The S.B. Questionnaire: Dave Lombardi
Talking Downtown with the Owner of Distinctive Framing N Art
Dave Lombardi is the most self-deprecating person I know. When I asked him to answer this Questionnaire, he wondered why, explaining, “I’m not that interesting.” Well, I beg to differ.
Dave runs Distinctive Framing N Art on State Street, which he opened 10 year ago next door to Opal Restaurant. Although he commutes from his home in Ventura, Dave is deeply committed to Santa Barbara’s downtown corridor — not only as a business owner, but also as an active member of Santa Barbara Downtown, where’s served as both president and chair of the safety committee. It is in the latter capacity that I’ve grown to admire Lombardi’s commitment, leadership, and passion for keeping our downtown neighborhood vibrant and vital.
So on this week when we hold our annual Holiday Parade on Friday down beautifully lit State Street, I salute one of downtown Santa Barbara’s unsung heroes by submitting Dave to the Proust Questionnaire.
On what occasion do you lie?
Telling my wife we are not getting each other presents this year.
What is the most unique thing you’ve ever framed?
A letter from Napoleon.
What do you like most about your job?
Working with and getting to know both old and new clients and helping them to create the perfect frame for their art and memories.
What is your idea of perfect happiness?
Spending as much quality time with my wife and kids, usually involves wine with the wife and water polo and Nascar with the kids.
What is your greatest fear?
Heights.
Who do you most admire?
My wife, because she has put up with me for 20 years and she is my rock and my go-to person for any and everything!
What is your greatest extravagance?
My B.A.T. — big a@# T.V!
What is your current state of mind?
Excellent, because no one wants to hear you complain!
What is the quality you most like in people?
Honesty.
What is the quality you most dislike in people?
Dishonesty.
What do you most value in friends?
Loyalty.
What is your most marked characteristic?
Gregarious
Which words or phrases do you most overuse?
No worries.
Which talent would you most like to have?
To speak another language.
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
Eat slower.
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
My children. God love them!
Where would you most like to live?
Costa Rica, on a beach with my wife and a very cold beer!
What is your most treasured possession?
Not really a possession, but my relationship with Karen, my wife!
What makes you laugh the most?
Getting together with my family and my sister and her family and talking about all the nutty things we did as kids.
What is your motto?
Work hard, work smart.
Which historical figure do you most identify with?
Ronald Reagan
