I’m a growth-focused person, forever curious of new ways to improve and approach things. This has had an important effect on my internal processing –thoughts, feelings, etc– as well as my external relationships –family, friends, community–. I’ve historically been a left-brain thinker with a first love for “systems” – but have been growing in my emotional intelligence and grace these last 10 years that have really opened me up for opportunities and truly liberated me to unending growth. As I’ve been able to grow internally and allow myself that grace, it has transferred to how I treat those around me. –That being said, I approach my coaching and my training with both my first love –nerding out about systems and logical improvements– and my second love –grace, understanding, empathy– to make for a hybrid approach that has had success. I’ve coached for about 12 years now, and only feel like I’m just beginning. What my first 2 loves have allowed for is TRUST….my students can trust that I have an intentional plan/system to get them better…and they can trust that I process our relationship and interactions with a healthy and growing EQ through both the ups & the downs. This philosophy and approach has been extremely fulfilling and I can only hope to explore down the paths even more in the future.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
My family is dynamic…I have family in Washington State & New Orleans, primarily. Here in Atlanta, I have my 3 girls – 13, 15 & 16- …damn near 3 adults. They have been my primary focus for the last decade and I have really enjoyed watching them grow! Since splitting with their mother several years ago, I have begun my new hybrid family with my girlfriend, her son and my oldest daughter –who now lives with me– it’s likely what the modern American family kind of looks like. lol. Not text book by any means, but we make it work and thrive and love each other in the process! <3
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
In the world of “growth” in which I have made myself a permanent resident – I can only imagine where my career takes me! I’ve gone from Finance, to FedEx driver, to Marketing, to eyelashes & eyebrows at a wellness spa…all the while, coaching Jiu Jitsu and teaching people how to choke their friends. The thing I love most about coaching is the ability to influence people’s perspectives in a profound way, and taking that responsibility seriously.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
Hmmm…I love Danji –Korean Fried Chicken is AMAZING!–, Just about any taco place in a gas station and Taco Belllll <3
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
Nearly 20 years!
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
Ha! That list is way too long! I’d have to go with Chris Cathers….he’s fascinating, funny AF, and has amazing stories to tell…on-top of that, he’s just an amazing human being. here’s a quick bio on him: former US Army Green Beret and CIA paramilitary Global Response Staff –GRS– contractor with 12 deployments to Iraq, Afghanistan, Palestine and North Africa. And if Chris’ PTS struggles weren’t enough, Chris speaks openly about the stage 4 bone cancer he has had for over a year. Struggling to find adequate medical care opened his eyes to the difficulty of finding the right team for any aspect of medicine, and he has dedicated himself to encouraging his military brothers and sisters to seek help immediately and not downplay the signs. Chris and his business partner Daniel also aim to raise awareness of the veteran suicide epidemic via a documentary, “Brother’s Keeper”, currently in production. Chris has established a nonprofit organization to help raise funds for a small number of other nonprofit and for-profit businesses, committed to giving our veterans a hand in their fight.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
I’m a big fan of traveling to developing countries and getting away from the speed & access we have here. I’ve traveled to Ethiopia before to tour and teach Jiu Jitsu, and I hope to do that trip again!
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
I’m a junkie of the following 4 shows: Workaholics, Curb Your Enthusiasm, Southpark and Rick & Morty.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
YOLO being a coined trendy phrase ruined the message. You truly do only live once….and in fact you’re likely not even living in the one place you can truly live, and that is RIGHT NOW. So many of us –I know because I was one of them– live in the future or the past, mentally, and we need something to wake us up to the fact that those are 2 completely fake places. The only real place that exists is RIGHT HERE and the only real time that exists is RIGHT NOW. The moment you recognize that, is the moment you actually start living.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
…maybe one more fight in the cage…maybe
Q: What is your go to band when you can’t decide what to listen to?
Linkin Park. Can absolutely never go wrong.
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
I don’t think it exists anymore but i was my favorite place in all of Atlanta: Lil 5 Pizza in Little 5 Points
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?
John Danaher….I love the way his brain works in philosophy and systems. Where? Over The Top Burger Bar…yummy!
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
We are tight, but we are HUGE! It’s a weird dynamic that makes Buford seem like such a small intimate community, but it’s also enormous and more people are flooding in –if anything says this the most its: the traffic! haha–
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Mannnn, I don’t know….GROWING is my cop-out answer. lol. I could be running my own gym…I could be in a developing country doing philanthropy work…I could be in the middle of America on my own land, far away from civilization. And I could very well be right here…growing in my Marketing skills and my Coaching skills. Life’s a game of tetris…only thing I can tell you is that whatever piece the game gives me next, I’m going to use to the greatest ability that I can.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
Hmmm….Despite my outward influence and ability to lead large groups – I am incredibly introverted, likely fueled by social anxieties…likely fueled by fear of rejection. The why behind the why behind the why. Something I continue to grow through, for sure!
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
A place called Lalibela in Ethiopia. One of the most fascinating places I’ve ever been
Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
Oh boy! Don’t get me started here. haha. I actually don’t really have one…Anyone who knows me has probably heard my rants about this before – but I have a hard line rebellion about the calendar. I don’t like that we are slaves to it and rely on the calendar to tell us when to celebrate someone or something. Give people their roses always…not just on the day the calendar tells you. Celebrate any holiday on any day you want. Calendars and dates and holidays are just make-believe. –sorry, that’s a non-answer answer…haha, but I’m pretty firm on that feeling about calendars–
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
Hmm…our gym: Straight Blast Gym. We have refined and improved that thing over the last 15 years and I’m very confident when I say that top-to-bottom, there is simply no place like it. And guess what? We are never satisfied and will continue to grow that as well!
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
The women in my life: my 3 daughters and my Courtany. I want to lead those 3 by actions…and Courtany challenges me to be a better version of myself, daily, and has led me with her actions and grace. It’s been a remarkable transition!
Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
Can never go wrong with mint….other than that: some cookies or brownies freshly baking in the oven.
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Comfort. Battery Recharge. Headquarters.
