The People Project:
Danny Williams
By Ashley & Andrew LeSaicherre | May 8, 2021
Meet Danny Williams!
Danny was born and raised in Ponchatoula. He graduated from Ponchatoula High School and also from Southeastern Louisiana University three times, most notably with a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership degree. He served the Tangipahoa School system for 34 years as a teacher (Martha Vinyard and Ponchatoula High School), an assistant principal, a principal (Tucker Elementary), and worked at the School Board office as the Director of Curriculum. He has been the advisor for the PHS Key Club for 35 years, first as Faculty Advisor and now Kiwanis Advisor. He currently teaches online courses for Grand Canyon University and is the Chief Administrative Officer at the Parker Layrisson Law Firm.
We want to thank Danny for spending some time with us and letting us learn about his life and family!
Q: What led you to your current career?
A: Both of my current jobs came out of my experiences. For Grand Canyon University, I needed a doctorate to get the job I have with them. I wanted to be able to share all of the knowledge that I have gained throughout my education and experience. With Parker, he felt like I could help him become more efficient and effective, and I've enjoyed that partnership with him.
Q: What is your favorite restaurant in the area, and what do you like to get there?
A: I enjoy going to Middendorf's. I like the location. I like the scenery. It seems a bit out of the way, but it is close. And the food is consistently good. And it was a special occasion place for my family over the years. I like to get the thin-fried catfish.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in the area?
A: My whole life.
Q: What is your favorite childhood memory?
A: At one point we lived a few blocks away from a restaurant that my parents owned (The Coffee Pot). I remember walking to swimming lessons at Kiwanis Park, and I would stop and get a chocolate milk.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be? And why?
A: I have a couple of trips planned in my mind! I have traveled to a lot of the places I want to see. But I do want to do a more extensive trip to Italy to visit four of the exchange students that I have hosted over the years. I also want to do an Ireland and Scotland trip. And I have a student in Vienna and one in Switzerland that I'd like to visit, as well.
Q: What is your favorite movie What is the first movie you remember seeing in a theater?
A: I really enjoy The Lord of the Rings movies and the Harry Potter movies. A movie memory that sticks out to me is seeing the first Star Wars movie with friends and hearing the opening sequence of the music. The first movie I remember seeing in a theater was The Jungle Book in the theater where Stray Cats is now.
Q: What advice would you give to a crowd of people?
A: Invest in other people. Invest your time and energy in helping others. It is a worthwhile thing to do. In some ways, it almost feels selfish, because you get a return from that in how it makes you feel.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
A: I want to go to China and see The Great Wall.
Q: What is your favorite music or an artist/band that you would like to see (dead or alive)?
A: I really have never been to a concert, and they aren't really something that appeals to me. I've been to many orchestra "concerts", if that counts. If I did go see a concert one day, it would probably be Elton John.
Q: What current or former business makes you the most nostalgic about the area?
A: Our family's restaurant, The Coffee Pot. I often wonder what would have happened if my parents kept it or if I could reopen it.
Q: If you could choose one person to go to lunch with that you’ve never met, dead or alive, who is it and where would you go?
A: Two totally different answers, but John Grisham or the Pope. And I suppose I would take them to Middendorf's!
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique that you love about the area?
A: The weather. It is not too cold. The location. The scenery. Proximity to other cities.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
A: Doing the same. Traveling. Entertaining. Spending time with family and friends.
Q: What is something interesting that most people don’t know about you (even friends or family)?
A: Many people probably know I sing in my church choir. People probably don't know that I played the bassoon. And it paid my way through college!
Q: What is a word or phrase that comes to mind when you think of the word “Home”?
A: Comfortable. Peace.
Q: If you could have a full-time staff member that is fully paid for, what would that be? (Chef, housekeeper, driver, coach, personal trainer, etc.)
A: A housekeeper. I don't mind making messes and I wouldn't mind having someone to clean them up!
Q: What is your most commonly used emoji?
A: The prayer hands or the birthday cake.
Q: If you could have a superpower, what would it be?
A: The ability to make everyone happy.
Q: Do you have a hobby? A: I'm a foodie. I like to search out new items to try to make. And new restaurants and bakeries.
Q: What is something you are most proud of? A: Getting my doctorate. I've always been goal-oriented and I was proud to be one of the first people to graduate from that particular program at SLU. I was happy that I was able to do that while my parents were still alive.
Who would YOU like for us to get to know?
We love meeting, knowing, and working with our community, and we love working with homes and all types of properties. Helping our community achieve their goals through buying and selling property is something we consider ourselves very fortunate to get to do. Contact one of our REALTORS® if we can help!
