When you think about inspirational figures – people who inspire you with their dedication to good works – you might think about Mother Theresa or the Dalai Lama.

You probably don’t think of local men in the construction industry.

Peter Ricchiuti’s guests on Out to Lunch might change that.

Jim Pate is Executive Director of the New Orleans Area Habitat For Humanity. Jim has overseen Habitat construction projects around the world. In New Orleans he’s built more houses since Hurricane Katrina than any other construction company, including the award winning Musician’s Village.

Dylan Tete is the founder and Executive Director of the Bastion Community of Resilience. It’s a construction project that is building community housing for military veterans returning to civilan life with life-altering injuries.

They’re talking about the business of literally building a better community on Out Lunch. 

Photos at Commander’s Palace by Alison Moon.