Occupation: Author and Photographer
Husband: JP Terrell
Children: James, 7, and Jack, 5
Hobbies: Writing, cycling, and cooking

Matt Couvillion, owner of Tri-21 Roofing and Construction, LLC, and dad to three kiddos, strives to balance business ownership with fatherhood. When he’s not executing new business plans, he can be found watching LSU sports, hanging out with his buddies, and having weekly movie nights with his family. He believes that fatherhood has molded him into the patient person he is today, and loves any opportunity he gets to spend with his wife and children.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE RAISING YOUR CHILDREN?
MATT: I love it. It’s fun. There’s something new with them everyday. They’re funny and they make me laugh. It’s just so fun for me. I always knew I wanted to be a dad.

WHAT ARE SOME THINGS YOU LIKE TO DO AS A FAMILY?
MATT: Going to the zoo, goin swimming, and having a family movie night every Friday night–we all sleep in the big bed!

WHAT’S THE GREATEST THING ABOUT BEING A DAD?
MATT: I don’t think there’s just one. I mean, watching them grow and seeing the kids racing to give you a hug first when you get home is definitely up there.

HOW HAS PARENTHOOD CHANGED YOU?
MATT: I am a LOT more patient. It was very well known with my family that I had zero patience growing up. I am so much more laid back now when it comes to the smaller issues in life. I try to let it all roll right off.

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR BIGGEST CHALLENGE IN PARENTING?
MATT: Every child is different. Macy, our child with Down Syndrome, is our biggest challenge. The first two to three years of her life were rough. We were in and out of hospitals, medical stays, and watching her be poked and prodded with needles and everything. It was a difficult time. It was difficult to see that happen to your baby.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT YOUR JOB?
MATT: Freedom. Getting to talk to so many different people from every different walk of life. I get to learn from people and when we get to help them, it’s extremely rewarding. Sometimes we have to fight for our clients, and it is a good feeling to help them figure out a solution. It brings me great joy.

WHAT HAS YOUR JOB TAUGHT YOU ABOUT PARENTING?
MATT: Acceptance and talking to so many people. Everyone has a different way to communicate and everyone is different. The kids aren’t going to learn to walk, talk, and ride a bike at the same time. Each one of my kids is going to be different, and I have learned to go with the flow of parenting them.

HOW DO YOU MAKE TIME TO RELAX?
MATT: I’ve been able to figure out how to make it work on weekends. I still find time to spend with family and work around
the house.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE DATE NIGHT WITH YOUR WIFE?
MATT: We normally go out and eat as a family. This is what a date night looks like currently since our kids are still young.

WHAT’S SOMETHING YOU HOPE TO INSTILL IN YOUR CHILDREN?
MATT: The value of hard work and the value of a dollar. You create the life that you want. Want to run a business? Run a business. You determine what’s going to happen in your life.

WHICH FAMILY MEMBER HAS BEEN THE GREATEST ROLE MODEL IN YOUR LIFE?
MATT: My older brother, Jeremy. He has three kids and we hang out a lot. His youngest is about 11 months older than mine. He’s battled cancer twice, and it doesn’t slow him down. He doesn’t make excuses and just rolls with the punches. He’s extremely inspiring and I am grateful for his presence in my life.

ANY ADVICE FOR OTHER PARENTS?
MATT: Enjoy it. They’re not little forever. Put the phone down, be present, be active, and be with them.

Q&A

Before I go out, I always check to make sure I have…wallet, keys, phone, knife, hat, sunglasses.
In my fridge, you will always find…Chick-Fil-A sauces.
Favorite cuisine…Barbecue hamburgers.
Favorite movie growing up…Rookie of the Year.
My guilty pleasure…video games.
Music I’m loving…old country.
I’m always laughing at…my kids.