I care a lot about some things. Other things I don’t care about at all. Getting the right things in the right category is really important.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
It’s quite the miracle that I got to marry Melody, and probably a bigger miracle that we’re 14 years in and genuinely enjoying each other. Each couple has their own story and while ours isn’t Hollywood level, it could qualify for a fantastic ride at an amusement park. Our kids, Joren, Adelaide, Marie and Jad, are all students at Buford and we love them. They are wonderful people with full personalities and deep hearts. Then there’s Paisley, our adorable Bernedoodle … whom we have yet to meet.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I’m an entrepreneur at heart and accountant by trade. I enjoy starting things or helping companies through transition. I love investing in things that don’t exist yet, or things that could be wildly better. We started our bookkeeping company, Jajeh Financial, 10 years ago to serve business owners who are annoyed by admin, compliance and accounting. I enjoy working with business owners in many different industries. I also enjoy Tchin Tchin Coffee because of all the people we’ve gotten to work with and meet along the way. Honestly, it was quite a surprise to see it become what it is. We started working on that project in 2020 with our good friends & neighbors, Wil & Zuzka. Originally, we thought we’d just start a coffee roasting side hustle. It quickly turned into a coffee shop, then slowly grew into what it is today. Melody and I are currently working on a residential real estate project with some fun people. And I serve on a few nonprofit boards, as well.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
Anything owned by one of my friends. Food is the gateway to friendship.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
since 2015
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
David Middleton, founder of MIE-Racing. Wil Goetz from Tchin Tchin.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
I’d go to Newcastle-upon-Tyne, UK. I’m a big Newcastle United fan and I’d love to experience a few home games at St. James’ Park with all the Geordies. HWTL
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
Movie – The Last Samurai because of Algren’s journey to learn how to have conversations and become a friend. TV Show – Darren Boyd’s “Spy” is absolutely hilarious.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Forgive. Forgive as much as you can, as soon as you can. You will get hurt; be prepared to forgive. You’ll need it from someone at some point, so make sure you’re giving it. Also, we will all meet some jerks or lousy people and it takes maturity to treat them well, limit our exposure to them and move along without offense and without throwing shade. Our entire community will be better for it.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
Release an album. Live in Europe. Save someone’s life. Write a book. Hit 72 on 18. Meet all my grandkids.
Q: What is your go to band when you can’t decide what to listen to?
Bill Evans, Dave Brubeck, Paul Desmond, Sonny Clark, Wes Montgomery, Vince Guaraldi, Stan Getz, Young the Giant, Manchester Orchestra, Hippo Campus, Wilco, the Strokes, Band of Horses, Blink-182, Bright Eyes, Madison on AltNation, the Shins, Bleachers, Parcels, Leon Bridges.
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
It’s hard to be nostalgic having only lived here since 2015. I never knew these things in Buford, but I really enjoy when people come into the coffee shop and tell us stories about how that building used to be a grocery store, or how they remember the old businesses on Main St, or how they miss the old school buildings or Friday nights, or anything like that. When people tell these stories, it is the ongoing legacy of all of these long-gone places and feelings. It’s like Hemingway’s quote about two deaths – don’t stop telling the stories. Things will always change, so it’s good to give space to what came before. Because for better or for worse, that’s made us who we are today.
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?
Phillip Beard, wherever he wants to go, my treat. I’d love to hear his story and get to know him.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
Small town with excellent schools, close to the lake, access to Atlanta and mountains when you want it. We have a lot of high quality people in Buford doing some really cool things.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
More patience and a longer, whiter beard would be nice.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I don’t like tomato sauce. Will Currie and I run a nonprofit together called bild.network inc. I was a professional belly dancer. One time I was held up at gunpoint.
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
Costa Rica, Northern California, the PNW
Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
I dislike any day where the temperature is above 76°. I like all the others. Halloween is nice because it’s generally the only time that neighbors welcome you to their house.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
Friends who make you a better person…the beneficial adversaries. Also throwing something into the trash can from a long ways away.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
I am blessed to have so many people in my life who know me and inspire me to be better. Melody obviously, though she has a vested interest in a better me. Chris Hyatt makes the top of this list, too. I could list many others.
Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
The ocean, spicy food, freshly cut grass, coffee in the morning, cigars, eucalyptus trees, lavender, patchouli, spring, cinnamon rolls in the oven, the top of a newborn baby’s head, flowers.
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Peace, comfort & joy
