Meet Robert Cornett! “Robert is a one of kind man, athlete, entrepreneur, husband, and dad. He was on the golf trip where the idea of The Faces Of Hall County was born. I am glad he finally agreed to allow us to interview him as a Face of Hall County”. ~ Brad Abernathy
Question: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
Answer: “My wife Sarahlyn and I have four daughters (Grace-Blythe – 15, Naomi – 14, Norah – 11, and Graham – 8). All are very active in extracurricular activities and sports which keeps us extremely busy. We also have a small urban farm with dogs, cats, chickens, goats, and a donkey.”
Q: Please tell us about your current career. What do you love most about what you do?
A: “My current role is regional vice president and partner for Benchmark Physical Therapy. My geographic territory spans from Greenville, SC to rural south GA with many of our offices right here in our backyard. We have five offices here in Hall County. My favorite part of my job remains having the ability to positively help others during their time of need. That never gets old. And giving other leaders in our organization an opportunity to go open an office and partner with us also is very fun and rewarding.”
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
A: “Atlas Pizza is always very solid and I’m actually a huge fan of their salads. You can’t go wrong with Inn-Between in Gainesville as well. If you haven’t had a turkey on roll from there, you aren’t really living.”
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
A: “I’m 44 years old and besides college and a few years out of school, I’ve lived here my entire life. I grew up in the Sardis/Chestatee area and now live in the south end of the county in Flowery Branch. I had the opportunity to partner with Benchmark Physical Therapy in Hall County in 2014 and have never looked back.”
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
A: “There are MANY. Just go to Longstreet Cafe between 6-8 a.m. and sit at one of the long tables on the end. You will meet some legends in the community from all different parts of the community. But from my perspective, I would have to say Don Brewer. He has given so much to the community over the years as well as myself. Certainly a Hall County legend!”
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
A: “I’ve never been to Europe. I want to go to Italy, Scotland (to play some golf) and maybe Switzerland. I love to see new places and meet new cultures. This has always been on my bucket list.”
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
A: “’Yellowstone.’”
Q: What advice would you give to people?
A: “Giving is more of a blessing than receiving. Live your life in a way that shares not hoards.”
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
A: “Benchmark PT, Inn-Between, The Little Ladybug, Three-D Cleaners, Poor Richards and many more. All these have been in business for over 20 years in our community.”
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?
A: “Frances Chan – The way he speaks unapologetically about his values and his faith is so refreshing and impactful. We would meet on two loungers feet in the sand at the beach and I would bring him an Inn-Between.”
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
A: “Just the true sense of community; the long term friendships and the new ones that form yearly. I’ll never get tired of knowing that we all have a plethora of people around us willing to help us if need be.”
Q: Where do you see yourself in five to 10 years?
A: “Honestly, right where I am now. I love my family and love my profession/job. Continuing to try and find opportunities to influence hopefully in a positive way around the communities we serve.”
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
A: “Hiking the trails at Yellowstone with my family.”
Q: What is your go to band when you can’t decide what to listen to?
A: “I wouldn’t say I have a band; my go to would be country but I can move my shoulders side to side with about any type of music.”
Q: In hard times we can sometimes see and recognize greatness in those around us. Hard working. Positive attitudes. Helping on the front lines. Who is one of our local shining lights today?
A: “I would have to say all the medical personnel who worked through the pandemic hours on end for much more than a pay check week after week month after month. Those are the true heroes in my mind.”
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
A: “Montana playing baseball. Nothing else has really even come close to the natural beauty Montana offers. (In the summer).”
Q: Favorite month? Favorite holiday? And best single day on the calendar?
A: “October and college football, Easter because of the spiritual significance, and Jan. 1 because it signifies a New Year, a new start, and most people haven’t quit their New Year resolutions by then.”
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
A: “My wife’s good looks.”
Q: Who is the best farmer / golfer you have ever met?
A: “Brad Abernathy. He has the unique ability to drive a tractor moving logs on single track trails in the am and then get all dressed up in his golf attire and beat anyone he is playing with in the pm. It’s truly an impressive feat to watch.”
Q: Who would you want to play you in a movie about your life?
A: “John Canupp. He’s a good buddy of mine and we look similar so he would be a good fill in.”
Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
A: “Coffee and more coffee.”
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
A: “Jeff Grant – ISERVE Ministries.”
