I grew up in Buford, Ga and attended Buford all my years. As most know, when people hear the word, ‘Buford’, they think of a great football program. I grew up my entire life with a burning desire and passion to play sports. If it was baseball, basketball, or football, I always wanted to compete and win. At 8 years old, I fell in love with football. The smell of fresh cut grass, padded up from head to toe at the old City of Buford wreck field. I grew up with a chip on my shoulder because I was a skinny offensive lineman. In 8th Grade, at 6′ 2″ and only 185 lbs. I was a tall, lanky kid. I looked more like a tight end then a lineman. But I was always told from my dad, “the bigger they are, the harder they fall.”
I played under a great coaching staff at Buford High School and won 3 state championships. My senior year, I was an all-state player and received multiple D1 offers. I decided to attend Western Kentucky University, and play football for the Hilltoppers. Once I got to college, life was great at the time. We were winning bowl games and conference championships, I was making all A’s in school and on the president’s list. But there was a season in my life where things started to go downhill, and eventually hit rock bottom.
A couple weeks before the third football season, I tore my PCL. After surgery and a long recovery, I tried to get back on the field but kept failing drill after drill. I just wasn’t cutting it. Also, I struggled keeping weight on as a Lineman. One day, I looked at myself in the mirror and I said, “I don’t know who I am anymore”. Football had always been such a big part of my life, and I felt so lost. So.. I did the one thing my mom had embedded in me since I was young. I prayed. I prayed to the only one that could help get me out of thinking, ‘I am a failure”.
So, I started to go to church, praying, and reading the Bible. I felt God steering me in the right direction and he was guiding me to get my life back on track. I finally realized that I did not have to do life on my own. I can put all my trust in him. Once I devoted my life to Jesus, life become joyful and abundant. I graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a focus in Management, started working for a great company, got baptized Oct. 27th, 2019, met the love of my life Alexis Brooke Harvey (soon to be Holland on October 16th, 2021), started serving the community, and most of all enjoying the amazing life God has in store for us.
People have asked me what my greatest accomplishment is and I did not know how to answer that question. But, now I can say, “Devoting my life to Jesus and getting Baptized is my greatest accomplishment.”
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I am here to serve our great community by helping others with financial possibilities and dreams. I know that people can have trouble sleeping at night (I was one of them) at the thought of buying a big purchase or the idea if they are saving enough for retirement. We help people find financial balance. I genuinely love seeing the smile on someone’s face after reducing their financial stress/burdens.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
I love Bravo Mexican Restaurant! By far my favorite place to go eat great authentic Mexican food.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
My entire life. 23 years.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
Ken Burge. He coached me in football, and he always believed in me and pushed me to be better. I will never forget his story of how he got his nickname, ‘Turtle’. If you know Ken, you will have to ask him the story yourself!
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
I have always wanted to travel over seas to Europe. Everyone has told me it is an experience like no other, so I want to see what all the hype is about.
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
One of my favorite movies is God’s Not Dead. It is on Netflix, check it out!
Q: What advice would you give to people?
My advice: Work hard for the Kingdom of God through loving and helping others.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
Skydiving
Q: What is your go to band when you cant decide what to listen to?
Elevation Worship
Q: If you could choose anyone that not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
Tim Tebow. I am currently reading his book , This is the Day. He is an inspiration to young professionals, and he never stops to go after his passions in life. I would take him to Rico’s in downtown Buford!
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
Friday night lights at the Buford High School.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Happily married with Alexis Brooke ‘Holland’, and serving my community any way I can.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I enjoying dancing like a wild man.
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
Bahamas.
Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
Favorite month – July because it is sunny and beautiful out. Favorite holiday – Christmas
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My dad. He always has a smile on his face even if he did not have a good day. He enjoys life to the fullest.
Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
Freshly baked cookies
