My name is Bill Reed and I am a son of Stanley & Sandra, husband to Amy, father to Lyndsay & Ryan, brother to Greg & Jon, and follower of Christ. I am also the proud owner of Reed Real Estate, a business that specializes in commercial and residential real estate services. As a third-generation Buford resident, I have lived in this town my entire life, often referred to as “Old Buford”. I graduated in the class of ’83, where I played football and ran track. I obtained an associate degree in business at the former Gainesville JR. college and have been serving the community in a real estate capacity for over 25 years. For me, Buford will always be home, and I have enjoyed helping friends and families. The people are what gives our city its unique and exceptional character, largely due to the strong sense of community that brings us together.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I married Buford’s 1986 Basketball Homecoming Queen, Amy Reed, and we will be celebrating our 37th wedding anniversary in March. Amy served Buford City Schools for 32 years before retiring in March of 2021, and now serves as a member of our real estate team. I have two children, Lyndsay and Ryan. Lyndsay and Ryan both attended K-12 at Buford. Lyndsay was the 2005 Homecoming queen in addition to playing golf, tennis and softball. She has served as a Labor and Delivery Nurse at Northeast Georgia Medical Center for 10 years. Ryan played football, basketball and baseball, was a member of the ’07 and ’08 Football State Championship Teams that went 30-0, and was voted 2009 Prom King. He attended the University of Georgia where he received a Master’s of Accountancy, served as a Certified Public Accountant for 8 years at Deloitte and PWC prior to joining our family real estate team.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I have served in sales and service my entire life. My father was a co-owner of Reed’s Building Supply, where I worked for 14 years in the family business. I gained lots of knowledge about housing, development, construction and sales from that time. I transitioned into real estate, where I have served the last 25 years. I own and operate a commercial and residential real estate team that serves Buford and surrounding communities.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
To name a few: Rico’s, Cabo’s, and Aqua Terra.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
Lived, worked, and played in Buford my entire life of 57 years
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
Wow… this is hard. I know a lot of the locals and it is impossible for me to single out just one. However, I hold a deep appreciation for the local business owners who have chosen to make Buford their home, raise their families here, and continually invest in our small town.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
My wife can vouch that I am happy to staycation here in Buford, but we would like to travel to Montana and Hawaii someday.
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
I enjoy watching America Idol after family time on Sunday evening.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Love your family, help others, be an encourager, and remember to Thank GOD for all HIS many blessings.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
LOL, this makes me feel like a very uninteresting person… I really don’t have a list. First thing that comes to mind, would be to find a black 1970 Nova SS – my first car when I turned 16 years old – and cruise around town with my girl!
Q: What is your go to band when you can’t decide what to listen to?
I love old gospel music and was actually a part of a local men’s quartet, 4Given. But, I also love the 70s/80’s music and 90’s country.
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
One of my favorite memories of old Buford was visiting Western Auto located on the Buford square below the grocery store.
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?
Probably Blake Shelton – He’s a good ole country boy. We’d grab a bite at Rico’s.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
I’ve always had a strong sense of belonging and pride in calling Buford my home. Back then, everyone knew each other and that meant something. Despite its growth since my youth, Buford still feels like a “small town”. Additionally, I’m happy to see that others have discovered what a special place it is.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Still in Buford watching my two kids and their families serve our community and the following generation.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I have lots of fun, borderline unbelievable stories from a blessed, Mayberry-like childhood. However, you’ll have to inquire about those from my future grandchildren someday.
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
My wife and I recently visited a stunning resort in Cancun!
Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
October would be my favorite month as I enjoy watching the Dawgs play on a cool Saturday. Favorite holiday is a toss-up between Thanksgiving & Christmas but Christmas day would be the best day.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
Our Reed Family gatherings where we get to enjoy family time and MOM’s cooking!
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
Several People in our family inspire me in my faith. My wife who is constantly thinking of and serving others, and my brother Jon, who travels all over to share the gospel.
Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
The smell of sizzling bacon on a Saturday morning, or the salty smell of ocean air at the beach.
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Family, Comfort, Heaven
