J.P. DuBuque is “storyteller in chief” for St. Petersburg as a business and career location that connects businesses with the people and programs that will help them grow.
He is a veteran corporate recruiter and experienced economic development authority who provides the strategic vision and directs the efforts of the EDC in its mission to market the city as a business destination.
He serves on the board of directors for the Greater St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce and United Way Suncoast of Tampa Bay.
1. College alma mater?
Hampden-Sydney College, B.A. in economics and mathematics, Salisbury University, MBA.
2. Last show you binge watched?
The Last Kingdom.
3. Favorite place for a business meeting?
Any of St. Pete’s amazing craft breweries.
4. iPhone or Android?
iPhone.
5. What did you eat for lunch today?
Grilled chicken, brussels sprouts and brown rice from Naked Farmer. Local. Fresh. Healthy.
6. We’ll find you on the weekend doing?
On my boat or listening to live music.
7. What movie terrified you as a child?
A Nightmare on Elm Street. Even though I was 13 when it came out, I still was afraid to go to sleep.
8. Proudest moment?
Both of my boys (aged 16 and 18) are incredibly talented musicians. They have both gone through the School of Rock program and had the opportunity to play a song by Stevie Ray Vaughn. Camden was on bass and Kellan on lead guitar. They killed it! Standing O time. Proud dad moment for sure.
9. Dream dinner companion?
My wife. Although deciding where we will eat could be dicey.
10. Any pets?
A yellow lab named Milo.
11. Best concert you’ve ever seen live?
Widespread Panic with Steve Winwood at the 2014 Locken Festival.
12. What is your cellphone wallpaper image? My two sons, dressed in full Scottish regalia, attended Dunedin Middle School and were in the school’s pipe and drum band.
13. Most famous person you’ve ever met?
I used to work in Washington, D.C., about a block away from the CBS studio. Bob Scheiffer and I used to get our shoes shined at the same spot. It was always good to get a preview of the evening news.
14. What is your go-to drink order?
At the risk of being stereotyped, IPA.
15. Favorite candy?
Good and Plenty.
16. Last thing you ordered from Amazon?
Dietary supplements.
17. Pool or beach?
Beach, then pool to cool off.
18. Charity you support?
I am honored to be on the board of the United Way Suncoast. They do such incredible work providing services in the areas of youth success, early learning and financial stability. They also provide much-needed funding for other organizations doing great work in those areas.
19. Favorite childhood memory?
Going crabbing with my father. Being on the water and watching the sun come up is so peaceful.
20. Words of advice?
Nothing that we do and nothing that we accomplish is done in a vacuum. Be grateful for the impact others have on your life and efforts. And share the credit. The spotlight is not a laser beam. There’s room for everyone in the light.
