The Man behind the Counter

Recently in St. Augustine, Carmelo’s Marketplace convenience store was remodeled and reopened. Whether it is relaxing in the lounge to ordering a 20-inch pizza at the deli, Carmelo’s offers a different experience. The store’s reopening created many opportunities for employment. Hired in the process of finding the appropriate staff was a man by the name of Josh Thompson. We take you inside the life of a man who created a purpose for himself.

Only at the age of 26, Thompson’s intellectuality and experiences have and are taking him so far. Whatever path he chooses for his life will be a successful one. Thompson believes, “No matter what profession or what you do, as long as you enjoy it, you will do it well.” The insight Thompson has on life just from personal experiences are astonishing. The skinny athletic framed Thompson is a white male standing about 6 feet tall. He has brown hair with blue eyes. Although born in Vernal, Utah, Thompson was raised and graduated from high school in Colorado. Thompson grew up in a single-parent home. “College was out of the question for me,” says Thompson. Thompson didn’t have much direction in high school. He grew up with the mentality that college wasn’t an option in his life. After having a child at the age of 18, Thompson felt the most beneficial option for him was to join the Navy. “I was directed by a goal to be an influence in my son’s life,” says Thompson.

The Navy relocated Thompson to Jacksonville, Fla. While in the Navy Thompson was stationed in the helicopter squadron and was given the title of an Aviation Electrician. This title involved electrical theory and many math skills. Being in the Navy really gave Thompson an appreciation for education and learning. Thompson was embarrassed to admit that he was in the Navy, yet wasn’t the best swimmer.

With the ocean close, Thompson made his way down to St. Augustine to visit. After his time in the Navy, Thompson moved to St. Augustine. He was living with his girlfriend of the time. His girlfriend gave him the idea that he should and could go back to school. Thompson took the idea into consideration. Thompson participated in community projects at St. John’s River community college. These projects caused him to gain an interest for the school to eventually wanting to pursue being a student at the college. “I think you can never have too much knowledge,” says Thompson.

Thompson really was proud of himself being the first of as least 3 generations to attend college. Thompson’s relationship ended and his girlfriend moved out. Thompson’s ex-girlfriend’s younger brother Michael Danielson, 19, moved in with Thompson to soon become his new roommate. “He makes me want to do better in life,” says Danielson. Danielson considers Thompson to be the older brother and role model he never had. Thompson has given Danielson wisdom and guidance while living together. They currently work at Carmelo’s deli as well as live together. Danielson considers Thompson to be one of the most inspiration people in his life. Adrienne Donelson, 19, is Thompson’s next door neighbor and friend who believes Thompson is a positive influential person to associate with. “He’s accomplished so much at such a young age and he has really turned his life around,” says Donelson.

Thompson is currently attending school at St. Johns River community college and working at Carmelo’s Marketplace deli making pizzas. Although Thompson doesn’t get to see his son Sebashtian, 7, as often as he would like he continues to be a loving father that wasn’t present in his life. “I feel I am exactly where I need to be doing exactly what I am doing,” says Thompson. Thompson life is in the right direction for success where ever it may lead him.