Hunter Jackson and his family are proud to call Summerville’s Downtown their home. Hunter was born and raised in the Greater Columbia area. He spent the first 30 years of his life in the Midlands, before being lucky enough to be promoted to establish the Low Country Market. With just one visit, Hunter knew that Summerville would be his forever home. After the recent contentious Mayoral Race, he founded the Facebook group, “Friendly Downtown Summerville” in order to spread the good news about everything our great town has to offer. He believes that as Summerville grows, it is ever important to keep the spotlight on our diverse local business community to ensure that the Summerville we love is there for future generations. Hunter recognizes that there are many passionate people in our community who live that same goal every day and says that it is an honor to work with them to make our Flowertown in the Pines the best place to call home.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I am blessed to have my wife Carolynne by my side. She has dedicated her life to make sure that Noah (9) and Riley (7) have everything they need. Noah has Non-Verbal Autism. Life is challenging enough for him, and Summerville does everything it can to make sure that we all have a wonderful place to call home.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I have been in the Real Estate Industry for nearly 15 years. After 13 years in new construction for a national builder in sales, financing, and management, I am excited to be opening a mortgage branch for Guaranteed Rate Mortgage in the heart of Downtown Summerville!
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
Everyone knows that we love to eat out. You will find me on most of my weekday lunches at Montreux with Donna, the best Bartender in Summerville. Coastal Coffee Roasters is not only well known for the best cup of joe, but a meeting place for everyone in Summerville where nearly every great idea in town has roots. Eva’s can’t be missed for an authentic Southern Breakfast. This Little Piggy for outstanding BBQ, Celtic Knot for a Killer Burger, and Shuckin’ Shack for the best seafood.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
Though I’ve been here just over 3 years, everyone here has welcomed me with open arms and made me feel like a life long resident. From our first meal at Shuckin’ Shack (The Friday Lobster Special!) and attending our first Third Thursday and coming in Second at the Sweet Tea Festival, our roots were cemented. Since then, our goal has always been to better Flowertown any way that we can not only for our family but for the community as a whole.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
Brad Mallett of Coastal Coffee Roasters. Not only is Brad the owner of the best coffee shop and meeting place, he is ever present and involved in order to make our town outstanding. Anywhere you turn around, Brad is there helping.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
Alaska – though a southerner through and through, a dry cool climate is a nice change! I love that the local communities support each other in order to thrive.
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
The West Wing tops my list. The utopic view of American politics, where everyone works together towards a greater good, is a great reminder of what we can all work towards as a community.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Invest your money locally and get to know your neighbors. In order for our communities to thrive and continue to advance, we must invest locally and work together.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
Dad of the year trophy. I say that a bit tongue in cheek, but it’s true. Just being the best father my kids could ask for.
Q: What is your go to band when you cant decide what to listen to?
I’m a podcast person, so there is never not something to listen to. When it comes to music, Green Day– a favorite since I was 9.
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
Eva’s. The history that place has seen is astonishing. With the perfect view of the Square, Eva’s has been there through it all and served every person who made something in this town happen.
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 y’all meet for this lunch?
Temple Grandin for a twofold reason. First, professionally she is not known as someone who has Autism. She exceeds professionally using her Autism as a strength. It allows her to see things differently and makes her the best in her field. Secondly and personally, I would meet with her in order to know my son better and to get expert advice on how to give him the best life possible. I would take Dr. Grandin to Montreux at 2 pm in one of the large booths in the back. A variety of food, quiet (at that time), and a large booth to solve the worlds problems.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
The people. 100%. They are generous with both their time and their money. There is rarely a need which goes unfilled in record time or without a group showing up with hammers and nails to fix it. I’ve witnessed people first hand board up The Square in record time on a weekend morning. The people.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Right here. Neither my family nor I have any interest in leaving Flowertown’s Downtown.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I am an open book, so most people know everything about me (or they can just ask!).
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
Sedona, Arizona. A stunning landscape.
Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
November is my favorite month- great weather and time with family. Thanksgiving, obviously, is my favorite holiday and favorite day of the year!
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
Besides my kids, Derek’s Gyro. Try it!
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My kids. None of this means anything without them.
Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
Gravy and what gravy goes on!
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Hope, Future, Familiarity
