I’m Jake Buhler, a Central resident, and owner of Buhler Total Restoration & Construction. We serve Baton Rouge and surrounding areas, providing residential renovation and repair services. When I’m not working with clients or insurance companies, I’m probably grilling for family and friends on our back patio. Our family is always on the go, our door is always open, and we love to love people. Our goal is to combine our love for people and knowledge of residential construction, to create indoor and outdoor living spaces that our clients enjoy and make the process easy! We want our clients to feel at home when they choose to build with BTRC.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
We are a blended family of 6. Our home is always filled with our family and friends. We stay active, travel when we get the chance, and love sharing a meal with loved ones.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I was a professional firefighter for the City of Baton Rouge and Central Fire Department. Like most firemen on my off days, I would work a “side job”, which was custom tile work and small home improvement projects. Growing up I worked under my dad and uncle remodeling homes, it’s a process I have always enjoyed. I worked briefly as an operator for an area chemical plant.I was fortunate to be able to shift to a more passionate career path as a residential renovation contractor. Owning Buhler Total Restoration & Construction, LLC is my dream job. I love the entire process, start to finish, working with the client to achieve the desired vision for their home, and seeing the finished project.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
Rocca Pizza and when we can’t make a decision we always enjoy Mexican food. Victoria’s in Denham Springs has THE BEST Organic Margarita.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
I am a lifetime resident of Central. I have worked in the Baton Rouge area for most of my life, it’s definitely home.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
My grandfather Mac Buhler. He was a states champion and a collegiate boxer for LSU. He was a teacher, and college professor, and was honored as an Outstanding Young Educator. He traveled the US for the Scholastic book company. He has taught me about fishing, business, and our family history, and at 85 years old still dabbles in real estate.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
The Far East. I would love to experience the vibrant culture and food and see the unique architecture.
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
Game of Thrones, but I mostly watch content creators on YouTube. A few of my favorites for keeping up with construction trends are RR Buildings and Sal DiBlasi.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Be Kind. If you take time to talk to someone, you will likely find you have something in common.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
Sky Diving, travel to Australia, Elk hunting in the Rockies
Q: What is your go-to band when you can’t decide what to listen to?
Zach Brown
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
Jerry Lee’s lunches and BBQ sandwiches and if you are from the Central area Danny’s Fried Chicken on Sullivan Rd.
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
I would love to have dinner and drinks on my patio with former president Bush, I wanna know the truth behind aliens, 9/11, Kennedy’s assassination, and all the conspiracies.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
A unique thing I love about our community is Miracle League Baseball and Young Life Capurnum. They both serve special needs children and young adults. If you have never attended a Miracle League game, you are missing out! It is remarkable to see young adults making such a positive impact on the community and filling other’s lives with love, respect, and support.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
I see myself continuing to learn, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I love junk food but rarely eat dessert.
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been? Why did it make such an impression on you?
My wife and I were married in Sedona, AZ. It snowed the first night we were there, making beautiful snow-capped red rock views. A rare March snow for our wedding week, amazing energy, experiencing the best sleep of our lives, and of course sharing our wedding vows.
Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
My favorite month is December, with plenty of hunting, fishing, and family around the holidays. Watching everyone enjoy each other and open presents makes Christmas my favorite holiday. I don’t know that I have the “best day” of the year.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
A cold rainy morning in the duck blind with my dad and the old men I grew up hunting with. A hot day on the beach with my family or a road trip with my wife to see new places. Not material things, experiences!
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My wife for sure! She is the person who keeps me grounded. She is driven and hardworking and inspires those qualities in me.
Q: If you stop at the corner gas station, what is the one food item that is begging you to purchase?
This is my zone, being on the road most days. Picking one item is difficult. Reese’s Nutrageous Bar, Boudin Balls, Hunk of Pizza, and an energy drink.
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Retreat, Welcoming, Love
