JR Dorsainvile
(June 13, 2011)–Entrepreneur of one of the fastest growing private companies in America, Junior (J.R.) Dorsainvile franchised Edible Arrangements 18 months ago with an investment group of nine members. Located on Gramatan Avenue in Mount Vernon, NY, Edible Arrangements is an infamous fresh fruit bouquet making establishment known for truly WOWing its customers and offsetting any special occasion.
J.R. says, “Golf is always on my mind, day and night, but the store is doing really great and it keeps me very busy.”
J.R. lives in The Bronx near Yankee Stadium and typically plays his rounds at several city courses: in the Bronx at Mosolulo, Van Courtland, Pelham Split Rock, Douglaston and at Long Island’s Mill Pond. Whenever he can get away for a few days he enjoys traveling and has played in Toronto, Florida and South Carolina.
J.R. studied business management, economics and Africana studies at Stony Brook University (New York) and is listed among the class of 1997 alumni of John F. Kennedy High School in the Bronx, NY. He is also a member of NY Urban League, the Professionals, and the Mt. Vernon Chamber of Commerce.
When the industrialist is not at his place of business–keeping customers happy and healthy–he can be found meandering through greenery with golf equipment in hand.
J.R. is a native of Port Prince, Haiti. At age six he immigrated to the U.S. with his younger sister to join their parents in New York City. At 32 years of age, he has been exposed to a variety of sports and played lots of soccer while growing up in Haiti.
“Tiger Woods was hot on the golf scene in the late 90’s and I had an immediate interest in golf during high school,” he says. Tiger ignited my curiosity about the sport; however, I did not begin playing until early 2000.” Afterwards, J.R. played in his first golf tournament in 2008 and today has gained strong confidence in his capabilities, playing nearly every other weekend with friends.
“Being on the course and keeping the lessons that I’ve learned in practice gives me a better game all around,” he says. “Otherwise, the private lessons, equipment, and the time I’ve invested in working on my swing won’t get put to use. It’s only going to benefit me if I keep them in practice out on the green.”
Currently, J.R.’s preference is in using his golf wedges. “I hit most successfully using my wedges. But, I am beginning to like my six and five irons, as well as the five wood. My goal was to break 100 before summer was over,” states the young, single business owner.
This month J.R. shot his best score at 109, which he attributes to a recent private lesson with a golfing professional. Off the tee, he can drive the ball 230 yards. But believes, “With considerable improvement, using the driver I could extend this distance. I’ve sure of it.” On the simulator he has gone as far as 260 yards.
J.R. enjoys the challenge of the game and knows that competing against ones self is the ultimate competition. He admits to not having a measured handicap, yet, but strives to play each round better.
This year, even with his business endeavour taking most of his time, his pledge is to spend lots of time working to develop his swing. “I am focused on improving, I want to be a scratch golfer before I turn 50.”
