2 | FORSYTH COUNTY NEWS | forsythnews.com
SUNDAY, AUGUST 26, 2012
Family, community inspire liason Always busy, but has fun By Crystal Ledford
cledford@forsythnews.com
Beth Buursema is quick to say her life is all about “family and community.” The community outreach liaison with Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta at Forsyth also described it as a “juggling act.” “I sit on quite a few boards in the county. Right now I’m on 13,” she said. Among the “highlights” of her community involvement are serving on the board of directors of YMCA, Forsyth County Community Connection, Literacy Forsyth and Lanier Rotary Club. She’s also been very active with the Sawnee Woman’s Club for several years. “One of my passions has been the weekend food program called Sacks of Love, where we’re helping to feed kids in the county who might not get fed otherwise,” she said. “That’s awesome and it just keeps growing and growing and growing.” Much of her time is also consumed with activities involving her two sons — Bret, 10, and Porter, 7 — who attend Vickery Creek Elementary. “I’m on the Local School Council for Vickery and I’m a team mom on both of my
Beth Buursema • Age: 36 • Occupation: Community Outreach Liaison with Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta at Forsyth • Education: Bachelor’s degree in theater, with English and journalism minors from Presbyterian College in Clinton, S.C. • Family: Husband, Tim; and sons, Bret, 10, and Porter, 7
Beth Buursema is the community outreach liaison with Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta at Forsyth. Photos by Autumn Vetter Forsyth County News
Beth Buursema helps son Bret with his helmet before a recent football practice.
boys’ teams for baseball and football,” she added. Luckily, she doesn’t have to do everything on her own. Her husband of a dozen years, Tim, is always right there to help out. “I’m fortunate that I have a very supportive husband who’s able to help with the kids and getting them to and from,” she said. “We call e a c h o t h e r ‘ Te a m Buursema.’ I know that’s so cheesy, but that’s the only way we can do all t h i s b e c a u s e h e ’s e x t r e m e l y bu s y a n d involved, too.” The family moved to Forsyth County in 2002 from the Vinings area. Buursema also draws
inspiration from her mother, who the family moved to Cumming from Tennessee about four years ago. “She’s very ill and in an assisted living facility,” Buursema said, noting that her mother has a rare blood disorder and lupus. “She lives about three miles from us, so we spend time with her every day. I think it’s been great for our kids to get to adopt even more grandparents.” Prior to her time with Children’s, which began two years ago, Buursema worked for several years in the television media field. “I was a producer at CNN and manager of
public relations at TBS and TNN,” she said. “Then when I had kids, I thought I would stay at home so I started freelancing and then turned my freelance work into a boutique PR firm called B&B Public Relations.” She’s glad to now have a job that focuses on her passion of community service, although she might like to have a little more time to sleep. “A big part of this job is being out in the community,” she said. “So it’s definitely a juggling act at our house, but we’ve got plenty of time to sleep, right? I mean someday we’ll be sleeping. But it’s fun.”
About this section You don’t have to be retired or an empty nester to make a difference. The FCN recently caught up with 12 residents under 40 who juggle busy work and family lives, yet are active in the community. They are helping form the next generation of local business leaders.
Inside Beth Buursema Melissa Durand William Flynn Tiffani Hartley Deana Jordan Kevin McDonough Shan Mize Jason Mock Taylor Rice Grant Schmeelk Seth Thomas Niki Watkins
2 3 4 5 6 8 10 11 12 13 14 14
forsythnews.com | FORSYTH COUNTY NEWS | 3
SUNDAY, AUGUST 26, 2012
Dentist brightens lives of others County native stays involved
By Alyssa LaRenzie
alarenzie@forsythnews.com
Melissa Thomas Durand had already filled out applications to travel out West and work at a ski resort when her future called. Despite being just 20 years old, she’d been accepted into dental school. “I didn’t think I was going get in,” she said. “I applied so they would know my name.” Durand couldn’t say no to starting work toward a career she dreamed of, and instead headed east to Augusta. Four years later, she finished school and joined Bob McGuinn at Forsyth Dental Partners in 1999. The following year, Durand bought his portion of the practice and became a business owner at 25. She loves her work because she’s able to make her patients feel good about themselves. “They don’t want to smile because their teeth are ugly,” Durand said. “When you get finished with them, they are smiling from ear to ear and they want to hug you because they’re so excited that they can smile again. That’s very gratifying.” Durand also enjoys participating in programs to help the underprivileged to give back to the community, such as Give Kids a Smile Day. She meets with many children who have never
Melissa Durand • Age: 37 • Occupation: Dentist and owner at Forsyth Dental Partners • Education: Dental medicine degree from Medical College of Georgia, studied at North Georgia College & State University and Forsyth Central High School • Family: Husband, Bert; daughter, Emily, 6; and son, Thomas, 4
‘When you get finished with them, they are smiling from ear-to-ear and they want to hug you because they’re so excited that they can smile again.’ Melissa Durand Dentist
been to the dentist before and does the work they need free of charge. As a native of Forsyth County, Durand’s heart is in the community. She loves the feeling that “everybody knows everybody” and the family-friendly atmosphere. Durand said she brings that closeness to the office in building relationships with the patients and among the staff. As a wife and mother of two, Durand said she understands the importance of prioritizing family, and that resonates in the workplace. “I have very supportive team members and partners here,” she said. “My family comes first, and everybody is aware of that, and we try to make it a very family-oriented atmosphere for everybody because everybody has families. If something comes up, it’s a family-
Autumn Vetter Forsyth County News
first kind of thing.” She found that backing in 2008, when she received life-threatening injuries in a car accident. Durand was out of the office for six months and then had to gradually work back up to her regular schedule. She received support of all kinds from her workplace, family and the community she loves. In looking toward the future, Durand plans to keep up with the growing practice, which just opened a Dawsonville location, and continue bringing new technologies and techniques to her work. She will also watch her children grow up where she did, and take family trips when they can to feed her love of traveling. A s k i i n g va c a t i o n would probably be her first choice.
Melissa Durand talks with a patient at her business, Forsyth Dental Partners.
Congratulations to
Melissa Thomas Durand
on being selected as one of Forsyth’s Next Generation Business Leaders
THOMAS LU M B E R
770-887-4754
4 | FORSYTH COUNTY NEWS | forsythnews.com
SUNDAY, AUGUST 26, 2012
Tents, toddlers keep owner on go ‘Wouldn’t want it any other way’ By Crystal Ledford
cledford@forsythnews.com
The term “family business” has a lot of meaning for William Flynn. Flynn purchased Tents, Tents, Tents, an event rental company in north Forsyth, about three years ago. His staff includes two fulltime and one seasonal employee, who go out to sites for event set up and break down. There’s also Flynn’s wife, Valerie, and his mother, Kathy Umberger, and sometimes his children — Kayla, 2, and Blake, 11 months. “My wife does all the office and administrative-type stuff and my mom helps her with some of that,” Flynn said. The two women also take care of Kayla and Blake every day at the office. Flynn said having the whole family at work can sometimes be “a little hectic,” but he’s happy it’s that way. “When we get into the busy season and I’m always out on sites, when I can come into the office and be able to see the two kids for even 30 minutes before I have to leave again, it’s nice because I can get that family time,” he said. “It’s a whole lot better than having to drop the kids off at daycare at 7 o’clock in the morning and pick them up at 5 in the afternoon.” Flynn said the rental business is primarily seasonal, with busy times in April, May and June and again in September and October. “In those times, we can do three or four large weddings a weekend and then five or six smaller events also,” he said.
William Flynn • Age: 31 • Occupation: Owner of Tents, Tents, Tents • Education: attended Georgia Southern University and the Art Institute of Atlanta • Family: Wife, Valerie; daughter, Kayla, 2; and son, Blake, 11 months
William Flynn plays with children Blake, 11 mo., left, and Kayla, 2.
“We have a lot of equipment. We’re probably the largest rental company in Cumming and probably the second largest north of Atlanta, so we’re the ones people who live farther north come to for their events.” Flynn said he’s traveled as far as North Carolina and Alabama for jobs. “We’ll travel anywhere someone will pay us to go,” he said. The family business strives to bring excellence to every event, he added, so customers don’t seem to mind if they sometimes have a toddler or two in tow. “There’s been times when Valerie has had to take some linens or something out to a site with the kids because I’ve been
‘Our customers don’t seem to mind it because we try to never have to tell anybody ‘no.’ We try to make it happen no matter what it takes.’ William Flynn Business owner
on another site,” he said. “Our customers don’t seem to mind it because we try to never have to tell anybody ‘no.’ We try to make it happen no matter what
Photos by Autumn Vetter Forsyth County News
William Flynn arranges tent poles at his business Tents, Tents, Tents.
it takes. “Our philosophy is we got to keep our customers happy so we can keep eating,” he joked. Flynn, a native of Forsyth County, said while his business and family keep him very busy, he does try to do as much as he can for his community. “We’re pretty involved with the chamber of commerce and we have a charity program
where we do either a 10 percent discount or a 15 percent cash back donation to the charity when people rent for their charitable causes,” he said. He’s glad to always have his family by his side. “Sometimes we get tired of each other since we do work together and have the kids here,” he said. “But I wouldn’t want it any other way.”
forsythnews.com | FORSYTH COUNTY NEWS | 5
SUNDAY, AUGUST 26, 2012
Trainer values her clients’ health, fitness Makes business ‘fit for everyone’ By Alyssa LaRenzie
alarenzie@forsythnews.com
Some people may feel pleased with themselves after leaving a session at the gym. But Tiffani Hartley said she whistles on the way there. The personal trainer and co-owner of Willpower Fitness said she’s always happy to get to work. “It’s probably one of the most rewarding jobs that you can have,” Hartley said. “You know that you change someone’s life when they have a value in themselves that’s worth living for and they fight for something for them-
Tiffani Hartley • Age: 33 • Occupation: Owner and personal trainer at Willpower Fitness • Education: Bachelor’s in exercise science from Georgia State University and graduate of South Forsyth High School • Family: Husband, Chris; and daughter, Charli, 4
selves.” A few years ago, Hartley and her husband, Chris, bought the gym that she’d worked at for many years as a personal training director. They renamed the longtime Cumming See TRAINER | 6
Pictured: Linda Cole, David Tatum, Beth Buursema
Beth Buursema Congratulations on being honored for your hard work, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Forsyth
Autumn Vetter Forsyth County News
Tiffani Hartley is a personal trainer and co-owner of Willpower Fitness in Cumming.
6 | FORSYTH COUNTY NEWS | forsythnews.com FROM 5
Trainer facility Willpower Fitness this year and moved it in a different direction. “We definitely are a gym that’s fit for everyone,” she said. “This is a gym that you don’t get lost in. You’re not just a member.” Hartley said that personal attention and relationship building is what has made her business successful. Her biggest challenge can be the flip side of that. “I’m a gym owner that feels like I want all our members to come,” she said. “You want to give them every avenue possible to stay motivated. So when members aren’t being motivated, that’s the struggle.” She’s been working in the industry for 13 years, but said she’s a lwa y s b e e n i n t e r e s t e d a n d
involved in fitness and nutrition. Her work as a personal trainer in the town she grew up in also led her to start a family life. She met her husband while at the gym, and the two clicked. Hartley said her spare time outside of work is spent with him and her 4-yearold daughter. “We’re definitely a silly family, so we like to do things that make us laugh, and things outdoors and active activities,” she said. Hartley said her daughter participates in the gym’s kid’s club some mornings and loves to swim. She and her husband both exercise at Willpower, but not as gym buddies. Her workout time is her personal time, she said. Looking into the future, Hartley plans to grow the business in whatever way helps Forsyth become the most fit county. “I don’t have to be the biggest gym around,” she said. “I just want to be the best gym around.”
SUNDAY, AUGUST 26, 2012
Autumn Vetter Forsyth County News
Deana Jordan is the branch manager at Regions Bank in Cumming.
Local banker found calling in finance She and husband enjoy giving back By Jennifer Sami
jsami@forsythnews.com
Autumn Vetter Forsyth County News
Tiffani Hartley spots gym member John McCord at Willpower Fitness.
It wasn’t long after starting on the premedicine track that Deana Jordan realized nursing wasn’t for her. The blood, the mess — “I was like, this isn’t what I want to do. I’m thinking this is what my mom wants me to do.” The daughter of a peanut farmer in Sylvester, Jordan knew farming wasn’t in her future. And when her parents divorced while she was in elementary school, relying on someone else for income was not where she saw her future. “My mother, she was a homemaker, so she went back to college, got her RN degree with three kids at that home,” Jordan said. “She was the one who said,
Deana Jordan • Age: 36 • Occupation: Regions Bank branch manager • Education: Bachelor’s degree in finance from the University of Georgia • Family: Husband, Scott; and children, Libby and Riley
‘You need to go to school, you need to get your degree and you need to be independent.’ “So that’s where it started. I needed to have my own education and be able to take care of myself.” After giving nursing a shot, she decided to try business. It was a guidance counselor that helped hone Jordan’s field of interest, combining her love of both numbers and people and suggesting a future in finance. See BANKER | 7
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SUNDAY, AUGUST 26, 2012
FROM 6
Banker “My first finance course and I was addicted,” she said. Jordan got a job with SunTrust Bank right out of college and went through the bank’s management training program. She quickly ascended the ranks to assistant manager and then branch manager. “I’ve been a branch management ever since then,” she said. In 2002, Jordan married her husband, Scott, also a banker, and in 2006, she became branch manager at Regions Bank, where she’s been since. She credits personal drive, selfmotivation, being a team player and planning to her success in business. But with balancing work with civic responsibilities and her family life— all the credit goes to her partnership with her husband. “Our approach to our marriage and o u r fa m i l y i s d e fi n i t e l y a t e a m
approach,” she said. “He’s involved with the community as well, so trying to balance that and help each other — there are times when I’m keeping the kids or when he’s keeping the kids.” Jordan is past president of the Junior Service League of Forsyth C o u n t y, a 2 0 0 6 g r a d u a t e o f Leadership Forsyth and presidentelect of the Rotary Club of Forsyth County. “We live here, work here and play here, so I feel it’s important to give back to the community and be involved in the community, especially with us having children,” she said. But it’s not all work for the Jordan family. The crew takes an annual beach trip during the summer, frequents the lake and enjoys free time going to the zoo, aquarium, Stone Mountain and other family venues. “Scott and I try to do adult vacations at least once a year as well to get a break from the kids,” she said. “That’s important. You have to have that.”
Congratulations
Niki Jernigan-Watkins for being named a Next Generation Business Leader in Forsyth! Voted Best Dance Studio in Cumming 2010, 2011 & 2012 by a local publication
Register Now for Fall Classes!
Cumming Dance Academy Over 10 Years of Instructional Excellence! Ages 18 months through Adult
Home of CDA II Performance Academy Autumn Vetter Forsyth County News
Deana Jordan, right, talks with co-workers Patty Hotmire, left, and Burton Blackmar during the recent Cumming-Forsyth County Chamber of Commerce Business Expo.
770•781•4922
www.cummingdanceacademy.com www.facebook.com/cummingdanceacademy
8 | FORSYTH COUNTY NEWS | forsythnews.com
SUNDAY, AUGUST 26, 2012
Focus forms foundation for attorney Proactive about both life, work By Jennifer Sami
jsami@forsythnews.com
Kevin McDonough has it all figured out. His planning is how he’s managed to be successful in work, family and the community. “Life happens to you or you happen to life. Life can happen to you if you don’t take the time to think about what you want to achieve in life,” he said. “One of the key things is taking the time to focus on what’s important, identifying what goals you want personally, professional and in the community at large, and then making sure you take the time to achieve each of those respective goals.” Before he and his wife, Kyla, had children, McDonough was involved in many activities and civic organizations, including the county’s ethics board, the United Way of Forsyth County and the Rotary Club of South Forsyth, where he remains an active member. Now with two boys, both travel and heavy community i nv o l v e m e n t h a v e b e e n reduced, but that was always part of the plan. “In order to become effective in the community, I had to limit what I was doing,” he said. “If you want something to happen, you don’t just say it. You put a system in place to make sure that it does happen. That’s true in your professional life, it’s true in your civic life and it’s true at home.” Over his years as an attorney, McDonough said he has gotten to work with some great
Kevin McDonough • Age: 35 • Occupation: Attorney • Education: Bachelor’s degree from Auburn University, law degree from University of Georgia • Family: Wife, Kyla; and children, Cullen and Bryce
role models. But after working as an associate and partner, he decided to start his own practice with the goal of preventative law. “Attorneys put out fires that clients identify,” he said. “When I work with my clients, we take proactive steps to help prevent fires from ever occurring and ultimately preventing those fires will result in clients … actively managing their business.” McDonough jokes he used to be a more exciting person. Now his days before and after work consist mostly of spending time with his 10-month-old and toddler. “We’re not setting the world on fire,” he joked. “Once a month, we’ll try to have a date night where we’ll have somebody watch the boys and we’ll spend time focusing on our relationship. If you’re not focusing on that, it can get neglected, and ultimately, our relationship is the foundation of our family.” The Queens, N.Y., native makes sure they visit his family about twice a year. When his great-grandfather recently celebrated his 98th birthday, the family reunion was nearly 80 members strong, including his mother and her nine siblings. When he’s not spending time with family, both he and his wife try to give back to the
Autumn Vetter Forsyth County News
Kevin McDonough and wife Kyla, right, play with sons Bryce, second from right, and Cullen, left, at their home on Wednesday.
‘If you want something to happen, you don’t just say it. You put a system in place to make sure that it does happen.’ Kevin McDonough Attorney
community. “It’s born out of a desire to help — help our community, help people in need. So when we see ways we can help and get involved, that’s what we do,” he said.
Jim Dean Forsyth County News
Kevin McDonough is a local attorney.
SUNDAY, AUGUST 26, 2012
CONGRATULATIONS GRANT! For being named a Next Generation Business Leader in Forsyth
forsythnews.com | FORSYTH COUNTY NEWS | 9
10 | FORSYTH COUNTY NEWS | forsythnews.com
SUNDAY, AUGUST 26, 2012
County native helps firm find niche Also active in civic roles By Crystal Ledford
cledford@forsythnews.com
Shan Mize is a bit of a rarity these days in Forsyth County. He’s a native. The 1996 graduate of Forsyth Central High School said he’s happy to have stayed close to home, even though the county has changed a lot over the years. “I’m proud to be a native of Forsyth County,” he said. “I’ve seen so much growth even in my lifetime. My grandmother’s 92 and if you talk to her, she was born and raised in Forsyth County, so it’s amazing to talk to her. “Her mind is completely blown by what the county has become compared to what it was like when she grew up in the 1920s and ’30s.” After graduating from Furman University in 2000, Mize and some friends began a small business in South Carolina preparing cable networks for the 2009 digital upgrade. “Looking back on it, we were doing really well,” he said, before adding that his heart was always in Forsyth County. “I knew I wanted to move back home, so that’s when I got a job in the insulation business,” he said. Mize spent about eight years working as a man-
Shan Mize • Age: 34 • Occupation: Owner and CEO of InsulEnergy • Education: Bachelor’s degree in history from Furman University • Family: wife, Jamie Myers Mize
Autumn Vetter Forsyth County News
Shan Mize plays with dogs Sophie, left, and Charlotte.
a g e r w i t h Wo o d m a n Insulation before stepping out on his own with partner Dusty Dinsmore to begin InsulEnergy in south Forsyth. “We started the business the last week of July in 2011, so we’ve been open just a little over a year,” he said. “ We ’r e h a p py w e ’ve made it through our first year and we’ve had a little bit of growth every month. “ I t ’s d e fi n i t e l y a n interesting deal … it’s n o t e a s y, e s p e c i a l l y being our first couple of years, but I wouldn’t trade it for the world. I l i ke t h e f r e e d o m o f being out on our own, even though I probably
do work more hours now than I did before.” Mize, who is married to another Forsyth County native, Jamie Myers Mize, said the business is discovering its niche in providing older homes with new insulation to make them more energy efficient. “Homeowners can save money, and [power companies] can save too, so it kind of works for everybody,” he said. Mize is also involved in a number of civic organizations, including the Lanier Jaycees and the Rotary Club of Forsyth County, which he led as president from 2010-11. “That was a very good experience and it kind of opens your eyes to what our club does as well as what the other clubs in our county do,” he said. M o s t r e c e n t l y, h e began serving on the United Way of Forsyth County allocations committee. “So between that and this business — and I have some real estate interests as well — I stay pretty busy,” he said. “But you have to be busy to try to make it and nothing’s guaranteed.”
Crystal Ledford Forsyth County News
Shan Mize, CEO and owner of InsulEnergy in south Forsyth, looks over different types of insulation the business can provide homeowners.
Congratulations to Jason Mock
on being selected as one of Forsyth’s Next Generation Business Leaders. Thank you for your dedication and advocacy for the needs of local businesses.
forsythnews.com | FORSYTH COUNTY NEWS | 11
SUNDAY, AUGUST 26, 2012
Director campaigns for small businesses Politics simple in first ‘real job’ By Crystal Ledford
cledford@forsythnews.com
Jason Mock was bitten at an early age by the political bug. “I got involved in the C o l l eg e R e p u b l i c a n s [organization] in college at West Georgia and I realized that was something I loved,” he said. “I enjoyed the competitiveness of the campaign season and loved getting to know people and networking and trying to do some good in the community.” Today, Mock might not be blazing political trails, but he’s still putting the skills he learned while working on the campaigns of various Georgia candidates and even 2008 presidential hopeful John McCain to good use. Since February 2010, Mock has served as director of the CummingForsyth County Chamber of Commerce’s Small Business Services Center. “As my dad says, ‘You have a real job now,’” the 31-year-old native of Carrollton joked. “This is really I guess my first real, real job.” Mock holds a bachelor’s degree in political science with an emphasis on small town and urban planning. While that may not seem the best fit for the chamber of commerce, Mock said there are many similarities between the two worlds.
Jason Mock • Age: 31 • Occupation: Director of Cumming-Forsyth County Chamber of Commerce’s Small Business Services Center • Education: Bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of West Georgia • Family: single
‘Chamber work is jumping around from different event to different event and dealing with a lot of different things and people from day to day.’ Autumn Vetter Forsyth County News
Jason Mock
Director of the Small Business Services Center “If you can run political campaigns, you can do chamber work and that’s great,” he said. “Chamber work is jumping around from different event to different event and dealing with a lot of different things and people from day to day.” That’s very similar to what he did campaigning, he said, noting that while working on the McCainPalin ticket he spent his days making phone calls and visiting with residents of northern Pennsylvania. Local government is also closely tied to his chamber work. “The things we work on and the things we advocate for are a lot of times dictated by the county and the city and sometimes the state,” he said. Since he works directly
with business owners, his college planning classes have also come in handy. “On a weekly basis it feels like we have businesses coming in or calling and asking about how to start a business and it’s kind of cool and neat to walk them through that process of you need to get your permitting, you need to do this and you need to that,” he said. Mock sees his first “real job” as the perfect off shoot of his former political efforts. “That’s the main reason I got into politics is to kind of grow and make a better community,” he said. “And that’s what the chamber is here for, to grow businesses and to make a better community, so I’ve enjoyed those two aspects that go hand-inhand.”
Jason Mock, right, chats with Lauren McDonald during the CummingForsyth County Chamber of Commerce Business Expo.
The law firm of Boling Rice LLC wishes to congratulate
Taylor Rice on his selection as a “Forsyth’s Next Generation Business Leader”. We are all proud of both your business and civic achievements.
12 | FORSYTH COUNTY NEWS | forsythnews.com
SUNDAY, AUGUST 26, 2012
Learning leads lawyer back home Happy to raise ‘my family here’ By Alyssa LaRenzie
alarenzie@forsythnews.com
Taylor Rice has practiced real estate law at the family firm and been married to his high school sweetheart for seven years. He’s also the proud father of a 2-year-old son, whom he plans to raise in the same community in which he grew up. That investment in Forsyth County leads him to give back, including being a 32-year-old past president of what has been affectionately known as the “old man’s club.” Rice led the Rotary Club of Forsyth County last year and serves as vice president of the civic organization this year. He’s been involved in the group for five years, and he’s seen the average age of the group go down during his time working up the ranks. Rice also serves on the board of the United Way of Forsyth County. “I enjoy giving time back to the community in both serving as board members of those organizations, but also in the events that we hold, doing some hands-on work,” he said. He’s also been active in local recreational sports, but said most of his spare time is now spent with his family, enjoying local favorites like Lake Lanier. Rice said one of the best aspects of his focus
Taylor Rice • Age: 32 • Occupation: Attorney • Education: Law degree from Mercer University and bachelor’s degree from University of Georgia; graduate of Forsyth Central High School • Family: Wife, Amanda; and son, Maddox, 2 Taylor Rice talks with fellow Rotary Club members during their meeting.
Autumn Vetter Forsyth County News
Taylor Rice, left, visits with Rotary Club President George Pirkle, center, and Denton Ashway before a Rotary Club meeting at Piedmont Learning Center.
on real estate law is that he has more flexibility in scheduling his time than in other practice areas, giving him the ability to make family a priority. “We’re not stuck with the court telling us when and where we’ve got to be,” he said. His work also meets his liking to help others. “From the real estate aspect, I like basically meeting new folks every day with those real estate transactions,” he said. Rice said he had spent time in his father’s practice in the summers, and he took an interest and decided to work toward a law degree. He went straight from Forsyth Central High
School to college and law school, and then immediately joined the practice with his father at 25. Rice said he wasn’t sure about his decision to be an attorney until he “got out and started working.” “I enjoy it now,” he said. Rice plans to grow with the firm and also with his family — as he awaits the birth of his daughter. “This is a great place to raise a family, with the education, parks and amenities available in the county,” he said. “I was happy to come back here, and I’m happy to raise my family here.”
Congratulations to
Shan Mize
on being selected as one of Forsyth’s Next Generation Business Leaders
forsythnews.com | FORSYTH COUNTY NEWS | 13
SUNDAY, AUGUST 26, 2012
Executive helps build relationships But prizes time spent with kids By Jennifer Sami
jsami@forsythnews.com
Grant Schmeelk can relate to business owners. After all, he is one. After working at Regions Bank, Schmeelk and some colleagues decided to venture out on their own to fill a niche market in the state’s fastestgrowing county. Their idea was to serve Forsyth’s thriving business sector and after gaining support from local investors, Community Business Bank was born. Schmeelk went from working at a bank to helping run one. “It has put me on the same side of the table as they are, so I understand the entrepreneurial aspects of owning a business,” he said. For Schmeelk and many of the bank’s shareholders, the word community is more than the title of the bank — it’s their home. Schmeelk grew up in the county and is a graduate of South Forsyth High School. “It was an opportunity to learn multiple businesses and build relationships in my local community,” he said. When he was deciding on his career path, Schmeelk knew he had always liked real estate, but he also had a passion for banking. Working as a commercial banker was a perfect mesh of the two, but work is only part of his life. Family comes first. And with a new baby, Schmeelk has even more to balance. His two young daughters, Braylen and Carsen, have already given Schmeelk “a new appreciation for ballet.” But with he and wife Sarah’s latest addition, Sawyer, Schmeelk may have a someone with whom to share his interests in hunting, golf and snow skiing. There will be plenty of time or
Grant Schmeelk • Age: 33 • Occupation: Community Business Bank senior vice president • Education: Bachelor’s degree in finance from Valdosta State University • Family: Wife, Sarah; and children, Braylen, Carsen and Sawyer.
Autumn Vetter Forsyth County News
Grant Schmeelk, center, meets with Ben Habeck, left, and Aimee Gahl at Community Business Bank. Jim Dean Forsyth County News
Grant Schmeelk holds his 3-weekold son Sawyer as he watches daughters Braylen, 4, right, and Carsen work on a coloring project.
father-son bonding, but for now it’s just a lot of diaper changing and crossing fingers the 1-month-old gets a few hours of sleep at night. With the full house, Schmeelk said he enjoys waking up first so he can have “my early morning cup of coffee on my own.” But even that brief alone time or a great day at work can’t compare to the end of his day. “I enjoy having dinner as a family and putting the kids to bed and reading them books,” he said. “It’s a nice way to wind down your day and keeps everything in perspective.” “They don’t care about the most recent crisis at work … things that are important to me are not necessarily important to them. They just want to spend time together.”
Congratulations to
Seth Thomas
on being selected as one of Forsyth’s Next Generation Business Leaders
THOMAS LU M B E R
770-887-4754
14 | FORSYTH COUNTY NEWS | forsythnews.com
SUNDAY, AUGUST 26, 2012
Nothing slowing this leader Credits family for his success By Jennifer Sami
jsami@forsythnews.com
When he was just a little boy, Seth Thomas knew two certainties — he liked fast things and would likely end up being the fourth generation to run the family business. He discovered his passion for speed long before he started working for Thomas Lumber. “My first crash was when I was 3 years old. I hit the corner of a brick wall with my tricycle,” he said. “I’ve always had a need for speed.” In college, Thomas started entering driving events at Road Atlanta and “that kind of led one thing into another into racing.” He started professional racing in 2001. By 2004, he was a
Seth Thomas manages Thomas Lumber Company and is a professional race car driver for BimmerWorld Racing.
Seth Thomas • Age: 35 • Occupation: Helps manage family business, Thomas Lumber Company • Education: Business management bachelor’s degree from North Georgia College & State University • Family: Wife, Resa; and children, Adelyn and James
d r ive r f o r B i m m e r Wo r l d Racing, where he’s been ever since. Last month, he won the Brickyard Sports Car Challenge. Despite racing BMWs, Thomas’ first car was a 1983 Porsche 944. He currently drives a Porsche 911 GT3 RS. It may only get 21 miles to the gallon, but the 450-horse power machine can go 0-60 in 3.8 seconds. On the track, Thomas flies, but he takes his time when it comes to his family. Balancing his work, civic o b l i g a t i o n s l i ke b e i n g a
Rotarian and his racing, Thomas said he often s p e n d s “ l u n c h breaks with t h e fa m i l y and after work is time for family. They also travel to a lot of the races.” His son is about a year old, but already he makes car noises to be just like daddy. Thomas is a supportive father,
Jennifer Sami Forsyth County News
as his father, Bobby, is to him. B o b b y Thomas, president of the lumber company “goes to all the races and he enjoys that.” Seth Thomas said he’s also proud of his family’s legacy as one of the county’s oldest businesses. It’s been the key factor behind his suc-
cess. “We have a good family foundation,” he said. “If you don’t have a good basis or a good foundation in anything, you’re not going to be successful. “As a kid, I always had ambitions to run it because at this point, I’m the fourth generation to work here, so it’s just one of those things where you’re not really expected to do it, but it’s what you always thought you’d do as a kid. And I enjoy it.”
Dance instructor ‘thrives’ off kids
Students learning respect, confidence By Alyssa LaRenzie alarenzie@forsythnews.com
Niki Watkins began her career path at age 3. The owner of Cumming Dance Academy began pointing her toes and tapping her feet toward her passion from childhood. “I’m one of the lucky ones who always knew what I wanted to do,” Watkins said.
Niki Watkins • Age: 36 • Occupation: Owner of Cumming Dance Academy and CDA II Performance Academy • Education: Bachelor’s in dance and musical theater from Valdosta State University • Family: Husband, Lee; and son, Cash, 3
Her studio is entering its 10th season in the community, and she will open a second location on Monday called CDA II Performance Academy. Watkins began leading young dancers in south Georgia after graduating from Valdosta State
University, running a studio for a woman who planned to retire soon. “I got to really get my feet wet in it,” she said, “and know what I was getting into before I dove in.” See INSTRUCTOR | 15
Autumn Vetter Forsyth County News
Niki Watkins arranges outfits at Cumming Dance Academy.
forsythnews.com | FORSYTH COUNTY NEWS | 15
SUNDAY, AUGUST 26, 2012
FROM 14
Niki Watkins helps correct a student’s form at Cumming Dance Academy.
Instructor Moving to north Georgia as a newlywed, Watkins was able to open her own studio in Cumming in 2003. Nine years later, she said the best part of her job has been watching the students grow up in the studio and in their lives. “I thrive off of these kids and the relationships we’ve built,” Watkins said. “One thing I always tell my staff is that … we are so much more than dance teachers. We are teaching them dance, but also how to grow a n d h ave c o n fi d e n c e a n d r e s p e c t .” She’s watched longtime students graduate high school and leave for college. That dedication has made the studio a success, said Watkins, who teaches every day except Friday. Watkins has danced in several prestigious performances and companies, including her early classical training at Carol Eason School of Dance and Pritchett-Pippin Studio. When she was young, Watkins said the thrill of performing was her favorite part of dance. As she’s grown up, however, her passion evolved to teaching.
For the Forsyth County News
Watkins with husband Lee and son Cash.
“It’s very rewarding to watch them do a choreographed piece that came out of my head,” she said. With her studio offering 148 classes per week, Watkins said she has little time off, but does enjoy spending every moment with her other favorite passion, her family. “I have two children,” she said. “CDA is one and my son is my second.” Both are growing up, with Cash now 3, and the studio opening a new location to expand performance and acting options. “We just want to keep doing what we’re doing,” she said, “and teaching these girls how to become young ladies.”
Autumn Vetter Forsyth County News
16 | FORSYTH COUNTY NEWS | forsythnews.com
SUNDAY, AUGUST 26, 2012
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