JOE AND GLADYS GRIMAUD

Joe and Gladys were married for 63 years with three sons. Joe was a fighter pilot during the Vietnam War, and Gladys was a faithful mother and housewife. Joe retired from the service, took his savings, and opened a Midas Muffler shop in Alexander, La.

The Grimaud family set their life priorities: God, Family, Country, and Career. Working as a team, the Grimauds applied what Joe would later call the “Grimaud’s Law of Certainty”…” Diligent effort consistently applied in a specified direction over a long period of time will bring results certainly.” Gladys served as the CEO of the home, and Joe grew business partnerships.

The Grimaud family believed in being fully involved in church and Community. Joe led his family in tithing 10% and saving 10% to build a solid financial foundation. The Grimaud family business grew from a Midas Muffler shop to a national network of Precision Tune franchises.

In 1991 Joe was elected President of Precision Tune Inc. to save the international mother company from total bankruptcy. He turned the company around in one year and adopted Frederick Douglass Jr. High Alternative School in Washington, DC.

In 1996, racial tensions were high in South Carolina over the Confederate Flag. Joe and Gladys contacted Dr. Tony Evans to bring a Unity Crusade to Columbia, SC. With God’s help and direction, City Light Columbia was established to address the racial problem, with all Christian churches coming together to repent and heal the community. On May 18 – 20, 1997, Christian churches responded with over 80,000 attendees (60% white 40% black).

Both Joe and Gladys were licensed and ordained as ministers in Ecumenical Church. As Joe established Chapin Furniture, Precision Tunes, and other businesses, Gladys established CityLight as a worldwide change agent. Christ Central, Cross Style, Windows to the World, and many other organizations were greatly enhanced through her philanthropy. She is one of the founders of Ecumenical University and has fostered Campus development on three continents, She has used the Esther Women of Influence and her wealth to empower women in Africa and Asia.

Joe died in 2020, and his three sons, David, Greg, and Keith, have continued his business legacy. Gladys continues the Grimaud family legacy through philanthropy.

JORAM MUPENZI KAMIKAZI NELLY KORERIMANA ALEXIS

NADEGE NIYONKURU MVUYEKURE BRUNO BELMONDO