Jonny ‘the Barber,’ 39
Co-owner/stylist/barber, Frankie & Jonny’s Barber Shop
Who’s your favorite “Game of Thrones” character?
I had to do my homework because I actually don’t watch this show, but I would have to say from what I know about the show and the gossip, I really like Tyrion Lannister. I love that as a dwarf, he uses his wit and intellect to overcome the prejudice he faces.
Which GOT character do you think you would be?
I’m not sure the answer to this because I never watched the show, but my friends are saying who they think I am. So far it sounds like Robb Stark, king of the North; loyal, brave and handsome – and hates weddings. Not sure if that describes me or not, but I do hate weddings. UPDATE: My friends that are big fans of the show said I’m like Eddard (Ned) Stark. I don’t know what that really means, but they say it’s a good thing. But I also heard I die a brutal death, then.
Who would you have put on the Iron Throne?
I’m not sure how to answer this question since I didn’t watch the show. Sorry!
Last book you read and/or show you binge-watched?
Well, the book I finished was “Ready Player One.” Great, easy, fun read about a bleak future with the only hope of Online Oasis VR. And for TV shows I love sci-fi stuff, so I’m a big fan of stuff like “Stranger Things,” “Black Mirror” and “Gotham” and so many others.
If you ruled the world (or Chattanooga), what would you change?
There are so many things that need to be changed and I wouldn’t know where to start, but I guess I could tell you a personal choice that I would make and I would love for everyone to follow suit: I think we have in the past few years lost ourselves in the digital world. I think if I ruled the world or Chattanooga, I would make it mandatory to shut off all electronic devices from 6-9 p.m., only three hours a day to enjoy the world and each other again. I can’t stand it when someone gets on the phone in my Jeep or car and talks to someone else. I’m right here, talk to me! Also, when I go out to eat with friends and family, we like to play a game where everyone puts their phone in the center of the table and whoever picks up their phone first must pay the whole bill. That way nobody wants to pick up their phones, and we get to visit. So yeah, real time with real friends; not digital friendships.
Who would be on your advisory council?
I think first off I would pick a very good friend of mine that is already a major player in my advice in real life, my good friend David. He knows who he is. Anyways, it would be hard to just select one person. I would have a roundtable of council. I go to many different people for advice: my family (parents, older brothers and sisters), members of my congregation, the elders of my faith, my business partner, my close friends, my best friends and so many others. You all know who you are. And thank you for being my already advisory council.
Is ruler a position you’d even want?
No – probably the easiest question on here to answer thus far. I would never want to have such power or responsibility or worry. As a leader, you are both loved and hated. You never really know who are your true friends and who is using you for what they can get. I’m a leader, I do believe, by nature, but I’m not a ruler. If I had to describe what kind of boss/ruler I am, it’s an understanding, forgiving, compassionate leader.
What drives you professionally and/or personally?
My parents are hardworking people. They’ve shown me by example throughout my life that showing up early, staying late, putting my mind, heart and hands into work will bring success. I’m very goal-oriented. I have found that on the life path toward a major goal, there are stepping stones of smaller goals laid out. Every small goal I meet takes me closer to achieving what I want to accomplish. And every small goal is worthy of celebration. Enjoy the path of life! Which leads me to my biggest motivation: positivity. Greet every day with gratitude and you will have a good day no matter what.
What’s one thing you’d really like to accomplish? Has that goal changed over the years?
My goals have changed dozens of times over the years, and I’m sure they’ll change again. There have been times in my life when I didn’t know what my next step would be; times when the path of life was nearly impossible to see. In those times, I did stumble and make mistakes, as I’m sure we all do. But our mistakes do not define who we are. Our past doesn’t have to dictate our future. I found my way on the path of life again. The one thing I’d really like to accomplish is coming to a place of contentment in my heart. I’d like to be able to say that I lived the life I was meant to live, mistakes and all. I think that’s the truest measure of success.