Big Joe was my friend

[farmco r/sa]

Originally Posted by Pat Joffrion

Few people are aware of what Big Joe did for me, and drag racing in south Louisiana. Back in the spring of 2001, due to sugar residue in the soil, we had to spend an extra $600,000 to treat the subsurface of the No Problem Raceway drag strip with lime and soil cement. My bank at the time attempted to have me sell them my commercial property at another location for $600,000, which was less than half of the fair market value.

Upon hearing about the bind I was in, Big Joe wrote me a check for the $600-K and sent me on my way. No note, no mortgage, no nothing was signed. "Just pay me back when you sell that commercial property," he said. A few months later, when I sold the location for $1,500,000, I brought Big Joe a check for full payment plus 10% interest, and a certificate for 15% ownership in NPR.

Big Joe's comment to me was, "I had your word. That was all I needed. You don't need to give me part of your business. If you ever need my help, all you have to do is ask." That is what made the man so special. He trusted me and believed in what I was attempting to accomplish. Without his help, I would have been in a bind with the bank. His friendship will be missed.

Pat , thanks so much for sharing this great "old school" of story how
hand shake buisiness and your word used to be... over
sizeable $$..seems to be fading away these days....
Thank God for the Teuton family and others like them
that support this great family sport !!

[Tony Curcio]

What an extraordinary story and clearly an exceptional man. Condolences to his family and many friends.