Since 1987 I’ve been running the Ace Hardware store in Buford, and added the Braselton store in 2008. I’ve worked mostly 6 days a week, but I’ve also been blessed to live off Buford Dam Road on the lake for about the last 10 years.
I enjoy rowing on the lake and just taking in the natural beauty that we’re blessed with in Georgia!
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I have my wife of 36 years, Cathy and a son Case, daughter Christine, and Granddaughter Amelia.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I like people, customer service and selling. I enjoy problem solving and strategizing business and leading our team to overcoming the many challenges of our competitive economy.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
Aqua Terra and Bare Bones are two truly professional estblishments that we have in the community. Friends Buford Grill for casual, and in the summer we enjoy PigTails by boat -I think its owned by Aqua Terra
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
36 years
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
Jay Asgari from Truss Tech. Jay came here from Iran after college and created a thriving business in Buford. He joined Kiwanis with me in approx 1990 and has been heavily involved ever since.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
Ireland. – Because my wife really wants to do that, and I owe her
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
It’s a Wonderful Life with Jimmy Stewart
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Always do the right thing, and try to treat others as you want to be treated, and it will all come back to you!
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
Chartering a sailboat in the Caribbean.
Q: What is your go to band when you can’t decide what to listen to?
Tom Petty
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
Golden Budda Chinese. They’ve been there forever, and are always consistant.
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?
Warren Buffett – At PigTails on the lake
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
The lake, Historic Buford, downtown Sugar Hill and Suwanee Town Center, and how close we are still to the big city of Atlanta.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Rowing on the lake more, and more vacations!
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I played the drums in a band in college
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
The Grand Canyon
Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
September- my anniversary – Thanksgiving is the best holilday, and best day overall. – It’s a wonderful American tradition!
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
Being a grandparent
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
Good leaders like Stetson Bennett or many of todays young NFL quarterbacks. Good leaders can make an exponential difference as they guide others.
Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
Meat cooking on a smoker
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
comfort, peace, blessed