Born and raised in Buford and live about 1 mile from where I grew up. Married a Buford girl, Kelli Monroe, and we raised 2 Buford kids and they are raising 5 Buford kids. My mom, Nan Burge, and her Mom both graduated from Buford. I graduated from BHS in 1983 and played Football, Basketball and Baseball. Was Senior Class President and named Atlanta Journal Cup winner for my Class. I have worked for the City of Buford for 33 years as the Park and Rec Director as well as over seeing the outside grounds of Buford City Schools. I coached many youth teams in Buford over the years and have seen many great athletes go thru our system during that time. I’ve also worked with a lot of great assistant coaches over the years that I consider great friends to this day. I love this great community and I hope our next generation carries on that love as well. A lot of towns loose that community pride over the years but I hope our generation has instilled a sense of pride that will carry over to the next group coming thru. Never forget what made this place great and keep it going for the younger ones to see so they can carry it on.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I been married to the love of my life, Kelli, for soon to be 34 years. I have 2 children Kayla, son-in-law Ben, and Tyler, daughter-in-law Danielle and 5 beautiful grandchildren, Beau, Harliegh, Gigi, Hank and Billy. They will be 5th Generation Wolves.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I have been the Park and Rec Director for City of Buford for 33 years. I could not have been more blessed with a job that I love anymore that what I have been doing for the last 30 plus years.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
I have a few, Texas Roadhouse, Ted’s, Johnny’s Pizza and Barebones.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
Lived in Buford my entire life, 58 years
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
Dexter Wood as he is one of the folks I’ve drawn from since he came to Buford. He is one of those folks that can give you advice on just about anything and if you’re smart you’ll follow it. Over the years in my job I try to model events and leagues that I’m over with the blueprint that Coach Wood put in place when he arrived here in 1995. I
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
I would love to go back to Hawaii and see the things I saw as a young child and have a better understanding of the beauty I took for granted then. That’s one place I want to visit with my wife.
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
I loved the Rocky movies and one of my favorite TV shows was Cheers. I have been to Boston many times and that bar is always a must visit.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Always be true to yourself. Love your family and give all you can to your community. I am biased to Buford but I think that’s what makes it great.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
I would love the play a round or 2 of golf, even though I’m terrible at it, with Shaq , Charles Barkley and Ernie Johnson. I think that would be one great day of golf and fun.
Q: What is your go to band when you can’t decide what to listen to?
I love all 70s and 80s groups. As long as something is going from that time I’m good to go.
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
Just going thru downtown Buford and seeing all the buildings still up and going and knowing our rich history is being preserved in that way is a blessing. A lot of communities don’t have that but I’m glad Buford has keep that piece of history alive and well. Not the same old businesses we remember but at least the buildings are still there. I love to go in them from time to time and think about the stores that used to operate there.
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
Larry Bird, the Hick from French Lick. Just to sit and talk about his days growing up and becoming one the best to ever play in the NBA. Any sports bar around where we could sit and watch basketball.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
The thing I love about Buford is the close knit feel that hasn’t changed over the years. As we continue to grow I hope it stays that way for my kids and grandkids
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Still in Buford watching my 2 kids and their families becoming the next great generation of Buford. Making sure the Buford Way stays the same.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I think I’m an open book and what you see is what you get.
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
When I was younger I got to visit Hawaii and some of the things I saw there were unreal. Waterfalls, walking to the edge of a volcano and black sand beaches. Beautiful
Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
April because of Spring Break, Masters Week and Final 4. Christmas. December 25th watching grandkids open presents and family time.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
A day that I can be with ALL my family and sit around and enjoy each others company.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My mom. I’ve always wanted to make her proud of what I’ve become and that is what I try and do daily. How she raised me and my 3 brothers on her on is an inspiration for anyone.
Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
I love the smell of something good cooking on a grill.
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Family, friends and comfort.