Family First Community Center’s Director Of Ops Gary Barquet Talks Working With Doug Baldwin & Soft Center Opening
Former Seattle Seahawks legend Doug Baldwin and the Family First Community Center staff did a soft opening of their community center on Friday evening in Renton, Wa, allowing families to take pictures with former Seattle Seahawk KJ Wright and Jordan Babineaux.
Other individuals in attendance include several city council members. They also provided games, activities, and local youth groups such as Space United FC.
Family First’s mission is to serve our community with love, compassion, and dedication. The collective believes in treating each other as family, fostering a strong sense of belonging and support. They embrace a growth mindset encouraging us to face challenges, learn from them, and continuously improve ourselves. Leadership is fundamental to our organization, as they inspire others to lead with empathy, compassion, and positive influence.
While in attendance, LandonBuford.com was able to speak with Gary Barquet, who is the Director of Operations, who is one of the few that had the opportunity work closely with Doug Baldwin during this community project.
“I think we’re just excited to see the community center come to life and bring all the resources and the opportunities connect, putting the community at the level we have been waiting for. We have been putting in a lot of work as a team as far as the team, and all the things we have been doing to make this place come alive, and we are excited to see the light come in. And fill it with the love we will deliver to the community,” said Barquet.
Barquet also spoke about why he decided that he wanted to be part of this project.
“This is the community that I love, I live a couple blocks away from the Family First Community Center, and I have been here for the last years in Renton. Secondly, my heart has been with the community my entire life. I went to school to work with youth specifically, but that ultimately boils down to working with people. I’m a people person through and through, so this is were my heart is at, and i’m blessed to be a part of it.”
He would finish the interview by sharing what it has been like to work closely with Super Bowl Champion Doug Baldwin.
“As I have gotten to know Doug [Baldwin] more, I’ve just learned that he is a phenomenal man. He is more than an athlete. He is a lot more than a former Seahawk,” Barquet shared.
Doug is a family man, a team-oriented player, and just the energy & culture that he has been persistent and wants to deliver, and he lives it every day. So, I have nothing but the utmost respect for Doug, and I’m blessed to get to know and work with him on a more personal level. He is the man he says he is and is a solid dude.”
Former Seattle Seahawks football player Doug Baldwin founded Family First Community Center. Which is a non-profit center is committed to empowering individuals and fostering strong community bonds. Drawing inspiration from Doug’s dedication to serving others, the center provides diverse programs and resources to promote personal growth and wellness and foster meaningful connections within the Renton, W,A community.
The community center will officially open on June 26th later this month.
Landon Buford is an accomplished sports and entertainment journalist based in Richardson, Texas, with over a decade of experience covering the NBA, WNBA, NFL, WWE, MLB, and the entertainment industry. Known for delivering high-impact stories and headline-making interviews, Buford has earned a global audience through content that blends insider access with compelling storytelling.
He previously served as director of editorial and brand communications at PlayersTV, where he helped shape the platform’s editorial voice and brand identity. He is also the founder and editor-in-chief of LandonBuford.com—an independent outlet with more than 1.6 million views and syndication from major platforms including Bleacher Report, Sports Illustrated and Yahoo Sports. Buford’s interviews with stars like Gary Payton, Kevin Durant, Mark Cuban and Chris Paul showcase his talent for meaningful, in-depth conversations.
His bylines have appeared in Sports Illustrated, Forbes, Heavy.com, Meta’s Bulletin and One37pm, where he has contributed exclusive interviews, breaking news and cultural insights. At Heavy.com, his work drew more than a million views in just eight months, and at One37pm, it contributed to record-breaking traffic numbers.
His work highlights the intersection of sports, fashion, music, and entrepreneurship—showcasing how athletes and entertainers use their platforms to inspire change, influence trends, and shape culture beyond the game. Landon has interviewed a wide range of figures from the NBA, NFL, and entertainment industries, consistently bringing authentic voices and untold stories to the forefront.
In addition to his journalism, Buford is an entrepreneur and content creator, dedicated to amplifying diverse narratives and driving meaningful conversations across media platforms. His passion for storytelling, culture, and innovation continues to make him a respected voice in the evolving landscape of sports and entertainment media.
