco Development, LLCs
Age: 58
Hometown: Baton Rouge
Why do you do what you do?
To bring change to Baton Rouge that other cities have already done.
What is your greatest professional accomplishment?
Building my investment business at Morgan Keegan and my Howell Place development in North Baton Rouge.
What was your first job?
My first job was with City National Bank here in Baton Rouge as a financial trainee
What is the best advice you have ever received?
“Never give up – never.”
Who do you most admire in the local business community and why?
I admire Mr. John Barton, Sr. He is a community leader and always will listen to new ideas.
If you could have any job other than your own, what would it be?
I am very satisfied with my real estate developments and my investment business at Morgan Keegan.
What is the greatest personal or professional obstacle you’ve overcome?
Changing Baton Rouge’s perception of North Baton Rouge but we did succeed with Howell Place.
If you stared over, what would you do differently?
I would bring more changes to Baton Rouge.
What is your prescription for life?
Having a vision and following the vision to the end.
What book are you reading now?
The Art of Winning an Unfair Game, by Michael Lewis
If you could have dinner with any three living people, who would they be?(Authors? / Leaders?)
Jack Welch, retired GE chairman; Pete Peterson, retired president/chairman of Black Rock; Hank Paulson, retired secretary of US Treasury
Who would play you in a movie?
Anthony Hopkins or Jack Nicholson
What do you do to unwind?
I love just being with my children, Mellie & Max, and my twin grandsons, Rafe and Wade.
What is the most expensive purchase you have made for yourself?
_________________________
What is your favorite weekend activity?
Being with my family at the beach.
What is your theme song?
“What A Wonderful World” by Louis Armstrong.
What is your favorite spot in Baton Rouge?
My favorite area is Claycut Rd. in South Baton Rouge where I live and my favorite restaurants, Digiulio’s and Brandt’s.
How do you take your coffee/tea?
I do not drink coffee or tea — try to stay away from caffeine.
What is your favorite movie? TV show? Band?
Movie: Meet Joe Black and Out of Africa
TV: 24
BAND: Anyone who plays music from the 50s.
What is your favorite gadget?
My BlackBerry phone.
What is something you cannot live without?
My family
If you could change one thing about Baton Rouge, what would it be?
I would like to see more people in Baton Rouge area to start thinking “outside the box” (taking a chance).
What is your greatest hope for Baton Rouge?
Aggressive political leadership.
What is your greatest fear for Baton Rouge?
My fear is that our leaders lack vision and not being open-minded to new ideas.
