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MEET GABRIEL
For most of my life I have been distant from anything political. I've always felt that politicians and diapers should be changed frequently and for the same reason. I've laughed at bumper stickers that say that if voting made a difference it would be illegal.
I serve on the board of my homeowners association, and at one of our neighborhood meetings, a former Irmo mayor suggested that I get involved. It took me some time to accept that bad things happen when good people do nothing.
As I looked into the possibilities, I learned that 92% of the people who are registered to vote don't actually show up to vote. In my area, there are around 14,000 citizens, 8,000 registered voters, and of those only 1,300 showed up to pull a lever. All this time I thought everyone else was doing the voting and I guess some of us had some serious bystander effect going on.
There was an important job to be done and Everybody was sure that Somebody would do it. Anybody could have done it, but Nobody did it. Somebody got angry about that, because it was Everybody’s job. Everybody thought Anybody could do it, but Nobody realized that Everybody wouldn’t do it. It ended up that Everybody blamed Somebody when Nobody did what Anybody could have.
Over the course of time we all have a tendency to complain (Usually on social media) but we don't do much outside of that. As I look at the various life situations and see no one taking action, I hear myself say "Someone should do something".....I begin to see that everyone else may be thinking the same thing. So instead of criticizing they way things are or the people involved, I am going to raise my hand and make it known that I am willing to serve.
I'm not a politician, I don't know enough people (yet) to win something like this but, I am going to come and knock on your door at some point or get myself in front of you in one way or another and ask for your support. I don't have every answer, but I am resourceful and would like to be at the front lines to help solve problems for the community.
Having lived in Irmo for the the last 13 years, I haven't been here long enough to tell the stories about Harbison being a dirt road or the first Walmart, but I did grow up in the small town of Landrum, SC. I greatly appreciate the times when we would leave our doors unlocked and there were plenty of hot crockpots in the neighborhood to choose from after church on Sundays. I played in the creeks and explored the foothills.
Although I had the luxury of a rural upbringing, I was born in New Orleans, Louisiana and my journey began with a unique blend of circumstances that shaped my life. I was born to a single mother, and later on, we moved to Landrum where I was adopted by my stepfather, who became a pillar of support and love in my life. Raised in Landrum, I learned the importance of community and the value of hard work, integrity, and compassion.
From humble beginnings and overcoming numerous challenges, I have made a path of success and resilience. I graduated in the middle of my class and dropped out of college three times. In 2002, I entered the world of financial services, obtaining my securities license in 2008. By 2010, I had risen to the position of a wealth manager and grew a small sum into several million dollars. In 2018, I founded Relational Wealth Management and placed it in Irmo. I hold the Accredited Wealth Management Advisor designation from the College of Financial Planning, and I now lead a team that feels more like a family.
Alongside my financial achievements, I am an entrepreneur at heart. As the founder of Tribal Coffee Company and a co-founder of Parking Lot King, Poore House Furnishings, and Maverick Cigars, I have embraced the thrill of building successful ventures. In addition to these activities, I have several exciting ventures planned for the future.
I will continue to make a positive impact in our town. I serve as a board member for my homeowners association and support local charitable organizations, including Oliver Gospel Mission, Sharing God's Love, and Palmetto Thrift.
I find solace and fulfillment as a member of the Columbia Sailing Club, where I indulge in my passion for sailing and relish the tranquil beauty of Lake Murray. This pursuit allows me to connect with like-minded individuals and rejuvenate my spirit.
I find great strength in my faith and attend Seacoast Church, in Irmo, South Carolina.