Carolina state highway that connects Durham to the coast and winds through several small towns. “Hwy 55 is the road that goes in front of the corporate office,” LaCoe says. “There are 13 or 14 restaurants on it.” LaCoe, 38, became a Master Franchisee when he and a business partner bought the rights to build 100 restaurants in South Carolina. Myrtle Beach, Murrells Inlet, Lexington and Irmo have Hwy 55 restaurants. LaCoe’s longer term goal is to buy the Master Franchisee rights to Colorado and do the same thing there. Leland native Bridget Brodie, Hwy 55 supervisor of N.C. operations, will partially own the Colorado rights. “She has worked hard and deserves the right to be part of that,” says LaCoe. With a keen business sense, LaCoe is always looking for ways to expand his ventures. An avid surfer and beach lover, he and a partner founded Odysea Surf and Kiteboarding School in Carolina Beach. When he was asked to help at-risk children learn to surf, he didn’t hesitate. “Most had never been in a pool or been to the ocean,” he says. Seeing the children’s excitement about the sport and the lessons made LaCoe want to do more, so he co-founded the local nonprofit organization Ocean Cure, a 501(c)3. He also works with the Wounded Warrior Project, Little Pink Houses of Hope and Communities In Schools (CIS) of Brunswick County. He has been on the CIS board for three years and is presenting sponsor for the 12th annual Gala on October 24, “Taste of Brunswick County Hollywood Charity Night,” at the Dinah E. Gore Fitness and Aquatics Center at Brunswick Community College. “Chris is a quiet, hard worker,” says Joan Madsen, past
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president of the CIS board. “He doesn’t profess to be allknowing and he is very loyal to Communities In Schools.” “Isn’t he amazing?” says Cynthia Tart, executive director of CIS. “When he walks in a room, his presence lights it up. He is modest about what he does. He is a genuine philanthropist. You know you’re going to be a better person by knowing him. You feel good that you met him.” Tart explains that no matter what she asks LaCoe to do for CIS, he is available to discuss her concerns and help in any way he can. “He is a wealth of leadership walking around,” she says. “He is a phenomenal businessman.” And LaCoe has finally found time to pursue his personal interests. He plays golf as often as possible, goes to the beach and participates in triathlons. “That’s kind of my new hobby,” he says. He has made other changes in his life as well. He married Kristen Brahosky on November 3, 2012, and she will have their baby in March 2014. He met Kristen, a Jacksonville, N.C., native, 10 years ago when she was an employee at one of his restaurants. He and Kristen will be greeting people at the CIS Gala on October 24. “He is going to do so many good things in his life. He is a very giving person,” Tart says. n
Want To Go? What: Brunswick County Communities in Schools' 12th annual Benefit Gala for Children "Taste of Brunswick County" and Hollywood Charity Night When: October 24, 6 to 10 p.m. Where: Dinah E. Gore Fitness and Aquatics Center at Brunswick Community College Tickets and info: cisbrunswick.org/events