Julian Pierre-Griffin

A little about me:

My story is rooted in service, discipline, and community. I was born and raised on Chicago’s South Side, where my parents — now married 69 years — taught me the values of commitment, responsibility, and perseverance. I grew up with one brother, now deceased, and those early experiences shaped the foundation of who I am today.

Family has always been central to my life. I married my first wife and together we raised two wonderful children, Tristan and Nicholas. In 2012, I married the love of my life, Megan, and we blended our families — now four children (blended Gregory and Isaiah), seven grandchildren who inspire everything we do.

I attended Whitney Young Magnet High School on Chicago’s near West Side before beginning my aviation journey at Southern Illinois University. I later earned a Chemistry degree from the United States Air Force Academy, an experience that strengthened my discipline and commitment to service. I went on to serve more than 20 years as an Air Force Reserve officer, where I learned the importance of mission clarity, accountability, and leading under pressure.

I moved to Franklin in 2006 for a management role at Nissan North America, bringing those same principles with me — building teams, solving problems, and helping guide one of the region’s largest employers through periods of growth and change. My career later expanded into executive leadership in the tech sector, where I focused on sales and marketing excellence and customer experience at Xtime in Silicon Valley.

In 2008, I opened my first cigar shop in Nolensville, Tennessee, followed by a second location in Columbia, Tennessee, in 2015. Over time, Battleground South Cigar Lounge has grown into a regional destination known for jazz, blues, cigar craftsmanship, hospitality, and genuine community connection. My entrepreneurial work reflects my belief that small businesses are the backbone of Tennessee’s economy and culture.

Beyond business, I’ve served for more than five years on the board of the Boys & Girls Club of South-Central Tennessee. Strengthening families, supporting youth, and preserving the character of Williamson County have been central to my work — and to the place my wife Megan and I have proudly called home for over two decades.

Today, I’m running for the Tennessee House of Representatives in District 65 to bring disciplined leadership, responsible growth, and transparent, community‑driven solutions to the state legislature. My life’s path — service, leadership, business, and civic engagement — forms a clear bridge to the work I’m ready to do for the people of Williamson County, full-time.