My name is Ryan Reed, I am 33 years old and a follower of Jesus Christ. I am a partner in our family’s residential and commercial real estate practice here in Buford, the community I grew up in and have long been a part of since graduating from Buford High School in 2009. While in High School, I was elected to the Gwinnett Student Leadership Team, played football, basketball and baseball, won two state championships in football in 2008 and 2009 and was voted “Classiest” by my peers and “Best all Around” by the faculty and staff. I attended the University of Georgia – GO DAWGS – where I earned my Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in accounting and Certified Public Accountant license. After college, I began my career as an auditor at Deloitte, where I spent four years auditing fortune 500 companies; I spent the next four years at PricewaterhouseCoopers in Mergers and Acquisitions, where I consulted and led teams through the transaction process for a multitude of private equity and public corporations with deals ranging from $40M to $6 Billion in purchase price. After eight years of fast tracking the corporate world, I realized my side gig of flipping houses was pulling me in a different direction and took the leap into real estate, following in my father’s footsteps. Although I still hold an active CPA license, I’ve found a profound passion in real estate, where I’m able to blend my financial expertise with the gratifying experience of helping and connecting members of our community. The best part: I get to work alongside my mom and dad daily. When I’m not facilitating real estate deals, you can find me coaching little league sports, collaborating on a community networking venture with friends – The Meetup, riding dirt bikes, or simply enjoying quality time with family and friends.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I am deeply rooted in Buford as the grandson of the late Donald Kerlin, Laverne Kerlin – with the honor of Miss Buford 1954, as well as Stanley – owner of Reed’s Building Supply in Buford and Sandra Reed. I’m the proud son of Bill Reed, a graduate of the class of 1983, and Amy Reed, who has dedicated 32 years to the Buford School System. My sister, Lyndsay Dorsey, and I were born and raised here, making us true natives of Buford. Our grandparents laid the foundation for our family’s values, teaching us the significance of unity and the importance of modeling a loving family environment. Growing up, Sundays were filled with lunches or dinners shared with grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins after church. This close-knit family bond continues to be a priority for us. Today, I have the privilege of working alongside my parents in our family’s real estate business, where we share a passion for serving our community. My sister extends this tradition of caring by working as a labor and delivery nurse at NE Gainesville hospital. Outside of work, we cherish our time together, whether it’s through shared family meals, outdoor activities, or supporting each other’s hobbies. My family has been an immense source of support and inspiration, influencing both my personal and professional life.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
In my past life, I carved out a substantial career as an auditor, followed by a senior managerial role specializing in Mergers and Acquisitions with PricewaterhouseCoopers. During those transformative 8 years, I delved deep into the intricate world of corporate finance, engaging in complex negotiations, and facilitating significant transactions that shaped the business landscape. The analytical rigor and strategic thinking developed during this period now serve as invaluable assets in my current role. Transitioning into commercial and residential real estate, I’ve found a renewed sense of purpose and excitement. My work in real estate not only allows me to apply my financial expertise but also connects me more tangibly with people and the community. Whether assisting a family in finding their dream home or helping a local business secure the perfect commercial space, I’ve discovered that real estate provides a unique and gratifying opportunity to marry the financial world with the real-life aspirations of the individuals and businesses within our community.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
Rico’s – The atmosphere, service and “Specials” are what keeps me coming back. Highly Recommend. Johnny’s Pizza – Superb Pizza and Wings. Bare Bones – Excellent spot for date night or celebratory dinner.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
I grew up in Buford and have been a part of this community my entire life. Go Wolves!
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
My two grandads. Donald Kerlin – Hardest worker I know. He worked for the City of Buford, did paint and bodywork on cars for over 60 years, while maintaining over 300 plants in 3 gardens annually, most of which he gave away to friends and neighbors. He stands out as the blue-collar folk that our community was built on. Stanley Reed – Worked three jobs at times when my father was a child to make ends meet. Later opened “Reed’s Building Supply” with his two brothers and operated for 40+ years – now North Georgia Building Supply on PIB. He is the most humble, selfless servant I know. He models Christ in all he does and is the pillar of our family.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
Hawaii – Fresh poké and beautiful beaches.
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
Anything with Action – Bring it!
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Eternity is too long to get it wrong. John 3:16. Love People and be humble.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
I would love to take a trip with friends out west and ride motorcycles from Montana through Wyoming, Colorado and down into Utah.
Q: What is your go to band when you can’t decide what to listen to?
Morgan Wallen
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
People’s Bank has always stood as a community pillar in my eyes. As a child, I harbored dreams of becoming a banker, even envisioning myself as the president of a bank one day. The presence and values of People’s Bank continue to resonate with me, reflecting a vital aspect of our community’s core identity.
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?
Jordan Peterson is a figure I find deeply fascinating, and I believe that sharing a meal at Rico’s would lead to engaging and thought-provoking conversations. His perspectives and ideas are something I would love to explore further in a one-on-one setting.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
My favorite aspect of our community has always been the people. From the grandparents and parents of my childhood friends to newcomers who have joined our beloved community, it’s the blend of unique individuals that truly stands out. Those who came before us set a remarkable standard, and it’s heartening to see how newcomers and returnees alike work to maintain that legacy. The rich personalities and shared values forms the core of what makes our community so special.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
I see myself here in Buford, raising a family, serving locally in our community, schools, and church.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I wrote an original song for the class of ’09 titled “These Things Will Never Fade” and had the unique opportunity to perform it live on class night, playing my acoustic guitar and singing for my classmates. It was an unforgettable experience, filled with both intimacy and nerve-wracking excitement. Despite the nerves, it’s a memory I cherish deeply and wouldn’t trade for anything in the world.
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
Cape Town, South Africa – No where else in the world do the mountains cascade into the beach and ocean. Lion’s head, the 12-apostle mountain range and an African Safari provided a once in a lifetime experience for me while studying abroad in college.
Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
June – Summer and Birthday Month. Christmas – my extended family gathers for a fun filled night of food, games, celebrating the birth of Jesus and taking time to pray for one another.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
Erin Johnson
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My family, and particularly my father, Bill Reed, along with my grandfathers, Donald Kerlin and Stanley Reed, are at the core of my motivation. I strive to make them proud of who I am, embracing their legacy and carrying our family name forward with honor and pride.
Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
Cold Mountain Air and Fresh Coffee
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Family, Roots, Memories
