“My aim is to make a difference in this community”
Grant Stubbins didn’t expect to become a lawyer. He wasn’t one of those who from childhood pictured himself doing this or that for a living. But unlike others of his generation, including his twin sister, who is building a life in a much larger city, he chose to come back to the area.
“I like being home, around family. I like being in this town where I grew up and having a chance to make a difference here. So many others my age left. On social media, I see young people criticizing Zanesville and suggesting there’s nothing to do. But lately, a good number of them have begun moving back. Maybe they’re seeing opportunity. It’s here.”
This is not to say Grant has no interest in seeing the world. When it came time to select a college, he chose to attend the far-off University of Southern California, where he took advantage of opportunities to study abroad in Brisbane, Australia, where he became certified in scuba diving, and Edinburgh, Scotland, where he developed a love for fine Scotch whisky. In other words, he went about as far as he could while still remaining on the planet.
The latter, by the way, is his favorite world city: “Edinburgh is seen as a rainy, dark, cold place. That turns off a lot of people, I suppose, but I really like that about it. When I think of Edinburgh, I think of cobblestone streets, obscure little shops to explore, quaint pubs and lots of really good Indian food.”
For fun, Grant plays racquetball, which he finds superior to golf and tennis in that the ball always comes back. He likes to shop at Trader Joe’s and cook. On weekends, he might make the drive to Columbus, where he’s drawn to the Short North and German Village neighborhoods, both of which help him envision his hometown’s potential. A dominant feature in his office is an immaculate salt-water reef aquarium that’s home to a small but colorful selection of photosynthetic coral.
Grant’s primary aim is to make a difference in his community — through his involvement with the Carr Center, the Daybreak Rotary and through his profession by forming new businesses and helping local entrepreneurs.
“I like the idea of being able to park downtown and walk to different cafes, restaurants, shops, art studios, and bars and see other people doing the same thing, where you have an atmosphere, an excitement and a cool vibe: Where there’s a real future.”
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