About our Nominees
James Caulkins is a very driven man. He has lived in the area for about 13 years. He started out by starting a beach chair business. He saw a niche and made it his own. James is a very God-loving man, as well as a family man. He accounts his success to God, and applies scripture to every day life. James started out owning his own business and is now County Commissioner for District 3 of Santa Rosa County.
James can’t wait to see what the future will hold for the community and it’s citizens. He wants to see a community of growth and happiness.
Q & A
Q: What inspired you or led you to your current career/owning your business?
Well, I had a dream. A part of the dream was to start my own business. So, I started a beach chair business. I noticed how people wanted a service, so I went and bought chairs and started providing that service. A lot of people told me it wasn’t going to work. Well, it worked! I believe that anybody can achieve their dreams as long as they just do it. They stop talking about it and they do it. My thought is, what do you have to lose? You know, sometimes you have to put faith first.
There is a verse in the bible that says, “I can do all things through Christ who strengths me,” and I stand with that verse. It gives me faith! And for the Lord does not give me the spirit of fear, but of power, love, and of a sound mind. So, there goes the fear. The fear is gone on starting a business, on being successful. I just give everything to God, let him guide my path and it’s worked. And anybody can do the same thing. Anybody can fulfill their dreams. You write down a goal, you put your mind on that goal, and you can achieve it. We have to take risks in order to achieve great things.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in Navarre?
I’ve lived here for about 13 years. Well, I started mowing lawns when I was 21 in Navarre. I worked 8 hours and it only paid a certain amount. I enjoyed it. It was a start. I wanted to achieve better things. I lived in Navarre for awhile and then I moved to Milton. I ended up buying properties, moving into them, renting them out.
Q: Who is the most interesting person/business owner you’ve met here in Gulf Breeze/Navarre? Who would you like to see nominated as a Face of Gulf Breeze/Navarre?
I can’t say one person in particular because there are so many people that I have met around the county that I admire. There is one person that I think very highly of, which is Blaine Flynn. He is someone who had a dream and achieved it and didn’t let education get in his way of achieving the dream.
Q: What advice would you give a crowd of people starting their own business?
Just do it! If it works, great! If it doesn’t, try another one. No fear.
Q: What current/former local business makes you the most nostalgic about (or what is most iconic in) Gulf Breeze/Navarre?
I would say a nostalgic business that’s really the heart of Navarre, that makes Navarre what it is, is Tommy Snowball. I mean, it’s just got a charm to it that’s irreplaceable. It’s one of my favorite places! There’s a lot of places I enjoy: TC’s Front Porch, East River Smokehouse, David’s Catfish House.
Q: Where do you see yourself (and your career/business) in 5 or 10 years?
I focus on the now to get to 5 or 10 years. Whatever God has in store for me, I will be happy with. I would like to see results for the people of Santa Rosa county. I want to be apart of something big with others. I want to stay at the local level. I don’t have any interest in pursuing something bigger, but if God opens a door or leads me somewhere, I’ll follow it. But as of now, I see myself at the local level trying to get results for the citizens. It’s one thing to talk about something, and another thing to actually achieve results.
Q: What is your favorite restaurant in Gulf Breeze/Navarre, and what do you love there? (What is your favorite dish, and where do you get it?)
My favorite restaurant is Samurai in Navarre.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be? And why?
That’s a tough question cause I want to go everywhere. I would probably be interested in going to Brazil. My reason is there is a conservative leader there I admire. H won the election 3-4 years ago. I want to see what he has accomplished. I would like to go to Italy, too, for the same reason as Brazil. I love Europe and Russia! I’d like to go to St. Petersburg, Russia, and London!
Q: What is your favorite movie OR what is the first movie you remember seeing in a theater?
That’s tough, but I like Back to the Future! The first movie I remember seeing in theaters would be Independence Day.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
I want to have another baby!
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about Gulf Breeze/Navarre?
First would be the people are the kindest, friendliest, hospitable people. Second, we have the most beautiful beaches in the country. Third, we have rivers that are stunning! We have the resources to be our own little country.
Q: Choosing anyone alive and a non-relative: with whom would you love to have lunch? Why?
Donald Trump!
Q: What is your favorite music or 3 bands that you would love to see live?
I’m a fan of all music! My favorite is 80’s rock! I like country music.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I like to participate in extreme sports, but my wife has kept a leash on me. I love to skateboard, surf, I flew ultralight!
Q: What 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
I think of my family, comfort, my relationship with God. It’d my peace. I feel appreciation!
Q: If you were cast into a major motion picture and had your choice of anyone to be your co-star, who would you choose?
I like action films! I would pick either my wife or Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Q: If you had a full-time staff member that was fully paid for, who would you choose? Chef, Housekeeper, Driver, Coach, Physical Fitness Trainer, or Nanny?
It’s hard to find people. My wife is brilliant! I would say a business manager!
For more information about James, check out his website!
Address: 6495 Caroline Street Suite M Milton, FL 32578
Phone: 850-313-8678
Be sure to check out what our other nominees had to say!
