Commentary by Shelly Gattlieb
If you are one of the more than 1,200 customers of Classic Cleaners on W. Main Street, there’s a good chance that you and store manager Theo are on a first-name basis.
Theodore Barber is the 11th of 12 children and the youngest boy. His mother is 92 and remains his biggest hero because she became a single mother by choice to protect her family and prioritize safety. Theo said that his greatest success in life is his daughter and two sons and that his best quality is his capacity to help others with a servant’s heart.
Hometown: St. Louis
Former jobs: Educating high school students about safe sex and teen pregnancy and cooking at a home for teenage boys
Favorite sports team: Kansas City Chiefs
Favorite athlete: Derrick Thomas
Hobbies: Cooking, karaoke, live music
Favorite food: Italian
If he could meet anyone: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Favorite board game: Othello
Favorite movies: Marvel series
Favorite part of job: Working for a great company and providing great service
Greatest enjoyment: Being a grandfather
Best part of living in Carmel: Arts District, unique restaurants and the Palladium
Best trip: New Orleans for 50th birthday, especially the music, food and alligator tour
Do you know an interesting character who lives, works or worships in Carmel? Send suggestions to sgattlieb.currentincarmel@gmail.com