Joseph Thornton

Big Bro Joe Foundation

Executive Director

Age: 37

Current city of residence: Kennewick

Briefly describe your company:

The Big Bro Joe Foundation (BBJF) is a local 501(c)(3) nonprofit in the Tri-Cities area. Founded in October 2021, our mission is to empower, mentor and guide youth ages 8-17 to be respectful and productive members of society. Our goal is to teach young adults the value of accountability and perseverance, while ensuring the mental well-being of all of our mentees. The BBJF is a trimester mentoring program that provides life skills through structured programming and workshops.

How long have you worked there?

4.5 years

Briefly describe your job and what you do. Tell us how you got into it.

The Big Bro Joe Foundation simply was started to pay it forward. As a young adult male growing up in Atlanta, Georgia, in a single-parent household, I had men come into my life to fill the role of a “fatherly” figure: my grandfather, to whom I owe so much respect, my football coaches and teachers – all played a part in my development at a very fragile time growing up. Their influence in my life allowed me to unlock the potential that was stored within. Because of these men, I was able to graduate high school at the top of my class, earn a full-ride athletic scholarship to the University of Tennessee-Chattanooga, where I stood out both academically and athletically, and was able to sign professionally in football with the Canadian Football League (CFL) Montreal Alouettes. Their influence in my life pushed me to do incredible things that I had no idea I was capable of. I owe so much to these men who simply took the time to make me who I am today.

Because of their influence, the Big Bro Joe Foundation was started. I previously worked for the Benton-Franklin County Juvenile Justice Center as a detention relief officer and saw first-hand the recidivism of youth coming and going into the justice center. I wanted to help these youth, many of whom I saw myself in. Many came from broken homes and many did not have mentors in their lives. I originally started in 2018 with mentoring young men. Paying for many expenses out of my own pocket, just to help these youth, whether it was going to basketball or football games at local high schools, meeting at library and taking the boys to eat, or simply just having small gatherings at the park. Whatever I could do to help, I was willing to do so. I knew the best thing to do was to just start, not knowing that this would be something to go as far as starting my own nonprofit back then. So I tell everyone, I do it because someone did for me. Now that I look back over the years and the countless lives I’ve been able to impact, I am just thankful and blessed for the opportunity to pay it forward!

Tell us about your work history.

Currently, I am a local business owner of a local gym called Total Impact Athletics, where I offer fitness training for both kids and adults. I also own a local event management company called, Thornton Event Design & Management, where I capitalize on my project manager experience to help with the planning and procurement for clients. Previously, I worked for Lamb Weston as a team leader supervisor in Hermiston, Oregon, leading a team of 30+ employees, in the production of french fries.

Tell us about your first job.

My first job was working in a bakery that my grandfather owned. We made cakes and pies for the church and then we would go out and sell them at conferences and events. It was a tedious job, but it was a great spending time with my grandpa. I remember staying up late baking 500-plus pies and cakes to sell the next day. It was hard work, but he showed me how to make money, using my hands.

What advice would you give to your younger self about achieving success?

Always believe in you. No matter the circumstance or situation, just know that everything you need is already within. Life will continue to life, so to speak, so keep your chin up and always remember the glass is half full, not empty. Challenges and adversities are meant to unlock something greater in you, so keep your faith, rainy days are meant to water you, not hold you back!

What was your dream job as a child?

Becoming a professional football player

Who are your role models – and why? Tell us what you learned from them. What do you consider your leadership style to be?

My mother is my greatest role model. Raising five children on her own, without complaining, made me respect her not only as a mother, but as someone who’s willing to endure much for the greater good. She instilled in me my work ethic and fighting every day to be a provider for the betterment of the family.

What else should we know about you?

Well, first and foremost I am just appreciative for all of the love and support that has been shown toward the Big Bro Joe Foundation. I do believe in displaying love and kindness to others, and I’ve always had something in me to do for others. I practice selfless acts of service to exhibit that the way we move forward as a community, a city and as a country is by helping those around us. My favorite quote is “Lift as you climb.” As we elevate in life, whether it’s in our career or personal life, don’t forget to lift up the next person.

How do you achieve work-life balance?

Honestly, I think that’s the biggest challenge for anyone who is constantly trying to pursue goals and dreams and how to achieve the balance. Personally, my therapy is creating room in my schedule for my hobbies. I enjoy working out and spending time with my daughter, my lady and my friends. I think it’s always good to find ways to disconnect. I enjoy doing activities centered around bringing people together, so you will always find me hosting cookouts at my house or looking for places to travel.

Do you have family? Pets? Tell us about them.

All of my family lives back in Atlanta where I am from originally. I have my 11-year-old daughter, Alaina, here in the Tri-Cities and we do have a cat named Mocha.

How long have you lived in the Tri-Cities?

I have lived in Tri-Cities for 11 years now.

What’s your dream vacation?

Somewhere at a theme park with all of my family and friends! Just a day away having fun and spending time with my family means the most to me, since I rarely get to see them now that I live on the West Coast and they are all on the East Coast.

Planner or procrastinator?

I am a planner most definitely!

Introvert or extrovert?

Extrovert all the way!

First car?

My first car was 1986 Monte Carlo SS. It was a beautiful burnt orange color. The outside was an eye-catcher most definitely, but under the hood could’ve used some work. I remember using a wire hanger to hold a part of my engine in place but it was mine so I had no complaints.

Favorite thing to do in Tri-Cities?

Favorite thing to do is go outdoors. I have grown to enjoy running outdoors and taken advantage of the scenery that Tri-Cities offers, especially on the trails and along Columbia River.

Would you rather travel back in time or to the future?

I’d want to go to the future. Just to see the advancement of everything.

What would people be most surprised to learn about you?

I am a really great cook! I love to make southern comfort food and take much pride in doing so. It takes me back home to be in the kitchen preparing meals that make you feel warm and full.

Favorite Tri-City restaurant?

That’s a hard one. My taste is everywhere at times, but a few of my favorites are The Village Bistro, LU LU Craft Bar + Kitchen, and Hyde Tap and Lounge in Richland.

Favorite day of the week?

Favorite day of the week is Sunday. A day to relax, clean the house and spend time with my daughter and my lady.

Text, email, phone call?

Text is the go to with my busy schedule.