Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Dujuan Thomas. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Dujuan, thanks for joining us today. Let’s go back in time to when you were an intern or apprentice – what’s an interesting story you can share from that stage of your career?

When I was a regional management intern with BodyArmor Sports Drink, the opportunity came about in a very unique way. I met Mike Repole, the CEO, at the Kentucky Derby. I took a chance in that moment and asked if he would consider mentoring me. To my surprise, he agreed, and that opened the door to my internship.

One of the biggest lessons I learned during that time was the value of boldness paired with preparation. Mike didn’t just hand me busywork—he trusted me with real responsibilities, including managing logistics and partnerships with major retailers like Walmart and Kroger. I quickly realized that leadership isn’t about waiting for opportunities to arrive neatly packaged—it’s about having the courage to ask, the humility to learn, and the work ethic to deliver once the door opens.

That experience shaped the way I lead today. I encourage others to take initiative, not to fear rejection, and to treat every challenge as a chance to prove they’re ready for the next level.

Dujuan, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’ve always believed that leadership begins with taking chances and being willing to step into new spaces. My journey reflects that. I started young—at 17, I enlisted in the Army National Guard, where I learned discipline, responsibility, and the value of serving others. Later, I had the unique opportunity to intern directly under Mike Repole, the CEO of BodyArmor Sports Drink, after meeting him at the Kentucky Derby. I took a bold step, asked him to mentor me, and that moment opened the door to managing regional partnerships and logistics for one of the fastest-growing sports drink companies in the world. That experience taught me how to navigate high-level business operations while still remembering that every big opportunity starts with a simple act of courage.

After my corporate and entrepreneurial experiences—including launching my own company, where I provided marketing, design, and media production for local businesses and organizations—I felt called to serve my community more directly. That passion led me to public service, and in 2024 I made history as the youngest City Commissioner in Paducah’s history, and one of the youngest ever elected in the state of Kentucky.

What sets me apart is that I’ve blended business experience, community focus, and a strong foundation of faith to guide the way I serve. My goal isn’t just to make decisions from the dais—it’s to listen to the people of Paducah, bring their concerns forward, and ensure that city government works for everyone.

I am most proud of staying true to my values—faith, perseverance, and service—while breaking barriers along the way. If there’s one thing I want people to know about me and my work, it’s that every role I’ve stepped into—whether in the military, business, or now public office—has been about creating opportunity, inspiring others, and leaving a lasting impact on the community I call home.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

One of the defining moments in my journey came at 21, when I decided to run for Mayor of Paducah. I was the youngest candidate in the race, and while I didn’t win, the experience ignited a passion for public service that has never left me. A few years later, I ran for City Commission for the first time and lost by just 500 votes. It was a tough setback, but it also showed me how much the community believed in me and reminded me that resilience isn’t about avoiding failure—it’s about learning from it and coming back stronger.

In 2024, I ran again for City Commission, and this time I not only won—I made history as the youngest commissioner in Paducah’s history and one of the youngest ever in Kentucky. What meant the most was earning over 1,000 more votes than any other newcomer in the race. That victory wasn’t just about me; it was proof that persistence pays off, and that when you stay committed to your community, people recognize and respond to it.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

When I first entered politics at 21, running for Mayor of Paducah, I thought the way to make change was by pointing out problems and calling out opponents. That carried into my first run for City Commission as well, where I came up short by about 500 votes. Looking back, I realized that approach didn’t reflect who I truly am or the kind of leader I wanted to be. I had to unlearn the idea that leadership was about fighting against people.

Over time, I shifted my mindset to focus on working with others, building relationships, and bridging the gap between local government and the community. When I ran again in 2024, I centered my campaign on listening to people, addressing their concerns, and showing that I could be a team player who brings people together. That change in approach not only helped me win—with more than 1,000 votes above any other newcomer—but it also shaped the way I now serve as City Commissioner. My role isn’t about attacking opponents; it’s about uniting people to make Paducah stronger.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.DujuanThomas.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dujuan_thomas?igsh=MWlvNnM3amQwa29pNw==
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1FNrzTF1cA/
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@dujuan_thomas?si=IbTDm_C2uCc4bgER
• Other: https://Beacons.ai/Dujuanthomasforpaducah