Joshua Smith, 36, is committed to utilizing his businesses — LA Builders, Coffee:30 and UniverSale Group — to benefit the community. “The forefront of every business we own is to serve people,” he said.

For Smith, volunteering is his life’s purpose.

“Volunteerism means everything to me,” he said. “We all have a purpose in life, and for me that purpose is to serve God and to serve people.”

Through Coffee:30, the breakfast, brunch and lunch restaurant, Smith and his team are able to participate in philanthropic projects. “We have a huge focus on philanthropy with Coffee:30,” he explained. “Almost every month we are giving back to a local cause.”

They call this monthly endeavor Coffee for a Cause, and the community of local charities the Coffee30 Crusaders.

“We helped sponsor and work a lot of events around the Southwest Louisiana area from events such as Fashion Gives Back, Tasting on the Terrace, Rouge et Blanc and the SWLA Community Coat Drive,” he said. “We now still help with all those events through our businesses along with many more.”

Coffee:30 is currently working with several charity organizations and events: Family and Youth Counseling, Banners at McNeese, United Way of SWLA, American Cancer Society and United Against Human Trafficking.

His business LA Builders served the specific purpose of assisting residents post-hurricanes.

“We own LA Builders that was created after Hurricane Laura to help rebuild our community at affordable prices,” he said.

Smith believes it is important to utilize any resources that one may have to help others. “Life is all about giving. Whether that is giving your time, your money or your knowledge.”

The hardships of 2020 and 2021 inspired Smith and his team to give back.

“The pandemic and the multiple natural disasters that Southwest Louisiana has faced over the past couple of years, and seeing our community come together so strongly, is unlike anything I have ever seen,” he said. “It really showed me by example what true selflessness looks like.”

“It inspired me to do more for our community. The people of Southwest Louisiana are what really inspires me to give back.”

Community is a vital complement of a strong culture of volunteerism, Smith said.

“Surrounding yourself with other people who give is key, and having good examples of servant leadership to look up to is what really makes the difference,” he explained. “We have an amazing team and support system within all our businesses, and our staff is just as giving as we are and that is very important to us.”

It can be difficult to begin volunteering. Smith believes that the best place to start is with selfless action, big or small. “Take action and get out there and give your time or knowledge. If you don’t have the time, try to give money,” he said. “If you don’t have time or money just show love to someone each day by paying a compliment. It may just be the only nice thing that person hears all day.”