Ep 465: Doug LaViolette & Brian’s Sheffield
Summary
Doug Laviolette shares the story of the Brian Laviolette Foundation, established after his son’s passing, which has awarded over 1,200 scholarships. He details a collaboration with Sheffield Watch Company to create the "Brian Sheffield" chronograph, featuring a dial inspired by Brian’s first Packers watch. The episode highlights how the watch community united to support the foundation, including an auction of Pope Francis’s Swatch that set a world record.
Topics discussed
Introduction and guest welcome
Risk check: What watches are the guests wearing?
Doug's entry into watches and Brian's early interest
The story of Brian's passing and the foundation's origin
Foundation growth: Scholarships and family involvement
Scholarships for fallen soldiers and community impact
The book 'The People Our Son Introduced Us To'
Brian's favorite watches: Packers, Casio, and Swatch
The story of Austin Rios and the Vatican connection
The journey to obtain Pope Francis's watch
The Swatch watch auction and record-breaking sale
Reflections on the watch community's generosity
Collaboration with Sheffield Watch Company
Details of the Brian Sheffield chronograph release
Midwest watch community and photographer connections
A fan in Australia finds a meaningful watch
Foundation endowment campaign and future goals
Inspiring a young watchmaker through Brian's watches
Closing remarks and show notes
Listen ad-free on Castria