I like meeting people. People are interesting and everyone has done, or is doing, something special. One of my goals this year is to reach out to friends, colleagues, neighbors, and yes, even perfect strangers to find out what makes them special and interesting. I hope you enjoy meeting them too!
Today I had the opportunity to meet Joey Cummings with Guild Mortgage for coffee at Rooted Coffeehouse in Evans, GA. Joey was gracious to allow me to ask her a few
questions and get to know her a little better.
Me: Are you originally from the Augusta area?
Joey: No. I’m originally from Newark, NJ. My parent’s families are from Georgia and we’d spend summers down here. When it came time for college, I chose Paine College to be both away from home but still near family.
Me: What did you study at Paine?
Joey: I studied Psychology. After graduation I went on to get my Masters degree in Jacksonville, FL but discovered that I could go straight toward a PhD at Seton Hall. So, I went back to New Jersey to do that.
Me: And did you complete that course of study?
Joey: No. I discovered that it would not be a good fit for my future. I got engaged to my husband and we moved to Charlotte, NC and spent several years there.
Me: How long have you been in Augusta since your return?
Joey: We’ve been here for about 15 years now.
Me: What do you do?
Joey: I am a loan originator with Guild Mortgage Company.
Me: What is your favorite thing to do here in the Augusta area?
Joey: Hmmm… I’d have to say shopping. My new favorite thing is walking and exploring the many walking and hiking trails we have here. There are so many beautiful things to see and beautiful places we have here. I’ve been enjoying going out, getting into nature, and seeing the beauty we have. And it’s good exercise too!
Me: What is your favorite restaurant, and what do you typically order?
Joey: I like Bonefish Grill. The Bang-Bang shrimp is what I typically like to order. For a quick stop, I like Shane’s Rib Shack. Their Big Daddy Sandwich is fantastic. I ask for cole slaw on it too.
Me: What were you pleasantly surprised to discover here in Augusta?
Joey: Well, I met my husband here at Payne college! That was a pleasant surprise! And it’s nice how family oriented the area is. It’s a terrific place to raise a family.
Me: Do you have any hobbies?
Joey: I do like shopping, especially for home décor and interior decorating. I like making my home homey.
Me: What is one thing on your bucket list you haven’t done yet?
Joey: I’d like to travel more. I’d like to see Hawaii and Africa and Europe. But I’d also like to see the US too.
Me: What is one of your long-term goals and how are you working toward it?
Joey: Well, one of my long-term goals is to raise my twin sons. I want to see them set in their lives. So, for now, I watch to see where their interests lay and try to provide access to experiences in those interests. Allow them to experience as much as they can so they can tune into their direction.
I also want to grow in my profession. I was at another lending institution for five years and had grown as far I could go with them. So, I switched over to Guild last year and have more opportunities to grow and learn. I’ve been able to provide loan programs I couldn’t do before and that makes it possible to help more people. I want to learn as much as I can, and I’ve been taking advantage of every opportunity that comes my way.
Me: What is one thing you’ve done that you are proud of, or glad that you did?
Joey: Years ago I tried out for a spot to be an NFL Cheerleader for the Carolina Panthers and got it! I was a cheerleader for two years. I didn’t have a dance or gymnastics background, so my husband helped me train and I made the team!
Me: That’s awesome! I love that!
Joey: I’m really glad I took the chance! It’s something I look back on and feel really good about it.
Me: Name One thing that makes you unique, interesting, or special – besides being an NFL cheerleader.
Joey: Unique, interesting, or special… that’s tough. I have to say my smile. My smile comes from my Uncle Robert. We have the same smile and he is such a neat older man I feel good knowing we’re family and share that special connection.
Thank you Joey for being my first “victim!” You’re amazing! Click the links for more information about Rooted Coffeehouse, Paine College, Seton Hall University, Carolina Panthers, Bonefish Grill, Shane’s Rib Shack, and Guild Mortgage Company
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