PAUL LOUGÉE

WHERE DO YOU LIVE? 

San Diego, CA.

WHAT'S YOUR POSITION AT THE BIG ANDREW AND HOW DOES THE FOUNDATION INSPIRE YOU?  

It feels kind of silly to acknowledge positions at The Big Andrew because we all wear so many hats, but my official position within the organization is Vice President. 

It’s interesting for me, because I never really knew Andrew all that well, having only met him once or twice.  What connects me to Andrew and The Big Andrew Foundation, however, is York, Maine. I grew up in Chicago, where we obviously don’t have an ocean, but today, surfing is one of my greatest passions in life.  The real reason for that is York, which has truly become a second home for me, and as an extension of that, my home break as well. For me, The Big Andrew is special because it allows me the opportunity to give back to the community that has come to accept me as one of it’s own and given me so much, especially in the water. I’m able to take my experience in marketing and sales and use those skills to organize events that resonate with all of our passion points while also helping to support those in our community who could really use an extra hand in a time of need.

WHAT'S YOUR BIGGEST ASPIRATION IN LIFE?

My life mission is to get an outdoor wave pool built on Lake Michigan and officially make Chicago the 3rd Coast of the US.

“If you build it, they will come!”

HOW DO YOU LIKE YOUR EGGS?

Poached.

MOST NOTABLE PERSONAL OR PROFESSIONAL ACCOMPLISHMENT?

I’m extremely proud of what we’ve been able to accomplish with The Big Andrew over the past couple years, essentially growing the organization from a small community fundraiser into a regional staple within the Northeast surf community. It brings me great joy to know that we’re able to take what we love to do and channel those passions into outlets that give back for the communities that support us. I’m truly stoked to see where this organization goes in the next 10 years. With the team we have in place, there’s no stopping what we can accomplish. 

FAVORITE ACTIVITY WHEN NOT WORKING?

Pretty much anything outdoors. 

HAVE ANY PETS?

Ahhhh, I wish! It kills me, but my lifestyle's a little too nomadic at the moment to really be able to have any pets. When I do have a more permanent location though, I can guarantee there will be a dog and a parrot joining my family. Orrrrrr I’ll try and adopt something super random, like a Nigerian dwarf goat or a domesticated raccoon, just because who the hell owns a Nigerian dwarf goat??? 

BIGGEST PET PEEVE?

Flakes! 

FAVORITE COLOR?

Turquoise.

FAVORITE MOVIE/WHY?

Ahhhh, that’s so hard! Too many good ones… I’d say it’s probably a toss up between The Blues Brothers and Wayne’s World. Those goofy 80’s/90’s SNL comedies are so classic. Plus, Chicago, duh.

ANY CLOSING REMARKS?

Do what you love and it will never feel like work.