E. John Banquil, Jr.
E. John Banquil, Jr. is the president and CEO of Ling & Louie’s Restaurants, a restaurant management company and franchisor of Ling & Louie’s Asian Bar and Grill, Ling’s Wok Shop and Ghost Street Asian Taqueria.
Dad to: Tristen, 19, and Elijah, 16.
Hometown: Honolulu, HI
Favorite ways to spend family time in AZ: Golfing, hanging out at home or with the family at my in-law’s; most of our family time revolves around food and/or restaurants.
Your most rewarding fatherhood moment: Both of my boys played varsity football for Desert Mountain High School. When my oldest was a senior, the team lost in the semi-finals of the state championships. He was heartbroken, and there was a picture of me giving him a hug after the game. Two years later, our youngest was on the team in the playoffs and he suffered the same fate. He too was heartbroken, and I have a picture of his big brother giving him a hug just as I had done for him two years earlier. As a dad of two young men, they’re always arguing and fighting about who is bigger and tougher. So, seeing this moment of care and love between brothers will always be one of the most rewarding moments of fatherhood for me.
Biggest challenge as a dad: Work-life balance has always been the biggest challenge. When my kids were younger, I worked a lot, so I missed a lot of big events. Now that I’m in a position where I can be a part of and enjoy big events, I savor every moment.
A father who inspires you and why: My good friend, Chris Tardie, is a father who inspires me. He is truly one of the kindest and most loving people I know. He embraces fatherhood and cherishes the time he has with his kids.
Best piece of advice for a new dad: Cherish every moment, especially the ones that seem insignificant. As your kids get older, those little moments are the ones you will miss most.
Your biggest hope for your children: My biggest hope for my children is that they continue being the loving, caring, empathetic humans they are and that they do their best to make themselves and their loved ones happy.
How are you celebrating Father’s Day? Hopefully nothing but enjoying time with my family.