Keeping the Fire (and Legacy) Burning: Luke Moorman's Journey Across Generations
When your family name is etched in gold and you choose to preserve a barbecue legacy, your story is anything but ordinary.
Luke Moorman grew up in Fort Lauderdale, one of five boys, raised by a Navy dad and a strong-willed mom who once drove herself to the hospital while in labor. Their family story is shaped by faith, discipline, and a strong sense of purpose. What makes Luke’s journey stand out isn’t just his deep local roots. It’s how he’s chosen to carry those roots forward, on his own terms.
Today, Luke is the fourth-generation steward of Carroll’s Jewelers, founded in Cincinnati in the 1920s and rooted in South Florida since 1946. But he also owns The Georgia Pig, a beloved Ft. Lauderdale barbecue spot that first opened its doors in 1953. At first glance, diamonds and chopped pork might seem like an unlikely duo. But for Luke, they’re both built on the same principles: quality, trust, and community.
His path wasn’t linear. He swam competitively in college, explored Wall Street, and dabbled in real estate with his brothers before deciding to return home and embrace the family business. Along the way, he learned some hard lessons, especially when the real estate crash of 2008 wiped out much of their early progress. But those setbacks helped refine his sense of what really matters: ownership, persistence, and people.
Luke didn’t just inherit Carroll’s Jewelers. He and his brother John helped evolve it. Today, they’re quietly reshaping its future with digital strategies, back-end upgrades, and an ambitious vision to empower 100 salespeople by the brand’s 100th anniversary in 2028.
Meanwhile, Georgia Pig carries its own flavor of legacy. Luke bought the restaurant, and the land it sits on, by creating a deal that worked for both sides, honoring the second-generation owners while preserving a community institution. Its mustard-based Carolina-style sauce still draws loyal crowds, but it’s Luke’s commitment to keeping it authentic that makes it special. As Luke puts it, quoting his dad, “We’re in solid gold downtown and liquid gold out west.”
Whether he’s helping someone find the perfect engagement ring or the perfect pulled pork sandwich, Luke is showing what it means to build a business that lasts.
Closing:
Legacy isn’t something you inherit. It’s something you keep alive, day after day, decision by decision. Luke Moorman is doing just that. And in the process, he’s proving that with enough heart (and maybe a little smoke), two very different worlds can build something lasting, together.
Article images courtesy Carroll’s Jewelers + The Georgia Pig.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this content is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Locality Bank makes no warranty, express or implied, nor assumes any legal liability or any responsibility for the accuracy, correctness, completeness, or any actions taken based on the information provided. Loan programs, terms, and requirements are subject to change. Deposit accounts are subject to account opening requirements. Always consult a qualified professional for specific guidance related to your situation.
