I was a born a dreamer. I wanted to be a farmer. Then, I wanted to be an astronaut. Then, I wanted to make it playing music. Then I wanted to be an astronaut. So I moved to Florida to get into aviation so I could be an attractive candidate for NASA and get away from playing music. In the midst of flying airplanes and gaining connections and experience in aeronautics, 9/11 happened. It changed everything. Aviation came to a screeching halt and real estate development in Florida launched into outer space…so I took a ride. It was while working in real estate development that I fell in love with wine. And now I’m a farmer, saving up for my ticket to outer space.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
From my mom and dad, brothers and their family, to my extended relatives and my little family, I am so blessed. My wife and I have two beautiful gentlemen for whom I am the biggest fan. So proud of my boys.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I followed my dream of being an entrepreneur, farming wine grapes and making wine. I love that I get to combine all of my passions with my business, hospitality, music, building things, making things, contributing to this world while I’m walking on it in some way.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
Tani Thai. Tchin Tchin Coffee. G Sisters.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
I was born and raised in Buford, moved away for 10 years and moved back in 2009.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
Jim Bradford, artist.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
Bali. The surf there is unreal.
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
Doc Hollwood. Doc Martin.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Don’t follow. Question everything. Be efficient at stop signs.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
Go to outer space.
Q: What is your go to band when you can’t decide what to listen to?
Grateful Dead
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
Cloudland Vineyards and Winery
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?
Elon Musk. Because I’d want him to interview me as if I were going to work for him knowing that I’m not and we’d get some clean fresh eats at Tani Thai.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
I love that the Eastern Continental Divide runs right through town. I love the pride of the community. It’s a great place to live, close to the mountains, Atlanta, and other destinations out of state.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
I’d like to have built my business where it is helping other business grow and hurdle some of the startup barriers in our industry. Surfing.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I’m a certified Yoga instructor.
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
Costa Rica
Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
July. Thanksgiving. 4/20
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
Good hugs.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My Mama
Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
Gardenias. Coffee.
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Biscuits. Family. Go Wolves.
