Men of influence exist in everyone’s lives. Fathers, brothers, sons, musicians, actors, etc. This month, we would love to tell some of the stories that you can't find on Google about these four men. Men who are admired in their families, their neighborhoods, and throughout middle Tennessee! Who would they bring to a cookout? Who was their man of influence? Do they have a trophy they have held onto for FAR too long?
1. Lysle Oliveros is a local architect and Founder/CEO of Virtue Modern. He and his wife, Kamiko, have three children, Kaori, Rori, and Quino. Lysle values setting a great example, being reliable, and being dependable for those in his life.
Lysle learned what it means to be a man through his father. Growing up in the Philippines and Africa, he watched his father work tirelessly until he could legally bring their family to the United States. He was a great teacher and helped to build confidence and resilience in Lysle through his commitment to hard work and perseverance.
Lysle’s top cookout guests show his dedication to the mission he has for Mt. Juliet, “to show that modernism is more than just a white barn. I want to create homes that offer an experience, blending innovation, sustainability, and beauty”. Lysle would invite Steve Jobs, Curtis Moody (owner of the largest minority-owned architecture firm and Lysle’s first boss), and Jeanneret Le Corbusier (a revolutionary architect who introduced modernity to the world). Manning the grill would be none other than Ron Swanson (Parks and Recreation).
2. He is affectionately referred to as 'Nashville's Media Darling,' Joe Dubin is a native Nashvillian who went to McGavock High School and graduated from MTSU. He is a three-time EMMY winning reporter who has spent 25 years working in radio and television. Joe is a published author with three books already penned.
Joe learned to be an amazing man through his grandpa, Ted Eller, as his father was not around. Ted stepped in and showed Joe that true men do not talk negatively about others. His mother taught him responsibility and stepped in to teach him how to tie a tie, played catcher while he learned to pitch, and showed him what it means to get back up when life knocks you down many times.
Joe would be sure to include cheap cigars, tequila, and some new biographies at his cookout. He would bring along Elvis Presley, Ernest Hemmingway, and then Jesus who would round out the party and man the grill because he fed 5,000 and didn’t have a single negative review.
Joe is inspired to be a beacon in the community as he lost five friends last year to suicide. The quote, "Most men lead lives of quiet desperation," hits Joe hard. On a lighter note, he is always on a mission to feed the hungry, house homeless dogs, and love on his daughters Hannah (25), and J.J. (18). This October, Hannah will also give Joe a new title. Grandpa!
3. Matt Greci is our Senior Vice President and General Manager at the Nashville Superspeedway. Matt and his wife, Jamie, have two exciting children, McCoy (7) and Wesson (5). Their family ADORES golden retrievers, sports, trading cards (McCoy), and superheroes (Wesson).
Matt’s job is unquestionably the loudest one mentioned here. He has a passion for sporting events, entertainment, and the power of an unforgettable moment. I am sure McCoy and Wesson get plenty of those moments at the track- something that is incredibly important to Matt and Jamie! Matt won his High School State soccer championship and still holds that trophy to this day, so you know he’s serious about memories.
Greg Walter is one of the men that Matt always looked up to as a great example of being a man. Greg is located at the Charlotte Superspeedway, where Matt spent almost 14 years. Greg taught Matt the values of being an effective leader, emphasizing presence and composure in challenging situations. He hopes to bring that same presence to Mt. Juliet as his focus centers on children’s charities, local endeavors benefiting future generations, and the growth and prosperity of the surrounding area.
When asked about his dream tailgate crew before race day, Matt's answers did not disappoint! Arnold Palmer and Dale Earnhardt Sr. would be joining Matt and enjoying the evening as Chris Farley tends to the grill.
4. Justin Beasley is the current Communications Director for the City of Mt. Juliet. He has been married for 8 years to Karrianne and they have two fantastic children together, Brady (2), and Grant (4 months). He also REALLY loves the Florida Gators!
Being a man of influence is incredibly important for Justin as a one-time holder of the prestigious “Dad of the Year” trophy. His role as a father and husband is not lost on him as he is incredibly excited to build up his children as God-fearing men who have grown up and seen how a Godly man shows love in marriage, family, and the day-to-day grind.
He was fortunate enough to have a close relationship with his friend, Drew Crossett, who embodied those virtues in life. Drew wore many hats in Justin’s life, Young Life leader, assistant baseball coach, and his weightlifting partner before passing in 2017.
Justin could run through a brick wall after a good story of overcoming the odds. Perseverance is something that is lost in today’s world, and something he admires greatly.
At Justin’s cookout is his childhood idol, Derek Jeter, one of the best leaders of all time, Tom Brady, and the Florida legend himself, Tim Tebow. As the southern boy, Tebow would be manning that grill as legendary stories are shared in that sporting Mount Rushmore.