John Brian Kaup was born in a very small town in Nebraska with a population of 580 people. His family moved to the mountains of NC while he was still very young. The day after he graduated High School, Brian drove from coast to coast of the US just to see our amazing country. In 2004 he joined the US Air Force, starting out in EOD before ultimately cross-training to Avionics on multiple air frames. As an Avionics technician, Brian was assigned to the 31st Fighter Wing, 555th Fighter Squadron, at Aviano Air Force Base, Italy. After his enlistment ended, Brian went to a small college in Ohio before ultimately re-settling back in North Carolina. He is now the owner of a successful commercial cleaning company, Trinity Commercial Cleaning, LLC, along with his incredible wife, Mary Grace. Brian jokingly says that she does all the “smart people stuff” with their business, which he promises is actually quite accurate. They now have an amazing cleaning staff of 37 people.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I have an amazing wife and two rambunctious boys aged 2 and 4.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I love the ability to set my own hours so I have a better work – life balance.
Q: What is your favorite restaurant in Lake Norman?*
Patisserie Cafe – though they no longer make the Diplomat pastry with is very unfortunate.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in Lake Norman?*
5 years
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be?*
Blue Marble Caves – Patagonia
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Make sure you have a work-life balance. One thing I learned living in Italy is to enjoy life first and work second, though this does take financial planning.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
Visit Antartica
Q: Do you have any pets? Tell us about them!
No
Q: If someone was visiting Lake Norman for the first time, what’s one thing you would tell them they HAVE to do here on their trip?
Relax and enjoy the lake, that’s what it is there for.
Q: What is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?*
I used to be a competitive rock climber
Q: What is your favorite pizza topping?
Meat
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My dad, who was the best man in my wedding
Q: Finally, what would be your #1 “wish list” feature for your dream house?
An ultimate hangout basement with lake access
