My name is Kim Phillips. I am the Executive Director of the North Gwinnett Co-Op. I have been with the Co-Op for ten years. The North Gwinnett Co-Op’s mission is to empower the community to help people fight hunger and build a pathway to self-sufficiency. I am passionate about serving our community and I am grateful for the amazing support of the Buford community.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
My husband Cary and I have been married for 23 years. We have two children. Jacob, a 2021 graduate of Buford High School, now attending GA College & State University majoring in Business with a concentration in Logistics. Sarah will be a sophomore at Buford High School in the fall. Cary is a real estate appraiser. The family often helps me at the Co-Op, which I love. We play a lot of games as a family and we love to hang out on the lake.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
It is hard to narrow down why I love the Co-Op. God commands us to serve and to feed the hungry. I get to do that every day. I am very proud of the Co-Op. We have grown substantially over the last 10 years and we are currently serving over 37.000 people a year. In addition to food, we often are able to help families in crisis. It is a joy to know that you had a part in keeping or returning a family to stability.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
Downtown Buford is full of amazing restaurants! My current favorite right now is the street corn at Off the Rails. Although Lola’s, Aqua Terra, Bare Bones, Rico’s and Italian Pie each have some of my favorites.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
Although we live in Flowery Branch, we have been part of the Buford community since 2008 when Jacob started kindergarten at Buford.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
As you can imagine in my line of work I meet many interesting people. That is one of the best parts of my job. I get to work alongside amazing volunteers, meet outstanding community minded people and serve diverse populations.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
Italy! I LOVE Italian food. My dream trip is to eat my way around Italy.
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
My favorite movie is My Fair Lady. My favorite TV show is Young Sheldon and I love true crime documentaries.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Serve your community. The homeless and hungry in our area are hidden, but they are out there. Serve your community in some way.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
A bucket list trip would be going to Italy for several months.
Q: What is your go to band when you can’t decide what to listen to?
My go to band/music is 80’s/90’s country. George Strait, Alabama, etc.
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
People’s Bank – the hometown feel of the local bank is very real and I love it!
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?
I would love to have lunch with Dolly Parton. Why? Because she is Dolly Parton! We would have a great lunch at Aqua Terra.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
I think the most amazing thing about our community is our people! Whenever there is a family/child in need, our community responds with help like none other!
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Living in the mountains with my husband on some land with four micro-mini cows. I already have their names picked out!
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I love to cook and in my younger years, I was a good slalom water skier.
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
Hawaii
Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
It is a tie: I love summer. Summer means we have get lots of lake time and get to spend time with friends. I also love the Fall. I love the colors of Fall and how close we are to the mountains.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
Rico’s Banana Pudding!
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My family. I always want to better for them and with them.
Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
Fresh cut grass.
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
My happy place.