After a career as founder of various entrepreneurial and non-profit organizations ended with a successful sale of multiple ventures in early 2020, I have applied my creativity and “passion for developing community” through startups in both local hospitality and an online marketplace. The local ventures are focused on revitalizing historic downtown Cornelia by building community in a coworking space, through restaurants, and in entertainment venues located in the entertainment district. Initial projects include Fenders Diner, Fenders Alley, Community Brew & Tap, and Farmacia Trattoria. Most recently our team, in partnership with other local business leaders, has launched a coworking space, renovated buildings to attract other businesses, and developed loft apartments for downtown residency.Our DREAM is to create multiple world-class dining experiences in Cornelia Georgia. While converting these historic spaces into places where the community can gather together and celebrate, we’re working tirelessly every day to deliver fantastic food, unmatched service, and unforgettable experiences. We want to help people forget about the challenges and struggles they’re dealing with, and have a place they can escape to where they can be known, meet others, and come together with the community. In this new season, I was humbled to be recognized in 2021 by the City of Cornelia DDA as “Entrepreneur of the Year”, and in the following year (2022) received the same award from the Habersham Chamber of Commerce.In 2021, The Georgia Downtown Association recognized the public/private partnership that developed Fenders Alley with a statewide “Best Placemaking” award.In 2022, Georgia Trend magazine & the Georgia Association of Convention & Visitors Bureau recognized the public/private partnership that developed Fenders Alley with a statewide “Travelblazers” award.In 2023, the Georgia Restaurant Association recognized our work at Fenders & CBT as a finalist for Restaurant Rookie of the Year.I am SO lucky to have been married to the most beautiful woman in the world, for over 26 years. Together my wife and I are blessed to have raised our children in Habersham County since 2007.