Name: John Culpepper
Family: Wife-Katherine; ChildrenHamilton (14), Mimi (11)
Hometown: Athens, GA
Current Town: Athens, GA
What Years at UGA: 1990-95
School/Degree: Franklin College of Arts and Sciences; BS in Political Science
Profession: Express Employment Professionals, Owner
Accolades: I have enjoyed carrying on a tradition of tailgating that my dad and John “Kid” Terrell created in the 1970s known as “Kid’s Tailgate.”
Also, there is Herschel feature video made in 1980 about him breaking the single season record of touchdowns by a freshman and I am the nine year old kid in the background patting him on the shoulder with a Red Sox hat on.
What life lessons did you learn while at UGA?
I learned not to schedule a 7:50 class. You will never get there! Also, it took until my 5th year, but if you actually take notes and read the text book, it helps.
What professor did you most admire (and why)?
Charles Bullock who taught me Southern Politics, by far my favorite class at UGA. I learned a great deal about how the politics of the South and particularly Georgia have evolved.
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
From a personal standpoint, I would say so far my kids are my greatest achievement. Ask me again in five years, I might have a different answer. From a business standpoint, I have really enjoyed starting my own business from scratch 10 years ago. Neither of these would have happened without Katherine.
Which historical figure do you most identify with?
I would have to say Truett Cathy because he worked hard to develop a successful business, yet never lost sight of his values.
Who are your heroes in real life?
My parents. My dad, EH, instilled a kindness and generosity in me that is invaluable. My mother, Kitty, at 76 years old, is one of the hardest working women I know. On a lighter note, Burt Reynolds because he always had fast cars and could sweet talk the ladies.
Quote to live by:
“Keep your fork, the best is yet to come.” -Mike Huckabee
“If you’re not first, you’re last.” -Ricky Bobby
“Chili dawgs always bark at night.” -Lewis Grizzard
What is your idea of perfect happiness?
Aside from watching Georgia beat Tech, sitting on a boat with my wife in crystal blue water watching my kids snorkel.
What is your most marked characteristic?
My wife and kids think I have an obnoxious laugh/cackle. Katherine also hates my boat shoe collection, but damn they’re comfortable and sporty.
What do you most value in your friends?
Honesty, generosity and cold beer in their fridge.
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
I wish I wasn’t a procrastinator.
Who are your favorite writers (and why)?
My son, Hamilton Culpepper, junior journalist for BulldawgIllustrated. And Lewis Grizzard.
Fave social media and who to follow (and why)?
Anything boating or salt water fishing on Instagram! Katherine and I have an extreme passion for being on a boat in blue water. The kids are falling in line right behind
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