My name is Ben Haynes, and I grew up in rural northwest Georgia in Dade County. I have dedicated my career to law enforcement since graduating high school. Over the years, I have served with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, the City of Lilburn, the Gwinnett District Attorney’s Office, and I currently hold the position of Assistant Jail Commander at the Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Office. I am a proud graduate of the University of Georgia, where I was a manager for the football team from 1994 to 1998. Additionally, I earned a master’s degree from Columbus State University, further enhancing my knowledge and skills in the field.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I am married to my wonderful wife, Heather, and we have been together for 14 years. We have four children who all attend Buford schools. Our oldest, Harris, is a senior, followed by Hadley, who is a junior. Emmy is in 7th grade, and our youngest, Buddy, is in 6th grade. Our family is very active in the Buford community. We attend 12Stone Buford and we all serve in some capacity there. Our kids are also very involved in school. Between marching band, theatre and sports we are always on the go. We enjoy anytime we all get to spend time together!
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I have been in law enforcement for 30 years. I have worked in several different roles and capacities. Working with victims as they go through some of the most daunting challenges anyone can face and helping them get through their pain is suffering is why I continue to work in this field. It’s about the people.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
This is hard! We love Bravo, Bare Bones, and Lola’s. But special shout out to Sallie’s Ice Cream for desert!
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
I have lived in the Buford area for almost 20 years, on and off.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
Mark Higginbotham. Love listening to him as he is coaching and inspiring young kids to work hard and get better at whatever they are doing.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
I would love to travel Greece. I have some friends who visit there once a year and their pictures and stories are amazing.
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
One of my favorite movies is Smokey and the Bandit. As far as TV, it is usually on a sporting event.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
You will never go wrong by doing the right thing!
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
To visit every Disney park.
Q: What is your go to band when you can’t decide what to listen to?
The Vince Guaraldi Trio or Elton John
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
Rico’s World Kitchen
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?
Steve Spurrier. Now that sounds weird as avid Bulldawg. But talking to Steve Spurrier would be fascinating because of his extensive and successful career in college football as both a player and a coach. His innovative offensive strategies, charismatic personality, and numerous accolades, including a Heisman Trophy and multiple conference championships, have left a significant impact on the sport. His insights into the game, leadership, and experiences at various levels of football would provide a wealth of knowledge and engaging stories.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
I love how it still feels like a small town even though we are in metro Atlanta in one of the largest counties in the state.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
I look forward to seeing my children thriving in their own pursuits as they grow older and prepare for their futures. And being able to get away more with my wife.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
One of my ancestors was former Governor Nathanial Harris. He was the last Governor of Georgia not born in Georgia. He was also the first president of Georgia Institute of Technology. We all have at least one black sheep in our family!
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
Jackson Hole, Wyoming and the Grand Tetons.
Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
My favorite month is December and favorite holiday is Christmas. The entire month leading up to Christmas is wonderful, you can feel the cheer! The best single day on the calendar is the first day of college football!
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
Sitting on my back porch on a cool morning, drinking coffee, listening to the birds chirp, wind blowing through the trees; all while reading my devotional and spending some time alone with the Lord.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My children and the other kids I am around as a coach in youth sports.
Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
Fresh cut grass and the first rain on a spring day.
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Family, Love, Warmth.