Meet Justin James Pitts! I met Justin a couple years ago in the Greer Leadership program. I have had the privilege to serve with Justin and his family both personally and professionally. Collectively, we have worked on a variety of projects throughout the Greer community. Justin’s service is always made up of hard work, intellect and mostly his heart. Justin’s gentle spirit shares love and light wherever he serves. We are happy that Justin is #hereingreer ! (Introduction written by Eugenia Bentley)
Please tell us a little bit about your family. My wife, Kenzie, and I met and married in 4 ½ months-when you know you know, right! We are celebrating our 10 year anniversary this year and have two kids: our seven-year-old daughter, Parker, and our five-year-old son, Kyle. We also have a Bernese Mountain Dog named Louie, a cat named Peach, and a couple of fish. We love to be together as a family whether it’s playing board games, tennis, bike riding, hiking, or walking. We also attend and are involved at Grace Church.
Please tell us about your current business/career. What do you love most about what you do? At North Greenville University’s Tim Brashier Campus in Greer, my role is in Operations. I have the privilege of stewarding the day-to-day operations of the campus and daily work for the betterment of our students, faculty, staff, and stakeholders. I love the people I work with-each one sold out for our mission of equipping transformational leaders for church and society. I also steward a small business on the side, Hitch Educational Consulting, assisting high school students connect to their next opportunities. My favorite part of that work is, through relationships and conversations, seeing “the lightbulbs” turn on in a student’s mind.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in Greer?
A: Wild Ace-My family and I love going, sitting on the patio, and eating some really good very reasonably prized pizza and more. It’s definitely a family favorite. We also enjoy Los Portales downtown Greer. They have the best tableside Guacamole out there. And it’s not a night downtown Greer without stopping by Abbott’s Frozen Custard!
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
A: I’ve been in the Upstate and around Greer most of my adult life. I’m a graduate of North Greenville University where there’s about four towns that converge: Greer, Traveler’s Rest, Taylors, and Tigerville! My family moved to Greer five years ago and I have been working at NGU’s Tim Brashier Campus in Greer for four.
Q:Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
A: Chris Hill– Chris is an all-around great man. He is an entrepreneur, full of wisdom, and has an office in Greer on Poinsett. He has generously taken time with my family to share his experiences in both business and life. I always bring a notebook with me when meeting with Chris and plan to fill it up with the knowledge he shares.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be? And why?
A: Our family was just talking about this the other night. Many years ago I spent some time in Africa. They say you leave a piece of you in Africa. I would love to go back and visit a couple of our friends who are missionaries in Cape Verde, Africa and also in Eswatini, Africa at a wonderful place for kids called Project Canaan.
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
A: I love The Office and Parks and Recreation! My favorite movie is Stranger Than Fiction.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
A: A mentor gave me two pieces of advice that I remind myself of often: Be kind to yourself. And, when criticized, have an honest conversation with yourself-Ask, is the criticism valid? If it isn’t, move on. If it is, deal with it, and, you guessed it, move on.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
A: A 100-mile Run. You find out a lot about who you are and who you aren’t in endurance sports and I’d like to one day cross the finish line of a 100-mile run. I “found” running in college. I’ve never been fast, but enjoyed the mental aspect of the training and longer distance runs. I switched to triathlons soon thereafter and have completed an iron-distance triathlon some years ago.
Q: What is go-to band or favorite music when you can’t decide what to listen to?
A: Dave Matthews Band.
Q: What current / former local business makes you the most nostalgic about Greer?
A: I may not be able to claim nostalgia as I feel I’ve been adopted into Greer, but, as you can likely already tell, when going out to eat, we like to choose Greer. My family loves the “Community Feel” of The Clock of Greer and we really enjoyed Ira’s Chicken when it was open. We always saw someone we knew there, the folks were extremely kind, and it just felt like you were welcome and belonged to a great place.
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would you take them for lunch?
A: We really enjoy the events in Greer, when the Community comes together. So, I’d say, invite the whole town to Greer City Park and roll out the food trucks and catering!
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about Greer?
A: The folks of Greer take care of the folks for Greer. There is a deep love, loyalty, and commitment that resonates through the people in our town that make it a great place.
Q: (Even for friends and family) What is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
A: Writing poetry helps me to “mine” out things in my life.
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
A: Alaska. Many years ago I went on an Alaskan Cruise. This untouched part of our country was mesmerizing: Glaciers, snow-capped mountains, whale sightings, and more. We took an opportunity to helicopter to the top of a mountain to dog-sled. It is an experience I won’t forget.
Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
A: May 8, 2010-Eloping with my Bride on Folly Beach with about forty of our closest friends and family in tow.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
A: My Wife, Kenzie, hands down. She’s only second to The Lord as to the reason I exist. She saved my life.
Q: What 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
A: Sanctuary, Laughter and Family.
