Jason Faludi is AQUILA’s resident retail expert. His cajun roots run deep, as does his love for music and his family. He’s been married to his wife, Debbie, since 2001 and they have a 9-year-old son, Max.

Jason and his wife, Debbie

Jason Faludi and his wife, Debbie.

Regarded as one of Austin’s most knowledgeable restaurant brokers, Jason has a passion for working with restaurateurs and enjoys helping them flourish in Austin and beyond. He is passionate about shopping locally and works with several of Austin’s hottest boutique retailers.

Not surprisingly, his love of restaurants and good food carries over into his personal life; he always enjoys spending time with family and friends at the dinner table or over a cold drink.  When he’s not working, you’ll find him on the lake, on the golf course, in the kitchen, seeing live music, or travelling. Whether on a boat or behind the grill, Jason always enjoys entertaining a crowd.

I sat down for a Q&A with Jason to learn more about him. Read his answers below to get to know him a little better!

Let’s Start With the Basics:

Q: Where did you grow up?

A: Shreveport, Louisiana. I have cajun roots!
You can find Jason’s Red Beans & Rice recipe on page 56 in our free eCookbook, AQUILA Eats. Download it here!

Q: Where did you go to college?

A: I went to LSU for undergrad, then Tulane for law school.

Q: How did you go from law school to real estate?

A: I was a real estate attorney for four years and found that it was a very introverted job – and I’m an extrovert. Brokerage was a perfect fit because I get to be with people, and there is more social interaction.

Q: How long have you been in Austin?

A: Since 2004. I worked in D.C. briefly before that.

Q: What is it about Austin that has made you stay?

A: The quality of life. It’s laid back and there’s a friendly vibe. I love the music scene (I used to play in a band) and all of the events and festivals. Austin also has an awesome dining scene, and I love trying out all the restaurants.

Q: What is your favorite part about working for AQUILA?

A: The people and the culture.

Debbie Faludi, Jason Faludi, Bethany Perez, and Dave Perez at AQUILA Commercial 10 Year Party

Q: What would you say is your key differentiator? Why would I want to work with you?

A: I work hard and play hard. I think I’m fun to be around and I’m likable. I like to enjoy myself. I think clients can tell, and I hope they enjoy working with me!

 

Now For a Little Fun:

Q: What is something on your bucket list?

A: I’d like to participate in “Experience Day” outside of Heidelberg, Germany. Experience Day in Germany is called “Erlebnistag”. It’s the last Sunday in August outside of Heidelberg; they close down the Weinstrasse (aka the winery route) for the day to cars and everyone gets on bikes and hits all the wineries.

Q: What’s your go-to karaoke song?

A: Islands in the Stream by Kenny Rogers +  Dolly Parton.

Q: If you won $50 million in the lottery, what would you do with it?

A: Travel. I love adventure – exploring and finding new things, especially in Europe. I enjoy going to Colorado in the summer and also love the wine country in California.

Jason Faludi in Marfa, Texas.

Jason loves to travel and explore; pictured above in Marfa, Texas.

Q: If you could live anywhere in the world and money didn’t matter, where would you live?

A: I would split time between Austin, Colorado, and the lakes outside of Salzburg, Austria.

Q: What’s something most people may not know about you?

A: I used to be a “musician”. I used to play drums in bands.

Jason's son Max playing drums

Jason’s son, Max, playing the drums like his dad.

Q: What is your favorite restaurant in Austin?

A: Home Slice Pizza because I’m fat (laughs).

Q: What’s your favorite show to binge-watch?

A: Mozart in the Jungle. You can find it on Amazon Prime.

Q: What do you like to do when you’re not working?

A: I like traveling, boating, golfing, cooking, entertaining, watching college football, playing music, and seeing music.

Jason Faludi golfing with Juiceland, an AQUILA client

Jason loves to spend time outdoors. Pictured above golfing with friends.

Fast Facts:

  • Torchy’s or Tacodeli? Tacodeli
  • Early bird or night owl? Night owl
  • Crawfish or shrimp? Both
  • Flip flops or cowboy boots? Flip flops
Jason Faludi on the golf course

Flip flops or barefoot? More often than not, you’ll see Jason barefoot!

  • Willie Nelson or Bob Schneider? Both
  • Gumbo or Jambalaya? Gumbo
  • Fishing or hunting? Fishing
Jason Faludi fishing

Jason loves fishing. And he always enjoys making people laugh!

  • Tacos or BBQ? Both
  • Dogs or cats? Both
  • Beach or mountain? Mountains in the summer, beach in the winter
  • South Congress or Domain? South Congress
  • ACL or SXSW? Both
  • Passenger or driver? Driver
  • 6th Street or Rainey? Rainey
  • Dine in or take out? Dine in
  • Maudie’s or Matt’s El Rancho? Used to be Matt’s, but I go to Maudie’s a lot now with my kid…but hmmm, Matt’s!
  • Call or text? Call
  • Tito’s or Deep Eddy? Tito’s
  • Grilled or fried? Grilled
  • Queso or guacamole? Queso

For more on Jason, check out his bio page on our website. Don’t forget to check back each month to see who we feature next!

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