Joel Andre Olindo

Joel Andre Olindo celebrated 68 years of youth until he passed peacefully on December 20, 2019 after a 12 month battle with metastatic esophageal cancer.

Born in Paris, France on August 18th, 1951 into difficult circumstances and a tumultuous upbringing, it was Joel versus the world from a young age. After moving to the South of France and bouncing between family members, he began working in restaurants in Cannes, France at the age of 14. Little did he know at the time, he would soon come to master this industry as he would most facets of his life.

Joel was driven by his extreme tenacity and competitive nature. At 19, he took up Taekwondo as a hobby. However, Joel's personality did not allow for simple hobbies – and this pastime led to an Olympic Gold Medal in martial arts for the French National Team in 1973. Ambition set the tone for all of the success in Joel's life, both personal and professional.

Although Joel achieved insurmountable and exceptional success in all his professional endeavors, it would be difficult to say that it was surprising. Joel had an impressive eye for what he knew would be successful and what was bound to flourish.

Hand in hand with business, Joel's certainty and love for things he believed in extended far past his professional life. His greatest self-admitted accomplishment came in 1988 where he saw the love of his life in a green bikini at a party in Nice, France. Acting on behalf of the helpless romantic he was, he would pursue Carole until she had no choice but to fall for his infallible charm. Her playing hard to get would soon prove to be no match for his notorious pranks, fiercely protective temperament, and exceptionally loving nature.

No matter what Joel accomplished, his proudest feat was marrying the love of his life, Carole, and raising their only daughter Naomie. His love and marriage to Carole was exemplary, and they spent every waking moment together in beautiful harmony. In 1990, Joel was on top of the world in love with his new wife and thought nothing could come close to the happiness he was experiencing at the time. This would all come crashing down in August 1992 when Naomie was born. From that day on, Joel and Carole were both true subordinates to the true love of their lives, their only daughter. He taught her how to be strong and independent, loving and gentle, shrewd and clever, but most of all, how to follow in his accomplishing footsteps in business and in family life. The bond Joel shared with Carole and Naomie was deep, rare, and their love for each other was palpable. The three were always together working, talking and laughing- Joel's favorite pastime. Joel loved to push his daughter to learn in life and in business, and was extremely proud of his little, but mighty, family of 3.

Though Joel may have been an exemplary businessman and honorable friend, his most memorable accomplishment in his short 68 years is the love he imparted on those closest to him. However, he would be irate if his inclination for pranks were not mentioned at this time, and he can finally rest knowing that yes, he was the best of the best in the matter. Aside from said pranks, he loved to work, design houses, build restaurants, and constantly have a project to look forward to. He tried to retire in 2000 at 49 years old. His retirement lasted exactly 6 weeks, making it his only failure.

Joel always dreamt of living in the United States. In 2000, after winning green cards through a lottery, Joel, Carole, and Naomie packed 2 suitcases each and headed for Charleston, South Carolina. Knowing no one, speaking very broken English, and not knowing the area, the Olindos started their life in America. Fast forward 19 years, and a man that started with nothing was able to build a group of fruitful restaurants, properties, and most importantly of friends that he loved and considered family.

Joel: a serial entrepreneur, a notorious prankster, a creative artist, a world traveler, an incredibly loving husband, an exemplary father, a fiercely loyal friend, and a self-described former baby always interested in having a laugh. And laugh he did.

A wake will be held for friends and family in Joel's honor on Saturday 1/4/20 at NICO (201 Coleman Boulevard, Mount Pleasant) from 11-1 pm. Please note this is a private event for all that knew and loved Joel and is not open to the public.