My name is Lorenzo Bates and I am a native of Simpsonville/Fountain Inn. I went to Morton Elementary and Hillcrest Middle and High School where I was in student government. My parents had friends that attended Bob Jones Academy and persuaded them to let me attend. I graduated in 1987.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I have been married to my best friend for 13 years. We have 2 daughters Loren 12 and Zoe 7.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
After spending over 30 years in the corporate workforce. I decided to leave my JOB “just over broke” to become an entrepreneur. You can learn more about my business here.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
One of my closest friends from High School owns Wingnutz in Fountain Inn. They have the best wings around! I also love going with my family to Travinia’s Italian Restaurant that is also owned by a friend.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
My family and I moved back to Fountain Inn when we built our “forever” home in 2019. I plan to retire here!
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
Stephen Thompson, son of Ray Thompson of Upstate Karate. I remember going to karate school as a young adult under Ray and he always brought his kids to train as well. Now Stephen,aka Wonder Boy, has become one of the most elite UFC fighter. I love that he hasn’t forgotten about home and came back to his community to give back and train the next generation.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
I would love to travel to Africa and visit where our ancestors originated.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Don’t let people put a period where God has put a comma.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
I would love to go camping in the Grand Canyon.
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
Howard’s Pharmacy off Main Street in Simpsonville. I remember going there as a child for my grandparents and getting candy, soda etc. They knew everyone by name and made everyone feel welcomed. I now take my family to that same location that is a staple of the community.
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?
I would love to meet Former President Barack Obama. I feel like he not only tried to bridge the gap within parties but also the world. I would take him to my favorite restaurant, Travinia’s, have lunch and then smoke a cigar and chat on their patio.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
Simpsonville is a resilient and supportive community. It has become the upstate’s most progressive community.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
I see myself owning multiple franchises and in real estate.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
Most of my friends and some of my family members don’t know that I attended and graduated at Bob Jones Academy. I also become the first African American to graduate from there in 1987.
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
I love going to the Bahamas with my family.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My wife definitely inspires and pushes me. She has always been my best cheerleader.
Q: Describe what “neighbor” means to you?
Community and extended family.
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Home is refuge.
